Whether you’re attending for the first time or a seasoned pro, we’ve compiled essential resources to help maximize your experience.
Coachella is a name with which we’re all familiar. This marquee event, taking place from April 12-14 and 19-21, not only showcases the best current music talent but it also spotlights other sectors of the creative world, such as art, fashion, and food.
With more than 150 acts, ten stages, and a roster of activations to pick from, the desert festival can easily feel overwhelming. It’s important to remember that Coachella is a marathon, not a sprint. Whether you’re attending for the first time or a seasoned pro, we’ve compiled essential resources to help maximize your experience.
Don’t camp at the Sahara tent.
An easy mistake that every EDM fan first makes (including this writer) is camping at the dance-focused Sahara tent. Although this year will introduce an exciting update to the already large structure, the festival also dedicates other stages to the vast genres of the electronic realm.
The Yuma tent, modeled after Hollywood’s Sound Nightclub, provides a cool escape from the desert’s high temperatures. An enclosed stage, it features house and techno heavyweights in a round-the-clock, air-conditioned environment, making it the perfect space to not only get away from the sun but also to experience these genres in the way they’re meant to be experienced: under a disco shark.
The Do LaB stage at Coachella has been a staple of the event since 2004. During the early hours of the festival, you’ll traditionally experience more ambient and melodic sounds. Then, as the day progresses, you’ll witness unique sets from some of the leading artists in the scene.
But if your day schedule is already jammed tight, we encourage you to check out this stage at night. Its surprise guest headliners have been known to deliver historic and groundbreaking sets, some of which have included Skrillex, ODESZA, and John Summit b2b Dom Dolla.
Coachella’s onsite resources.
Throughout the festival, you’ll notice brown kiosks with assigned numbers or letters atop their stands. If you’re lost, if you have a question about finding a stage, or if you need help locating medical assistance, the guest service associates in those kiosks are there to help!
They will help you find the answer to literally any festival or camping question that you can think of. Plus, each kiosk has pamphlets that contain information on set times, food, and much more. Make sure to visit the closest kiosk near you!
But more importantly, Coachella has been fostering an inclusive culture at the Polo Fields. Its initiatives — such as Accessible+, Queer+, and GV Black x Coachella — are designed to amplify diverse voices at the music festival through workshops, professional opportunities, onsite activities, and community building. Each program has its own physical space at the festival, so stop by if you’d like to learn more!
Camping and festival essentials.
It’s hard to know what to pack for a festival when there’s so much to do in the span of a weekend. The onsite store in the campground has what you need in case you forgot something, and the event also offers free morning shuttles to the nearest grocery store if you need to pick up extra supplies. But if you want to avoid paying steep prices, we’ve compiled a document of the most essential items you need to enjoy both your camping and festival experience.
As a friendly reminder, showers are free, but there is also a premium option that offers shorter wait times, full-length mirrors, and power outlets.
Comfort is the key to a successful weekend.
Lastly, Coachella is one of the largest music festivals in the United States, spanning more than 333 acres, which means that you and your crew will be doing a lot—and I mean a lot—of walking.
Yes, making sure that your outfit looks amazing is a priority, but having the right, comfy shoes will give you the energy you need to dance all weekend long. Many fans have recommended Adidas Boost as one option, but brands such as On Cloud, Hoka, and Allbirds are alternatives worth considering!
Do you think we missed something? Share your thoughts on X! Also, make sure to follow the rest of our socials accounts, as our team will be onsite capturing all the historic moments all weekend long.
