Tips and tricks you need to know before Coachella 2024
Coachella or as it is officially known as the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is an annual music and arts festival that takes place at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, in Coachella Valley in the Colorado desert. The event merges music, art, and luxury in the heart of the California desert. It made its debut in 1999 and has since promised an unparalleled experience that transcends the ordinary. Let us take a deeper look at Coachella and some tips to survive it.
History of Coachella
Even with its impressive lineup, the event lost $850,000 in its debut year and hence was canceled for the following year. Coachella came back in 2001 and has been running for more than two decades. It has now become a hub for famous influencers and celebrities. The festival transforms its ground into a canvas every year where creativity knows no bounds. The festival has also been built around art. Interactive pieces will encourage people who go to the festival to engage with their surroundings and hence their art scene is as diverse as their music lineup.
Getting there
If you’re looking to fly into the festival you can fly into one of Los Angeles’ many airports and then drive to Indio or even take connecting flights into the Palms Springs airport, which is much closer to Coachella. Renting a car from any of these airports gives you a lot of flexibility to get there. You can even rideshare or book a car from Los Angeles to the festival.
Valley Music Travel also offers a one-way shuttle service to and from LAX and Indio, so that option is also available to you if you do not want to drive or book a car.
Stay
- V Palm Springs – This luxury complex is a modern retreat nestled at the base of the San Jacinto mountains. It is a perfect place for hangout due to its modern rooms, lavish pool area, and amazing food. There is also a Pan Asian-inspired pool bar and bar that serves the best cocktails and bites.
- The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage – It overlooks Palm Springs, Coachella Valley, and San Jacinto Mountain range. The hotel also has a luxury onsite spa, state-of-the-art fitness center, and infinity pool that comes with amazing views of the desert.
- Stay at the Festival – You can choose from a range of camping options as you can use your own vehicle to camp or opt for a tented stay in an ‘un-auto zone’. There is a two-person lodge at Lake Eldorado, and it has private check-in, flushing toilets, and hot showers included. Your other camping options are Safari Campgrounds. Guests here will have queen beds, air conditioners, lighting, and golf carts to transport them to the ground. Also included are food delivery service, complimentary breakfast, late-night snacks, and WIFI. Finally, there is also The Resort at Coachella.
Food
- Camphor – It is known for providing an elevated and high-end French-inspired meal in the heart of DTLA’s art district. For those looking to keep things upscale, it is the place for you. It will surely turn some heads with its unique approach.
- Kogi – This is a famous food truck by Roy Choi that has served hungry crowds from Hollywood to Orange County and now it is available at Coachella. Make sure you definitely do not skip his famous short ribs and burritos.
- Prince Street Pizza – This pizza outlet is the answer to all the Italian craving of the crowd. Their signature dish is Spicy Spring.
Dates, tickets, and artists
Coachella music festival always happens over two consecutive weekends in April. This year it will happen on the 12th-14th and the 19th-21st April 2024. The general admission tickets cost somewhere between $599 and $649 per person depending on when you decide to purchase them.
Apart from the main website, the tickets can be purchased from the following websites too:
For 2024, Lana Del Ray, Tyler the Creator, and Doja Cat will be the headliners. The previous years have seen Harry Styles, Swedish House Mafia, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and more. It is always a festival that artists want to be seen at.
The festival ends approximately at 1 am on Friday and Saturday, and 12 am on Sunday. There are only three-day passes available to purchase and no single-day passes. To maximize the number of artists you can see, you can download the Coachella mobile app where you can see the artist set lists. You will also be provided with a festival guide when you reach there.
Tips & tricks
- Remember that it gets very hot, and temperatures can reach 35 degrees and beyond in the desert. Make sure you pack your sunscreen and stay hydrated, not just with alcoholic drinks.
- Make sure you bring a bandana as you are in the desert. As things can get pretty dusty when the wind picks up, packing a bandana that matches your outfit will help you to protect your face.
- If you are travelling with a group, remember to set up a meeting point as like any other festival it is very easy to get separated at Coachella. You can use the unique and giant art sculptures as meeting points.
- You should look to arrive on Thursday when the main acts aren’t playing, this will help you explore the grounds and look out for the best food stalls and bars around.
- Pack layers of clothes as even though the climate can soar there are evening winds and at a large open space such as this, it is easy to feel the breeze.
- If you are under the age of 21 and looking to be served alcohol, prepare to be disappointed. This rule is implemented all through the festival and campsites.
- Remember to book your accommodation early to get the best accommodation in the best areas. You should book as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
- You should look to dress in order to impress but also be comfortable in your clothing. It is not recommended that you wear high heels as the large field that the festival occupies is uneven.
- Do not rush to get there, it is best to avoid the scorching heat of the midday sun and instead spend your day relaxing in the hotel pool.