Coachella’s recent return to the desert didn’t go exactly as planned.
In fact, it was a crowded jam. After attendees of the festival’s first weekend—which featured performers like Lady Gaga, Megan Thee Stallion and Charli XCX—voiced their frustration about waiting in hours-long traffic while making their way to the California venue, the event’s organizer Goldenvoice is providing answers for the mishap.
“Every year, we typically have a lull between one o’clock and six o’clock in the evening where it just dies down,” the company’s senior vice president of public safety, George Cunningham, explained during a La Quinta City Council meeting on April 15. “We didn’t have that [this year.]”
The traffic chaos started in the early hours of April 11, which is also the weekend-long festival’s first day. At the time, many campers detailed their long delay trying to reach the Empire Polo Club—the venue that hosts Coachella—on social media. Specifically, a TikTok user named Liss shared that she and her friends had been waiting in their car for “nearly 10 hours” after showing up at the camping ground at 3 a.m. in the hopes of beating the rush.
She also highlighted how the issue went beyond her long stay in the car.
“It’s almost 1 p.m. and we haven’t even gotten through security,” Liss said in the April 10 video, visibly upset. “It’s 100 degrees outside. People’s cars are overheating, they’re running out of gas, [and] there are no bathrooms for us to use. This whole experience has been so disappointing, and it’s been extremely dehumanizing.”
As for the long delay, Cunningham explained the traffic was partially caused by attendees arriving at Coachella too “early.” He further revealed their team was understaffed that day, leading them to “close down six” of their 32 tolls for cars to pass through.
However, Goldenvoice—who has been organizing the iconic festival since its debut in 1999—has laid out plans to resolve the traffic issue for Weekend Two, which runs from April 18 to April 20. Cunningham told the city council there will be 12 new toll plazas added near Coachella’s various parking areas to help traffic flow faster.
And with this addition, they’re focused on keeping all 44 tolls open throughout the weekend. Cunningham reassured, “We already have a secondary plan in place to be able to augment that and have that staffed with other individuals.”
Despite the rough entrance, the festival brought out a whole lot of stars. Keep reading to see all the celebrities who attended and performed at Coachella…
The Weeknd & Jenna Ortega
The Hurry Up Tomorrow costars took a ride on a ferris wheel.
Justin Bieber
The "Baby" singer sat onstage during Tao Group Hospitality, REVOLVE and Palm Tree Club's Friday Nights in the Desert event.
Idris Elba & Kaskade
The Luther actor hung out with the DJ backstage at the music festival.
Lady Gaga
It was nothing but mayhem as the "Abracadabra" singer took the stage at the Coachella music festival.
Cardi B
The "WAP" rapper had a sweet time serving fans Whipshots at Revolve Festival.
Paris Hilton
That's hot! The Paris in Love star left little to the imagination at Neon Carnival presented by PATRÓN Tequila near the festival grounds.
Chappell Roan
No luck was needed as the "Good Luck, Babe!" singer got a styling session at Pinterest's Coachella activation.
Charli XCX
The Grammy-winner visited the Aperol Spritz Piazza for a surprise meet-and-greet.
Dove Cameron
The Descendants actress descended upon NYLON House in the Desert presented by Ulta Beauty.
Kendall Jenner & Hailey Bieber
The BFFs were all-smiles at the Kardashians star's 818 Tequila's Outpost during Coachella weekend. Guests at the star-studded bash were treated to 818 Tequila cocktails, Sprinter Vodka Soda, Califia Farms drinks, CELSIUS Energy and Saint James Iced Tea as well as festival essentials from Postmates, Good American and more.
Kylie Jenner & Timothée Chalamet
The two packed on the PDA watching Charli XCX's Coachella performance.
Megan Thee Stallion
Hot girl summer was in full effect as the "Savage" rapper performed at Coachella.
Alix Earle & Ashtin Earle
The influencer and her sister picked up goodies from Patrick Starrr’s ONE/SIZE at 818 Tequila’s 818 Outpost.
Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia
The podcaster sipped on High Noon at the Gallery Desert House.
Post Malone
Congratulations were in order as the rapper performed on the Coachella Stage.
Evan Ross
The Ashlee+Evan star enjoyed a night out at ZENYARA Desert Nights with Access by Dorsia featuring PATRON El ALTO, Outcast and BodyArmor Flash I.V.
Charli D'Amelio
POV: The TikToker at the Red Bull Mirage across from the Quasar Stage during the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
Tyla
The "Water" singer made it sweat, made it hotter at Pandora's The Charm House pool party.
Weezer
Rivers Cuomo and Scott Shriner rocked the stage during the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
Travis Scott
Sicko mode was in full effect as the rapper sipped on Cincoro Tequila backstage at his Coachella concert.
Brooklyn Beckham
David Beckham and Victoria Beckham's son protected himself from the desert son with Supergoop! SuperShades, sunglasses with built-in SPF, and sunscreen.
Trixie Mattel
The RuPaul's Drag Race winner sashayed away to Max's House of Vance pop-up celebrating Hacks season four.
Ariana Madix & Daniel Wai
The Vanderpump Rules alum and her boyfriend raised a can of Heineken at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
Shaboozey, Jessie Murph & Polo G
Jessie was joined by the "Tipsy" rapper and the "Finer Things" artist during her set at the Coachella music festival.
Amber Rose
The model flashed her bling during Revolve and PIZZASLIME's after-party.
LISA
The Blackpink singer celebrated her Coachella performance at ZENYARA Desert Nights produced by CMG with Access by Dorsia and exclusive event featured partners Framework, Tao Group Hospitality, Patron El Alto, Heineken, Red Bull, Rivian, Body Armor, Habit Burger and Outcast.
Dj Pee.Wee
Anderson .Paak's DJ persona performs at Do LaB during the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
Emma Roberts
The actress was living her best life at the third annual Camp Poosh, which brought together the ultimate blend of wellness, nostalgia and festival-ready experiences.
Kyle Cooke
The Summer House star sipped on Flowerboy as he deejayed at the Sonic Desert event.
Ava Max
The "Sweet But Psycho" singer made a surprise appearance during Alok's Coachella set at the Sahara Tent.