Ready for some fun in the sun?
I distinctly remember my first time attending Coachella Music and Arts Festival. It was 2015, and I was in my mid-twenties overflowing with energy and on the constant pursuit of all things fun (still am). Although I was already familiar with music festivals, I was foreign to the imposing world of Coachella’s desert dancing, large-scale art installations, and multi-day festival camping. It was the year of flower crowns, boho styles, and crochet tops, and I was very excited. After my first experience frolicking around this music and art lover’s paradise, I was hooked.
Fast forward almost a decade, and I will be attending my 7th Coachella this year. Over the years, I’ve learned some beneficial tips from learning the hard way or witnessing others’ blundering experiences. I took notes of these tips, and cataloged an ultimate list of helpful tips for first timers – all the things I would have wanted to know before my first time attending Coachella Music Festival. If it’s your first time, I hope these suggestions are helpful and guide you through the most fun three days under the desert sun.
Now, let’s get to it.
1.) Wear comfortable shoes
You’ll walk A LOT. On average, my friends and I walk 10+ miles per day. As a result, it’s pretty much a given to wear supportive shoes. Don’t sacrifice comfort for style; you won’t be happy later. If you can, choose function over fashion.
2.) Sun protection is key
You’re under the desert sun and it can be intense at times. The weather can fluctuate since it’s during Spring, but for the majority of the time, the sun can be harsh. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to help protect yourself from the sun.
3.) Bring a Bandana/Face Mask
A bandana or face mask can help cover your mouth when it gets extremely windy/dusty. Weekend 2 is especially dusty since the grass dies out and the dirt gets picked up by wind. You can also wet the bandanas and use it to cool you down, or use it as sun protection.
4.) Security can be thorough
This means long wait times to get into the festival. During peak entry, the line can take a good minute. Make sure to plan accordingly so you don’t miss your favorite musical act.
5.) Choose the shortest security line
Shorter lines are usually short because they move faster. I usually go for these lines and most times, get in faster. This can usually be applied to other lines as well (water, food, bathroom, etc).
6.) There are separate tents for wristband and security walking in
One is right after another, but from my recent experience, a security check is usually completed before scanning the wristband. Make sure your wristband is activated before scanning.
7.) Bring a hydration pack or water bottle
Hydration packs like Camelbak are convenient because it’s hands-free. If not a hydration pack, bring a water bottle. There are water stations to fill them up. Stay hydrated in the desert.
8.) Sit and take a break as much as you can
If you’re not actively doing something like dancing or getting food, take a break and sit down. Coachella is an all-day event. Take a break to recover your strength occasionally, as much as you can. Your feet will thank you.
Are you camping at Coachella? This guide might be helpful for you: 40 Must-Have Essentials And Ultimate Tips for Coachella Camping
9.) Pace yourself
It can get really hot, and the heat can be brutal and draining. Coachella is a multi-day event, meaning it’s a marathon, not a sprint, so don’t go too hard too fast.
10.) Cool down in the tent bars or advertising tents
The tent bars and advertising tents are shaded and either have blowing air or air-conditioning inside. It’s a good place to cool down if you overheat during the day.
11.) You can use flushable bathrooms, not just porta-potties
Porta-potties are widely available, but there are also flushable bathrooms at the venue. The lines usually move pretty quickly since there are a lot of stalls.
12.) Bring musician earplugs to protect your ears
The stages can get really loud, especially in the direction of the large speakers. Safe guard your eardrums and wear earplugs to protect your future self from becoming a chronic “WHAT?” responder.
13.) You need to get a new ID check wristband every day (Ages 21+ only)
The wristbands change color every day. Even if you’re not drinking alcohol but want to access the beer garden where more food options are, you will need to get an ID check to get an alcohol wristband. There are multiple ID check stations, including one at the campground.
14.) Phone service can be spotty
When thousands of people gather in one location, the phone signal is bound to weaken. Text messages will send sporadically at times, so be sure to timestamp your texts for when they actually go through (example: “hey, where are you? 4:32pm”). Your friends will appreciate it to better assess whether/when to meet up.
15.) Save the map on your phone
Or screenshot the map. Since phone service is terrible, it’s convenient to save the map in your phone so you can easily find what you’re looking for instead of walking around aimlessly until you get signal.
16.) Get familiar with the stages
Before the first day, take a look at the map and get familiar with routes. You don’t want to be 15 minutes before a set and heading the wrong direction.
Need food ideas for festival camping? Check out: Easy and Affordable Food Ideas for Camping at Coachella
17.) Be mindful of your phone and belongings so it doesn’t get stolen
Pickpockets are real and around. There are people who go to Coachella with only this agenda. Be mindful of the people around you. And, when you’re dancing and jumping around, make sure your phone doesn’t fall out of your pocket.
18.) Don’t be afraid to adventure on your own
If there’s a particular band you want to see and your friends don’t, don’t be afraid to go solo, and meet up with them later. If you plan to meet up with them later, make sure to establish a solid meeting spot.
19.) Bring a sweater or jacket
Although it can be blazing hot during the day, night time can get a bit chilly, especially with the wind. Bring a jacket and leave it in your locker to pick up towards the evening.
20.) Get a locker to store a jacket
A locker is helpful so you don’t need to carry a jacket all day. It’s convenient so you don’t have to walk all the way back to your campsite or car. You can also store your sunscreen, sunglasses, bags, and other essentials.
21.) If you want to buy merch, go early
Merch, especially popular merch, will sell out quickly. Go early on the first day to snag your merch. By the third day, a lot of the popular merch and sizes will likely be sold out.
22.) Lower your expectations on personal space
Over 100,000 people come together each day to one venue, meaning there will be crowds and you may get shoved or stepped on. It’s impossible to keep a bubble between you and the rest of the world at Coachella, especially in lines and at the stages, so be prepared and just acknowledge that it is all part of the Coachella experience.
23.) Fill up your gas tank before getting to the festival
By the end of the weekend, chances are you’ll be knackered. Filling up your gas tank before getting to the festival is a minor task that can feel like a big deal to make your trip home a bit easier.
24.) Enjoy all the things Coachella offers
Besides the music, go explore the large-scale art installations, beer gardens, ride the ferris wheel, walk up the swirly Spectra tower, etc. Music isn’t the only thing Coachella offers.
Have fun!
Your first Coachella is going to be the most fun time of your life. Let loose, dance the nights away, and have fun!
Need help packing for Coachella? This might be helpful for you: My Ultimate Coachella Checklist: Everything to Survive And Thrive
