The desert heat is a funny thing. It makes you see things that aren’t there, but it also makes the music feel twice as loud. Honestly, when the Coachella 2025 lineup headliners were finally announced, it felt like a weird fever dream come to life. Everyone was guessing for months. Rumors about Rihanna or some massive reunion were flying around Reddit like wildfire. But the reality? It’s a mix of heavy-hitting nostalgia and "how is he here again?" energy.
You’ve got Lady Gaga, Green Day, and Post Malone taking the top spots. Then there's Travis Scott, who is basically lurking in his own special category that the festival is calling "Designs the Desert." It’s not your typical 1-2-3 headliner setup. It's more of a 3+1 situation.
The Big Three and the Wildcard
Let’s talk about the Friday night anchor first. Lady Gaga is stepping back onto the Coachella Stage as a headliner for the second time. She first did this in 2017 when she had to fill in for a pregnant Beyoncé. This time, she’s coming in on her own terms, likely with new material from her LG7 era. People forget how much of a powerhouse she is live. She doesn't just sing; she builds a whole universe for an hour and a half.
Saturday is for the punk kids who grew up. Green Day is making their Coachella debut. Seriously. In a career spanning nearly 40 years, they’ve never actually played this festival. Billie Joe Armstrong told Rolling Stone that rock and roll is "needed now more than ever," and he’s probably right. Seeing Dookie and American Idiot tracks played under the Indio stars is going to be a core memory for a lot of millennials.
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Then you have Sunday. Post Malone is closing it out. He’s been a sub-headliner before, but 2025 is his year to own the main stage. He’s recently pivoted into this country-pop hybrid space, and his "chameleonic" vibe—as some critics call it—fits the Coachella crowd perfectly. He’s the guy who can transition from a trap beat to a guitar ballad without anyone blinking.
The Travis Scott Factor
What really threw people for a loop was Travis Scott's placement. He isn't listed as a standard day-one or day-two headliner. Instead, he’s a "special guest" who is supposedly "designing the desert." This is a big deal because he was originally supposed to headline in 2020 (canceled by the pandemic) and 2022 (removed after the Astroworld tragedy).
His set is scheduled for Saturday nights, right after Green Day. It’s being billed as a "first of its kind" immersive experience called CactusCon. Whether that means extra art installations or just a really high-budget stage set remains to be seen, but the hype is undeniably there.
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Who Else is Actually There?
If you only look at the top of the poster, you’re missing the real meat of the festival. The undercard is where the "cool" kids hang out, and 2025 is stacked.
- Charli XCX: After the "Brat Summer" of 2024, her Saturday set is basically mandatory.
- Missy Elliott: A rare live appearance from a literal legend on Friday.
- Megan Thee Stallion: Bringing the energy to Sunday before Posty.
- K-Pop Stars: LISA and JENNIE from Blackpink are both performing solo sets, which is huge for the global fanbase.
- The Original Misfits: For the older punk crowd who isn't satisfied with just Green Day.
There’s also a lot of buzz around Shaboozey, who has been dominating the charts, and Benson Boone. If you like the more electronic side of things, the Sahara Tent is going to be a madhouse with Zedd, Mustard, and Tyla.
The Logistics Most People Ignore
Listen, going to Coachella isn't just about the music. It's a survival mission. The 2025 dates are set for April 11–13 and April 18–20. If you’re planning on going, you’ve probably already realized that Weekend 1 sells out almost instantly, while Weekend 2 is usually where you can find a bit more breathing room (and slightly cheaper resale tickets).
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One thing that surprised people this year was the "Quasar" stage. It’s this massive outdoor electronic space that replaced some of the older tents. They’ve got long-form DJ sets there, like The Martinez Brothers b2b Loco Dice. It's a different vibe from the main stage—less about the "show" and more about the "groove."
What to Do Next
If you're still on the fence about going, or you already have your wristband, here is how you should handle the next few months:
- Check the "Leaked" Set Times: About a week before the festival, the official app updates. Use it to map out your "clash" strategy. You will have to choose between artists you love. Accept it now.
- Hydration Strategy: Don't be the person who passes out at 4 PM. Get a hydration pack. The desert is brutal, and the walk from the parking lot to the gates is longer than you think.
- Explore the Mojave and Gobi Tents: The main stage is cool, but the smaller tents often have the best sound and the most dedicated fans. This is where you'll find acts like Japanese Breakfast or The Marías.
- Transport: If you aren't camping, book your shuttle pass. Driving in and out of the Empire Polo Club is a nightmare. The shuttles have their own lanes and save you hours of sitting in traffic on Avenue 50.
The 2025 lineup is a weird, beautiful mix of the old guard and the new wave. Whether you're there for Green Day's power chords or Travis Scott's desert "design," it’s shaping up to be one of the more unique years in the festival's history.