After being cancelled for two consecutive years because of the pandemic, both festivals will be returning this year.
Stagecoach posted Tuesday that it had changed its rules “in accordance to local guidelines.” Coachella has not announced any changes to its social media accounts, but rules on Coachella’s Health and Safety page say that there will be no need for masks, tests, or vaccinations at the festival.
Websites for both festivals note that there is an inherent risk of COVID-19 exposure in public places and places where people are present. There is no guarantee that festival-goers will not be exposed.
Websites state that festivals will be held in compliance with the applicable public health conditions at the time of the event, which can change as determined by the federal, state, or local governments, instrumentalities, or artists, or the promoter.
This news comes as major American cities begin to lift COVID-19 mandates for large events and businesses. The state’s mask mandate was officially lifted in California, home to both festivals. Gavin Newsom, governor of California, announced the news citing California’s declining hospitalizations and case rates.
After the initial COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, Coachella was postponed and Stagecoach was cancelled.
After a string of California outbreaks, the shows were cancelled once more in 2021. “If COVID-19 was detected at these festivals the extent and nature of the venue would make tracking those who might be at risk difficult, if possible.” A public health order to cancel the events .
When Coachella’s 2022 dates were announced , the festival’s organizers, implemented a mandatory vaccine policy. This was later modified two weeks later to allow guests who had failed the COVID-19 test.
Festival organizer Goldenvoice organizes the festivals that draw hundreds of thousands of people. Coachella will be held over two weekends: April 15-17 and April 22-23. Stagecoach will be held the weekend after Coachella.
Coachella will feature Harry Styles and Billie Eilish as well as Ye and Swedish House Mafia. Additional performances include Doja Cat, Caroline Polachek and Phoebe Bridgers. Stagecoach will be headlined by Carrie Underwood, Thomas Rhett and Luke Combs.
