Some say it's the happiest place on earth… no not Disneyland… Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

 

In lieu of attending what would have been my 8th Coachella in a row (est. 2016), what follows is my attempt, with reverence, to document my perspective on the Coachella experience, what makes it special, and how it should be taken in. I hope you enjoy it if you've been before, feel more prepared if it's your first time, or feel indulged in your curiosities if you’ve never considered going. 

 

This piece may not be about food like I have written about in the past, but in a similar vein, I believe the following… when you live in California, or anywhere in the world for that matter, and have even a small interest in music or live performance, I strongly recommend you try Coachella at least once in your lifetime. 

 

Special thanks to OpenAI for melting GPUs to create the above cover image.

 

Table Of Contents

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1. Prologue

2. A Hitchhiker's Guide to Coachella

3. What Sets Coachella Apart

4. Experiences You Should Have at Coachella

5. How to Attend

6. Weekend 1 vs. Weekend 2

7. Pro Tips

8. Pro Pro Tips

9. This Year’s Recommendations

10. Closing

11. Epilogue

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Prologue

 

Let’s start with what you commonly hear about Coachella:

 

“Coachella is influencer olympics” 

 

“It’s expensive” 

 

“I don't like the headliners”

 

These half truths tend to dominate the mainstream Coachella narrative, but there is a reason (well, many reasons) why 250,000 people over two weekends descend to Indio, California every April to see performances by over 150 artists. Ranging from household names like Lady Gaga, to more obscure acts like Yo Gabba Gabba, Hans Zimmer, and beyond.

 

A Hitchhiker's Guide to Coachella

 

Entering Coachella Valley and the Empire Polo Club grounds is like entering another planet. The air is crisper, gravity lighter, the energetic fabric around you fundamentally different. “Hello” is replaced by “Happy Coachella”, your body moves in ways you didn't know it could, your six senses recalibrated to a new homeostasis. You are greeted with lush, green grass beneath your feet and open, abundant sky above your head. Encompassing you, and the expansive desert valley, are towering mountains in every direction with giant, green palm trees lining the horizon. 

 

Stages, tents, and art installations protrude from the grassy floor dotting the planet surface with alien looking shapes and structures. The visual palette of this planet is dominated by green greens, sandy browns, and endless sky blues accented by heavy strokes of vibrant color. The beings that inhabit this planet arrive from every corner of Earth—from Australia to England to Korea—everyone adorned in all types of beautiful and unusual garb.

 

Just like the US space program first got astronauts to the Moon in 1969, getting to Coachella takes a highly matrixed effort of logistics, coordination, and engineering. Rounding up your crew, sourcing your vessels, arranging shelter, and planning your supplies to survive the four days on this desert planet requires significant brain power and conviction to reach actuation potential -- many missions to planet Coachella fail here. This isn’t a vacation, it’s an expedition. 

 

Stepping onto the grounds for the first time is not unlike going to Disneyland for the first time. Once you hop, skip, or sprint your way through the security gates, there is an overwhelming excitement at the prospect of everything that lies in front of you. Washing over you is your new reality for the weekend. 

 

Days on this planet are a dizzying string of enlivening shows alternating with harrowing traversals. Each show is like a shooting star blazing across the night sky in its sheer beauty, brightness, and fleetingness. In between each burst of light, is a journey to the next landmark. A chaotic navigation across the planet’s surface, weaving through the hordes of people like a game of cube runner, holding on to your friends for dear life. This is a tactical and delicate undertaking, as breaking your human daisy chain can quickly devolve into impossible search and rescue missions. 

 

As the day wears on, you will be faced with many split second decisions as different shows pull you in all directions. There is no right or wrong answer but trust your gut. This is your best compass for the weekend.

 

As the sun sets, and the day transitions to night, the planet is transformed. Lights flare to life, laser beams pierce the sky, and the desert blooms with colors glowing like bioluminescent organisms on the ocean floor. The structures you remembered and relied on for navigation during the day have taken on new life in the cover of night. In this transition, the planet itself exhales — its air thickening with anticipation as the biggest stars of the night prepare to take the stage. Even with other stages still alive around the grounds, the first major headliner of the night draws the eyes and collective attention of the Polo Fields like a solar eclipse—sudden, rare, impossible to look away from.

