Coachella Food Prices Spark Outrage Online

Festivalgoers share sticker shock over $23 poke bowls, $30 chicken sandwiches, and $50 coffee runs.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:13pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled, shimmering gold foil wrapper, capturing the high-end yet excessive nature of Coachella's food offerings.The extravagant food prices at Coachella have become a symbol of the festival's growing inaccessibility.Coachella Today

Coachella attendees have been posting photos and videos of the high food prices at the music festival, with items like $23 poke bowls, $30 chicken sandwiches, and $50 for three coffees sparking outrage and disbelief from online commenters. The exorbitant prices are making many people glad they opted to skip the festival this year.

Why it matters

Coachella is one of the most popular and high-profile music festivals in the world, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees each year. The sticker shock over the food prices reflects broader concerns about the affordability and accessibility of major events, as well as the rising costs of living and entertainment.

The details

Festivalgoers have been sharing examples of the steep prices, including $23 poke bowls, $30 chicken sandwich-and-fries combos, $18 noodle dishes, $12 fries, and $50 for three coffees. Many commenters have expressed disbelief and outrage at the costs, with some saying the food prices alone would prevent them from attending Coachella.

  • The Coachella music festival took place in April 2026.

The players

Coachella

An annual music and arts festival held in Indio, California that attracts hundreds of thousands of attendees each year.

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The takeaway

The sticker shock over Coachella's food prices has struck a chord with many online, highlighting the broader challenges of affording major events and entertainment as the cost of living continues to rise. While some attendees are still willing to pay the high prices, the reactions suggest that the festival may price out a significant portion of its potential audience in the years to come.