If you only had one choice between Coachella or Stagecoach, which would you rather pick? This controversy has been an ongoing debate for music lovers for years. Both events take place at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, and share several similarities. Many Marymount students have attended one or both, making it a tough decision if you’re planning to go for the first time. Let’s break down the key differences and similarities to help you make the best choice!

Beyond sharing the same location, Coachella and Stagecoach have a lot in common. Both festivals span three days and feature an exciting mix of music, food vendors, art installations, and shopping experiences. However, Stagecoach occurs only on one weekend, while Coachella offers two weekends for attendees. Another major difference is the music genre. Stagecoach is a country music festival, featuring top country artists such as Luke Combs, Zach Bryan, Morgan Wallen, etc. On the other hand, Coachella showcases a diverse lineup of indie, alternative, electronic, and pop acts such as Lady Gaga, Lana Del Rey, Green Day, etc. The vibe of each event also reflects these differences—Stagecoach leans into Western-style fashion, while Coachella embraces a more bohemian aesthetic.

Putting all the general facts aside, there are also other factors to consider when making the difficult decision between Stagecoach and Coachella.

Choose the one that you like the most when it comes to outfits and what you feel most comfortable wearing. Generally, Stagecoach is more affordable than Coachella regarding tickets, food, and shopping. If you don’t want to spend a lot on the music festival but still want to have a great experience, you might be inclined to Stagecoach. But, there are more people and celebrity sighting opportunities at Coachella as it is a renowned event; one can often see endless posts on social media of multiple people trying to capture their best “Chella” moments.. If spotting influencers and celebrities is vital to you, Coachella may be a better choice. These factors are important to acknowledge when making your decision.

Both Coachella and Stagecoach offer incredible experiences, each with their own elements that make them special. No matter which one you choose, you are bound to have a memorable and unforgettable time. So go ahead, buy your tickets, plan your outfits, and get ready for an amazing festival experience!