 

Planet Coachella has all types of musical stars to witness; one moment you’re jamming on your air guitar with your favorite band, the next, your body is moving with the beat, its autonomic nervous system hijacked by one of the world’s top DJs. In another moment, you realize you’re completely still—taking in and attempting to process the most angelic expression of the human vocal cords to have graced your ears. Jumping from genre to genre, the musical bounty planet Coachella provides are the essential building blocks of a nutrient dense, balanced auditory diet. 

 

Coachella, above all, is a journey that is shared. Even if you show up alone, you’re highly likely to band up with fellow travelers to take in what lies before you all. Some will be old friends, others new—but by the end of the weekend, you’ll share a bond forged braving the sweaty, dusty lows and riding the numerous, lofty highs.

 

Stepping onto planet Coachella alters space time. It facilitates an openness, a change in rhythm, a distance from the normal. That space allows for perspective, and time to process. Small talk gives way to real talk. And what usually lingers beyond your five senses moves from the background to the foreground.

 

As Day 1 turns into Day 2, whatever nerves or apprehensions you brought with you begin to dissolve—replaced by an understanding. An understanding that you're now in a world where music doesn't just fill the air, it becomes the air. Beneath your feet, you’ll feel the weight of the hallowed soil where some of the greatest performances in recent music history have taken place. Around you, you’ll become aware of the draw that brought the other 125,000 travelers into the desert.

 

There’s something special about Coachella mornings—preparing and discussing the day's plans, strategies, and routes or relaxing into the moment, ready to go with the flow. Outfits are selected, makeup and sunscreen applied, supply bags readied. Which gives way to the pregame, ritualizing the real start to each day, readying the group to brave and enjoy it. 

 

And the post-festival nights too—debriefing with the group what you stood witness to that day, refueling with your chosen food, readying yourself to recharge for the upcoming day (or keep the night alive at the camping center).

 

Be warned, planet Coachella can be unpredictable. The days are hot and the nights are cold. Stages can feel miles away, and you only go as far as your two feet will take you. Dusty windstorms are potentially just over the horizon, and the sun can deplete you quickly. So one must be prepared, or be with someone prepared. Your pack and group supplies must be closely monitored and prepped as to last through the day. As things can quickly change, water becomes sparse, air becomes thick with dust. It is not always an easy time, but yet you will be charged to persevere and your fellow travelers will be there to help.

 

By Day 3, you're both physically exhausted and not ready for the weekend to end. The troops must be rallied. The show must go on. Likely your best day still lies ahead, taking in everything with greater appreciation knowing that with the next sunrise you’ll return to Planet Earth.

 

At the end of it all, you’ll realize the gravity here was heavier than it seemed. Like the mind of a toddler experiencing life outside the womb for the first time, your mind will be expanded and exhausted. Like an overstuffed carry-on suitcase, your spirit will be bursting at the seams, filled with a year’s worth of laughter, music, and memories packed in one weekend. As all good things do, the weekend comes to a close. What’s left are firm hugs, bittersweet smiles, goodbyes, and a long journey home. The necessary time to take inventory of what you have just experienced, attempting to shield those precious memories from the erosive forces of time. Until the next year…

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What Sets Coachella Apart
 

• “You’re In The Coolest Place On Earth, Right Now” -- Prince once said on the Main Stage. Coachella is the metronome that sets the rhythm and cadence of the annual music industry calendar. New albums are dropped, brand new tour sets are debuted, legendary groups perform together for the first time in years —the world is watching.

 

• Career Defining Moments -- Nothing is cooler than witnessing global superstars just as excited to be on stage at Coachella as you are to simply attend. This is a very important moment for them and their career. You can see it on their faces and feel it in the air —their awestruck eyes looking back out across the sardined crowds. Playing Coachella is not just another show for them, it's an honor, a milestone, and a realized dream.

