Coachella
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If you aren’t able to make it out to weekend one or two of Coachella 2025, Meta Quest’s virtual reality headset is coming to your rescue.
Having just launched the Meta Quest 3 and the 3S, the brand has two ways to make it incredibly easy to get that festival feel from the comfort of your couch. Specializing in “mixed reality,” both headsets make it easy to scroll and do multiple things at once — whether that’s scrolling on Instagram or watching a sporting event at the same time as you’re catching, say, Lady Gaga performing “Abracadabra.” For Coachella, the headset makes it easy to arrange your screen to either feel like you’re in the theater or at the festival while watching it live on YouTube.
The entire experience is much more elevated than simply watching a YouTube video on your phone. The YouTube app that you download from the Meta Quest allows you to explore all of the videos in 8K resolution. This also goes for 3D and 360-degree content, so it’s truly like being there in the crowd.
The headset itself is super comfortable and the visuals can be adjusted very specifically to your preferences so that you’re seeing it as clearly and as vibrantly as possible. You’ll also be seriously impressed by the huge field of vision, which really makes it feel like you’re there.
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If there’s a particular artist who you and your friends love, you can even invite them to watch with YouTube Co-Watch. This allows you to view the same content at the same time as friends, so it’s like you’re there together — even if you couldn’t afford the price or time off for a ticket to go to Coachella together this year. The co-watch feature allows you to invite up to seven people to watch content with you.
If you’re wondering what it will be like before weekend two, check out all of the playlists of performances on YouTube, but make sure you download the app from the Meta Quest for the full experience.
Here are both versions of the Meta Quest — both of which are cheaper than a ticket to Coachella.
Meta Quest 3
Meta Quest 3
$499.99
$499.99
If you’ve tried the Meta Quest 2, you’ll be super impressed with the upgrades, especially in terms of visuals. In fact, the resolution is nearly 30% better than it was in the Quest 2, and this version also features 4K and Infinite Display.
This headset is also equipped with a high-quality pancake lens that offers improved sharpness for all visuals. The display is super enhanced, which is great for Coachella — you’ll feel like you’re there in the desert. It has a 110-degree horizontal display and a 96-degree vertical display.
There are also improved comfort features such as the new headset and strap design. The strap is soft and adjustable to avoid putting pressure on your face while you’re wearing the headset. The sound is incredibly loud and crisp — even bass notes — which is particularly exciting for Coachella viewing.
Finally, it has 512GBs of storage space, so whether you want to game or watch movies on your headset in the future, it has the capacity to display and store them without interruptions.
Meta Quest 3S
Meta Quest 3S
$269.99
$299.99
10% off
$269.99
$299.99
10% off
If you’re not looking to invest fully in the 3, the 3S is still a truly solid option. It offers 128GB or 256GB storage options, so you’ll be able to accommodate any games or apps you want. For resolution, it offers 1832×1920 pixels per eye, and it has an adjustable fresnel lens.
It also has a 96-degree by 90-degree field of view, which means you’ll still be able to feel like you’re there in the moment.
Weezer have used their last-minute appearance at Coachella to reveal to fans that the band are currently working on a movie.
The Los Angeles rockers were added to the Saturday (April 12) lineup of the festival’s first weekend, joining the bill following cancellations from FKA Twigs and Anitta due to “ongoing visa issues” and “unexpected personal reasons,” respectively. Ed Sheeran was also added to the festival, though he will appear on the second weekend, performing on Saturday afternoon (April 19).
Appearing just days after the wife of bassist Scott Shriner sustained non-life-threatening injuries during a bizarre run-in with Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers that ended in a dramatic shootout, the group’s 12-song set featured no material released past 2008. However, just before performing 1994’s “Undone – The Sweater Song,” frontman Rivers Cuomo revealed the band have been active in the world of film lately.
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“We’ve been busy making the Weezer movie back in LA the last couple weeks,” Cuomo told the crowd. “But when Coachella called us up, said, ‘Hey Weezer, could you guys make it out for a surprise appearance?,’ we’re like, ‘Heck yeah!’ It feels so good to be here with you guys and let out these emotions.”
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According to further information shared by fans online, members of the Weezer fan club had received correspondence alerting them that the band would be “doing a private filmed merchandise signing for a select few fans, for a TBA video.” Additionally, it was noted that “selected participants will need to sign a release and NDA prior to arriving,” with a shoot date of April 21 being mentioned.
