After years of waiting, BIGBANG will finally perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in 2026. The group’s appearance was confirmed when the official lineup was announced on September 16, 2025. This marks a major moment for the band and their fans, as the performance was originally planned for 2020 but was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The group is set to perform on April 12 and April 19, 2026, as part of the festival’s two-weekend schedule. The event will take place at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. BIGBANG’s inclusion is especially significant because 2026 will also mark the group’s 20th anniversary since their debut in 2006.
BIGBANG’s Long-Awaited Return to the Stage
BIGBANG was first announced as part of the Coachella 2020 lineup, which was highly anticipated as it would have been their first major performance after the members completed their mandatory military service in South Korea. However, the festival was first postponed and later cancelled entirely due to the global health crisis. This was a disappointment for both the group and their fans, known as VIPs.
Since then, the group has undergone changes. Originally a five-member group, BIGBANG now consists of three members: G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung. Seungri retired from the industry in 2019, and T.O.P stepped away in 2023. Despite these changes, the group has continued to create music and perform. Their last single, Still Life, was released in 2022 and topped global charts. In 2024, the group reunited for a surprise performance at the MAMA Awards, which generated excitement and speculation about their future plans.
Fan Reactions to the Coachella 2026 News
Fans quickly took to social media to express their excitement after the Coachella 2026 lineup was announced. Many referred to the event as “Bangchella” and shared emotional messages about the long wait finally paying off. One fan on X (formerly Twitter) said:
“bangchella finally happening in the big 2026 . good things really come to those who wait.”
Others highlighted the group’s impact and legacy in the music industry. One fan noted:
“I know other Kpop artists have performed at Coachella already but honestly they are really the ones who deserve it the most. Their stage performance and aura is OTHERWORLDLY it’ll surpass all the others easily I already foresee it”
Many fans also speculated that the Coachella performance could be accompanied by new music, as the group has not released a full album in years. The timing aligns with their 20th anniversary, leading to hopes that 2026 will be a significant year for BIGBANG.
Other K-Pop Acts at Coachella 2026
BIGBANG will not be the only K-pop act at Coachella 2026. The lineup also includes SHINee’s Taemin, who will perform solo on April 11 and April 18, and the global girl group KATSEYE, formed through HYBE and Geffen Records’ survival show Dream Academy. KATSEYE is scheduled to perform on April 10 and April 17.
This continues Coachella’s history of featuring K-pop artists. Epik High was the first K-pop group to headline the festival in 2016. Since then, other acts like BLACKPINK, 2NE1, aespa, ATEEZ, LE SSERAFIM, and ENHYPEN have also performed at the event.
What This Means for BIGBANG’s Future
The confirmation of BIGBANG’s Coachella performance has led to speculation about other activities the group might have planned. Fans are hoping for new music, possibly released ahead of the festival. The group’s last single was in 2022, and their last full album was released before their military service began.
In the meantime, the members have been active individually. G-Dragon has announced a solo world tour called Übermensch for 2025, with dates beginning in March. Daesung is currently on his 2025 Asia Tour: D’s WAVE, with recent stops including Hong Kong. Taeyang has also been engaged in solo activities, including fan meetings.
The Coachella performance is seen as a fulfillment of the missed opportunity from 2020 and a celebration of BIGBANG’s enduring legacy in the music industry. As one fan aptly put it:
“2026 is literally bigbang’s year NO DOUBT their 20th anniversary and now THEY WILL PERFORM AT COCHELLA THANK U UNIVERSE”
Passes for Coachella 2026 went on sale on September 19, 2025. The festival will be headlined by Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G.
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