What Went Down in the Desert: Coachella 2025 Roundup

With a stacked lineup of global headliners, unexpected guest appearances, and fashion moments that lit up every feed, this year’s festival proved once again why Coachella isn’t just an event - it’s a cultural reset.

From viral performances to influencer-fueled brand activations, the festival blurred the lines between music, style, and marketing like never before. Whether you were in the crowd or scrolling from home, one thing was clear: Coachella remains the ultimate playground for creativity, connection, and cultural influence. Let’s break down what really went down in the desert.

Iconic Performances and Surprise Guests

Coachella 2025 delivered some of the most talked-about performances in recent memory, blending high-production artistry with unexpected, star-studded collaborations.

Lady Gaga's long-awaited return took the desert by storm with her epic five-act "Gagachella" showcase. From a gothic chessboard-themed rendition of “Poker Face” to her moody collaboration with Gesaffelstein on “Killah,” Gaga’s performance felt like a theatrical resurrection, both visually spectacular and emotionally charged.

One of the most viral moments of the weekend came when Benson Boone surprised fans by performing “Bohemian Rhapsody” with none other than Queen’s Brian May. While musically iconic, the crowd reaction sparked debate online - many fans praised the brilliance of the moment, while others pointed out the surprising quietness of the audience. “They didn’t realise how legendary this was,” one user posted on TikTok. “Gen Z did not deserve that collab,” another joked. The singer then returned with Brian May again on weekend 2, but in the form of a cardboard cutout instead.

And then came Charli XCX, who transformed the desert into a euphoric pop playground. With surprise appearances from Billie Eilish, Troye Sivan, and Lorde, her set became an instant cultural moment - a hyper-pop fever dream that exploded across social media within minutes. Fans were quick to label the ensemble as “their Avengers,” celebrating the powerful, genre-pushing lineup. On weekend two she surprised the audience with Addison Rae, which has received  mixed opinions from fans. 

Megan Thee Stallion delivered a standout performance with powerhouse cameos from Queen Latifah, Ciara, Victoria Monét, and Courtney LaPlante - turning the stage into a celebration of Black female excellence.

Post Malone closed out the festival with surprise appearances from Ed Sheeran and Jelly Roll. The trio lit up the stage with “Losers” and “Sunflower” in a genre-blending, viral finale.

From legacy acts to internet-breaking collabs, Coachella 2025 proved once again: anything can happen in the desert.

Festival Fashion: What Everyone Wore

Coachella 2025 proved once again that fashion is as much of a spectacle as the performances. From beaded tops to animal prints, the desert runway was filled with bold, statement-making pieces that had heads turning.

Beaded tops were a standout trend, with intricate patterns that caught the sun just right and added a tactile element to the usual festival glam. Animal print, especially leopard and snake patterns, made their way into both casual and chic outfits, bringing a wild, untamed edge to the desert. Denim was everywhere - from fringed skirts to oversized jackets, it added a laid-back vibe that still managed to look effortlessly cool.

While bold trends were front and centre, the classic Coachella look remained strong as ever. Crochet and boho-inspired pieces continued to dominate, with flowy dresses, wide-brimmed hats, and beaded accessories offering a nostalgic nod to the festival’s early days. The cowboy-core trend was alive and kicking, with fringe vests and oversized belts mixed with denim and vintage boots.

Celebrities and influencers were equally on-point, with some stepping back with their outfits to focus on simpler, yet powerful looks. Kendall Jenner stole the show with metallic shades and a chic minimalistic ensemble, while Hailey Bieber brought her sophisticated flair with a streamlined, understated look. Others, like Kourtney Kardashian, mixed vintage with punk, creating a playful, edgy look. Meanwhile, Charli D'Amelio served up ‘Gen Z vibes’ with festival-perfect outfits combining sheer materials, lace, and classic Coachella charm.

Whether bold or timeless, Coachella fashion this year was a beautiful blend of old and new, making it clear that the desert is the ultimate runway for creativity and self-expression.

Brand Activations That Stole the Show

Coachella 2025 was a masterclass in experiential marketing, with brands leveraging the festival's unique energy to create unforgettable, immersive pop-ups that resonated deeply with festival-goers. From beauty booths to tequila lounges and interactive experiences, these brands used Coachella as a platform to connect with audiences in creative, memorable ways. Here's a rundown of the standout activations that captivated the desert.

