The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival changed its decision to require proof of a COVID-19 vaccine, allowing attendees to present proof of a negative coronavirus test taken within 72 hours of the event as an alternative.
Organizers also noted plans may still change. “Plans and mandates may continue to change. We will continue to update this page with developments and more details closer to the festival,” the page added.
Coachella has long entertained fans as a leading music festival in California. The event was not held in both 2020 and 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The 2022 event is scheduled for April 15–17 and 22–24. The related Stagecoach event, featuring top country musical artists, is slated for April 20–May 1.
The plan reverses the decision made in August. AEG Presents, the company behind Coachella, provided a statement requiring proof of coronavirus vaccination.
“Just a few weeks ago, we were optimistic about where our business, and country, were heading. The Delta variant, combined with vaccine hesitancy, is pushing us in the wrong direction again. We realize that some people might look at this as a dramatic step, but it’s the right one. We also are aware that there might be some initial pushback, but I’m confident and hopeful that, at the end of the day, we will be on the right side of history and doing what’s best for artists, fans, and live event workers,” Marciano added.
The popular festival returned to Chicago last summer with requirements similar to Coachella’s updated policies. Attendees could submit either proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result.
Approximately 385,000 people attended the event, according to city officials. Despite some reports of positive COVID-19 cases following Lollapalooza, it did not become the “superspreader” event some feared.
