The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is known for its chill California vibes, famous headliners, celebrities and good times. Set in Indio, California, the festival brings thousands of fans from around the country each spring. This year's festival is from April 21-23, 2017. Figuring out where to stay, what to bring and how to get there is all a part of the fun—and we have some helpful tips to make your Coachella experience the best it can be! And by the way, if you're still looking for a place to stay, we have some pretty Indio, California.
Be Prepared With These 10 Tips For Coachella This Year
Image credit: Malcolm Murdoch/Flickr CC-BY 2.0
1. BYOWB (Bring your own water bottle)
Long lines and expensive prices for food and drinks can be a major downfall at festivals. However, Coachella has refill stations throughout the venue that allow you to refill your own water bottle. Just make sure it’s not metal and you’re good to go! Other essentials that you may not think of include chapstick and bug spray, just in case!
2. Don’t rely on your phone
Coachella is known for having poor phone service, as it is in the middle of the desert. Don’t plan on using your phone as a means of communication for your group, you wouldn’t want to lose anyone! Before each day, plan on where everyone should meet and what shows you would like to go to. Some festival goers even bring walkie talkies to stay in contact with friends at the festival. If you’re using your phone to take photos and videos be sure to bring a spare charger or even a portable charging device too!
3. Plan on traffic
With Coachella boasting more 80,000 attendees annually, you can expect some traffic trying to get to the venue. Plan on leaving at least two hours before you want to see a set. That way, you avoid getting stuck in traffic on the way to Empire Polo Grounds where Coachella is held. Also consider the time it takes to have your ticket checked and walk across the large and crowded desert wonderland.
4. It’s hot, and dusty—dress for it
Many festivals goers biggest regrets is not dressing right, as it can reach the upper 80’s in Indio and be quite dusty. Be sure to wear comfortable, moisture-wicking clothes that you wouldn’t mind sitting on the dirt in. You’ll be doing a lot of walking and don’t want to spend all day in uncomfortable heels or bare feet either. Many attendees also bring a bandana to keep the dust out of their face.
5. It’s difficult to carry your stuff all day
If you aren’t camping onsite you will have tote with you everything you’re bringing for the day. However, you can rent a locker on the festival grounds to keep everything you don’t want to carry. This could be a spare jacket, purse, or extra water. The lockers and camp sites can be booked in advance online but they do fill up fast!
6. Crowds after a set can be a mess
Everyone wants to get to the next set ASAP, and with the stages relatively close together, this can cause some serious people traffic. Leave a set ten minutes before it ends to avoid some of the cluster. This is especially important at the last show of the night to avoid traffic leaving the venue.
7. You may lose your belongings
In the midst of all the festival fun, you may lose track of your wallet or keys. Buy some blank stickers and write your name and phone number on everything you don’t want to lose—even your wallet. Hopefully whoever finds it will give you a call!
8. Get some sleep—or you’ll be exhausted
You may forget how important catching some z’s can be while you’re having the time of your life. With all-night parties and something fun always going on, it can be easy to pull an all-nighter. However, by the end of the festival you will be wiped out and won’t enjoy the full experience. It can get loud at the campgrounds so bring some earphones and a sleeping mask to help you sleep tight.
9. It could rain
Don’t let rain be a damper on your festival experience! Bring a change of socks and a compact poncho to avoid a soggy mess. It can cool down at night, so a spare jacket can always come in handy too.
10. Book where you’re staying far in advance
The best camping spots and hotel fill up fast, and prices surge around the time of the event. Check message boards for those looking to sell or share accommodations. Vacation rentals are also an affordable option to split among a group - Indio, California.
This article was written by Taylor Bishop.