Elsewhere, fans on X (formerly Twitter) had also shared a photo of a “Notice of Filming” that had appeared in Los Angeles for a scripted feature film. The film, which listed a title of Weezer: Security Threat, also named Watch Me Unravel LLC as the production company (which adopted its moniker from a lyric in “Undone – The Sweater Song”), and alerted those in attendance that that the three day shoot from April 7-9 would feature “simulated bullet effects,” “atmospheric smoke,” and more.
While few details have been officially released by Weezer, it makes them the third Californian band to be the focus of an off-kilter film project in recent years. While Stockton’s Pavement are set to be the focus of the genre-defying Pavements from director Alex Ross Perry, Rodeo trio Green Day are in the process of filming New Years Rev, which is inspired by the group and their years of living in a tour van.
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Being in one of the world’s biggest girl groups has its fair share of haters, but both BLACKPINK divas came ready to show the world what they could do in the desert.
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Lady Gaga headlined the first night of Coachella on Friday night (April 11), and while the set was jam-packed with hits from albums like Born This Way, The Fame and her most recent project, Mayhem, fans were quick to notice some albums were missing from the performance. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news […]
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Bernie Sanders’ surprise appearance at the Coachella festival was cheered and jeered by some on social media.
As the Coachella music festival took place last Saturday night (April 12), singer and songwriter Clairo took the stage alongside Democratic Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost of Florida. Moments later, Frost introduced Senator Bernie Sanders to a surprised crowd.
https://x.com/BernieSanders/status/1911268414456549619
“I wanted to thank Clairo for allowing me to get up here and to thank this guy, you may or may not know him, but Maxwell Frost, he’s a member of the United States Congress, the youngest and in my view one of the best members,” Sanders began. “I’m not going to be long but this is what I want to say. This country faces some very difficult challenges, and the future of what happens to America is dependent upon your generation.”
Sanders spoke about the need for those in the crowd to fight “for economic justice, social justice, and racial justice.” As he mentioned President Donald Trump in his remarks, the crowd booed lustily. “I agree,” Sanders replied. “He [Trump] thinks that climate change is a hoax. He is dangerously wrong. And you and I are gonna have to stand up to the fossil fuel industry and tell them to stop destroying this planet.” He would close his remarks by praising Clairo for her support for women’s rights and the Palestinian people of Gaza.
Sanders’ appearance occurred on the same day that he and Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez appeared at a rally on their “Fighting Oligarchy” tour in Los Angeles. The 83-year-old independent senator representing Vermont has appeared at Coachella before, introducing Run The Jewels before their set in 2016.
The surprise showing by Sanders received detraction from users on social media, particularly on X, formerly, Twitter. Fox News personality Jeanine Pirro called Sanders out in a post, blaming him for divisiveness in comparison to Trump’s appearance at a UFC fight the same night bringing “people together automatically and they spontaneously started patriotically cheering “USA” in unison.”
Many more applauded Sanders’ outreach to the Coachella crowd, feeling it was another good move by Democratic politicians and those aligned with them to rally support from the public. “I expect to see more organic engagement like this from Dems this year as they work to rebrand,” said writer Rachel Janfaza.
Benson Boone lit up the main stage at Coachella Friday night (April 11) by welcoming surprise guest Brian May for a powerful rendition of Queen’s iconic 1975 hit “Bohemian Rhapsody.” However, according to the “Beautiful Things” singer, the reaction was not quite as expected. After the event, the 22-year-old star took to TikTok to share a playful video making […]
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Coachella concluded its first weekend on Sunday (April 13), and we covered Megan Thee Stallion‘s dazzling performance shortly after Hot Girl Meg exited the stage. Missy Elliott, one of the many standout performers at Coachella, delivered a powerful performance of her own and donned a Transformers-inspired suit during her set.
As spotted on TMZ, Missy Elliott was among the dozens of high-profile acts in California for Coachella, and the Virginia native put on an epic display of futuristic vibes and delivered some of her many notable hits.
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In 2009, Coachella introduced its first “Soberchella” — a sober experience at the famed music and arts festival in Indio, California. Since then, its following has grown from humble beginnings as an AA meeting into a popular movement. Organizations like the Yellow Balloon Group, which supports those living drug-free at festivals, have helped foster a more inclusive environment for sober attendees. Still, the festival’s earlier years weren’t always mindful of this community, and alcohol-free beverages were far from common. Over the years, though, non-alcoholic drinks have evolved into an art form, with brands continuously pushing the boundaries of creativity in their 0.0% offerings. This year, Coachella is selling more creative non-alcoholic options than ever before.
