Coachella Coolest Brand Pop-Ups
Not too long ago Coachella was all about the music lineup and who closed the main stage.
Now? It’s a marketer’s dream.
Every year, brands show up and show out, with influencer-packed guest lists, curated pop-ups, and experiences built for the feed. And honestly? We’re obsessed. From dreamy skin care lounges to tech-fueled discovery zones, there’s always something new to see, snap, and post.
These pop-ups aren’t just pretty, but they’re powerful. They turn brand fandom into full-blown obsession. Whether it’s Rhode’s iconic photo booth or Pinterest’s playful retreat, Coachella has become the ultimate stage for brands to make a statement, and honestly, we’re here for it.
Celebrity-Driven Branding: When Fame Meets Festival Culture
Let’s face it: Celebrity-founded brands aren’t just riding the Coachella wave, they’re shaping it. So long are the days when celebs simply showed up for a front-row selfie. Today they bring the brand, the vibe, and a full-blown experience.
At Coachella ‘25, we saw the rise of the founder-as-face strategy in full swing. Whether it was Hailey Bieber’s skincare sanctuary or Kendall Jenner’s tequila lounge takeover, these weren’t just pop-ups but the extensions of personal branding.
Why does this matter? Because today’s audiences don’t just buy products, they buy into personas. They want to glow like Hailey, sip like Kendall, and feel part of the inner circle. It’s lifestyle marketing 101, with a VIP pass.
But here’s the real win: these activations didn’t feel overly polished or inaccessible. They felt real, relatable, and most importantly, shareable. The lines between influencer, founder, and friend are blurring and that’s exactly what Gen Z wants.
The lesson? Personality sells. And when it’s backed by a curated experience, it creates a brand moment that lasts way beyond the desert dust.
The Standout Coachella Pop-Ups of 2025
Rhode x 818 Desert Lounge
When Hailey Bieber’s Rhode meets Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila, you get a pop-up that’s equal parts glow and good vibes. Their joint activation was a desert-hued oasis—complete with Rhode’s signature products, 818 cocktails on tap, and cozy corners for recharging (your phone and your skin). We loved the subtle blend of skincare and spirits—two self-care rituals wrapped into one refreshing moment. Smart, soft, and so on-brand. And how can we not mention the iconic Rhode photobooth? Festival-goers insert a Rhode-branded coin, snap a few photos, and walk away with a free lip tint and mini bottle of 818. It’s simple, shareable, and seriously clever.
Pandora’s Charm House
Pandora went the extra mile by totally revamping a stunning Coachella Valley estate into the Pandora Charm House. Everything about the pop-up exuded total retro vibes, especially the sign out front that gave classic Palm Springs motel energy! Inside, things got even more exciting with a charm bar pop-up where guests and influencers got to design their own festival-ready bracelets and necklaces. The activation looked super fun, and was definitely on trend given the rise of charms. No wonder their new ambassador and current IT girl Tyla couldn’t help but sport the brand’s jewelry throughout the entire festival.
Pinterest “Remix Your Style” Experience
From the app into your own IRL mood board, Pinterest’s playful and personal Ready, Set, Remix experience took on-site customizations to a whole new level. With collage walls, dreamy backdrops, and a chance for guests to bring their favorite pin looks to life, it’s no surprise that this was a hit. Designed in collaboration with Chappell Roan’s creative director Ramisha Sattar, the experience was made to feel like stepping inside a Pinterest board complete with fashion try-ons, trendy makeup applications, and Gen Z’s favorite aesthetics on display. We can’t deny it was a masterclass in turning digital curation into tangible style.
Kosas Desert Dreambeam Fleet
We wouldn’t be lying if we said Kosas didn’t just drop makeup, they dropped a whole mood. Everywhere you turned, Kosas’ eye-catching SUVs—topped with an oversized Dreambeam—were cruising through Palm Springs, serving looks and turning heads. Popping up at influencer houses and sharing the love with desert dwellers alike, the Kosas’ fleet handing out sunscreen were the beauty besties everyone needed under that desert sun. Hardly anyone could resist loving the sleek rides, free Kosas’ goodies, and the cutest straw totes made by us! And, their collab with Unwell? Totally brought that effortless, wellness-meets-beauty energy that fit right into the Coachella scene.
What This Means for Brand Marketers
Whether you were at the festival or watching from home, these brand moments had everyone talking. Here’s what worth taking note of:
Collab Culture is Everything: Rhode x 818 proves that when two brand DNAs match, the experience feels organic and extra buzzworthy.
Personalization = Power: Pandora and Pinterest didn’t just offer products, they offered meaning. That’s how you win hearts.
Beauty + Tech = Next-Gen Glam: Kosas showed how brands can layer tech into physical experiences without killing the vibe.
Trend Forecast: What’s Next?
Hyper-Personalized Gifting – Think charm horoscopes, aura-matching lipsticks, and personalized cocktails. Personal is powerful!
Emotional Tech – AI that tailors your festival look or recommends skincare? Count us in.
Wellness-Driven Aesthetics – Brands are going softer, quieter, and more intentional because glam doesn’t have to be loud to make a statement.
This year’s Coachella proved one thing loud and clear: the brands that go beyond the product, by building a feeling, a vibe, a moment, are the ones that truly stick with us.
From remixing festival looks or sipping on tequila like an A-list star, the pop-ups this year were crafting experiences. And that’s the magic. The best ones make you forget you’re even being marketed to. Instead, you’re just there, soaking it in, taking the perfect pic, and maybe even having a little main character moment.
Whether it’s limited-edition drops, high-quality moments, or totally unexpected collabs, we help brands turn their identity into something worth collecting. Because in today’s world, it’s about creating a moment people want to hold onto. DM us on Instagram to turn your next idea into the thing everyone can’t stop talking (or posting) about.
As for next year? We already can’t wait to see which brand steps it up and takes the crown. The bar’s officially been raised.
So... who gave you the ultimate brand butterflies this year?