2024 Info Sheet

All of this information is also located in my Coachella guide. This was created to make it easier to use the find on page function to find specific information you are looking for.

For more features like a premade packing list, weather information, pros and cons, etc. visit my free Coachella guide HERE

Last updated: 1/15/2024

Weekend 1: April 12-14

Weekend 2: April 19-21

GENERAL INFORMATION

What is the general timeline leading up to Coachella?

This is not set in stone (aside from the festival dates) so some times can be different but the general timeframe is the same every year.

• Mid June is the announcement of the presale.

• The only differences with presale to general sale is that presale allows for payment plans and for the general sale is after the lineup is known.

• Mid December is the last payment due for June Presale payment plans.

• If you got tickets/passes in June during presale and opted into the payment plan option then you will be charged monthly from June to December on the 15th
• You have a 10 day grace period if you miss a payment. After that grace period the tickets will be released and any money you have paid to that point will be left as a credit for you to spend on another Coachella payment.

• Early to Mid January is Lineup Release and general sale

• This has been as early as the 2nd of the year but can also be as late as mid January. It all depends on the behind the scenes and when they chose to send it out.
• Check here to see data on the release dates and time for the lineup
• This is announced at the same time as the lineup release. For example: if the lineup releases Monday then the sale will be set for that same week on Friday

• February is shipping email notifications time

• There will be an email sent to the email on file regarding the tickets being sent out.
• The wristbands and camping stickers can arrive separately.

• March is typically when the wristbands arrive

• The wristbands will arrive in a box with other information and arts/crafts
• If you want to avoid spoilers, be careful on the subreddit. Many will mark the image as a spoiler and it will blur it to avoid people being shown the boxes before they arrive.

• Early to Mid April set times drop

• The set times can arrive as early as a week before but there is a chance that they do not arrive until the Thursday of the festival.

• Click here for data on when set times have been posted in the past

• All days of the festival will be posted at the same time
• In 2023 there was a surprise artist announced that was not on the lineup originally. This was Blink-182 showing up on the lineup midday Friday at Sahara.

• Mid April Festival (April 12-14 (W1) & 19-21 (W2), 2024)

• Whether you are going Weekend 1 or Weekend 2: ITS TIME!!!
• Couchella: 2023 was the first year Coachella started streaming the festival live for BOTH weekends. There is no word on whether this is going to be the norm moving forward but Weekend 1 is historically the weekend they stream.

Panning on going solo?

• There are many ways to find others to attend Coachella with!

• Radiate

• This is an app to find others who are going to the same festival. It’s like a dating app in how you find people but the purpose of it is to find people who you can either attend a festival with or find others to split housing.
• I have used this in the past when I got a house for Hard Summer 2019

• The Coachella Subreddit

• This is a forum that has threads made specifically for finding people to group up with for a larger camping group or for similar reasons are Radiate.
• I have also used this in the past, in 2018 I thought I would be going alone (before it became a family trip) so I went on there and found a group I ended up hanging out with on Day 0 (at Walmart since the campgrounds were closed until Friday morning due to the winds)
• There is no thread for 2024 as of the time of writing this. Check back here or on the subreddit to see when that changes!

• Facebook

• There may also be specific groups for either solo travelers or people from your area (good if you’re coming from outside of the US) that are also going to Coachella.

Accessibility (ADA)

• Display guidelines apply in order to qualify for Accessible parking
• The 3 ADA info locations are located at ADA Parking, inside the festival grounds, and outside of the main entrance near ADA Camping.
• There is no ADA pre-event registration other than for ADA Camping. Registration for event services is all done onsite at the event.

• At an Accessibility Services Hub, you can:

• Get your ADA wristband credential.
• Have your ADA questions answered.
• Learn about all accessibility services.

• One companion ADA wristband is given per disabled person (more if needed for kids)

• To register for an ADA camping spot, fill out the ADA Camping Registration Form for the weekend you are attending.

• Forms for 2024 are not available yet. If you have any questions in the meantime email ada@coachella.com
• Location of the ADA camping spots are situated near the Venue’s entrance in Lot 8. (marked on the Camping Map 2023)

• ADA Camping has access to mobility pathways, shuttles, accessible restrooms, and accessible showers.

• Availability for ADA accommodations:

• Accessible camping spots are available on a first come, first served basis.
• Registering helps us prepare for your group and plan our accessible camping area.
• Limited spots will be available to unregistered campers onsite, but are not guaranteed.

• Hours:

• Thursday 9am-10pm (Camping only)
• Friday-Saturday 10:30am-2am
• Sunday 10:30am-1am

Why is everyone telling me to bring a bandana?

• Although masks are used for many different reasons now that ever before one thing remains the same: bandanas at Coachella. These are used as a way to prevent dust inhalation.

• Bring one regardless of where you're staying (camping or otherwise) and ESPECIALLY if you are traveling from outside the grounds parking then walking up. The walk from the shuttle drop off/parking is dusty regardless of which weekend you go.

• Another reason to wear one is to filter smoke. While cannabis is not allowed in the festival it does make its way in.
• If you plan on using it for protection against dust or smoke do not wet your bandana. Doing so will essentially be waterboard yourself

Alternatives to driving into the festival: bike or walk

• You can use the following paths to walk up or bike up to the festival

• Avenue 50 & Madison (Red Path)
• Avenue 52 & Madison (Green Path)
• Avenue 49 & Monroe (Yellow Path)
• Avenue 52 & Monroe (Blue Path)

• No pedestrians will be allowed on Monroe (between. Ave 49 and Ave 52) or Madison (between Ave 50 and Ave 52).

• Bike racks are located on each color path
• Bikes locked to anything other than racks will be removed and forfeited.
• Lights and reflectors are required by law when biking at night.
• Motorized scooters (Bird, Lime, Jump, etc.) are prohibited at Coachella.

Driving Directions

• Driving to the festival? Follow the official website to get directions specific to your situation and where you need to go:

• How to get to Day Parking
• How to get to Preferred Parking (Lot 1)
• How to get to Companion Camping Parking & Tent Camping Parking (Lot 2A)
• How to get to Car Camping / Toll Booths (Lot 13)
• How to get to Lake Eldorado

Pedicabs

• They have pedi cabs available outside of the festival and around the campsite to be able to take you around
• They can range from $10-15 a person but it depends on how much the driver is charging

Pace yourself

• It is a marathon not a race.
• A lot of people make the mistake of going too hard on day 0 or day 1 of the festival and are super hungover the next day or two.
• A good way to go is to follow the Coachella ratio of water to alcohol: One bottle of water per drink/shot. This is the desert so it will get to you to not have proper hydration.