 

• The Setting -- Coachella Valley and the Polo Grounds, where the festival is held, are an undeniably beautiful place to be—regardless of whether Coachella is happening or not. The whole venue is canvassed by lush manicured grass that is otherwise used for regulation horse polo. Palm trees and beautiful vegetation are abundant, the sky is blue, clear, and crisp as far as the eye can see*. 

 

• Away From It All -- Coachella, unlike other festivals such as Outside Lands (San Francisco), CRSSD (San Diego), or Governors Ball (New York City), is remote. Instead of being able to casually pop in and out for a day, getting to Coachella takes commitment. You have to drive at least 2-3 hours from the nearest major airport to get there and once you arrive in Indio, there’s only one thing happening: Coachella. No bars, no city events—just the festival. The effort it takes to get to Coachella acts as a self-selecting filter, ensuring that most people there really want to be there. I find this makes for a unison of spirit that percolates throughout the festival.

 

• The Lineup Part 1: Musical Whiplash -- In any given multi-hour stretch you can go from jamming out to your favorite band, cutting a rug to your favorite DJ, to belting with your favorite singer, to headbanging to trap or metal. Whatever you desire to see, Coachella likely has it. Running from sound to sound will leave you discombobulated in the best possible way. There are other festivals that are multi-genre like Austin City Limits and Outside Lands, but neither has the sheer range and depth that Coachella has. Coachella is like the Cheesecake Factory of music festival lineups, but no matter what you select, it’s going to be good.

 

• The Lineup Part 2: Discovery -- Just like the expansive deserts each stage/tent is named after, there is always an undiscovered new corner of the music world for you to explore. Paul Tollet and the Goldenvoice team is always curating a forward-looking lineup with smaller, unknown artists and international acts that I’ve always found will inevitably be added to the soundtrack of your life. The headliners may be the names that capture most people’s attention, but you’d be surprised by the new sounds you develop affinities for casually walking by stages one moment to the next.

 

• Larger Than Life Art -- The art installations at Coachella are the biggest and best I’ve ever seen and it makes the venue come alive and feel unique every year. You won’t see anything like it anywhere else—except maybe at Burning Man.

 

• Lights, Camera, Action -- The stages, production, logistics, and sound at Coachella are excellent. They consistently set up the best receptacles for every artist to display their unique mastery. Crisp sound, massive LED screens, and precise logistics allow artists to bring their full tour production sets. The attendee experience is as flawlessly executed as I've experienced at a major event.

 

• Special Guests -- No one has special guests like Coachella. You never know who you’re going to see on a given night. Childish Gambino with Tyler the Creator 2024, Olivia Rodrigo with No Doubt 2024, Madonna with Drake 2015.

 

• Pushing The Boundaries -- Coachella is THE place to be if you want to see ground breaking performances. The artists Coachella select are always innovating and love to make the Polo Grounds the location of their great reveals. You will be the first to witness the coolest new shows that will make your jaw drop. See Daft Punk Pyramid 2006, 2pac hologram 2012, Odesza drones 2018, TBA (Skrillex Fred Again Four Tet) closing sunday night “Boiler Room style” in the middle of the crowd 2023, etc. 

 

• Fashion -- Whether you’re into fashion or not, you will see some very unique and well-dressed people. It creates a fun opportunity and space to express yourself however you see fit.

 

• Tis’ The Journey - Coachella is a teamsport and nothing beats the memories and feeling of doing it together with an amazing set of people.

 

*Except when a dust storm rolls in

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The Experiences You Should Have At Coachella 

 

This non-exhaustive list is a starting point for anyone attending.

 

• Day Time Boogie at the Do Lab -- Over imaginative free flowing stage/structure that gets its own special electronic focused lineup. Great place to dance and get shade during the day. Keep an eye out for unannounced surprise performances.

 

• See A Great Lead Vocalist Group -- See Lawrence & their lead Gracie Lawrence 2022, No Doubt & Gwen Stefanie 2024.

