COVID-19: Stagecoach, Coachella lift testing, vaccination requirements for April festivals

There will be no vaccination, testing or masking requirements at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and Stagecoach Country Music Festival when they return in April to the Empire Polo Club in Indio. 

Coachella is slated for April 15-17 and 22-24, and Stagecoach is slated for Friday, April 29 through Sunday, May 1. Goldenvoice, the organizer of both festivals, announced in October it would require a negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination for entry into both festivals. 

Goldenvoice said Tuesday on its Stagecoach social media accounts that the change is in accordance with current "local guidelines." 

The Coachella and Stagecoach websites reflect the event will be presented with "applicable public health conditions as of the date of the event," which could change — including and requirements adjustments of crowd capacity, attendance and entry requirements or any additional protocols. 

The California Department of Public Health issued new guidance going into effect on Wednesday removing vaccination requirements for large outdoor events. 

Harry Styles, Billie Eilish and Ye (Kanye West) will headline Coachella. Stagecoach will be headlined by Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood and Luke Combs.

Desert Sun reporter Brian Blueskye covers arts and entertainment. He can be reached at brian.blueskye@desertsun.com or on Twitter at @bblueskye.