Activities Galore!

For more information on any of these go to the Activities page on the Coachella Website! (These are for 2023, check back in the future for information on 2024)

• Accessible+ (Venue)
• Activities Tent (Camping)
• Adidas Coachella
• Experience More with Amex (Venue)
• Camp Lounge (Camping)
• Camping Eats + Drinks (Camping)
• Carpoolchella (Global Inheritance)
• CASETiFY DiSCO EUPHORiA
• Coachella Art Studios (Camping)
• Coachella Store (Venue and Camping)
• Coca-Cola (Venue)
• Google Pixel
• The Dome (Camping)
• Early Bird Raffle (Camping)
• Energy Playground (Global Inheritance)
• every one (Venue)
• Explore the Interactive Polo Fields (Venue)
• Ferris Wheel (Venue)
• Field of Dreams (Camping)
• Global Inheritance recycling Store/10 for 1 (Global Inheritance)
• Greenhouse In collaboration with GV Black (Camping)
• GV Black presents Party In My Living Room (Venue)
• Heineken House (Venue)
• Help Light Up The Show
• The Neutrogena® Skin’s Vitals Experience (Venue)
• Neutrogena® Sunscreen Stations (Venue)
• POSTed Studio (Global Inheritance)
• POSTed Studio Speaker Stage (Global Inheritance)
• Record Safari (Venue)
• TOUCH UP (Camping)
• TRASHed Coachella - Art of Recycling (Global Inheritance)
• The Turn Down (Camping)
• Queer+ (Venue)
• The Wellness Oasis (Camping)
• The Weekend Never Ends

Pregames and After Parties

• There are A LOT of influencer parties before and after the festival. The biggest ones, and the ones you probably have already heard of are Revolve Fest and Neon Carnival.

• Revolve Fest is during the day Weekend 1 (I am not entirely sure if it is one day or multiple days). This is held by Revolve, a clothing brand. It is free but invite only.

• Although Weekend 1, and Coachella as a whole, gets shit is for the influencers. This is a borderline myth because when you break it down, influencers aren’t even at the festival much of the time.
• Many influencers arrive at the actual festival around sunset and at that point non-influencers are also arriving. After sundown is when the festival becomes very full, regardless of which weekend you choose.

• Neon Carnival is an after party that takes place Saturday night of Weekend 1.

• Oftentimes influencers and celebs will leave the festival during or even before the headliner to get to Neon Carnival on time.
• This again is a blessing in disguise because this means they are gone earlier in the night.

• There are more non Coachella affiliated pregame parties and after parties but I have not attended any of them.

• The only Coachella affiliated and free (with festival wristband) is the “Silent” Disco.

• It becomes silent after curfew. At which point the music will be played through headphones that are provided by the festival.

TICKETS

Different pass types and tiers explained

• All festival passes are 3 days, there are no single day passes. (The only exception is the Outstanding in the Field passes)
• Tier system explained

• The type of pass does not change based on whether you get tier 1, 2 or 3. The purpose of this is for Coachella to be able to sell tickets at different prices based on when someone buys tickets.
• This means a tier 1 GA pass is the exact same, with only the price changing, as a tier 3 GA pass.
• The same applies to the other tiers for all other pass types. Tiers just mean more expensive, not more to offer on the tier alone.
• For context on the premise: Tier systems started out for events that were smaller where tickets don’t sell out that same day. Nowadays the tier system is an excuse for larger events to make more money on its patrons.

• GA

• This is the most basic pass you can get. All passes are for all three days, so there are no single day passes at any tier.
• GA gets you into the festival to all stages (Except for Heineken House: under 21 is not allowed entry)
• GA excludes entry to Rose Garden, VIP viewing areas
• It is possible to upgrade a GA ticket to VIP but there are restrictions. For more information go to your AXS dashboard where your tickets are located and there will be a button or area that says “upgrade.” Doing so will be the cost of a VIP ticket minus your GA ticket price. For more information a customer service rep should be able to get you the help you may specifically need.

• VIP

• VIP is notorious for being “not worth it”
• The only differences are: VIP Areas that have specialty food & drink vendors, air-conditioned restrooms, shaded seating areas and full cash bars. There are two VIP Areas are located on the grounds one on the side of the main stage and the other near the Do Lab in an area called the Rose Garden.
• There are no other VIP viewing areas for the stages.

• Guest

• The only way to get these if you don’t “know people” is to get Safari Camping options (this option costs tens of thousands of dollars)
• Guest passes have the ability to get in the viewing areas in the front of the stage for many of the stages.
• Many celebrities have these passes or artist passes.

• Artist

• These are for Artists and their accompanying crew.
• These have the most access in terms of backstage/side-stage and the same viewing areas as Guest passes.
• Artist passes cannot be bought on the Coachella website.

Getting your tickets in the mail!

• After you receive your box with your wristbands open it up to find a lot of information and goodies

• The box will obviously include your wristbands and any shuttle passes that you may have purchased

• Any parking/camping passes may be included but they may also be sent separately from the box.

• The box will have a pamphlet/booklet with information on the festival and how to activate your wristband(s)

• Activation will need to be done on an app.

• The app will come useful later as well

• The box will also include some kind of arts and crafts project

• You don’t have to do it but I always love completing them and use them to decorate my office/room to remind me that COACHELLA IS SOON

• Included in the boxes is a Coachella vinyl decal that can be placed on your car, water bottle, laptop, etc.

Will Call

• Location of the will call box office: Indian Wells Tennis Garden - 78200 Miles Avenue, Indian Wells, CA 92210 Enter gate 4 off of Miles Ave.
• Dates and Hours:

• Wednesday – 9am-7pm
• Thursday – 9am-2am
• Friday – 9am-11pm
• Saturday – 9am-8pm
• Sunday – 10am-6pm

• You can only pick up tickets for that weekend. Meaning you cannot pick up weekend 2 tickets during weekend 1.
• Check the official Coachella website for more information

Presale already passed, now what?

• There is still hope! There are a couple options for what you can do to get your tickets.

• First option is to opt into the waitlist.

• Some have stated they joined the waitlist and got their tickets that same day. The wait the waitlist works is by releasing tickets that people could not pay for that were on payment plans.

• Payment plans are charged every 15th of the month between June and December. If someone missed a payment they will have 10 days to pay it before they are released to those on the waitlist. So the 25-30 the tickets are released to the next person on the waitlist.

• I always recommend people who are dead set on going to sign up for the waitlist because it is the safest way to get tickets but it is not always going to yield good results.

