Thanks to Pinterest, Coachella is entering its analog era. On March 30, the Gen Z-favorite lifestyle app announced its 2026 Coachella activation: a phone-free experience featuring popular analog hobbies, so attendees can take time to relax, reset, and recenter themselves during the hectic festival experience. Sign me up.
During both weekends of Coachella (April 10-12 and April 17-19), Pinterest will be hosting its annual activation — but this year, it’s looking a bit different. As opposed to last year’s immersive experience — where attendees were able to try out some of Pinterest’s biggest fashion and beauty trends IRL, with the help of on-site stylists and makeup artists — Pinterest’s 2026 activation is a fresh take on the Coachella experience. And honestly? I’m here for it.
In a world that’s more digital than ever, going unplugged and “analog” is becoming more and more popular — according to Pinterest, searches for “analog aesthetic” are up 260%. So, it’s no wonder that the brand is taking this trending digital moment and bringing it to life through real, rooted connections with other attendees. “This year, we’re inviting festival-goers to stop scrolling past their lives and start living them,” Sara Pollack, Global Head of Consumer Marketing at Pinterest, said in a press release. “By creating a phone-free experience, we’re making it easier to be truly present with friends, embrace the moment, and bring inspiration to life.”
How Pinterest’s 2026 Coachella Activation works
If you’re super connected to your phone, then this might not be the activation for you. (Or, on the flipside, maybe it’s just what you need.) As guests enter, they will lock their phones in a (secured) pouch and step into Pinterest’s curated experience, designed to help attendees unplug (for probably the first time all weekend). Then, guests have the opportunity to try out various activities that prioritize IRL connection — such as creating custom charms with friends, receiving styling and beauty touch-ups inspired by Pinterest trends, and capturing these moments with the help of Pinterest.Â
On top of the activities, attendees will also receive a printed “Joy Guide” they customize with physical memories they collect during their visit to the activation — á la junk journaling. Think stickers, postcards, and lenticular photos (printed images that appear to move, change, or show 3D depth when looked at from different angles). And, instead of carrying the Joy Guides around throughout the duration of the festival, attendees will be able to mail them back to their home address.
So, if you’re in the desert this year, consider taking a break to unplug and connect IRL between sets.