Inside Coachella 2026’s Star-Studded Parties, Experiences & More

Palm Springs saw a flood of superstars make their way to the desert in honor of the 25th Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival over the weekend. But the excitement didn’t stop at Indio's iconic Empire Polo grounds. Across the region, exclusive pop-up parties and high-energy events lit up the scene, turning the entire area into a nonstop playground for music, fashion, and celebrity culture.

From the ever-electric Neon Carnival with Ty Dolla $ign and friends, to the nonstop buzz at Kendall Jenner’s 818 Outpost, the desert was overflowing with can’t-miss moments and star-studded celebrations. The party went far beyond Coachella itself, with unforgettable events happening at every turn—and iHeartRadio has rounded up the absolute biggest and best. Scroll on to catch all the dazzling highlights from the celeb-packed weekend!

Billboard and ENTER present The Arrival

Billboard and ENTER kicked off the weekend with The Arrival on Thursday night. Sponsored by Lovesac, Jimmy John's, and Skechers, The Arrival was a high-energy Day 0 party that brought together artists, execs and tastemakers ahead of the festival gates. Headliner Louis The Child led the soundtrack with an upbeat DJ set. 

818 Tequila Outpost presented by Cash App

With a Palm Springs–inspired backdrop, the 818 Outpost presented by Cash App set the tone for Weekend 1 of Coachella as Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila hosted a star-studded, pre-festival gathering. Headlined by Kaytranada, the event drew a buzzy crowd of tastemakers and artists, blending laid-back luxury with a sun soaked dance floor. Once inside, attendees sipped on signature 818 Tequila cocktails, and watched Lizzo and Justine Skye make surprise appearances during the super-producer’s set. Unsurprisingly, sisters Kylie Jenner and Kourtney Kardashian Barker were also on-site to support. 

Brands woven throughout the experience included Anablue, Blank Street Coffee, Cash App, Fat Tuesdays, Fruit Riot, Good Girl Snacks, Hydrojug, Khloud, Kylie Cosmetics, LaCroix, Lemme, Mane, PATH, Postmates, Puesto, Rhode, Salt & Stone, Snapchat, Tangle Teezer, The h.wood Group, TYB, Uber, UPDATE, Urban Decay and Youth to the People.

NYLON House in the Desert Presented by Matrix

When the sun went down, NYLON House in the Desert made its return as one of the weekend’s go-to night scenes. This year’s NOCTURNA theme leaned into a sleek, fashion-forward vibe, with immersive Matrix photo moments, a Trident Tri-Different speakeasy lounge, and more. On the entertainment front, Diplo and Hugel kept the energy high with back-to-back DJ sets that carried the party into the early morning.

The night also doubled as a major moment for KATSEYE, marking the unveiling of the group’s new partnership with Matrix, while a steady stream of familiar faces kept the crowd buzzing. Among those spotted: Rauw Alejandro, Olivia Holt, Damson Idris, NAV, Big Sean, Rachel Zoe, and Rich The Kid. Additional brand presence came courtesy of Neutrogena, e.l.f. Cosmetics, Skechers and Sally Hansen, rounding out a night that blended beauty, fashion, and music in true Coachella fashion.

Interscope Capitol Coachella Party

Interscope and Capitol Records drew a packed, invite-only crowd for their annual desert party, mixing label talent with industry heavyweights. For the affair, which doubled as an inside and outside outing, guests tapped plenty of free swag as they walked around the grounds, which was located in Palm Springs. 

Guests tapped into custom Adidas merch, courtesy of JD Sports, and Erewhon grocery items, with sponsor-led moments doubling as photo ops throughout. KATSEYE made an appearance, adding to the steady flow of buzzy drop-ins.

Neon Carnival Presented By Rivian And LaCroix Sparkling Water

Neon Carnival once again delivered the weekend’s most iconic after-hours chaos for its 15-year anniversary affair. Channel Tres opened the music, while YG, Mario, Joe Moses and Tyga joined Ty Dolla $ign for surprise moments on stage. Offstage, guests bounced between whack-a-mole, ring toss and other impossible-to-win yet classic carnival games, all under the glow of rides, slides and the signature ferris wheel.

Desert Nights, presented by CMG, Framework, Tao Group Hospitality, and Dorsia, returned to the stunning Zenyara Estate across both weekends of Coachella. Weekend 1 consisted of three sold-out nights with standout performances from Pawsa, David Guetta, Adriatique, Bedouin, Green Velvet b2b Afrojack, Kaz James, Rossi b2b Carlita, Ayybo, and Deep Dish, drawing celebrity faces including Rachel Zoe, Alix Earle, and Ashtin Earle, among others.

One of the best things about Desert Nights is that the party doesn't stop with Weeknd 1. Weekend 2 kept the momentum going with sets from Prospa, Ben Sterling, HUGEL & Friends, Murda Beatz, Mochakk, Chloe Caillet, and more. Saturday night took an unexpected turn when Diplo and Gordo made surprise appearances, extending the festivities with an impromptu set that kicked off at 4:30am. French Montana, Tyga, Swae Lee, Gunna, and Anyma were among the star-studded crowd.

Guests were treated to a full sensory experience, with drinks courtesy of Red Bull, Rémy V, Belvedere, White Claw, Heineken, Perfect Hydration, Starbucks, and Voss, alongside bites from STK and Benihana. The event was rounded out by a Marc Jacobs sunglasses activation and a fragrance experience from NOYZ.