• If you don’t have the means for it right now then save up starting now and prep for January!
• Once the lineup is released Coachella will post separately about when the general sale will happen.
• There is an option for 50/50 payments plans for a limited time. (This can be subject to change, check back closer to January) This plan charges you half at the time of purchase and the other half a month later.
• General Sale is the same as Presale just on a different date and now the lineup is known.

• There are possible downsides to this, though. The biggest being demand once the lineup is known. There are currently rumors that Taylor Swift will be one of the headliners (for more info check the “Lineup” page) which, if this is true, then not only will you be competing with the normal Coachella crowd but you also have to worry about possible fandoms.

• You are limited in the amount of tickets purchased per account.

• Limit four (4) Festival Passes of any combination per weekend.
• Limit Two (2) Camping sites per order.
• Limit One (1) Companion Camping Parking Pass per order.

• Do not wait to buy camping passes!!!

• These sell out pretty fast and once it’s sold out it can be notoriously difficult to find any camping passes for a reasonable price (especially preferred car camping passes)

How to safely buy on the resale market

• If you are here after the General Sale (January) then you can also look on the resale market. This comes with it’s own issues, but overall the closer to the festival the cheaper the tickets (on average)

• If you are going to do this make sure to do your homework and you trust the person selling to you.

• There are always ways to get scammed, unfortunately. I personally would never recommend anyone buy on the resale market, especially now that Coachella has the waitlist.
• The Coachella subreddit has a page dedicated to selling passes of all sorts. They also tend to post names of scammers if they come across one.
• The best way to avoid scammers is to use a service like PayPal and choose the option of goods and services NOT friends and family.

• This is because the Goods and Services option has a better refund system if something proves to be a scam, and scammers usually urge people not to use it so it's an easy tell.

• These two posts offer a lot of good information and discussion around scams and how to avoid being scammed

• PSA: TICKETS (Shipping, Lyte Waitlist, Scams & Third Party purchases, etc)
• PSA: Avoiding Scams

Waitlist explained

• The way the waitlist works is people who bought tickets using the payment plan during presale have a 10 day grace period for missed payments. After missing a payment the tickets will be released and given to the next on the waitlist.

• You are able to cancel a waitlist request through your account
• Be careful to pick the exact items you want per request. Once you enter the request it cannot be changed without losing your spot in line.

• In order to get on the waitlist you will need to pay a refundable deposit that holds your place on the waitlist. This deposit will be credited towards fulfilling your waitlist request. Joining a waitlist does not guarantee a ticket.

• Your selected payment method will be charged automatically if/once your waitlist request becomes fulfilled. If your request is not fulfilled, your deposit will be refunded.
• Through your account, you can view, manage and cancel your waitlist request at any time prior to the request being fulfilled.

• Payment plans are not offered for waitlist purchases.

Got the wrong weekend? There’s an exchange!

• Similar to the waitlist is the Exchange option offered by Coachella.
• This option becomes available closer to the festival and it allows for people who need to switch weekends with another person who also needs to switch weekends.

• For example: Person A bought Weekend 1 tickets and for whatever reason they can no longer go W1 but they still want to go W2 and Person B has the opposite problem. With the exchange feature they are able to put their offers to swap in and eventually/hopefully get this request fulfilled.

• This takes the place of doing it on the resale market outside of Coachella’s official website/partners.

Outstanding In The Field

• Full-course meal by celebrated chefs in the VIP Rose Garden.
• You’ll have access to the VIP Rose Garden for the entire day of your dinner.
• Festival Pass required for entry.
• Each night is sold separately.
• Welcome cocktail, beer & wine included.
• Seating at 6pm.

CAMPING - INFORMATION

General camping info

• If you are planning on camping as a group with other cars make sure to arrive together. You are not expected to mark all vehicles to designate that you are all in a group but this will help the people guiding traffic.

• I have decorated my windows in the past with the same name on all cars, but there have also been other groups I have seen who all tie a balloon to their driver's side mirror to designate that group of cars.

• Camping passes and festival passes are not linked to each other

• Meaning you can buy one on account A and the other on account B and use them together

• This also means you are able to buy off the resale market and still be able to use it even though it did not come from the same account. Click here for more info on buying from the resale market.

• Car and Tent camping are not able to camp together. This is mainly because of the sizes of each type of lot. More info on this further down
• Car Camping and Tent Camping areas are open to visitation by all Coachella attendees.
• Lake Eldorado access is restricted to Lake Eldorado guests.
• Venue/promoter are not responsible for any materials misplaced, lost or stolen. It is recommended that you do not bring valuable items. If you do bring valuable items, please lock them in your car. Do not leave valuable items in your tent.
• High winds and heavy dust are common in the Coachella Valley. Prepare your campsite by sealing, securing or collapsing any structures or items that may be affected.

• This most commonly looks like securing your canopy/shade by either weighing down the legs and or removing the top of the canopy/shade.
• Tents are also suggested to be weighed down/staked down. Keep in mind that metal stakes are prohibited to protect the horses that are used to petrol the premises.

• If you have multiple cars but only need one space there is the option of buying a camping companion parking pass

• If you are doing general car camping or tent camping it is the same price to have multiple spots of camping space so you can get multiple camping or companion passes.

• Car restrictions and camping spot information

• One car per car camping spot. Each spot is 10x30ft
• There are restrictions on the type of car that can be brought into the festival campgrounds.

• Not allowed: motorcycles, RVs, trailers, motorhomes, buses, U-Haul trucks or vehicles with running water/toilet.

• I have gone with a two car group both times I have been. Once the car spaces were one in front of the other where the available camping space is between the cars, the space we had was 10x60ft (Figure B). The other time the cars were side by side with the available space being at the trunk of both cars, the space was a 20x30ft space (Figure A)
  

• If you have a bigger group plan on how the area will be used. This video has a great example of what they did at their site

• Camping starts on Thursday (Also known as Day 0).

• Day 0 gives people the opportunity to get set up and hang out before the fun begins, the festival does not start until Friday.
• You can skip day 0, and choose to arrive Friday, Saturday or Sunday but regardless of when you arrive there is no monetary incentive/refund for arriving after Thursday.
• More information on Day 0 here

Preferred car camping vs. general car camping

• The main difference is with preferred car camping you are guaranteed a spot in Lot 8, which is the BEST lot (it is closest to the entrance of the festival). Since you are guaranteed a spot in Lot 8 you can arrive any time Thursday 9am-2am; Friday & Sat 9am-8pm, and Sun 9am-3pm.
• In terms of what time to arrive for a specific spot for preferred car camping in the camp grounds there are some firsthand accounts on how fast the line is at X time (you can check the subreddit for what time people say they arrived and where they got within lot 8):

• A group showed up to security at 3pm Thursday with 7 cars in their group and got row 808 (8 rows back from the entrance).
• Another group arrived around 3:30pm Thursday and were through security and setting up camp by 4pm
• Another group got there around 10:30a on Friday & we were in 813 by the Silent Disco
• Someone showed up at 8am Thursday and it took them three hours to get in. They got on 803 street.

