My first time attending Coachella was in 2015 at the spry age of 24 years old. During this phase of my life, Coachella was an opportunity to cut loose, socialize with friends, and immerse myself into the fashion and music scene.
Year after year, I found myself at Coachella dancing beneath the desert sun, a tradition that held until I turned 28 when the pandemic swept the world. The pandemic silenced the festival until it was revived in 2022, when I was 31.
“Young Enough”
When Coachella returned in 2022, I was excited to go back, but turning 31 cast a shadow of doubt.
“Am I young enough?”
It’s a question that’s crossed my mind more lately, especially as I approach my mid-thirties where there is a perceived shift in social identity and expectations. I grappled with the idea that I may no longer be “young enough” and that society expected people in their 30’s to be “adulting” with established families, careers, and different sets of priorities.
Some of my friends in the same age bracket have stopped attending Coachella, while others continued to go.
This led me to wonder…
Am I getting too old for Coachella?
I know what you’re thinking. She’s going to write some cheesy spiel about how ‘you’re never too old’ and ‘age is nothing but a number.’ And the truth is… yes and no. Let me explain.
To me, the answer is simply: you are only as old as you feel.
If you think you are too old to attend, then you are. If you think you’re at the right age to attend, then you are.
Everyone has their own way of living life and I believe it depends on our perceived age which is more about our internal state than about our chronological years. Mindset matters.
Questioning if you are too old for anything is an age-old question. It’s a universal human experience that transcends time and continues to do so in modern times because there is no right or wrong answer. Aging is a highly individual experience.
So, am I too old to attend Coachella? For me personally, no, I am not ‘too old’ to attend Coachella. In fact, I am at the right age.
It Comes Down to Your Preferences
To boil it down, questioning whether you are ‘too old’ for Coachella comes down to your preferences.
If you don’t mind lack of privacy, constant loud noise, and multiple days of high energy atmosphere, it’s easy to enjoy all of what Coachella offers. However, if you prefer the comfort of a clean bathroom, quiet hours, and calm atmosphere, you may feel miserable at the festival.
As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to prioritize comfort more and more; however, I still embrace the concept of ‘roughing it,’ and participating in high energy activities (maybe that’s why I love backpacking). It’s all part of the experience!
If it’s your first time camping on festival grounds, this post might be helpful: 40 Must-Have Essentials And Ultimate Tips for Coachella Camping
Reasons Why You’re Not Too Old to Attend Coachella:
If you’re still at a crossroads with whether you are ‘too old’ to attend Coachella, here are some reasons why you may not be too old to attend Coachella:
- You’re never too old for live music
- There’s no age limit for things you love
- It’s an all ages event
- You won’t be getting any younger
- Most of the headliners themselves are older than 30 anyway…
The idea that there is a cut off age for doing things you enjoy and make you happy is (in my opinion) ridiculous because, what is life if not for this?
There are still factors to consider
Let’s be honest. Staying up all night in your thirties might not be as easy as it is in your twenties. My twenties were a time when standards were low, excitement was high, and recovery was fast.
When you’re in your twenties, attending Coachella is an opportunity to go wild. Socially, physically, emotionally. You have your health and can recover faster. You have more energy (generally) and better stamina. And you have more time to spend on interests and friends.
The thirties is about finding a balance. To pace yourself and not overextend yourself and avoid burnout/exhaustion. To rest between sets. It’s a different kind of festival experience than in your twenties (for me at least!).
First time at Coachella? You might find this post helpful: First Timer’s Guide to Coachella: Helpful Tips And Tricks for a Stress-Free Time
My Personal Pros and Cons to Attending Coachella in my 30’s
Pros
- Can afford that $10 lemonade
- Better accommodation (I camp, so this is the same, but our equipment got better!)
- Better idea of preferences and less pressure to conform to trends
Cons
- Less energy (generally)
- Slower recovery time
Tips for an Awesome Coachella Experience in Your 30’s:
- Take breaks when needed: Create downtime and find comfortable spots to relax
- Pace yourself: Take it slow, you don’t need to go 100 mph
- Hydrate: Stay hydrated consistently to avoid heat exhaustion
- Comfort > Style: Lots of walking! You can always manage to combine both too.
Final Thoughts
I hope this helps someone who is at a crossroads with attending just because they are not in their 20’s anymore. I see people of all ages at the festival, from babies to seniors, so don’t worry about feeling like you don’t belong. Music doesn’t discriminate!
Or if you don’t feel up to the craziness of Coachella, ‘Couchella’ (watching the livestream at home) is such a great option as well. Sometimes it’s an even better experience to see the performances up close.
If you are attending this year, I hope you have a blast and I’ll see you there. Happy Coachella!
Other Coachella Posts you might like:
🏕️ 40 Must-Have Essentials And Ultimate Tips for Coachella Camping
📝 My Ultimate Coachella Checklist: Everything to Survive And Thrive
🎡 First Timer’s Guide to Coachella: Helpful Tips And Tricks for a Stress-Free Time
😋 Easy and Affordable Food Ideas for Camping at Coachella
💬 11 Things People Don’t Tell You About Attending Coachella