  • https://www.tiktok.com/@lawrencetheband/video/7095767193698290986?lang=en

 

• Take A Beat - & take in a chiller r&b, alternative, or indie show sitting on the grass in the late afternoon at Outdoor or Main Stage. See Oh Wonder 2017, Kali Uchis 2023, Maggie Rogers 2022.

 

• Closing Electronic Set At The Outdoor Theater -- Outdoor Theatre is the home of international names you may not be previously familiar with who are the last on the set times. Know that they are going to bring the heat and burn the stage down. Dancing in the open desert air under the night sky, with palm trees gently swaying all around you, is unforgettable. See Gesaffelstein 2019/2024, Justice 2017/2024, Stromae 2022, Fisher / Chris Lake 2024.

 

• A House / Techno Set In The Yuma -- This is the best nightclub in the world for two weekends. It's dark, air conditioned, and the biggest dancefloor you will ever set foot on with lights, lasers, and subwoofers in more places than you can imagine. Can be a great place to escape the heat.

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpmlaRIvV5U

 

• Sahara Big Name Edm Set -- Resembling an airplane hanger, the Sahara tent is massive. Big time electronic dance music should be witnessed here. See Martin Garrix 2017, Rl Grime 2016, Troyboi 2017, Jai Wolf 2023.

 

• An Up & Coming Artist In Gobi / Mojave -- This may be the last time you get to see these artists this intimately. “If you know, you know” type acts that are very likely to blow your socks off. See Fred Again 2022, Gesaffelstein 2015, Flume 2014.

 

• A Full Band -- Jam out with the people. See Parcels 2019, Weezer 2019, Wet Leg 2023, MGMT 2014.

 

• Main Stage Closer -- This is where the hype is at and will likely be the largest crowd you've ever been in. See Beyonce 2018, Blackpink 2023, Swedish House Mafia 2012/2022. 

 

• Silent Disco -- Do yourself a favor and hang out in the campground activity center after the festival one night. The Silent Disco is a great time if you still have energy left to boogie and dance the night away.

 

• Get Up Close and Personal With The Art -- Sidequest over to the pieces that catch your eye, debate what they are, give them funny names. Mind-bending details and fun discoveries await at some of the coolest and biggest interactive art you will ever experience. 

 

• Sunset Set -- Any stage is a vibe at sunset, but the Main Stage sunset lineup slot is coveted.

 

• See A Throwback Group -- Coachella reunions are the festival's true calling card and the old bands and legendary groups they get are showstoppers. It may be a once, or the last time, in a lifetime to see them—and they know how to rock a stage. See Outkast 2014, LCD Sound System 2016, Blink-182 2023. 

 

• Take A Recommendation - Whether from a friend, a stranger, or reddit, the wisdom of the crowd is strong. Take a leap of faith and you won't leave disappointed. 

 

How To Attend

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You have 3 options; camp, Airbnb, or get a hotel. There are pro’s and con’s of each.

 

Getting a hotel/an Airbnb is nice because you have a good bed to come back to, air conditioning, and a private shower. This can be a boon to your precious energy supply for the weekend. However, it can present its own challenges of getting to and from the festival via shuttles or Ubers. You have to get to a shuttle stop, then take it to the fest, then walk another 15-20 to the fest. And at the end of the night it can take 30-45 min to get on a shuttle back or an Uber to pick you up.

 

In my opinion, nothing compares to camping and being on the festival grounds for the full 4 days. The energy is unparalleled—feet on grass, celebrating the moment with fellow campers the entire weekend. Setting up your own unique camp adds a sense of achievement that makes the festival feel earned and helps balance out the otherwise purely consumptive nature of the weekend. This option, in my opinion, is the fully immersive Coachella experience and feels like an adventure full of trials, tribulations, and triumphs.

 

Additionally, there is nothing like playing beer dye with your squad on the lush green polo fields by day and doing your nightly debriefs of the day's performances with your campmates under the night sky—accompanied by an unlimited supply of freshly griddled quesadillas.

 

The walk back at night and into bed is much shorter, the overall cost is lower, however camping requires significantly more planning and energy input in most cases. 

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