• The entrance into the camping is the same regardless of which pass type you have.
• All festival wristbands allow entrance to all tent/car/preferred car camp facilities. The only area that requires a specific wristband are the Lake Eldorado, Safari Tents/Cabanas and Yurt areas.
• If you are wondering when to arrive with general car camping and want to get as close as possible to lot 8 there are subreddit mega threads dedicated to when gates open.

• Here is a post on the subreddit for a general idea as to what they look like and what to expect based on this year

All things tent camping

• The size of tent camping sites are 15x10ft
• Same rules as car camping apply to the amount of people allowed per site: Unlimited friends/tents per site, if they fit
• Each tent campsite is assigned in order of arrival and all tent camping is separate from car camping.
• Tent camping includes one overnight parking space in an adjacent lot.

• Tent camping is in Lot 4A with the parking for tent camping being in Lot 2A (Check the map for details)
• Additional vehicles must purchase Camping Companion Parking.

• Tent camping is able to use all the same amenities as that of General Car Camping and Preferred Car Camping
• If you are wondering when to arrive with tent camping and want to get as close as possible there are subreddit mega threads dedicated to when gates open.

• Here is a post on the subreddit for a general idea as to what they look like and what to expect based on this year

Specialty camping at Coachella

• Lake Eldorado can be purchased through the normal ticketing site

• These tents can be bought with either GA or VIP passes

• Safari Tents and Cabanas are purchased through VMT

• This option gets you guest passes for the festival

• The Resort at Coachella is $32k for two people and $6k/person if you want to add a 3rd and 4th person. In order to get more information you have to reach out for a quote.

• This option gets you artist wristbands for the festival

Important times & checking in

• Festival pass required for entry.

• If you need to get your wristband before the festival due to it getting lost/stolen/not arriving via shipping make sure this gets done before you attempt to enter the campgrounds.

• Camping is open Thu 9am-Mon 10am.

• While it stated online that the camp opens at 9am on Thursday they have been known to open the gates at around 3am Thursday morning.
• Note that if you are doing preferred camping it is not necessary to arrive that early since Lot 8 is all preferred camping. Meaning you are guaranteed a better spot than general admission car camping.
• Check map for 2023 here

• Car/Tent check-in Thu 9am-2am; Fri & Sat 9am-8pm, Sun 9am-3pm.
• Pedestrian check-in is open 24hrs.
• Noise curfew starts at 1:30am.

• There is an on camp disco that turns silent at that time. It can be found at The Dome in the camping hub.

• Campers and vehicles are searched at check-in. (check below for what is NOT permitted)
• No camping allowed between festival weekends.

• Some people on reddit have detailed what they do if they are attending both weekends and need a place to camp in their car from Monday afternoon to Thursday Morning.

When should I arrive?

• If you have preferred car camping then it does not matter as much when you arrive (see point above)
• If you have general car/tent camping then you will need to be a tad more strategic with your arrival time. As stated in the point above Lot 8 is sectioned off for only preferred car camping so that leaves the other lots as a free for all.
• The earlier you arrive the better spot you will get.

• The order in which they fill the lots can change a little here and there but on average the earlier the better

• That being said 2-3am is the earliest they have opened the gates for car camping.

• What I suggest doing is going to the Walmart or a park near the Coachella grounds for “the signal”
• Typically that signal is on reddit or if you’re paying attention you will notice cars leaving the Walmart together as well. At this moment you will want to follow all the cars and head over.
• It will take a couple hours but at least you are in line and getting checked.
• The time they open the gates is not set in stone or guaranteed. Reddit is going to be your best friend in getting a good spot

• The line for all camping is the same going into the security gates. If you are arriving with preferred car camping then you will also be in the same line as those with regular car camping. So keep in mind that you will be in line longer the earlier you arrive.
• Pro Tip: Use the restroom before you leave to go into the campgrounds

• The wait can be very short or VERY long so plan for the worst case scenario.

Vehicle lockdown

• Make sure you are aware that once you are parked in the camping area there is no leaving or reentry into the camp grounds.
• Lockdown hours are Fri & Sat 9pm-2am and Sun 11pm-2am.
• Vehicle lockdown hours may change depending on traffic conditions. Please be prepared to wait. If you must leave camping before 2am on Sunday night, you need to depart before 11pm.

Amenities in general/preferred camping

• There is a “room” with a wall of outlets and mirrors to be able to get your hair done and makeup ready before the festival that are free to use

• Be mindful that these tend to fill up fast and come people may use multiple at a time.

• I just let my hair air dry but I know that is not a luxury for all hair types.

• There are various food options at camp that have most dietary restrictions in mind as well!
• There is an onsite General Store with a lot of stuff that you may have forgotten to bring with you before entering the camp
• There are also have free Super Market Shuttles that will bring you to and from a local supermarket so you can pick up any missing food or drink items you may need

• I physically have not gone but my dad went everyday before the festival to get cheaper ice and alcohol. He said it was easy and worth the amount you save.

• They do have alcohol to buy onsite but you do spend more money on the onsite options due to the convenience
• It's also a break from the heat

• There is free wifi in the camp grounds

• I used this when I was still in college to be able to complete some homework. It was a simple discussion board post so I was able to complete it from my phone.

• There is an onsite locksmith. so if you are locked out of your car or lost your keys you have someone to call!

• Call Wes, the onsite Locksmith: (760) 835-4427 Thursday-Sunday, 24 hours
• Be sure to check with Lost & Found before calling Locksmith.

