Coachella 2025 has been a weekend to remember for music lovers and brand activations alike, but few festival experiences matched the energy and excitement at the Aperol Spritz Piazza, where fans were treated to a surprise meet-and-greet with award-winning pop icon Charli XCX.
Located in a vibrant corner of the festival grounds, the Aperol Spritz Piazza became a must-visit destination for festivalgoers seeking a refreshing cocktail, lively ambiance, and now, an unforgettable brush with pop royalty.
On Saturday, April 12, Aperol hosted a special meet-and-greet with Charli XCX, a longtime fan of the brand and cultural tastemaker whose star power drew hundreds of eager attendees. The activation, part of Aperol’s broader effort to elevate the festival experience, offered more than just photo ops and spritzes — it created personal memories that fans will hold onto long after the festival wraps.
A Festival Oasis Turns Into a Pop Playground
As the desert sun rose on Day 2 of Coachella, festivalgoers flocked to the Aperol Spritz Piazza to participate in a trivia contest launched on opening day. The prize? A range of Aperol-branded goodies — and for a few lucky winners, the opportunity to meet a “special guest,” later revealed to be none other than Charli XCX.
The British pop star arrived in true Coachella fashion, embracing the brand’s signature orange aesthetic while engaging with fans in an intimate, joyful setting. Before taking the main stage that evening for her highly anticipated set, Charli shared a celebratory toast with fans — clinking Aperol Spritzes and capturing content for her Instagram Stories. Her presence ignited social media as she teased the event with posts the day before, culminating in a viral moment fans were quick to capture and share.
Aperol joined the fun by leaning into Charli’s “Brat” era — even temporarily switching the brand’s Instagram avatar to the album’s iconic green hue and remixing her Coachella billboard in Aperol orange.
Fans React: “Aperol Made My Dream Come True”
The fan reaction was as vibrant as the Spritzes served in Aperol’s immersive piazza.
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“It was a totally surreal experience getting to meet Charli,” said Trevor Hoffman, 25, from Connecticut, who attended Coachella for the first time. “She was so nice, and I’m really honored to have had the opportunity.”
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Jacqueline Morton, 21, a UCLA senior from Marin County, California, was similarly overwhelmed. “I was honestly so struck. She’s amazing, she’s an icon. I love her. I don’t even know what just happened. I’m at a loss for words, honestly. I love Aperol for making this dream come true!”
Both attendees were among dozens who gathered at the Spritz Piazza throughout the day, drawn in by Aperol’s immersive environment complete with lounge areas, a photo wall, signature cocktails, and a buzzing social scene that captured the essence of the Italian aperitivo lifestyle.
A Night of Music, Friendship, and Pop History
Later that evening, Charli XCX captivated the Coachella audience with a genre-defying set that included surprise appearances by fellow pop powerhouses Lorde and Billie Eilish. During the performance of the “Girl, So Confusing” remix — a track from Charli’s acclaimed 2024 album Brat — Lorde took the stage in a powerful moment of vulnerability and artistic reconciliation.
The song, rumored to explore the complexities of the artists’ friendship, became a real-life narrative as the two embraced on stage. “Lorde summer 2025!” Charli shouted to the crowd, hinting at the New Zealand singer’s long-awaited musical return.
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The remix, now widely regarded as one of 2024’s best tracks by The Independent, represents a unique collaboration between two of the industry’s most introspective voices. In an interview with Billboard, Charli revealed she sent Lorde a voice note about the song just a day before the album dropped. In an unexpected twist, Lorde replied enthusiastically — suggesting she contribute to a remix.
“There was such a rawness and an immediacy to what I was saying,” Lorde told Billboard. “She opened up a channel between us, and it made me say things that I had never said. This whole thing has been such a huge honor.”
Charli’s Coachella performance didn’t stop there. She later surprised the crowd once more by bringing out Billie Eilish, joining forces on their high-energy collaboration “Guess,” sending the Sahara Tent into a full-throttle frenzy.
Brand and Artist Alignment at Its Best
The Aperol Spritz Piazza activation stood out not just for its celebrity draw, but for the synergy between brand and artist. Both Aperol and Charli XCX embody a vibrant, contemporary ethos rooted in joy, creativity, and a sense of community — making their Coachella collaboration feel as natural as a Spritz on a summer evening.
The activation reflected a growing trend of brands investing in meaningful, culturally relevant experiences at live events — prioritizing authenticity and interaction over traditional advertising. With a curated balance of art, music, and flavor, Aperol’s installation reminded festivalgoers that moments of connection are as important as the performances themselves.
