my coachella experience
coachella has always been a bucket list item for me. i’m not usually a person who goes to festivals often, if ever. coachella is actually the first music festival that i went to for an entire weekend. i usually will buy a one day pass to see one artist but really wanted to do a full weekend in the valley. so here are my thoughts.
-the desert is COLD at night. i don’t know if this is common knowledge or not but at night, it was so cold. i wasn’t expecting this at all. you see all the pictures of the outfits everyone wears and you’d think that they’re wearing those clothes because it’s hot. but no, we had to buy hoodies to keep warm and huddle close together.
-going with a group is so worth it. i went with my husband, his cousin, and one of his best friends. this came in so clutch when we wanted to try different foods. we ended up splitting up and getting in different lines so we could try all the food and not waste the entire day/night in lines.
-the food. there was so much food and it was all so good. we had korean taco fries. i wish i took more pictures of all the food. you could walk around with the food but not drinks.
- they are very strict about drinks. i went in 2022 and there were spots in the field designated for only alcohol. no drinks could leave that area. i had a coffee that i was so excited to drink but had to throw it out because there was a set we wanted to watch and we had to leave the area. i was so sad.
- the sets. there is music there for everyone. my husband and i have different tastes in music but we were still able to see people we wanted to see and enjoy ourselves. i was able to see harry styles, billie eilish, and justin bieber even came out during daniel cesar’s set. you’ll never not find someone you like.
- our stay. we decided to get an airbnb in palm springs. we found a place with stunning views and somewhere super close to one of the shuttle services. getting an airbnb helped us freshen up after a long night and we were able to have our own space to just get ready for the next day. we had our own pool that we were able to lounge around for hours on end without having to worry about other people. i definitely suggest this if you ever do go to coachella over staying at a hotel.
- transportation. so we flew into LA earlier that week and spent a few days just going around and visiting different places. you know, touristy things. we ended up driving from LA to palm springs and once we got there, we didn’t need our car rental as much. we used an uber to get us to the shuttles to bring us to the field. the shuttles were so nice and clean. getting on and off was so organized too it was amazing. shuttles are definitely the way to go when going to coachella because good luck finding parking once you’re there.
-the cost. i’ll be frank. this is an expensive experience. the cost of tickets alone were already $500. our airbnb was a little over $1,000. we rented a car which was for a week at $400. all our food at the house was from costco and we tried to eat a lot before getting to the field. and then all the food we ended up buying at the venue. the cost of merch because we were underprepared for the weather twice. i’m not influencer or anything so everything we paid was out of pocket. it’s definitely something you need to save up for.
all of this basically to say, i loved my experience at coachella. would i do it again? absolutely.
Coachella is not just a music festival; it’s a cultural phenomenon that offers something for everyone, from food lovers to music enthusiasts. When planning your visit, consider the diversity in artists represented, spanning multiple genres, ensuring all music tastes are catered for. Remember to dress appropriately for both day and night temperatures, as the desert climate can be deceivingly chilly after sunset. One of the highlights of attending festivals like Coachella is exploring various food options. The festival features a variety of delicious cuisines from local vendors. You can enjoy everything from gourmet tacos to artisanal desserts, making the culinary experience just as memorable as the music. Transportation is a crucial aspect to plan ahead for, especially considering the high volume of attendees. Using shuttles to reach the venue can save you time and ease the stress of parking. As for lodging, an Airbnb can provide a more comfortable and private environment compared to hotels, often allowing access to a kitchen and a pool, enhancing your overall experience. Spending time by the pool can be a great way to relax before or after the festival. Finally, be prepared for expenses. Festival tickets, accommodations, transportation, and food can add up quickly. Create a budget in advance and consider setting aside funds for merchandise. With proper planning, your Coachella experience can be both unforgettable and enjoyable, ensuring that you make the most out of this iconic festival.