A list of prohibited items for camping

The following is a list of items that you are not allowed to bring into the festival campgrounds. I do not recommend this but, you can attempt to hide any number of these and it depends on who searched your car. Some may have people open everything they are bringing and some may do a quick search. Disregard this list at your own discretion. Check the list on the website for any potential changes that have been made for 2024

• Amplified Sound (Large Speakers, DJ Equipment, Non Factory installed Car Audio)
• Animals (Service Animals Are Allowed (See ADA Guide)
• Branded Pop-Up Canopies or Tents
• Compressed Gas Tanks (Helium, Nitrous (haha), etc.)
• Drones or Remote-Control Vehicles or Toys
• Drugs or Drug Paraphernalia
• Extra Car Batteries
• Flammables (Incl. Fireworks, Explosives, Ammunition)
• Flashlights Over 5.5” In Length
• Furniture (Sofas, Couches, Recliners, Lay-Z-Boys, Home Furnishings, Non-Inflatable Mattresses (LEAVE NO TRACE)
• Generators (Gas)
• Glass Of Any Kind (Bottles, Large Mirrors, Containers, Solar Panels, Lights, etc.)
• Heating Appliances
• Kegs
• Metal Tent Stakes
• Open Flames (Campfires, Candles, Tiki Torches)
• Prescription Medication (must be in properly labeled containers that match the holder’s ID. (No pillboxes.)
• Propane stoves allowed in Car Camping only. Review FAQ about cooking.
• Party Balloons
• Personal Vehicles (Skates, Scooters, Skateboards, Hoverboards, Segways, Electric Scooters (Birds, Limes…) (Personal Mobility Devices for ADA Guests and Bicycles are ok.)
• Rugs or Astroturf
• Scissors
• Slip-N-Slides
• Sports Equipment (Golf Clubs, Bats, Hockey Sticks, etc.)
• Squirt Guns Or Water Toys
• Tools (Sledgehammers, Screwdrivers, Hammers, Shovels, Gardening Tools, Metal Mallets, Woodchippers) (SMALL RUBBER MALLETS OK)
• Vending (Inventory will be considered surrendered and not returned.)
• Walkie Talkies / 2-way Radios
• Weapons (Guns, Ammo, Tasers, Pepper Spray/Mace, Knives (Incl. Cooking or Steak Knives)… INCLUDES ALL OFF-DUTY LAW ENFORCEMENT OR CONCEALED PERMITS
• Workout Equipment (Kettlebells, Dumbbells, Barbells, etc.)
• Wrapped or Sponsored Vehicles. (Your vehicle will be turned away if it has ads, marketing, sponsors or company logos on it. (Rental company logos Are permitted.)

Information on alcohol and other substances

• Alcohol is permitted on campgrounds.
• Campers 21+ may bring 1 case of beer cans or a box of wine.

• 1 case of beer seems to equal one 30 case of beers.
• If it looks like that there is an excessive amount of alcohol compared to the number of people in the vehicle, or if anyone in the vehicle is under 21 years of age, Coachella security may deny entry of the vehicle or require you to throw away excess/all alcohol.

• Although cannabis is legal in California the festival prohibits all substances from entering the camp grounds and festival grounds (aside from alcohol).

• Similar to the prohibited items: You can attempt to hide any number of these in your car or on your person but it depends on who is searching your car. Some may have people open everything they are bringing and some may do a quick search. Disregard this at your own discretion.

• I do not advise to get stasher items with legit looking seals to be added after you stash your prohibited items away
• If the security finds one thing that is contraband they will do a much more thorough search of your car

All things ice

• Make sure to get an ice chest that is better quality so that you don’t have to buy ice as often
• Pre-chill your ice chest so that the ice you put in at the festival isn’t working as hard

• I’d say to buy ice the day before you are set to leave or right when you start driving over and let the ice in there cool off the chest - If you're going to do this make sure to pick up ice right before entry

• Buy ice at walmart or similar to put fresh ice into the cooler
• Another perk of packing it with ice before entering is that way you already have ice on day 0
• Freeze water bottles beforehand, to put into the cooler to help maintain cool

• Ice can get expensive so look into getting dry ice (your area may or may not sell it and it may be sold out near the festival)

• Dry ice requires you to have two ice chests one for food and one with just ice (the food will get carbonated if set in the same chest as dry ice)

Money saving tips in regards to camping supplies

• If you are absolutely strapped for cash but still need camping gear then you definitely SHOULD NOT buy what you need and keep the receipt to return things after the festival.

Pack smarter not harder

• When you are packing your bag make sure to pack the stuff you’ll need first at the top, that way it’s easier to grab and you don’t have to make a mess
• Do the same with your items when packing the car up

• I bring a tarp to act as the “floor” of my campsite to avoid getting dirty so I would pack this last or in the easiest to reach area so that it can go down first. Same with the canopy; that can go up first to get shade while setting up the rest of camp.

Plan on sleeping in your car? Read this:

• The best type of car for sleeping in is obviously the bigger ones, so an SUV or Hatchback.

• In 2017 and 2018 I slept in my Dodge Caliber all weekend. Now have a Kia Soul that my husband and I will be sleeping in 2024.
• As a contingency plan we will be bringing a cot and tent for him in case the Soul is too small for him but that's mainly because he’s 6'1 and it’s just a hatchback

• We have camped in my parents car before when camping a couple years ago and that was a Toyota RAV4 so if we had that car we wouldn’t need the backup

• I personally like sleeping in the car because it can be closed to keep the warmth in at night but as mentioned before it does get hot, and fast.

• If you think you might want to sleep in your car then I would suggest setting up the car as if you were going to sleep in it and see how it feels then from there buy anything you may want instead.

• Prepping can include making shades for the other windows of your car by using insulation sheets cut to size
• If you have a sunroof you can purchase mesh nets to cover the area so you can open the sunroof and create airflow.

• These mesh nets can also be purchased for the door windows to block bugs out and let airflow

• If you want to camp in your car and need ideas you can search your car and camping. With the trend of people living a “van life” there are more and more examples of how people have transformed their car into a sleeper car.

Plan for potential car troubles

• It has happened many times where you are using the A/C or have the car running when you probably shouldn’t and Monday comes around and you cannot get the car started. No one ever plans on this happening but it happens nonetheless. ALWAYS have jumper cables and any other tools for potential car issues.

• My first year camping my tires were absolutely cracked and on the verge of falling apart. I had a spare tire to drive me home from CA to AZ.
• A neighbor needed jumper cables since their car wouldn’t start and couldn’t find any for about an hour.
• Always plan for possible issues. If it’s easier for you try getting AAA or another roadside assistance. This can be purchased through your insurance, just check with your provider.

• Coachella has an onsite AAA to jumpstart/unlock your car which is around $75

• Watch this on how to jump a car right

Make sure to keep your stuff safe!

• While you may be tempted to lock up your tent, I personally believe that it is not the way to go. If someone wants to steal they won’t be deterred by a lock, a simple slash of the tent gets them complete access.

• What I recommend is to keep all valuables locked in your car.
• Some have also mentioned that they think a lock on your tent makes it seem like you have stuff to steal.

