With the second weekend of Coachella on the horizon, it’s the perfect moment to soak in the wild, wonderful whirlwind that was Weekend One.
Each April, Indio’s Empire Polo Club transforms into a cultural vortex — a dazzling mix of music, fashion, influencers, and those just looking for a good time under the desert sun. Since its debut in 1999, Coachella has evolved far beyond a music festival — it’s now an immersive experience, a lifestyle moment, and a badge of honor if you can say you’ve been “sprouted.”
To catch it all, the PEOPLE team sent in reinforcements. Armed with sunblock, fanny packs, and a thirst for vibes, we each dived into the festival in our own way — and returned with opinions. Lots of them.
Let’s get into the six spiciest takeaways from Coachella 2025.
1. Where Was the Love for Latin Music?
Latin music is a cultural and commercial juggernaut — and yet, this year’s Coachella lineup barely reflected its influence.
Yes, there were names like The Marías (with their bilingual flair), Ivan Cornejo and Junior H repping regional Mexican, and experimental acts like Arca and Judeline. But when compared to previous years — where stars like Bad Bunny, Karol G, Becky G, J Balvin, and Peso Pluma lit up the desert — 2025 felt like a backstep.
To make things worse, Brazilian bombshell Anitta dropped out due to personal reasons in March, and her slot was filled by Weezer and Ed Sheeran. Iconic as they are, neither brings the same Latin energy — and for fans hoping for a reggaeton-fueled dance break, this swap stung.
As someone raised in a border town, with Spanish as my first language, Latin music pulses through me. In past years, those moments were magic. This year, even with solid sets from early-billed Latin artists, the lack of Latin heat left a noticeable void.
Coachella, the culture is shifting — are you listening?
— Daniela Avila
2. The Sprout Craze Took Over Coachella — and It Was Kinda Magical
If you didn’t get “sprouted,” were you even at Coachella?
In my eighth year at the festival, I thought I’d seen it all. Flower crowns, face gems, inflatable flamingos — nothing surprised me. Until, that is, the sprout invasion.
Tiny green plastic sprouts, clipped onto heads and hats, were everywhere. They were handed out by fellow festival-goers as a nod to your vibe, your aura, your general desert glow. One guy told me, “It’s just your vibe,” as he clipped one on. I hadn’t even asked.
By day three, sprouts were blooming across the polo fields. On burrito lines. In mosh pits. Even one sprout briefly blocked my view at Weezer (which I’ll forgive — barely).
As it turns out, this leafy trend has roots in rave culture. “Sprouting” someone is a form of communal acceptance — and honestly? It’s adorable. So yes, sprouts are officially the new flower crowns.
SproutGang
— Skyler Caruso
3. Getting to the Stage Was a Survival Sport
Let’s talk logistics. Because the walk to and from the Coachella grounds? Borderline brutal.
As a native New Yorker, I walk everywhere. But nothing — and I mean nothing — prepared me for the 35-minute desert trek from the main stage to the rideshare lot. First day, adrenaline carried me through. But after Lady Gaga’s set? That walk back hit like a slow-motion mirage.
And Saturday? Midday arrival, sun at full blaze, no water in hand — rookie mistake. I felt like a cartoon character crawling toward an oasis, texting friends dramatic farewell messages on the way to the car.
The lesson here? Pack water. Wear SPF. And start training for a half-marathon if you plan on entering or exiting Coachella.
— Hedy Phillips
4. Short Girls, Unite — The Desert Belongs to Us Too
I’m 4’11” and had serious concerns going into my first Coachella: Would I be able to see anything? Would the crowds be overwhelming? Would I be swallowed by the Sahara Tent?
Plot twist: being short was kind of my superpower.
I weaved through crowds like a stealthy fairy. I wiggled up front during Shaboozey’s set. I even saw another petite queen whip out a collapsible stool like it was a lightsaber. Iconic.
Yes, I got elbowed a few times. Yes, I stood on my tiptoes more than I thought humanly possible. But shorties? We’ve got this.
— Michelle Lee
5. Children at Coachella? That’s a No From Me
Listen. I love kids. But Coachella isn’t exactly a playground.
At one point, I spotted a baby — a baby — snoozing in a sling during Post Malone’s set. At 11 p.m. With bass that could wake the dead. Moments later, two elementary-aged kids popped up front row during a set I can assure you was not rated G.
I found myself dodging strollers on my way to the barricade like I was navigating a suburban grocery store. Not ideal when you’re trying to catch a live set of Doja Cat or Timothée Chalamet’s accidental DJ cameo.
Are we really normalizing toddlers at techno tents? This isn’t Disneyland. Let the grown-ups have their moment.
Conclusion
Coachella 2025 brought iconic moments, celebrity sightings, and new trends (sprouts!) — but it wasn’t without its growing pains. Between underrepresentation, brutal heat, and unexpected baby booms, there’s still room for the iconic festival to evolve. But hey, isn’t that what Coachella’s all about?
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