By Crystal Harrell / PHOTO COURTESY OF DO LAB
As the desert dust settles from a wild Weekend 1, Coachella is getting ready to do it all over again. Weekend 2 of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is set to bring back the magic — and possibly crank it up a notch. Whether you’re heading to the Empire Polo Club for the first time or returning for round two, here’s your guide to the can’t-miss artists lighting up the stage this weekend.
Lady Gaga — Pop Royalty Returns
Lady Gaga’s triumphant return to the Coachella main stage was one of the biggest highlights of Weekend 1. With her new era in full swing and a set packed with both deep cuts and global hits, she reminded the world why she’s a generational performer. Weekend 2 could bring even more surprises — rumors are already swirling about potential guest appearances and a brand new unreleased track. Her theatrical energy and vocal firepower make this a top-tier must-see set.
Green Day — Punk Legends, Coachella First-Timers
For the first time ever, Green Day is taking over the Coachella stage — and they didn’t disappoint in Weekend 1. Blasting through hits like “American Idiot,” “Basket Case,” and “Holiday,” Billie Joe Armstrong and crew brought punk energy and political edge to the desert. Expect another charged-up performance this weekend, and don’t be surprised if they swap in a few deep cuts for returning fans.
Post Malone — Genre-Bending, Country-Flavored Cool
Post Malone’s Weekend 1 set was a genre-hopping ride, leaning heavily into his new country era while still repping the melodic hip-hop that put him on the map. With talk of a country album in the works and a stripped-down stage setup, Post’s performance felt intimate, even in the vastness of Coachella’s main stage. If you missed him last weekend — or just want to see what he might do differently — his Weekend 2 performance promises more warm vibes and possibly new material.
Travis Scott — The Desert as His Playground
After years of hype and delays, Travis Scott finally made his Coachella return. Weekend 1’s show was wild: a visually immersive experience dubbed “Travis Scott Designs the Desert,” filled with smoke, lasers, unreleased tracks, and high-octane energy. His Weekend 2 set is expected to bring the same raw chaos — but possibly with some changes or special guests. If you’re looking for one of the most visually ambitious shows of the weekend, this is it.
Charli XCX — The Star Who Should Be Headlining
Charli XCX delivered a ferocious performance during Weekend 1, blending tracks from her upcoming album Brat with massive crowd energy — and even surprise cameos from Billie Eilish and Lorde. Offstage, she kept the conversation going by wearing a “Miss Should Be Headliner” sash to an afterparty. She’s got a point — and Weekend 2 could bring more surprises, more fire, and maybe even more guests.
Missy Elliott — A Hip-Hop Icon in Her Element
Missy Elliott brought the house down during Weekend 1 with a full-throttle set packed with classics and a jaw-dropping stage show inspired by Transformers and Y2K nostalgia. If you missed her first performance, don’t make the same mistake twice. She’s a living legend, and this show is a masterclass in how to own a festival crowd.
Megan Thee Stallion — Hot Girl Summer Starts Here
Megan turned up the heat in Weekend 1 with a surprise-filled set, bringing out Victoria Monét and joining Queen Latifah for a powerful rendition of “U.N.I.T.Y.” She’s known to switch it up for second-weekend shows, so expect a few surprises and a whole lot of Houston pride. She’s all about energy, empowerment, and undeniable stage presence.
Amaarae — A Global Breakthrough Moment
Amaarae made history in Weekend 1 as the first Ghanaian artist to play a solo set at Coachella, and her blend of Afropop, R&B, and futuristic style made her a fan favorite. Her Weekend 2 set is expected to be even tighter and more confident — don’t sleep on this rising global star.
Japanese Breakfast — Dreamy, Emotional, and Undeniably Cool
Michelle Zauner’s Japanese Breakfast offered one of the most emotionally resonant sets of Weekend 1, capped off with a beautiful cover of Gorillaz’s “On Melancholy Hill.” Her Weekend 2 set is a great choice for sunset vibes — lush, introspective, and deeply moving.
Bonus Vibes: El Malilla, Junior H & Rawayana
Weekend 1 proved that some of the best sets can come from outside the mainstream. Junior H brought regional Mexican music to the forefront, Rawayana fused funk and Latin flair, and El Malilla got the crowd moving early. If you’re wandering and want something unexpected and vibrant, catch one of these under-the-radar gems.
Coachella Weekend 2 is more than just a replay. Artists tweak their sets, new guests show up, and the energy is often even higher. Whether you’re camping under the stars or breezing in for a day, these performances are the ones to plan your schedule around. Get your hydration pack ready — the desert’s about to come alive all over again.