• A good way to keep your tent from flying away is to keep the cooler in there (if there is room) so it is weighed down

How to get more and better sleep

• Sleeping can be hard if you’re a light sleeper or are sensitive to the elements, one way of combating this is by getting foam earplugs to dampen/block sound and an eye mask to block out light
• If heat is more the enemy then make sure to get some shades to go over the camp and car, if you chose to sleep in your car.
• Alternatively you can pack an eye mask to cover your eyes if you can’t cover windows

All things showers

• There are free showers available on site. They are heated and available throughout the day

• Hours: Friday-Sunday 7am-7pm
• Limited 24 hr. showers at all locations Thursday - Monday 7am - 10am.
• Showers are used most before the festival.

• “Best times” for the showers changes but some people say that they are pretty empty at the end of the day after the festival, the idea being people are too tired to shower after and wait for the morning.
• Some people say early in the morning when they open is when there are less people but that is very touch and go.
• Be aware that the other festival goers are not as “civilized” as you’d hope. There have been horror stories of what they find in the showers.

• There are “Super Duper Showers” which are paid “premium” showers that cost.

• They have shorter lines, full-length mirrors and power outlets for hair dryers. Toiletries for sale. Cash only.
• Hours: Friday-Sunday 7am-7pm
• Location: Lot 4 and Lot 10 (Next to the free showers)

• Lake Eldorado has its own showers

• Friday-Sunday 7am-7pm

• I have showered at the front of my camp site using a 3 gallon jug of water. You can also buy a hanging shower bag online.

• I personally do this because I cannot be assed to wait in line to shower, I don’t know what I will find in the showers, and I don’t want to walk super far from my campsite to do anything I need to do.

CAMPING - FUN/MISC.

What is Day 0?

• This is the name given to the day where camping pass holders are allowed to get into the camp grounds
• This is not an official day of the festival but it does have its own fun activities

• They can be found here with the added label of (camping)

Go into the festival before you’re “ready”

• I know this sounds weird but if there is an artist you like and they are playing pretty early but you don’t want to get all done up and ready earlier, I recommend going into the festival in your “pajamas”.

• No one cares about your outfit regardless so why not hop into the grounds real quick, see them, then go back to your campsite to get ready for the day!

• Even if there’s no one you want to see, I would highly recommend going earlier one day as a “Tourist-y” day where you spend time just going around and seeing all of the fun stuff that is available both at the campgrounds and the festival itself!

Camping traditions

• There is usually an r/Coachella IRL Meetup and Beer Chug near the camp hub. The details for this can be found on the subreddit closer to the date.

• This was one of the post for the 2023 W1 meet up

• Cheer on the Sunset on the hill

• In the camping grounds, by Lot 4, there is a hill that people hang out at to cheer on the sunset!
  
• Don't forget to bring a drink (alcoholic or otherwise) to cheers!!
  
• The image at the bottom of the Coachella website (as of writing this 11/4/2023) is of this!
  
  

Going to Coachella Sober? You aren’t the only one

• This is a post made on the subreddit for 2023’s Coachella where people are talking about their experiences of doing “SoberChella”

MISC. Tips and Tricks

• Twin size fitted sheets fit over a typical 6ft foldable table
• Make sure to have shade that also allows for airflow. Otherwise you will be stuck with hot, stagnant shade.

GENERAL FESTIVAL

Art Installations and Sightseeing at the Festival

• Spectra is the name of the big spiral cylinder in the middle of the festival.

• It debuted in 2018 and has since stayed as an art installation at the festival. Some people believe that it will be a mainstay for the foreseeable future but that is ultimately up to contracts. So while I cannot say for 100% certainty that it will be there in 2024 there is a high likelihood that it will be there. I definitely recommend going inside.
• The best time to go into it is during the day. It is air conditioned so that makes it a nice way to get away from the heat for a couple minutes. But the main reason to go up Spectra during the day is that you will actually be able to experience its amazing rainbow window panes. At night the light inside of it makes it so that you can see the rainbows from outside but inside it's just the color of the lights within which are just plain white lights. Although the lines can get long it is worth going in during the day and not waiting for night

• The Ferris wheel

• I have gone in both during the day and at night and personally I love seeing the birds eye at night because you can see the lights from stages better. Plus all the people! If you just want to ride it to ride it then pick whatever time you think is best for your day.
• Keep in mind these too are air conditioned but some of the pods do not get the best circulation.

• Other than those two the other installations are different every year. Generally speaking, I believe them to be worth your time to go visit. There are not many times when you will be able to experience art to this scale again, unless you go to Coachella multiple times of course!
• I may have mentioned this before but I do believe that, if possible, try to arrive earlier to the festival for at least one of the days. I know a lot of the bigger acts go on after sunset but having one day to do all the sightseeing/touristy things is well worth your time and money. Plus it allows you time to wait in lines for things without missing acts that you want to see.

List of items that are prohibited in the festival

This sign is at the wristband check in points. It shows what you are allowed and not allowed to bring into the festival.

• Important note: This list is for Festival Grounds not Camping. There are some items listed here that are allowed in the camp grounds. Check here for what is not allowed in campgrounds

Undercover Cops

THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE. I AM NOT A LAWYER

• There are a lot of undercover cops throughout the festival and some are easy to spot but they have gotten sneakier and sneakier.

• Know your rights as they apply to being searched
• Click here for a full article on the matter
• Here is a Reddit post made by a lawyer in the Indio Valley and their advice

Camping out for Headliners

• If you are planning on camping out beware that people start camping out at the front gate before they open them as early as possible. For Beyonce there was already a crowd by 10am and the second they opened the gate it was a madhouse and one person even lost their hat!
• You should also bring protection from the sun (shade, sunscreen and sunglasses)
• I would recommend getting a lot of water to last you the whole time you are waiting.
• There is no way to reserve your spot. If you’ve been to other festivals that have a structured way of getting in the front for any given artist that is not how this goes at Coachella.

When should I eat and how much should I expect to spend on a meal?

• Plan around typical mealtimes (ie 12-2pm for lunch and 5-7pm for dinner) Many people will be lining up during this time to get their food so it will take you longer to get your food.

• I like to get my food on “off times” that way I was in and out faster and ready to go for the next set.

• The food in 2023 averaged around $16-20 and drinks were $14-25 depending on the amount of alcohol.

• This post on the subreddit has many comments regarding the prices people remember from the weekend.

What is the “Returning to the Desert” spot on the lineup?

• This is new for 2023 but many believe it is here to stay. Although not titled the return to the desert spot in 2022 it is thought by many that Swedish House Mafia's set in 2022 was in the same vein.
• This spot has so far only been for DJs/Producers but some believe it can be for legendary acts such as Rage Against the Machine (RATM)

• RATM has since been ruled out from playing 2024 - not set in stone but it is more likely that they will not be playing.

