Nostalgia meets the main stage

As the desert sun began to dip behind the palm trees, a wave of nostalgia swept over the Coachella crowd when the unmistakable sounds of Yo Gabba Gabba! echoed across the festival grounds. The beloved children’s show, known for its quirky characters and infectious musical numbers, made an unexpected yet wildly welcomed appearance on the main stage. Adults who grew up with the show were transported back to their childhoods, singing along to familiar tunes with a mix of irony and genuine joy.

DJ Lance Rock, clad in his signature orange jumpsuit and fuzzy hat, led the charge with high energy and a beaming smile, joined by the colourful cast of Brobee, Foofa, Muno, Plex, and Toodee. The setlist included fan favourites like “Party in My Tummy” and “Don’t Bite Your Friends,” which had the crowd dancing and laughing in equal measure. It was a surreal moment — a kids’ show turned festival spectacle — but it worked, thanks to the crowd’s enthusiasm and the performers’ commitment to the bit.

Adding to the magic, special musical guests who had once appeared on the original show made surprise cameos, bridging the gap between childhood memories and adult musical tastes. The performance wasn’t just a novelty; it was a celebration of the cultural impact Yo Gabba Gabba! had on a generation now old enough to appreciate it in a new light. For many Aussie festival-goers, it was a reminder of the global reach of pop culture and how shared experiences can transcend age and geography.

In a festival known for pushing boundaries and embracing the unexpected, this nostalgic set proved that even the most unconventional acts can find a home on the main stage — and leave a lasting impression.

Genre-spanning performances electrify the crowd

As the evening progressed, Coachella’s second Saturday continued to defy genre boundaries, delivering a sonic rollercoaster that kept the crowd on its toes. From indie rock to reggaeton, techno to trap, the festival’s lineup was a masterclass in musical diversity. Each stage offered a distinct vibe, drawing in fans with vastly different tastes and uniting them under the desert sky.

One of the standout moments came courtesy of British-Nigerian artist Little Simz, whose razor-sharp lyricism and commanding stage presence captivated the Gobi Tent. Her set was a fusion of grime, soul, and jazz-infused hip-hop, and the crowd responded with rapt attention and roaring applause. Not far away, the Sahara Tent pulsed with the relentless energy of Peggy Gou, whose blend of house, techno, and Korean pop sensibilities had festival-goers dancing in synchronised euphoria.

Latin music also had a powerful showing, with Colombian reggaeton star Feid lighting up the main stage with his infectious rhythms and slick choreography. His performance was a vibrant celebration of Latin culture, drawing a massive crowd that sang along to every word. Meanwhile, over at the Mojave Tent, Aussie indie darlings King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard delivered a mind-bending set that veered from psych-rock to thrash metal, showcasing their genre-defying versatility and earning cheers from a loyal homegrown contingent.

Perhaps the most unexpected fusion came when Japanese Breakfast invited a string quartet to join her on stage, transforming her dreamy indie-pop into a cinematic experience. The juxtaposition of classical instrumentation with synth-heavy melodies created a moment of pure magic, reminding the audience that Coachella is as much about musical exploration as it is about big-name headliners.

Throughout the day, the seamless transitions between genres felt intentional rather than jarring. The festival’s curators clearly aimed to craft a journey through sound, where each performance built upon the last, regardless of style or origin. For Aussie fans used to eclectic lineups at home, this global showcase of musical diversity felt both familiar and thrillingly fresh.

A celebration for all ages

Families, couples, and solo adventurers alike found themselves immersed in a festival atmosphere that truly catered to all ages. From the early afternoon sets to the late-night headliners, Coachella’s second Saturday was more than just a music event — it was a cultural gathering where generational lines blurred and everyone found their rhythm. Parents with young children danced alongside twenty-somethings, while older festival-goers reminisced about past Coachellas, all sharing the same dusty dancefloors and shaded lounges.

Interactive art installations dotted the grounds, offering moments of wonder and playfulness that appealed to both kids and adults. Giant inflatable sculptures, immersive light tunnels, and whimsical kinetic displays became communal spaces where strangers bonded over shared awe. For Aussie attendees used to the vibrant art-meets-music vibe of events like Splendour in the Grass or WOMADelaide, these installations felt like a natural extension of the festival experience — a reminder that music festivals can be as visually stimulating as they are sonically rich.

Food vendors also played a role in the inclusive atmosphere, with options ranging from vegan bites and gluten-free treats to indulgent comfort food and international street eats. Families picnicked on the grass with bao buns and acai bowls, while groups of mates queued up for loaded fries and craft beer. The culinary diversity mirrored the musical lineup, ensuring that everyone — regardless of age or dietary preference — could find something to enjoy.

