Dance music dominates the desert once again during Coachella’s 2025 edition [Review]

Coachella‘s 2025 iteration was yet another reminder of why the Indio-based festival remains the gold standard for live music experiences. This year’s edition continued Coachella’s further lean into dance music culture while continuing to maintain its diverse, genre-spanning lineup. While some changes sparked debate — most notably, the relocation of the Quasar and Do LaB stages — it was ultimately the electronic acts who stole the spotlight and left lasting impressions across both April weekends.

The Quasar stage — which debuted last year as a home for extended DJ sets — was moved to the Do LaB stage’s previous resting spot. The Red Bull Mirage — an upscale experience nestled within the Quasar area — was a standout addition. Featuring Nobu catering, an open bar, and plush VIP table setups, the Red Bull Mirage elevated the typical festival experience, offering attendees an exclusive and comfortable way to enjoy the sets before them. And those sets included the likes of Alesso (Body Hi) back-to-back Gorgon City and Kaskade (Redux) back-to-back Idris Elba, both of which drew the largest crowds for the stages and delivered relentless energy lasting throughout the entirety of their three-hour performances.

Featured image: Chad Wadsworth

Coachella’s embrace of electronic music has been growing for years, but 2025 may have been its most dance-forward edition yet. Artists like Sara Landry and Sammy Virji brought high-octane energy to their respective stages, with Landry’s hard techno and Virji’s UK garage selections making waves across social media. Keinemusik returned for a spiritual closing session under the Sahara Tent, while Zedd proved once again that nostalgic and progressive hits still have a place at Coachella. 

Featured image: Courtesy of Coachella

The Mojave tent — traditionally reserved for indie and alternative acts — had its own standout moments, with some even veering into dance territory. The Dare, The Prodigy, and Yo Gabba Gabba bought some of the best sets of the weekends to this side stage. The last of which — although seemingly out of place — turned out to be one of the most talked-about performances of the weekend, drawing a large, wildly enthusiastic crowd.

Featured image: Courtesy of Coachella

Meanwhile, the Yuma tent continued to serve as Coachella’s home for underground dance music. Sets from Dixon and Jimi Jules delivered deep, melodic journeys, while Francis Mercier and Indira Paganotto brought their respective global styles. Beltran — one of Dancing Astronaut‘s Artists to Watch in 2025 — impressed with a sleek minimal set, with some of the Yuma’s most heavily attended moments including Chris Stussy’s groove-heavy performance, Eli Brown’s darker-tech selections, and a euphoric pairing from Mind Against and Massano that many are already calling one of the highlights of the weekend.

Featured image: Courtesy of Coachella

Of course, the music didn’t end when the festival grounds closed. The afterparty scene across the Coachella Valley was alive and well, with Zenyara Desert Nights emerging as the crown jewel of post-festival events. Hosted by Framework and Patron, Zenyara welcomed a slew of special guests including Anyma, Mau P, and Vintage Culture. What made this year’s Zenyara events even more noteworthy was the fact that, for the first time, access was made available to the public via the Dorsia app, granting music lovers the chance to experience exclusive performances and dance under the stars until 4AM.

As the sun sets on another unforgettable year, Coachella’s commitment to evolving with the times while maintaining its iconic identity remains crystal clear. The continued emphasis on world-class electronic talent paired with unbeatable weather, hospitality, and community energy emphatically cements Coachella”s place at the top of every dance music fan’s must-attend event list. 

Featured image: Courtesy of Coachella

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