Stages

• The list of stages is: Coachella (aka main stage), Outdoor Theater, Sahara, Mojave, Gobi, Sonora, Yuma, Do Lab, Heineken House and Despacio
• Despacio was first on the lineup in 2016 and returned in 2023. No word yet on if it will be at Coachella in 2024

• “Despacio is a custom-built sound system designed to provide an unparalleled listening experience. The system features a series of stacks of McIntosh amplifiers and speakers, arranged in a circular formation to create a 50,000-watt, 360-degree wall of sound. The music is played entirely on vinyl records, which are carefully selected by James Murphy and the Soulwax brothers for their sound quality and musicality. The result is an immersive audio experience that has been called “life-changing” by many attendees.”
• It is suggested to have earplug for protection

• Heineken, Yuma and Do Lab have their own lineups and set times that will be released separately from the main lineup.

• Since Do Lab has its own lineup, someone could play Do Lab in 2023 and it not exclude them from the Coachella 2024 lineup
• Yuma tent is air conditioned so in the morning/earlier half of the day it is a quick A/C chill out spot (the line for the Yuma tent can get very long later in the day
• Do Lab is a shaded tent with water misters/water sprayers

• Do Lab has special surprise performances that are announced shortly before their sets, day of.
• Access to all of these stages are included with all wristbands (Heineken is 21+ only)

Is water really $10? (spoiler: no)

• There are water refill stations throughout the festival grounds. These make it easy to refill any bottle or backpack.

• If you forgot to bring a water bottle or backpack with you the waters are sold throughout the festival as well and they are around $2-3 (not $10 like some people may joke!!)

Bathrooms

• Many of the bathrooms at Coachella are porta-potties. There are some “normal” bathrooms in the festival but they can be either only in VIP areas or 21+ areas.
  

• There are a couple “normal” bathrooms in the GA area. They are typically found around Mojave and Do Lab but this can change. (not likely to though).

• The toilet paper does run out and they do get very nasty.
  

• The best way to avoid any issues is to bring toilet paper with you into the festival or to save napkins that food vendors give you. Wet wipes are also a good move if you plan in advance.
• Another cool hack for people who can't stand and pee is to get a pee funnel (these make it so you can stand and pee even if you aren’t “naturally” equipped to do so!)

• Tangentially related: They run out of soap
  
  I am preparing for this by buying portable soap sheets! These are little pieces of soap that are one time use and lets you wash your hands anywhere
  

BIGGEST PRO TIP: Make the Most of the Lineup!!!

• As you can tell by this entire guide, I plan A LOT. My go to method for post lineup release is to listen to every artist on the lineup and then some.

• I listen to at least 3-5 songs from each and every artist on the lineup.
• The way I do this is I pull up Spotify (or Apple music if you’re nasty) and the lineup then go one by one down the lineup.
• I enter the artist/band on Spotify then listen to the 5 songs that are at the top of their page. This will give you a good idea of what their music is like.
• As I go through the list I save the songs of the artists I like to a playlist. I don’t yet like/add them to my library just yet. I will however add these artists to the lineup charts in the “Lineup” page. That way I am ready for the next steps
• After the playlist is created I will listen to it while driving around, working, or whatever I’m doing and as I grow to REALLY like a song/artist I will add it to my library. Doing this helps me narrow down my “must see” list.
• Periodically I will go back to the sheet I created (which you can check here!) and change the level to which I want to see them at Coachella. This helps plan in advance before the set lists come out.

• I will typically take into account the artists size, if they are likely to tour near me, if they rarely tour, etc.

• Once the set times come out I refer back to that sheet and find out any clashing times and figure out from there what I am going to have to miss.

• This is why the “level of importance” is there for me! It helps this process out a lot.

• None of the above is necessary AT ALL but it is how I have avoided finding an artists after the festival and missed all because I didn’t “do my homework”

• Perfect example of this: I found SOHN through this process and I would have never otherwise found him or been able to see him play live since. SOHN is now one of my favorite artists and I got to see him at the Mojave/Gobi stage (I can’t remember which)

• If you have a gap between sets you can always get food and take it to a random stage/tent and watch the artist from a distance. You never know if you end up liking an artist only live or maybe they bring out a cool guest!

Plan for Little to No Phone Service

• During the day the service will get progressively worse the more people start showing up. So the best way to combat getting separated from your group with no service is to plan for it.

• Since there are big art structures throughout the festival it is easy to pick a meet up spot that can be the point of rendezvous for you and your friends in case you split up and can’t contact each other via phone.
• You can try to communicate with each other by sending texts with time stamps for when you sent it. For example: “We are at the ferris wheel, be here for 15 minutes then I’m moving to xyz (1:30pm)” that way if the text is received later than 1:45pm the recipient can know it’s not worth heading to the ferris wheel anymore.

• Another way to plan in case you and your group splits up is having everyone's list of must see artists. That way if throughout the day you get split up the rest of the group knows where you will be.

• Since I do a lot of the dirty work up front I have a list I can give friends that way if they lose me then they know what sets I am planning on seeing and will be at with at least 90% accuracy rate.
• The “Lineup” page has a chart where you can input your must sees for the day, once the lineup is released”

• Print or save a copy of the festival schedule and map for easy reference in case the Coachella app does not want to load
• If you are driving to the festival and parking try to set a pin for where you parked. This may or may not work due to service being spotty so as a backup plan make a note in your phone or take a picture of the surrounding area so that you know where you parked - I also like to take note of any signage or landmarks in the area.
• Since there is a high chance that there will be no service during the festival try to keep your phone on “airplane mode.” This will help preserve your battery

• If you are separated from your group or expecting texts then turn it off until you reunite.

Hours

• Venue opens Friday - Sunday @ Noon-ish

• Check the Coachella Twitter and App for alerts as to when they open the gates.

• Some days they open right at 12 but some days have even opened as early as 10am.
• This can come handy in arriving as early

• Venue curfew is Friday/Saturday @ 1:00 am & Sunday @ Midnight.

• This is not as strict since some sets last longer past curfew

Lineup and Set times

• The Lineup is subject to change. The best example of this is Frank Ocean.

• If you are unaware of what happened: basically Frank was Sunday’s headliner but went on an hour and some change late and only played until the curfew. Many speculated in the week between weekends what would happen. Eventually Skrillex b2b Four Tet b2b Fred Again… were the new Sunday Headliners. Many asked if there would be refunds but due to the “subject to change” aspect it leaves room for Coachella to change.
• That being said if you are going for a specific person be mindful that they can drop or be dropped at any point.

• For general information on a general timeline of events check the "What is the general timeline leading up to Coachella?" subheader under “General” in this page. For more information on when the lineup or set times have historically been released check here.