1. Rhode Beauty & 818 Tequila: The Ultimate Desert Escape

Hailey Bieber’s Rhode Beauty and Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila teamed up for an unforgettable pop-up experience. Situated at the 818 Outpost, the activation featured Rhode’s signature photo booth, where festival-goers inserted a Rhode-branded coin to snap instant photos. Each participant received a complimentary lip tint and a mini bottle of 818 Tequila, creating a seamless fusion of skincare and spirits. This clever, shareable experience generated over 2.5 million impressions on social media, underscoring the power of influencer-driven, interactive brand storytelling in a festival setting.

2. Revolve: The Ultimate Fashion Playground

Revolve's Coachella activation remains one of the most coveted. Known for its influencer-packed parties and fashion-forward designs, the brand’s pop-up was an Instagrammable haven. The space was filled with curated collections and a poolside vibe, where influencers and festival-goers alike could snap shots of their best festival looks. The brand’s mix of exclusive drops and the influencers showcasing them ensured its status as one of the festival's biggest fashion players.

3. Pinterest: Interactive Style Lab

Pinterest’s Coachella pop-up was a perfect blend of creativity and practicality, offering attendees an interactive style lab where they could create their dream festival looks. The space encouraged fans to explore Pinterest’s vision boards and discover new trends while trying on clothes, accessories, and beauty products curated just for the festival. By incorporating digital features like live pinning and exclusive content from top influencers, Pinterest brought its online world to life in the desert.

4. Sol de Janeiro: Tropical Escape

Sol de Janeiro’s Coachella activation took attendees on a tropical getaway without leaving the desert. With lush palm trees, sun-soaked vibes, and signature scent stations, festival-goers could experience the brand’s indulgent skincare products. The activation became an oasis for those seeking to relax and refresh, with many fans posting about the unforgettable scents and feeling of luxury.

5. Aperol: Aperol Spritz Garden

Aperol’s vibrant pop-up was a staple at Coachella 2025, offering festival-goers a place to cool off with their signature Aperol Spritz. The beautifully designed garden space featured cozy seating areas and plenty of shade, perfect for sipping cocktails and chatting with friends. Aperol’s inviting atmosphere made it a go-to spot for socialising and enjoying one of Millennial’s and Gen Z’s most iconic drinks.

6. American Express: Exclusive VIP Experiences

American Express took their Coachella presence to the next level with exclusive experiences for cardholders. The brand offered an exclusive lounge for VIPs to recharge, offering complimentary refreshments, custom experiences, and curated entertainment. American Express’s pop-up was a hit among festival-goers who enjoyed both comfort and luxury, all while networking and relaxing in style.

7. Neutrogena: Skin Care Sanctuary

Neutrogena made its mark with a much-needed skincare sanctuary for festival-goers looking to protect their skin from the desert sun. The brand offered free sunscreen applications, hydration stations, and skincare consultations, ensuring everyone stayed glowing while protecting their skin. Fans loved the brand’s commitment to well-being, and Neutrogena’s activation was one of the most photographed spots on social media.

Why These Activations Worked

What made these brand activations stand out was their ability to blend Coachella’s electric energy with engaging, shareable experiences. Each brand tapped into the festival-goers' desires for interactivity and aesthetic appeal. By embracing Coachella’s unique culture, these brands were able to enhance their storytelling and create an unforgettable festival experience that went beyond product promotion.

With their innovative activations and massive social media buzz, these brands proved that Coachella is much more than a music festival - it’s a cultural platform where brands can connect, engage, and leave lasting impressions on millions.

The Future of Coachella

As we now count down the days to Coachella 2026, we can expect even more boundary-pushing moments from both artists and brands. Artists will continue to surprise with unexpected collaborations and genre-blending sets, while we predict more immersive digital experiences, bridging the gap between the physical and virtual festival worlds. The fashion trends of Coachella 2025, such as metallics, animal prints, and boho-inspired pieces, are likely to stay strong, evolving with new twists for the next year.

On the brand side, interactivity and exclusivity will be key, with more pop-ups like Rhode Beauty x 818 Tequila’s photo booth activation that truly connected with attendees. We can also expect larger-than-life activations with social media-savvy campaigns that allow fans to participate in the Coachella experience long after the festival ends. Brands have seen the immense impact of the festival and will be eager to get involved next year. 

Coachella will continue to shape the cultural zeitgeist in 2026, cementing its place as the ultimate playground for music, fashion, and innovation. And we’ll be here for all of it.