Bieberchella. Katchella. SabrinaChella. Every year, the biggest names across genres take the stage in the Colorado Desert to leave their mark at one of music’s most anticipated annual festivals. The first weekend of Coachella 2026 just ended, bringing a mix of standout performances and pop culture moments. Here’s what you need to know.
Sabrina Carpenter opened the first day with a set built around a Hollywood-inspired narrative. The performance played out like a theatrical retelling of her discography, complete with a voiceover monologue by Susan Sarandon. Leaning into the old Hollywood concept, Carpenter wore custom Dior looks designed by Jonathan Anderson. The set was tightly constructed and fully committed to the theme.
Friday’s most crowded stage belonged to Justin Bieber. Instead of a large-scale production, he opted for a stripped-down, nostalgia-driven set. A laptop screen projected onto the main display showed clips from his early YouTube videos, alongside memes and commentary. The approach relied on shared cultural memory, including the viral image of him in a blue hoodie telling paparazzi, “Do you know I’m standing on business.” The simplicity drew one of the weekend’s biggest audiences.
Karol G closed the weekend, becoming the first Latina woman to headline Coachella. The Colombian singer performed a set built around her global hits, backed by her large streaming audience. The moment was amplified by an appearance from BIGBANG. Daesung, G-Dragon and Taeyang reunited on stage to perform second-generation K-pop classics including “Fantastic Baby,” “Haru Haru” and “Bad Boy.”
From cinematic pop staging to stripped-back nostalgia and historic headlining moments, the first weekend of Coachella 2026 delivered across genres. Men’s Folio rounds up more highlights in a bite-sized update so you stay current with the weekend’s biggest moments:
CHOOSE YOUR WELCOME
Which performers made the best first impression with their billboards?
BIGBANG IS BACK
G-Dragon, Daesung, and Taeyang came together to perform the classics.
ADDISON RAE IS THIS GENERATION’S NEW POP STAR
These on-stage moments showed why she’s already claiming the title.
NORTH WEST’S COACHELLA LOOK. THAT’S IT.
This 12-year-old knows her swag.
@northwsst0 2016 vibe
♬ Original Sound – Unknown
GEESE DID THEIR VERSION OF BABY
Turns out, everyone’s still a Belieber.
IT’S SABRINA CARPENTER’S WORLD, AND WE’RE JUST LIVING IN IT
A custom look by Dior, a monologue-style entrance from Susan Sarandon, and a set built on her version of Hollywood.
Fakemink 🤝 Central Cee
The UK underground linked up in the US.
Mi Gente Latino!
Karol G becomes the first Latin woman to headline Coachella.
PinkPantheress Remixes Hyunjin and Le Sserafim on Stage
You can take the girl out of her K-pop phase, but you can’t take the K-pop phase out of the girl.
@zuha_clipsss the screamss for crazyy omg cr: for video: morceauux on twitter❤️#lesserafim #pinkpantheress ♬ original sound – zuhaclips
Slayyyter Kept It Casual for 3pm
The Wor$t Girl had the best set.
Fakemink performed his #SOTY
The crowd bumped to LV SANDALS and Fever.
@fakemink.com #fakemink #coachella ♬ оригинальный звук – SCREAM
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