Going into debt for a festival: At least 60% of Coachella attendees bought tickets through payment plans

A pleasure paid for in installments. Each weekend, between 80,000 and 100,000 fans shelled out $599 to see headliners like Lady Gaga, Travis Scott, Green Day, and Post Malone at the Coachella Music and Arts Festival outside Palm Springs, California.

According to Billboard, at least 60% of general ticket buyers at this year’s Coachella used the festival’s installment plan, which allows tickets to be reserved with an initial payment as low as $49.99.

And beyond the ticket price, attendees also face additional costs for food, lodging, drinks, and other expenses throughout the festival weekend. According to the event’s official website, accommodations at nearby hotels can reach up to $2,000 per person for the three-night stay.

According to Coachella’s official website, ticket buyers who opt for the payment plan are charged a $41 financing fee — roughly 8% of the ticket price.

The website also states that if attendees miss a scheduled payment, they have 10 days to resolve it. After that, the order is canceled and a credit—valid for the following year’s festival—is issued to the buyer.

"Credit expires 12 months from issuance. No exceptions," the website stated. For this year’s festival, it noted that January 30, 2025, was the final date to pay $49.99 and split the total into equal installments.

A source told Billboard that festivals are increasingly relying on payment plans, adding that organizers have shifted their focus away from the essence of the festival — the music, the artists, and the shared experience.

"The messaging is $20 down gets you in the door, or $50 down gets you started. It’s no longer about the artists, or the festival lifestyle — the message is, ‘You can afford this if you act today.'"

Organizer Bob Sheehan, from the California Roots Festival in Monterey, California, stated that payment plans "are a critical link between fan affordability and generating the revenue needed to finance a modern multiday festival."

A festival with socialist shout-outs

The festival has not shied away from politics. Senator Bernie Sanders took center stage over the weekend, delivering his socialist message to thousands of attendees on Saturday.

Sanders, who is currently on a tour dubbed "Fight the Oligarchy," appeared on the festival stage to talk about "justice":

"This country faces very great difficulties and the future of America depends on your generation," he told attendees.

"You can turn away and ignore what is happening, but do so at your own peril. We need you to stand up to fight for justice. Let them fight for economic justice, social justice, and racial justice," Sanders exclaimed.