Accessibility was another highlight, with thoughtful infrastructure making it easier for people of all abilities to navigate the sprawling grounds. Designated viewing areas, mobility assistance, and sensory-friendly zones helped ensure that no one felt left out of the festivities. For many Australian festival-goers, this level of inclusivity set a new benchmark, reinforcing the idea that large-scale events can be both exciting and accommodating.

As the sun set and the stages lit up, the crowd became a tapestry of generations — toddlers on shoulders, teens in glitter and mesh, parents swaying to the beat, and grandparents soaking in the spectacle. It was a rare and beautiful sight: a festival that didn’t just welcome all ages, but celebrated them. In a world where music events often cater to niche demographics, Coachella’s embrace of diversity — in age, culture, and taste — stood out as a powerful reminder of music’s universal appeal.

Musical diversity across generations

From the sun-drenched fields of Indio to the glittering desert nights, Coachella’s second Saturday was a masterclass in musical time travel — and the fashion followed suit. The crowd was a kaleidoscope of eras, with festivalgoers channelling everything from early 2000s nostalgia to Y2K futurism, all while dancing to a lineup that spanned decades.

Yo Gabba Gabba! kicked off the day with a burst of colour and childlike whimsy, drawing in millennials who grew up with the show and now bring their own flair to the festival scene. Think oversized sunglasses, neon mesh tops, and playful accessories — a nod to the show’s vibrant aesthetic, reimagined for grown-up glam. It was a moment where fashion met memory, and the result was pure joy.

As the day unfolded, the stages became a runway of generational style. Gen Z brought their signature edge with micro-mini skirts, cowboy boots, and crochet everything, while older millennials leaned into boho-chic with flowing maxi dresses, fringe details, and vintage band tees. The blending of styles mirrored the genre-hopping lineup — from indie rock to hip-hop, electronic to funk — each set inspiring a new wave of outfit changes and Instagram-worthy looks.

One of the most striking trends was the return of 90s rave culture, sparked by the electronic acts that pulsed through the Sahara Tent. Think:

• Mesh bodysuits layered over metallic bralettes
• Platform sneakers paired with cargo pants
• Glitter-drenched makeup and space buns

It wasn’t just about looking good — it was about expressing identity through fashion, with each generation bringing their own sartorial language to the desert. The result? A vibrant, intergenerational style dialogue that made Coachella feel less like a festival and more like a living, breathing fashion archive.

Headliners and standout performances

As the sun dipped behind the palm trees and the desert air cooled, the main stages lit up with headliners that didn’t just deliver musically — they set the tone for the night’s most iconic fashion moments. Travis Scott’s highly anticipated set was a magnet for streetwear aficionados, with the crowd turning out in oversized graphic tees, distressed denim, and statement sneakers. The Aussie fashion crowd would’ve felt right at home — think Melbourne laneway meets LA hype culture, with a dusting of desert grit.

Scott’s performance was a masterclass in high-energy chaos, and the fashion followed suit. Utility vests, cargo skirts, and bandana tops dominated the scene, layered with silver chains and tinted sunglasses. It was a look that screamed post-apocalyptic chic — rugged, raw, and ready to rage. For the fashion-forward, it was less about polish and more about presence.

Earlier in the evening, the surprise appearance of Tyler, the Creator brought a shift in both sound and style. His signature preppy-meets-quirky aesthetic inspired a wave of pastel cardigans, bucket hats, and pleated mini skirts. It was a refreshing contrast to the edgier looks of the night, and a reminder that playful fashion still has a place in the desert. Australian festival-goers would recognise the influence — a bit of Bondi beach meets inner-city cool.

Meanwhile, the Mojave and Gobi tents became incubators for emerging style trends, with standout performances from rising stars like Ice Spice and Rina Sawayama. Ice Spice’s set was a celebration of hyper-femininity — think bodycon dresses in candy hues, rhinestone-studded nails, and butterfly clips. It was Y2K revival at its most unapologetic, and the crowd responded in kind, with Aussie girls embracing the look with their own twist — pairing it with chunky sandals and sun-safe accessories.

Rina Sawayama brought a more avant-garde edge, with fans donning sculptural silhouettes, metallic fabrics, and futuristic eyewear. Her performance was a visual feast, and the fashion mirrored her genre-blending sound — bold, experimental, and fiercely individual. It was a moment that felt tailor-made for the Australian fashion set, who’ve long embraced the art of mixing high-concept with high-street.

From the main stage to the hidden corners of the festival, Saturday night was a reminder that Coachella isn’t just about the music — it’s a global fashion moment. And for Aussie style lovers, it offered endless inspiration, from streetwear swagger to dreamy desert glam.