The risk for catching COVID at the Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals has increased ten-fold as they both announced they are doing away with all COVID restrictions and requirements. There will be no mask mandate and no need to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to attend. All attendees need is a ticket.
While Coachella has yet to put out a statement regarding the COVID precautions, the official account for the Stagecoach festival uploaded an announcement to Twitter, writing that “there will be no vaccination, testing or masking requirements at Stagecoach 2022, in accordance with local guidelines.”
Both festivals are promoted by the same company, Goldenvoice, meaning they share the same policy. However, more relaxed policies were added to Coachella’s “Health & Safety” page. “In accordance with local guidelines, there will be no vaccination, testing or masking requirements at Coachella 2022,” an update reads. An additional bullet point adds that changes can happen “in accordance with applicable public health conditions as of the date of the event.” This can include capacity limitations, proof of vaccination and/or a negative test, and even a mask mandate.
At the time of publishing, none of the acts who are set to perform at Coachella have spoken out about the news, but it wouldn’t be surprising if someone did. Over 170 acts are on the bill to perform at the festival taking place in the desert, with 18 of them being of Latine descent. Some of the Latine artists slated to hit the Indio stage include Omar Apollo, Princess Nokia, Grupo Firme, Chicano Batman, Karol G, and more.
The festivals announced back in Oct. that prospective attendees would be allowed to enter with proof of vaccination or a negative test. According to new guidelines set by the California Department of Public Health, vaccination proof will no longer be required for large outdoor events as of Feb. 16.
The headliners for Coachella are Billie Eilish, Harry Styles, and Kanye West — whose attendance may be dependent on receiving an apology from Eilish — and is set to take place on two weekends in April: the 15-17 and the 22-24. For the Stagecoach festival happening on April 29 through May 1, Carrie Underwood, Luke Combs, and Thomas Rhett are set to headline.