Integrating performance tests into CI pipelines using GitLab and Grafana k6 allows for early detection of performance issues, leading to more stable and efficient applications. This tutorial guides users through incorporating load testing with k6 into GitLab, detailing how to create and run performance scripts that simulate virtual user activity and evaluate service-level objectives (SLOs). The setup involves configuring GitLab CI to execute both local and cloud-based tests, leveraging Docker images and environment variables for seamless testing from multiple geographic locations. Users are taught to set pass/fail criteria using k6 thresholds, which inform the CI tool of test outcomes, ensuring system reliability. Additionally, the tutorial explains how to schedule tests to run during off-peak hours using GitLab's pipeline scheduling feature, thus optimizing test execution without disrupting regular operations. Through these processes, users can achieve comprehensive load testing that accommodates various scenarios and environments, enhancing the overall performance testing strategy.