Coachella is a bit different to festivals you see elsewhere

Big brands with music in the Californian sunshine

Story by Amanda Holborn

24/04/2026

It's less camping in a field and forgetting about personal hygiene for a few days and more like having a glow up and being seen.

Coachella is a bit different to festivals you see elsewhere It's less camping in a field and forgetting about personal hygiene for a few days and more like having a glow up and being seen. There were big names there including the XX, Disclosure, Turnstile, Teddy Swims, The Strokes, to name just a few. But there is something more boutique about it at the same time. Its a lot about brand hookups as well as the music:- Sabrina Carpenter partnered with Kiss Products Inc. for a Coachella 2026 activation titled the “Pretty Girl Parlour.” The installation included a hidden speakeasy, retro photo booths, cocktails, and Kiss Lashes integrations. Kiss also released the “Pretty Girl Parlour Edit” false lash collection tied to the experience. The activation was embedded in her Coachella 2026 headlining set under her “Sabrinawood” theme, designed for social-first discovery and festival-driven engagement. The strategy reflects a broader shift toward experiential brand world-building, similar to Hailey Bieber’s Rhode pop-ups, Sol de Janeiro’s “Casa Cheirosa”, and e.l.f. Cosmetics’ experiential festival activations, all focused on immersive, event-led product launches. Carpenter is coming off a peak commercial run: a 2025 Grammy sweep (Short n’ Sweet, “Espresso”), Man’s Best Friend debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, and a $100M+ grossing Short n’ Sweet Tour across 72 sold-out dates. Her endorsement portfolio includes Redken (Global Brand Ambassador), Airbnb (Host/Icon), Prada, and Versace, alongside campaigns with Skims, Dunkin’, and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream.