Coachella's 'criminal' food and drink prices are being defended
Topics: US Food, News, Social Media
Ella Scott
Featured Image Credit: Presley Ann/Getty Images for Red Bull
Topics: US Food, News, Social Media
The internet is divided into some 2026 Coachella food and drinks prices were unveiled, with many claiming they are ‘not as bad as they thought they would be’.
On Sunday night (12 April), the first weekend of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival wrapped up following performances from headliners Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G.
The event saw Starbucks re-launching the legendary Unicorn Frappuccino; a rotating roster of chefs cooking as part of Outstanding in the Field, and attendees walking around with cocktails after a controversial rule was scrapped.
Festival goers have also been using social media during the weekend to share exactly what they’ve been eating alongside how much they were forced to fork out for it.
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Upon seeing some of the ‘criminal’ and ‘insane prices’ - including $64 for two burritos and a cucumber water, according to Jackie Tanti (@jackietanti) - Coachella fans have weighed in.
According to a post by Coachella Valley realtor James Suer, some festival vendors were selling a punnet of Greek salad for $15, a plate of spicy wontons for $14, and a platter of fried chicken wings and chips for $25.
Sweetfin, an LA-based vegetarian & vegan-friendly poke bowl restaurant, had a dish inspired by social media influencer Remi Rasons on offer for $23, while a chicken sandwich and fries cost $30 from Daves Hot Chicken.
The fast-food giant also served revellers a spicy chicken tender with pickles and sauce on a slice of white bread with fries for $26.
An individual portion of deep-fried potatoes cost $12 from Dave’s Hot Chicken, while Coca-Cola, Coke Zero Sugar, and Sprite could be exchanged for $7.
Cult Florentine sandwich shop, All’ Antico Vinaio, was on hand to deliver sandwiches, with the cheapest, the La Broadway, being priced at $10.
The vegetarian dream featured pistachio cream, stracciatella, sun-dried tomato, spicy zucchini (courgette) and arugula (rocket).
According to influencer Cristina Gonzalez (@cristinaggonzalez), a morning matcha from one vendor cost her $13; a coffee described as the ‘best festival coffee [she’d] ever had’ came in at $17, and a burrito was priced at $23.
Meanwhile, another event goer, known as @natashascloset on TikTok, bought a four-slice pizza for $34, and Robyn DelMonte, known online as @girlbosstown, spent $23 on Island Noodles and $28 on carne asada fries.
Alcohol drinkers could purchase cups of red bull and vodka for $24. Cocktails containing the energy drink and other spirits, such as tequila and prosecco, were similarly priced.
Suer’s now-viral Instagram post has seen hundreds of users commenting that food and drinks at Coachella actually seem pretty ‘reasonable’.
“Not as bad as I thought they’d be!,” typed a fellow realtor.
Another Instagram user said: “Looks like NYC food prices.”
Many compared prices to those seen at sports games, with one claiming: “It is just like another ‘sports venue’ and its prices."
Earlier this year, there was a $180 shareable Hammer Burger created for Super Bowl LX alongside $40 nacho punnets, $35 Gilroy Garlic Steak Frites, and simple stadium hot dogs for $20.
A fourth Coachella food and drink price-defender added: “Looks pretty reasonable for festival prices actually.”
LADbible Group has previously contacted Coachella for comment.
Coachella round two is set to commence on Friday 17 April, with the likes of Little Simz, Turnstile, and PinkPantheress returning to the Californian desert.
The festival, which is sold out, will run on Saturday 18 before ending the 25th anniversary celebrations on Sunday 19 April.