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The Coachella Lore: Jet Skis, Hippo HQ, and the IYKYK Radiohead Bunker

The desert is still vibrating from a monumental first weekend! Coachella has officially marked its 25th anniversary, and if you think you’ve seen it all, this year proved the Empire Polo Club still has plenty of surprises left in the sand.

From historic headliners to surreal viral moments, here is the scoop on why this year felt different.

The “Can You Believe That Happened?” Moments

  • Justin Bieber’s Meta Nostalgia: Bieber turned his set into a viral time capsule, projecting his childhood YouTube videos while singing duets with his 12-year-old self. The internet lost it when Katy Perry joked about his “YouTube Premium” subscription mid-set to avoid ads.
  • Sabrina Carpenter’s Hollywood Spectacle: Sabrina went full “Silver Screen” for her headline set. It was a five-act cinematic experience featuring hilarious cameos from Will Ferrell (acting as a “handyman” fixing a short circuit) and the legendary Susan Sarandon.

  • The desert belongs to the “Mamis” and “Papis” now. We can’t talk about Karol G’s historic Sunday set (complete with a Becky G cameo) without honoring the man who paved the way.

Flashback: Who could forget when Bad Bunny became the first Latino to headline? He didn’t just perform; he built a literal gas station on stage and famously rode a jet ski down a giant runway through the middle of the crowd. 2026’s Latin energy is a direct legacy of that legendary “Benito” moment.

The “Did You Know?” Vault (Insider Secrets)
While the stars shine on stage, the festival’s roots and “hidden” corners are where things get really weird:

  • The Subterranean “Bunker”: This year’s best-kept secret wasn’t a guest star, but a hidden installation. Disguised as a grass mound, “The Bunker” offered a subterranean immersive journey into Radiohead’s Kid A era, featuring rare sketches and audio for the ultimate “if you know, you know” experience.

  • The “Typo” Origin: Developers originally intended to name the town “Conchilla” (Spanish for little shell). A simple clerical error turned it into “Coachella,” and the name stuck so well it became a multi-billion dollar brand.

  • The Corporate Hippos: Look closely at the three-story office building on site it’s run by people in hippo suits. This year, the “Hippo Command Center” parodied a media conglomerate, complete with its own printing press and “news” studio.

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  • The Escaping Pig: In 2008, a giant inflatable pig from Roger Waters’ set broke loose and drifted into the night. The lucky residents who found the pig in their backyard walked away with $10,000 and four lifetime festival passes.

Big Party, Big Responsibility

Coachella isn’t just about the outfits; it’s quietly becoming a leader in festival sustainability. Through their “Carpoolchella” program, fans who arrive in groups of four or more have a chance to win VIP tickets for life. Plus, the festival partners with local missions to rescue over 56,000 pounds of food annually, ensuring the party gives back to the community.

Sources: Collater.al, Coachella, Movin’on, Mitu, Coachella Lakes Resort

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