Coachella is one of the biggest and most popular music festivals in the world, attracting music fans from all over the globe. The festival has been running for over 20 years and has evolved significantly since its inception. In this article, we'll take a look back at the history of Coachella and how it has changed over the years.

The Beginning of Coachella

Coachella was founded in 1999 by Paul Tollett and Rick Van Santen of Goldenvoice, a concert promoter based in California. The festival was originally intended to be a one-time event, but due to its success, it has since become an annual occurrence. The first festival was held over two days in October and featured acts such as Beck, Morrissey, and Rage Against the Machine.

Expanding to Three Days

After a few years of running as a two-day festival, Coachella expanded to three days in 2007. This allowed for more artists to be featured on the lineup and gave festival-goers more time to explore the various stages and activities.

The Emergence of Electronic Dance Music

In the early years of Coachella, the festival was primarily focused on indie rock and alternative music. However, in the early 2010s, electronic dance music (EDM) began to emerge as a major force in the music industry. Coachella was quick to adapt to this trend and began featuring more EDM artists on the lineup.

The Formation of Beychella

In 2018, Beyoncé headlined Coachella and put on a performance that would go down in history. Her set included a marching band, a step team, and a reunion of Destiny's Child. The performance was so iconic that it became known as Beychella and set a new standard for headlining acts at the festival.

The Move to Two Weekends

In 2012, Coachella expanded to two weekends in order to accommodate the growing demand for tickets. This decision was met with some controversy, as many fans felt that the festival's unique atmosphere would be lost with the addition of a second weekend. However, the festival has managed to maintain its reputation and popularity despite this change.

The Influence of Fashion

Coachella has become known for its fashion as much as its music. The festival has inspired numerous fashion trends, from bohemian dresses and flower crowns to crochet tops and denim shorts. Brands and designers have also taken notice, with many launching festival-themed collections in the weeks leading up to Coachella.

The Rise of Social Media

Social media has had a significant impact on Coachella's popularity and influence. The festival has become a hotbed of Instagram activity, with celebrities and influencers sharing photos of their festival experiences. This has helped to make Coachella a cultural phenomenon and has influenced the way other music festivals market themselves.

The Pandemic Pause

In 2020, Coachella was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was the first time in the festival's history that it had been cancelled. The festival was also postponed in 2021, but is set to return in April 2022.

Coachella's Future

As Coachella looks towards the future, it will be interesting to see how the festival continues to evolve. Will it continue to be a trendsetter in the music and fashion industries? Will it continue to expand and adapt to changing trends and tastes? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – Coachella will always be one of the most iconic music festivals in the world.