Coachella is one of the most popular music festivals in the United States, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees over two weekends in April each year. The festival takes place at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California and features a diverse lineup of rock, pop, hip hop, electronic, and indie artists. Many fans debate whether the first or second weekend of Coachella is better to attend. One factor in this decision is if weekend 1 tends to sell out faster than weekend 2.
Brief history of Coachella
Coachella was founded in 1999, and the inaugural event was held over two days in October of that year. About 25,000 people attended the first Coachella. In 2000, the festival moved to April and expanded to three days. Attendance continued to grow in the early 2000s, reaching a peak of about 110,000 attendees in 2010. In 2012, Coachella expanded to two identical 3-day weekends, branded as Weekend 1 and Weekend 2. The dual weekend format allowed the festival to accommodate a larger audience.
Attendance numbers
In recent years, Coachella has attracted between 95,000 to 125,000 attendees per day. The total attendance across both weekends is typically estimated between 190,000 to 250,000 people. The festival has sold out entirely on some occasions.
Here are the approximate attendance numbers in recent years:
Year | Total Attendance |
---|---|
2017 | 250,000 |
2018 | 250,000 |
2019 | 225,000 |
2021 (canceled due to COVID-19) | N/A |
2022 | 125,000 per weekend (est. 250,000 total) |
The attendance cap was reduced to 125,000 per day in 2022. Even with the lower capacity, the festival continued to have high demand and sold out both weekends.
Does one weekend sell out faster?
In the years since adopting the dual weekend format, weekend 1 passes have generally sold out faster than weekend 2. There are a few factors that contribute to this trend:
- Weekend 1 attendees get to experience Coachella first. For fans who attend annually, being part of the inaugural weekend is appealing.
- Artists may be more likely to surprise guests during weekend 1 performances.
- Fans who wait for weekend 2 run the risk of FOMO from weekend 1 social media posts.
- Travel is easier to plan for weekend 1, before any potential logistical issues arise.
That said, weekend 2 has continued to sell out as well. In 2022, both weekends sold out and attracted comparable attendance numbers.
While weekend 1 passes may run out sooner, devoted fans are still able to get weekend 2 tickets if they plan accordingly and purchase early. The demand remains high for the festival overall.
Sales trends over time
Looking at the recent sales patterns:
- In 2017, weekend 1 sold out nearly 6 months before the event, while weekend 2 sold out around 2 months prior.
- In 2018, both weekends sold out faster than the previous year. Weekend 1 sold out 5 months in advance.
- In 2019, weekend 1 again sold out first about 6 months before the festival. But weekend 2 did not sell out until days before the event.
- After a two year hiatus for the pandemic, 2022 tickets sold swiftly for both weekends once sales opened. Weekend 1 sold out in under an hour, while weekend 2 lasted a few hours before selling out.
So while weekend 1 consistently draws faster sell outs, weekend 2 has proven to have enduring appeal for festival-goers who redeem their tickets as soon as sales begin.
Factors that impact ticket sales
Other factors related to Coachella ticket sales include:
Lineup announcement
The Coachella lineup drop always generates buzz and influences ticket purchases. Big name headliners can accelerate sell outs. Similarly, rare reunion sets or special guest appearances will also drive demand.
Travel and lodging rates
Spike in demand drives up hotel and AirBnB rates in the Palm Springs area during the festival weekends. Some attendees may wait to secure weekend 2 passes if lodging for weekend 1 is too expensive.
Festival experience
Positive reviews and social media content after weekend 1 may persuade some attendees to still snag weekend 2 passes. Conversely, negative feedback could dissuade some fans from attending the second weekend if the event missed the mark.
External factors
Other circumstances not directly related to Coachella can impact ticket sales too. In 2020, weekend 1 was already sold out when the festival was postponed due to COVID-19. Weekend 2 tickets had not completely sold through yet. The pandemic fundamentally shifted demand and attendance patterns for all live events over the next couple years.
Should you aim for weekend 1?
Given the history of weekend 1 selling out faster, attending the first weekend provides the most assurance you will get a ticket. Super fans eager for the inaugural Coachella experience may want to prioritize weekend 1. However, weekend 2 still provides the iconic festival vibes and diverse music lineup. As long as you purchase weekend 2 tickets promptly when they go on sale, you should still be able to secure admission.
Both weekends deliver the quintessential Coachella experience of open-air concerts in the desert, arts installations, delicious food, and more. Attendees report an amazing time regardless of which weekend they choose. If you plan ahead and act fast when purchasing, you can have an epic Coachella weekend either time.
Conclusion
In summary, weekend 1 of Coachella has historically sold out faster than weekend 2. This trend has held up most years since the festival expanded to two weekends in 2012. However, weekend 2 continues to sell out as well when tickets go on sale. Avid Coachella fans who want to guarantee admission often choose to attend the first weekend. Still, the second weekend provides a comparable experience and also sells out quickly. While the hype may peak earlier for weekend 1, fans can have an amazing time at Coachella both weekends. Purchasing tickets right away at the start of sales gives attendees the best chance to experience Coachella either the first or second weekend in April.