In a move that sent ripples through both the political and music worlds, Sen. Bernie Sanders made a surprise appearance at Coachella 2025 on Saturday, April 12. The 83-year-old senator showed up unannounced at the Outdoor Theatre stage in Indio, California to introduce singer-songwriter Clairo. Just another day at America’s premier music festival.

Sanders’ appearance wasn’t totally random. It was a calculated pit stop during his “Fighting Oligarchy” tour with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Earlier that same day, he’d spoken to a massive crowd of 36,000 in Los Angeles—his largest rally ever.

Introduced by Rep. Maxwell Frost, the youngest member of Congress, Sanders took the stage around 8:15 PM. His speech was brief—just three to four minutes—but packed with his trademark passion. He specifically praised Clairo for her political activism during his introduction. He urged young people to engage in politics and warned about ignoring current challenges.

The crowd went wild. Seriously wild. When Sanders mentioned President Trump’s agenda—particularly calling climate change a “hoax”—the audience erupted in boos. Sanders’ response? A simple “I agree!” Classic Bernie.

His speech hit all the Sanders greatest hits: economic inequality, social justice, racial justice, climate change, women’s rights, healthcare access, and the war in Gaza. He emphasized that turning away from these issues puts everyone’s future at risk. He specifically praised Clairo for her activism on women’s rights and Gaza issues before making way for her performance.

The political strategy was obvious. Democrats desperately need Gen Z and Millennial voters, and Coachella delivers that demographic in spades. Sanders’ “Fighting Oligarchy” tour has been targeting districts narrowly won by Republicans while drawing massive crowds nationally.

As lights dimmed after his appearance, chants of “Bernie” echoed through the festival grounds. It marked a striking moment in a festival previously known primarily for its music and art installations, not political rallying.

The senator’s appearance joined other surprise 2025 Coachella guests including Billie Eilish, Troye Sivan, and a random appearance by Queen guitarist Brian May. Politics meets pop culture. Welcome to 2025.