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The New Bar is back for its third year in a row as the official non-alcoholic partner of Coachella 2025 (both weekends one and two). Located at the Terrace opposite the main entrance and 12 Peaks VIP next to the main stage, The New Bar offers a variety of drinks, including craft cocktails, wine, beer, and ready-to-drink alternatives. Brands featured at their non-alcoholic watering holes this year are French Bloom Le Rosé, Almave Blanco Blue Agave Spirit, Recess Zero Proof Classic Cosmo, Recess Zero Proof Watermelon Mojito, Free AF Apero Spritz, and Free AF Mango Margarita. Not attending Coachella? These options are also available to buy online at TheNewBar.com.
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Free AF Apero Spritz Nonalcoholic Cocktail (Four-Pack)
The overall atmosphere at The New Bar at Coachella 2025 is lively with a hint of sophistication. The customer age demographic ranges from roughly 18-50, and patrons are either sober, sober-curious, supporting their sober friends, or practicing the popular “zebra striping” drinking strategy, alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic libations to stay hydrated and present.
For example, in 2023, the brand says non-alcoholic sales at The New Bar spiked before Bad Bunny’s set as attendees paced themselves before the rapper took the main stage, demonstrating a broader cultural shift toward mindful drinking. According to the annual consumer survey by NCSolutions, 49% of Americans in 2025 are trying to reduce their alcohol intake with Gen Z accounting for 65% of this rise for reasons like better mental and physical health, a dislike of alcohol’s taste, and addiction. This marks a 44% increase since 2023.
The most popular non-alcoholic drinks customers are ordering at Coachella? According to bartenders at The New Bar, craft cocktails like the tequila-inspired Golden Hour Marg made from Lewis Hamilton’s Almave Blanco Blue Agave, and Easy Riser made from Optimist Botanicals, lime, lemon, apricot nectar, and jalapeño are in high demand. Furthermore, ready-to-drink cans like Classic Cosmo and Apero Spritz for people to drink on their way to a set are popular purchases. “A lot of festivals think if they put a non-alcoholic beer on the menu they’ve done their job in covering the category and giving their attendees ‘a choice’ but that’s not what consumers want,” says Brianda Gonzalez, founder and CEO of The New Bar. “They want the full, same, elevated experience and level of choice that alcohol consumers get.”
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Almave Blanco Nonalcoholic Tequila
Patrons of these establishments seem empowered to have long-overdue non-alcoholic drink choices at these traditionally alcohol-heavy festivals. One attendee, who has been sober for three years, noted that in the past, Coachella offered few — if any — thoughtful beverage options tailored to sober people, aside from standard choices like Coca-Cola or other sodas. “The drinks are creative and flavorful, and mimic the creativity that alcoholic drinks have,” another sober festivalgoer said. While there were always a few customers at The New Bar at any one time during the day, once the sun set, crowds were lining up at the bar to quench their thirst after a day in the heat. Many expressed they were seeking a break from plain water or alcohol, craving something more inventive that could rehydrate them or help sober them up.
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French Bloom Le Rosé Nonalcoholic Sparkling Wine
As well as activations at the Terrace and 12 Peaks VIP, The New Bar also works closely with the Coachella team to curate non-alcoholic drink menus for other establishments across the camp. Non-alc libations can be found at the Outstanding in the Field dinners, a limited menu at Veranda at the artist lounge, and within the Safari Campgrounds — a significant growth in inventory since previous years. “We’ve worked with the festival to grow the options offered, maintain a highly curated set of the best products in the market, and increase the access at touchpoints each year,” Gonzalez says. “Eventually, I’d like to see our non-alcoholic drink options expand across the entire camp.”
LISA and ROSÉ may not have shared a stage as BLACKPINK at Coachella this year, but that doesn’t mean they weren’t together throughout the festival as the former made her solo performance debut in the desert Friday (April 11). Following LISA’s performance on the Sahara Stage opening night, the two ladies got together in what […]
The first weekend of Coachella unfolded with a variety of Latin artists spanning genres as diverse as regional Mexican music, “trippy pop,” indie pop, EDM, and even classical music… with a twist. The lineup kicked off on Friday (April 11) with the eccentric Argentine duo Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso, the Peruvian Amazonian cumbia band Los […]