2026 Coachella Dates
Weekend 1
Dates: April 11-13, 2026
RV Check-in: Thursday, April 10
Weekend 2
Dates: April 18-20, 2026
RV Check-in: Thursday, April 17
The Quick Answer
Both weekends feature the exact same lineup. The music is identical. The art is the same. The experience is 95% equivalent. But that 5% difference matters to some people—here's what's actually different and who each weekend is best for.
Weekend 1: The Hype Weekend
Weekend 1 Characteristics
Pros
- ✓ First to see the lineup performed
- ✓ Surprise guests more likely
- ✓ Celebrity sightings more common
- ✓ Maximum social media buzz
- ✓ "You had to be there" moments
Cons
- ✗ Passes sell out faster
- ✗ Slightly more crowded
- ✗ More "influencer" energy
- ✗ Higher demand = harder to get RV spot
- ✗ Artists still working out kinks
Weekend 1 is where the magic feels freshest. Artists are debuting sets they've been working on for months. Surprise guests—the unannounced appearances that break the internet—historically happen more often during Weekend 1. Beyoncé's Destiny's Child reunion, Tupac's hologram, countless other iconic moments happened on the first weekend.
The energy is palpably different. There's a sense that anything could happen, that you're witnessing history in real-time. For some, this electricity is worth every drawback.
For RV campers specifically, Weekend 1 means RV passes sell out faster—often within an hour of going on sale. You need to be ready to buy immediately. The crowds in camping areas are at peak density, though the difference from Weekend 2 is marginal.
Weekend 2: The Refined Weekend
Weekend 2 Characteristics
Pros
- ✓ Artists have refined their sets
- ✓ Slightly easier to get passes
- ✓ Marginally less crowded
- ✓ Know what to expect from lineups
- ✓ More relaxed, "music first" crowd
Cons
- ✗ Surprise guests less likely
- ✗ "Spoilers" from Weekend 1
- ✗ Less social media buzz
- ✗ Some argue less "electric" energy
- ✗ Still very crowded (it's Coachella)
Weekend 2 is often called the "better" weekend by music purists. Artists have had a week to work out technical issues, adjust set pacing, and refine their performances. The sound is often tighter, the production smoother.
The crowd tends to skew slightly more toward "here for the music" versus "here to be seen." That's a generalization—both weekends have incredible music fans and both have people focused on the scene—but the vibe shift is real.
For RV campers, Weekend 2 offers a slightly easier path to securing passes. They still sell out, but you may have hours instead of minutes. The camping community can feel marginally more laid-back.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Weekend 1 | Weekend 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Lineup | Identical | Identical |
| Performance Quality | Raw, debut energy | Refined, polished |
| Surprise Guests | More likely | Less common |
| Celebrity Sightings | Higher | Moderate |
| Crowd Density | Peak capacity | Slightly lower |
| RV Pass Availability | Hardest to get | Slightly easier |
| Social Media Buzz | Maximum | Still high |
| Crowd Vibe | Electric, hype | Slightly more relaxed |
| Ticket Prices (Resale) | Higher demand | Sometimes lower |
For RV Campers Specifically
Weekend 1 RV Considerations
- Booking urgency: Have all devices ready the moment RV passes go on sale
- Delivery services: Book your RV delivery immediately after securing camping pass
- Camping community: More first-timers, higher energy, sometimes louder neighbors
- Supplies: Stock up well in advance; Palm Springs stores get hit hard
Weekend 2 RV Considerations
- Booking window: Slightly more time to secure passes, but don't wait too long
- Set planning: Can watch Weekend 1 streams to plan your schedule
- Camping community: Slightly more veteran campers, relaxed vibe
- Weather intel: Know actual conditions from the previous week
Who Should Choose Weekend 1?
- You want to be "first" to experience the lineup
- Surprise guests and spontaneous moments matter to you
- You thrive on maximum hype energy
- Social media content is part of your experience
- You have the ability to buy passes the moment they drop
Who Should Choose Weekend 2?
- You prioritize polished performances over debut energy
- You want slightly better odds at securing RV passes
- You prefer a marginally more relaxed atmosphere
- You want to plan your schedule based on Weekend 1 reports
- The "scene" matters less than the music to you
The Verdict
Here's the truth: both weekends are incredible. The differences are real but not dramatic. If you've never been to Coachella, either weekend will blow your mind. The "which weekend" debate is mostly for veterans optimizing their experience.
For RV campers, the practical difference often comes down to pass availability. If you can get Weekend 1 passes, great. If Weekend 2 is easier to secure, that's just as great. Don't stress the decision—stress getting your passes secured at all.
Ready to plan? Read our complete Coachella RV Camping Guide →
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Coachella weekend sells out first?
Weekend 1 typically sells out faster, including RV camping passes. The hype, potential surprise guests, and celebrity presence drive higher demand. Weekend 2 passes sometimes remain available longer, making them easier to secure.
Are the lineups the same for both Coachella weekends?
Yes, the official lineup is identical for both weekends. The same headliners and supporting acts perform both weekends. However, surprise guests and cameos are more common during Weekend 1, and artists often refine their performances for Weekend 2.
Is Weekend 2 less crowded than Weekend 1?
Slightly, but both weekends sell out and feel crowded. Weekend 2 may feel marginally less packed, with shorter lines at some vendors and slightly easier stage access. The difference is noticeable but not dramatic.
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Ben co-founded EventFleetRV and oversees all fleet operations and logistics. With extensive experience coordinating RV deployments for NASCAR events, major festivals, and corporate productions, he ensures every fleet delivery exceeds client expectations.