14 Coachella Side Quests You Shouldn’t Miss This Year

Sometimes the side quest turns into a core Coachella memory, and we are here for it. Read on to discover the possibilities.

It is that magical time of year again: Coachella is rapidly approaching, and we can almost taste the annual alternate universe that is getting down in the desert. It is time to pack the sunscreen, dancing boots, and good vibes and get ready for an unforgettable whirlwind of festival spectacle. The world-renowned music and arts festival will hit the desert running for a two-week marathon experience on April 11-13 and April 18-20.

For seasoned Chella’ers and first-timers alike, nothing hits quite like a good festival side quest. Coachella has you covered – from yoga and ice baths to pickleball and record shopping, immerse yourself in the beauty of art, music, and festival community in the California desert.

Look no further for 14 side quests to complete your Coachella weekend.

14 Coachella Side Quests You Shouldn’t Miss This Year

Photo Courtesy of Coachella

Dance Under the Stars at the Desert Sky

There is a brand new dance floor hitting the campgrounds this year: Desert Sky. Discover your new favorite artist or dance to the beat from legendary producers at Desert Sky’s Live DJ sets and Silent Disco located in Lot 8 at the campgrounds. You might want to set up camp early – you won’t want to miss the talent on Thursday night. Special guests include Chris Lake (W1) and Disco Dom (W2). Be aware – the Thursday night shows are exclusive to campers.

Check out the full Desert Sky line-up for both weekends at EDM Identity’s Set Times and Essential Info Guide. Silent Disco hours begin at 1AM daily.

Live DJs W1: Thursday: 8pm-1am | Friday – Sunday: 11:30pm-1am|
Live DJs W2: Thursday: 8pm-1am | Friday – Sunday: 11:30pm-1am
Silent Disco Hours: Thursday: 1-2am or 3am | Friday – Sunday: 1am-4am

Visit the Ace Hotel & Swim Club Palm Springs Art Exhibition

In a groundbreaking collaboration with internet and culture brand, FWB and the world’s first NFT gallery, Superchief Gallery, the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs will be hosting multidisciplinary artist Latashá, showcasing the ‘muva_nature’ body of work. Expect a thought-provoking and vibey in-real-life NFT experience just a short drive from the festival grounds. Connect with fellow art enthusiasts and embrace the desert landscape at the Ace Hotel.

Photo Courtesy of Coachella

Sift Through Records at the Record Safari Record Shop

With over 25,000 curated selections, this one is for the vinyl heads out there. As an added bonus, there is A/C and shade, a hot commodity in the desert terrain. On Saturday, April 12, the shop will have exclusive Record Shop Day records for sale. The Record shop will also hold your purchases until Sunday for a $10 holding fee (it comes with an exclusive Coachella tote).

Invigorate your Body and Mind with Yoga at Desert Sky

Each day, Desert Sky will host yoga and wellness classes. Bring your mat if you have one and get ready to slow it down, breathe deep, and let the magic of movement in the desert take you on a journey. Find your flow in Lot 8 at the campgrounds.

Dare to Take an Ice Bath at The Oasis

The Oasis is a campgrounds spa that boasts ice baths, red light therapy, leg compression, and more self-care offerings. Feeling brave? For $30, build resilience, refresh, and energize your body and mind with a three-minute 37-degree F Cold Plunge, complete with breathwork preparation.

The Oasis Hours: Thursday: 3pm-9pm | Friday – Sunday: 9am-3pm
DIY Beauty Bar Hours: Friday – Sunday: 9am-3pm – “BYO makeup and hot tools. Mirrors and outlets available for use.” Book Your Appointment / Pricing

Photo Courtesy of Coachella

Play pickleball or start a friendly water balloon fight at the Activities Tent

The Activities Tent in the Campgrounds is a place to relax, play and meet new friends. You may stumble upon a game of giant tic tac toe, giant beer pong, a lip sync challenge, or a refreshing water balloon fight. DJ’s will be spinning daily. Enter into the Early-bird raffles each weekend on Thursday before 5PM, for a chance to win Ferris Wheel, Merch and Food vouchers, and even a VIP upgrade.

Activity Tent Hours: Thursday: 9am-4am | Friday – Sunday: 8am-4am

Get Inked at the Campgrounds Tattoo Parlor

The Tattoo Shop is located in Lot 8 next to the Activities Tent. No further explanation is needed. Check out the flash or get a custom design, and take the memory with you wherever you go. Enter through the Camp Lounge.

Tattoo Parlor Hours: Thursday: 6pm-10pm | Friday – Sunday: 10am-5pm

Photo Courtesy of Coachella

Recharge and Cool Down at the Camp Lounge

The Camp Lounge is the spot if you need to take a few moments of shade and chill time. With so much fun to be had, it can be easy to overdo it. Open to all festival-goers, the Camp Lounge is a shady spot to take it easy and regroup. Text the group about meeting up, or even doze off in a hammock for a few. Relaxation vibes only!

Camp Lounge Hours: Thursday: 9am-4am | Friday – Sunday: 8am-4am

DIY an Iconic Festival Look and More at Coachella Art Studios

Stop by the Art Studios to create a one-of-one piece of fashion using upcycled vintage clothing, patchwork pieces, DIY beading, and more! Here, all the materials are free, and anyone can be an artist. Bedazzle that hat, patch those only blue jeans, or weave a gorpcore keychain – the studio is your oyster!

Check out Instagram for more details.

Run a 5K

Your body is still a temple, even at the festival. Stay on track with your fitness goals, or begin on a whole new fitness journey by running the Coachella 5K! Stretch your legs and get ready for some friendly competition on each Saturday at 8AM. The run will begin at Desert Sky in Lot 8.

Enjoy the natural endorphin high, and make sure to stay hydrated before and after the run!

Photo Courtesy of Coachella

Sit in on the Global Inheritance Speakers Series

Engage in conversation about environmental and social issues with renowned scientists, activists, and artists. We’re here at Coachella to celebrate life, and through collective action and discussion, we have the power to preserve our planet and uplift our communities so that we may continue to celebrate for many more years to come.

If you are curious about social or environmental activism and want to meet like-minded individuals, this side quest is for you! Previous iterations included speakers such as DJ/Producer BLOND:ISH, activist Sam Feldt, and NASA’s Anjali Tripath. For more information, check out Global Inheritance.

Chill out to Downtempo at The Turn Down

Stumble upon this secluded oasis of late-night downtempo grooves, located in the heart of Lot 8 campgrounds, just up the hill. Grab a pillow and swing on a hammock, and enjoy projection mapping visuals. Bring a notebook, a friend, or sidequest solo to vibe out when you’re spun out.

Photo Courtesy of Coachella

Experience a unique and intimate performance at Party in My Living Room

Party In My Living Room, an iconic house party series founded in Inglewood, is set to pop up in the desert both weekends. PIMLR and GV Black join forces to curate an unforgettable party with special guests and live performances. You might stumble upon a ’90s Hip Hop dance party or discover your new favorite artist or both! PIMLR will be located inside the venue.

Catch a Set and Grab a Cold Beer at the Heineken House

If you like beer, or even if you just like A/C and good music, escape to the Heineken House inside the venue for an ice-cold bevvie and a sure-fire rager, with sets all weekend from Pusha T, AFROJACK, and more.

To explore more activities and experiences at Coachella 2025, visit the festival’s website and follow it on social media!

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