- Coachella built three AI prototypes with Google DeepMind during its 2026 festival to transform fan and artist experiences.
- The tools include a 3D live show archive, a virtual stage-planning app for artists, and a mobile game called “Coachella vs. The Game” for fans.
- These tests build on the festival’s prior experiments with blockchain technology, including its Avalanche-based NFT passes and the Coachella Quests game.
- The projects are currently internal proofs of concept, with public rollout timelines still under review following the festival.
The Coachella music festival transformed into an advanced AI testing ground in 2026 through a groundbreaking collaboration with Google DeepMind. Festival teams used Project Genie, DeepMind’s world-model platform, to develop three experimental tools aimed at redefining live performances.
One prototype captured a live set to rebuild it as an explorable 3D environment in Unreal Engine. Consequently, this technology could create “living archives” of performances for fans to walk through from different perspectives. Ryan Cenicola, Coachella’s innovation production lead, suggested future on-site engagement could involve immersive glasses.
A second prototype is a stage-design application allowing artists to visualize shows on 3D models of festival stages. However, the goal is democratizing access to production tools typically reserved for well-funded acts. The third project is a mobile game where players explore digital worlds based on festival artists.
Kevin McMahon, Coachella’s innovation partnerships lead, noted development timelines for high-quality experiences have shrunk significantly. Meanwhile, he explained the partnership choice, stating “we live in a really visual world, and they have the best visual models” according to reports in Decrypt. The festival also has an existing relationship with Google through its YouTube livestream.
These AI experiments extend years of technological innovation from Coachella. Previous efforts included the Avalanche blockchain-based Coachella Quests game and NFT collectibles, launched after a failed Solana NFT partnership with the collapsed FTX exchange. Additionally, the festival has invested in augmented reality experiences for its livestream audiences.
The current AI projects remain internal proofs of concept following the 2026 festival. Consequently, the team is reviewing lessons before deciding on any future public rollout. Cenicola confirmed it is difficult to put a firm public timeline on the initiatives at this stage.
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