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Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Global Stars to Headline Historic Coachella 2026: A Celebration of Music and Queer Inclusion
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The Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival has unveiled its 2026 lineup, marking a bold departure from tradition by announcing the roster months ahead of schedule. This surprise reveal places Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G at the forefront as headliners, capturing headlines and igniting excitement among fans globally . The festival will take place over two weekends, April 10–12 and April 17–19, at the iconic Empire Polo Club in Indio, California .
Notably, this year’s lineup includes a diverse array of artists, including KATSEYE, The Strokes, Addison Rae, Young Thug, Major Lazer, David Byrne, and Teddy Swims, among others, underscoring the festival’s commitment to representing a multitude of genres and backgrounds .
Coachella’s recent lineups have increasingly centered queer representation, with openly queer and transgender artists taking the stage and festival organizers partnering with advocacy groups to create safer spaces for all attendees. While direct statements from this year’s headliners have yet to be released, Sabrina Carpenter’s ongoing support for queer rights and Justin Bieber’s vocal endorsement of equality signal a continued emphasis on inclusive values.
The early announcement is seen by advocates as an opportunity to further shape the festival’s accessibility and inclusivity initiatives. Ticket sales open on September 19, with organizers highlighting flexible payment plans and bundled accommodations to ensure that fans from all backgrounds can attend .
Sabrina Carpenter, a rising pop sensation known for her outspoken allyship, will lead the Friday night lineup. Her performances often include affirmations of queer rights and collaborations with queer artists, aligning her brand with the values of many festival attendees. Justin Bieber, whose career has spanned more than a decade, brings a global audience and a history of philanthropic work, including partnerships that benefit at-risk youth and marginalized communities. Karol G, celebrated for her advocacy on gender equality in Latin music, rounds out a group of headliners that reflects the international and intersectional nature of modern pop .
As the festival industry reckons with its role in shaping cultural narratives, Coachella’s choices send a clear message: visibility and representation matter. For LGBTQ+ fans, the inclusion of artists who champion their rights transforms the festival from a mere musical event into a celebration of identity and community.
This year, festival organizers are expanding accessibility, including group car camping options, on-site wellness programs, and official hotel packages designed to accommodate a wide range of needs and budgets . These initiatives are especially meaningful to LGBTQ+ attendees, who have historically faced barriers to participation in large-scale events due to safety concerns, financial constraints, and lack of affirming spaces.
