Coachella vs GovBall: Festival Fashion
A Battle of the East vs West Coast.
BY Samantha Petrelli ★ April 26th, 2026
Photo Credit: Samantha Petrelli
It’s finally festival season again! During the warm months of the year, several music festivals sweep the nation. The main festival on the West Coast is, of course, Coachella, and the main festival on the East Coast is the Governors Ball, better known as Gov Ball. Both have featured the most popular artists of our time, including Sabrina Carpenter, Katseye, Tyler, the Creator, and Post Malone.
Known as the “influencer Olympics,” Coachella began this past weekend on April 10th-12th, in Indio, CA. Huge crowds of influencers, celebrities, and brand deal invites flock to the desert for two weekends. Some even camp out for the weekend or book Airbnbs.
Gov Ball takes place in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, NY. This year, Gov Ball is June 5th-7th and is much more lowkey than Coachella. Although celebs and influencers do attend; it’s not publicly an “influencer exclusive” event. Because the park is so close to Citi Field, people can book hotels or Airbnbs across the city, taking the subway directly to the park. Although both music festivals include extravagant, planned, and vibrant outfits, the styles of looks seen at Coachella and Gov Ball vary.
Coachella is filled with insane and over-the-top attire. Some people even hire stylists to put together these elaborate and expensive ensembles. People use this festival as a chance to express themselves with bold, unusual, colorful, and modern outfits. Fringe, cowboy boots, and layers are frequently featured in the popular western and bohemian trends. Statement pieces like jewelry, eclectic tops, and creative makeup looks are staples.
This year, after launching her skincare line, Reale Actives, influencer Alix Earle sported mini black jean shorts, a mixed-print tube top, and a large, red statement necklace on day 1. Model Hailey Bieber watched her husband Justin Bieber perform while wearing a simple but bright pink and orange dress. Obviously, outfits don’t have to be traditional this year. Look at TikToker Carter Kench; a lavish, flashy display of painted pink nails? And yes, the pinky nail mimicked the viral Katseye song “PINKY UP.” Of course, Katseye noticed him in the crowd.
Gov Ball is definitely more laid back, but people certainly still dress up. Streetwear style dominates with trendy Y2K. People still use fashion to express themselves, but they also match their outfits to the artists’ edgy style. Popular outfits include mesh tops, micro shorts or skirts, and denim or leather pieces. Laces, belts, and funky prints are common. City life and retro clothes are trending on the East Coast.
Gov Ball influencers don't flock to social media the same way Coachella influencers do. Brands aren’t paying them to attend, and the entire vibe is just more low-key. But don’t get me wrong; influencers still turn up. Last year, TikToker Alex French was spotted, as well as Avani, Madison Hu, Joshua Bassett, and even former basketball player Shaq. Performers stay to watch artists’ sets on different days. For example, in 2025, Conan Gray was Rolemodel’s “Sally” in his set.
The music festivals of the East and West Coasts embody the difference in styles on each side of the country. Coachella is loud, dramatic, and free-spirited, while Gov Ball is urban, chic, and artistic.
Edited by Ava Ascenzo