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A new California bill aims to curb ticket scalping and keep Coachella accessible to a wider range of music fans.Coachella TodayCoachella, one of the world’s most popular music festivals, has seen a surge in ticket scalping and resale prices ahead of this year’s sold-out event featuring the highly anticipated return of pop star Justin Bieber. In response, the California state legislature is considering a new bill that would limit the markup on resold Coachella tickets to prevent price gouging.
Why it matters
Ticket scalping and exorbitant resale prices have long been an issue for major events like Coachella, pricing out many fans and undermining the festival’s accessibility. This proposed legislation aims to make the festival more affordable and equitable for attendees by cracking down on the secondary ticket market.
The details
The new California bill would prohibit the resale of Coachella tickets for more than 50% above the original purchase price. Violators could face fines of up to $10,000 per violation. Supporters argue the measure will help ensure Coachella remains accessible to a wider range of music fans, not just those willing to pay thousands for last-minute passes on the secondary market.
- Coachella 2026 is scheduled for the weekends of April 11-13 and April 18-20.
- The California state legislature is currently debating the anti-scalping bill, with a vote expected in the coming weeks.
The players
Coachella
One of the world’s most popular and influential music festivals, held annually in Indio, California.
Justin Bieber
A Canadian pop superstar who is set to headline Coachella 2026 after a long hiatus from live performances.
California State Legislature
The legislative branch of the government of the state of California, currently considering a bill to limit Coachella ticket resale prices.
What they’re saying
“Ticket scalping has priced out too many fans from attending Coachella. This bill will help ensure the festival remains accessible to a wider range of music lovers, not just the wealthy elite.”
— Assemblymember Jared Huffman, California State Assemblymember
What’s next
The California State Assembly is expected to vote on the anti-scalping bill within the next two weeks. If passed, the legislation would then move to the State Senate for consideration before potentially being signed into law by the governor.
The takeaway
This proposed crackdown on Coachella ticket scalping highlights the broader challenge of maintaining affordability and inclusivity for major live events in the age of dynamic pricing and the secondary market. The outcome of this bill could set an important precedent for how states approach ticket resale regulations in the future.