Mark Stefanos
Head Trip brought some of dance music’s biggest names to Indio’s Empire Polo Club last weekend, Oct. 10–11, with Calvin Harris, Swedish House Mafia, FISHER + Chris Lake, Skrillex, Peggy Gou B2B Four Tet, and Dom Dolla B2B Kettama among the weekend’s heavy hitters. Billed as a one-time event, the festival used a single main stage so sets did not overlap, giving attendees uninterrupted access to extended performances. Organizers expected roughly 70,000 attendees.
Head Trip is the latest in Goldenvoice’s series of limited “Trip” festivals on its Coachella grounds, which previously included the 2023 metal-focused Power Trip and the 2016 classic-rock Desert Trip. The creation of a dance-focused “Trip” follows the increasing presence of dance music at Coachella, where by our estimate, it made up a third to half of the 2026 lineup.
Saturday’s schedule was cut short when lightning from the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel forced an early shutdown during the Under Construction (FISHER + Chris Lake) set close to 9 p.m., canceling the remainder of the night, including Calvin Harris.
On Sunday the schedule was rebuilt with Calvin Harris being added to the bill, and Peggy Gou filled in after The Blessed Madonna was unable to appear. The night closed with a consecutive sequence of Skrillex, Calvin Harris, and Swedish House Mafia — the first time the three artists played back-to-back on the same stage at one festival, according to Billboard.
Head Trip 2026, Oct. 10-11, at Empire Polo Club. (Photos courtesy of Head Trip 2026)
Swedish House Mafia’s set ran past the usual midnight curfew but the city of Indio declined to issue a fine, citing the prior day’s weather. Skrillex also experienced some audio issues, later posting nobly: “My deepest apologies for my set and sound at Head Trip. I was having a nightmare myself up there and hate how bad that was for everyone in the crowd. No excuses, will take the L and make a lesson of it.” Lots of fans responded that they had a blast regardless.
Goldenvoice, as expected, delivered top-notch production led by Romain Pissenem’s High Scream. The designer’s previous work includes major Ibiza venues such as Ushuaïa. Attendees applauded the creative structure and floor layout, and crisp sound and visuals.
Away from the main stage, Floating Points’ custom hi-fi Sunflower Sound System installation made its U.S. debut inside a separate domed tent. The space featured 10 speaker stacks, acoustic panels fabricated from mycelium, and visual details that included tapestries plus commissioned work by DJ and artist Josephine Chime. For the Indio run, Floating Points added flying tweeter arrays and infill speakers. The tent stayed open later than the primary stage, and hosted sets from Avalon Emerson, Ben UFO, Eris Drew & Octo Octa, Four Tet, Mad Professor, and Theo Parrish. We heard it was a vibe.
All in all, despite the hiccups (most out of the control of producers), the fest was a hit. And for those who list that combo of big names in their holy grail of DJs, it was a grand slam.