Coachella’s 2025 edition served as a powerful reminder of why this festival is a benchmark for live music experiences. This year, Coachella further embraced dance music culture while still offering a diverse lineup spanning multiple genres. Although some changes, particularly the relocation of the Quasar and Do LaB stages, sparked discussion, it was the electronic performances that truly captivated audiences and made a lasting impact over both weekends in April.

The Quasar stage, which made its debut last year to host extended DJ sets, was relocated to the previous site of the Do LaB stage. A notable addition was the Red Bull Mirage, an upscale experience within the Quasar area that featured Nobu catering, an open bar, and luxurious VIP table setups, elevating the festival experience by providing attendees a comfortable way to enjoy the performances. The lineup included artists like Alesso (Body Hi) alongside Gorgon City and Kaskade (Redux) performing back-to-back with Idris Elba, both of which attracted large crowds and delivered electrifying energy throughout their three-hour sets.

Coachella’s dedication to electronic music has been steadily increasing, and 2025 might be its most dance-centric year yet. Performers like Sara Landry and Sammy Virji brought high-energy sets that resonated with audiences, with Landry’s hard techno and Virji’s UK garage selections generating buzz across social media platforms. Keinemusik returned for a mesmerizing closing session under the Sahara Tent, while Zedd reaffirmed the lasting appeal of both nostalgic and progressive hits at Coachella.

The Mojave tent, typically reserved for indie and alternative acts, also featured memorable performances that occasionally crossed into dance territory. Acts like The Dare, The Prodigy, and Yo Gabba Gabba delivered some of the standout sets of the weekends. The latter, while seemingly an unusual choice, turned out to be a highlight, captivating a large and exuberant audience.

The Yuma tent continued to be Coachella’s hub for underground dance music, featuring sets from Dixon and Jimi Jules that offered deep, melodic experiences. Artists like Francis Mercier and Indira Paganotto showcased their unique global sounds. Beltran — recognized as one of Dancing Astronaut‘s Artists to Watch in 2025 — delivered a minimalistic set that resonated with the audience, with highlights including Chris Stussy’s groove-heavy performance, Eli Brown’s darker tech selections, and a euphoric collaboration between Mind Against and Massano, which many attendees are already calling one of the weekend’s defining moments.

The music experience didn’t conclude when the festival grounds closed for the night. The afterparty scene across the Coachella Valley thrived, with Zenyara Desert Nights emerging as the highlight of post-festival activities. Hosted by Framework and Patron, Zenyara featured a lineup of special guests including Anyma, Mau P, and Vintage Culture. This year, Zenyara gained even more attention as, for the first time, access was opened to the public via the Dorsia app, allowing music enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy exclusive performances and dance under the stars until 4 AM.

As the curtain falls on another remarkable year, Coachella’s unwavering commitment to adapt while preserving its iconic identity is abundantly clear. The festival’s continuous focus on top-tier electronic talent, combined with unbeatable weather, hospitality, and community spirit, firmly establishes Coachella as an essential destination for every dance music aficionado.

Featured image: Courtesy of Coachella

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