Lockers

• Lockers can be purchased before the festival (often sell out completely before the festival starts). These give you the option to bring a change of clothes or a place to leave any Merch bought during the day.

• I personally suggest only getting these if you are not camping and plan on arriving early in the day or want extra warm clothes for later in the day.
• I have camped both times I have been to the festival and gone back to my camp to change into a warmer outfit/drop off merch I bought.

• They are located inside the venue.
• There are different sizes of lockers available (Medium, Large & Extra Large) All are Keyless and use a combination that you set to open.

• Medium: Height: 18″ Width: 15″ Depth: 18″
• Large: Height: 24″ Width: 15″ Depth: 18″
• XL: Height: 24″ Width: 18″ Depth: 21″

• They are good for the whole festival weekend (Friday to Sunday).
• $10 refundable deposit.

Pickpocketing is REAL

Unfortunately there are people who only go to Coachella to make a profit off stolen goods. This being said you will want to make sure to keep your belongings safe both inside the festival and in the camping grounds

• For car camping I suggest locking all valuables in the car before you leave your spot.
• If you buy a water backpack or use a backpack to hold your stuff in the festival make sure to secure valuables deep within the bag or in a hard to reach spot.

• This way it will take a lot for someone to reach anything that matters. And if they try they will notify you before even getting close.

• Avoid leaving your phone in your pocket or easy to reach areas

• My husband and I will have a system where he will hold the water backpack with general items but I will have a fanny pack across my front with our valuables. That way I will have eyes on our valuables at all times.
• I will also be buying a wristlet/lanyard for my phone (link in “Packing” page)

• In order to make is to that someone can't just unclip the fanny pack from the back and steal stuff use a zip-tie to hold the buckle closed

• Tiktok showing a way to protect your fanny pack from getting stolen off of you.

• Many people say to have your screensaver be the lineup but I think setting your screensaver to a picture of what you look like with a sign saying who to call if found is a better idea and more practical.

• This will only work if whoever finds your phone is a good person, fingers crossed!

Lost and Found

• Although pickpockets are rampant there is a chance you just lost your phone or something else and someone was nice enough to get it to lost and found. The festival has a lost and found station near the entrance of the festival grounds.
• Property tags with QR codes were included in the wristband boxes in recent years (this could change).

• Another method in case they get rid of this in the boxes for this year is to set your phone’s lock screen to have the contact info of your friend/partner or whoever you’re traveling with. That way if your phone gets lost whoever finds it can reach out to someone and get you your phone.

• I have also used a sharpie to write the number of my friend or whoever is going with me to a festival or somewhere I plan on getting drunk at. This is because I have a really bad memory when it comes to numbers, especially when I am inebriated.

• You definitely do not have to do this but it can come in handy if you can borrow a phone to contact them in case you get separated

• Keep in mind that service is bad as the festival day goes on (Check the above “Plan for Little to No Phone Service” bullet point for more info)

• You can get airtags if you have apple products or tile brand trackers if airtags aren’t for you.

What to Wear and NOT to Wear

Although no one not even I can/should police what you chose to wear to the festival, there are some things you will want to stay away from to avoid any unnecessary pain

• Wear comfortable shoes!! This is not the time to wear new Doc Martens or the place for heels.

• You’re going to be walking A LOT! (some clock in 30k steps a day)
• Heels are not the move for more reasons than just pain, the whole festival is a grassy field so you can get hurt in shoes with little to no control/ankle support.

• I have worn my trusty Adidas Superstars and never had an issue.

• If you want to hear shoes for your outfit pictures I recommend getting a locker to be able to put a change of shoes/clothes in for when you need/want to change

• It is hot during the day (sometimes 100+ degrees) but cold at night (sometimes in the 50s) Make sure you have something warm to change into or put on for when the temperature inevitably changes.
• Coachella is known for the fashion of it’s festival goers but you do not need to dress up if you do not want to or have the means to.

• The first year I went I found a happy medium and thrifted my looks. Thrifting now has gotten out of hand so I can see it not being as economical as it once was but trying it out may surprise you.

• Another added benefit to thrifting is less of a chance of seeing someone with the same items (if that is something you care about)

• For 2024 I am planning on prioritizing comfort with style in mind but not the forefront. For me this looks like flowy pants, big t-shirts, biker shorts and leggings for when it gets colder out.

• People are not as judgemental as you think they are and even if they are they are not worth your time or energy wasted when you could be partying it up.

Layout of the Festival

• When you arrive at the festival grounds find an info kiosk and see if they have maps. These will usually contain not only a map of the festival grounds but it will also have the set times in the booklet! I usually grab two, one to use and abuse and the other to have as a keepsake. I still have my booklets from 2017 and 2018!
• The map of the festival stays relatively the same with minor changes in the way of art installations and other vendor tents.

• The biggest change was in 2018 when the Sahara tent moved to a bigger and better stage (where it is now)

• Labeled Bird’s Eye View of the Polo Fields in 2023

TRAVEL AND LODGING (NOT CAMPING)

Shuttle Map (2023)

• This reddit post has a map with all shuttle stops and the festival grounds posted. Keep in mind that this is from 2023 so there may or may not be any changes from 23 to 24.

Flight times

• Flights into Palm Springs/Coachella Valley can be much more expensive than flights to LAX

• The drive from LAX to Coachella is 2 hours without traffic.
• If you are flying in/out make sure your flights going back home are not too early since the traffic can be very extreme from Coachella Valley to LAX

Hotel Packages

• Many popular hotels offer packages where you can get tickets and a room bundled together. These go through VMT
• Always check a map to see how close or far each is but keep in mind that with Coachella Festival traffic a typical 10 minute drive can become hours.

• If you choose a package see if it comes with shuttle passes or how you will be getting to the festival.

• Some hotels offer a “day party” for those who are staying in their hotel (check the packages for more information)

Hotels vs AirBnB’s

• This is a very person to person answer. I personally don’t do AirBnBs anymore because I had a horror story from when I rented one for Hard Summer and the fees make it more expensive than a Hotel.
• Specifically when it comes to Coachella I have heard AirBnBs canceling last minute on people to make a bigger profit on others looking for housing. This could potentially have been fixed but it’s not 100% guaranteed.
• Hotels are a good option for a smaller group and AirBnB can be better for larger groups.
• All in all if you chose not to camp then whichever you pick, hotel or AirBnB, will be ultimately up to you.
• If you aren’t sure on whether to camp or not you can check out the pros and cons page where I have listed common pros and cons for both hotels/AirBnBs vs camping.

Shuttle passes

• Shuttle passes can be purchased with passes. These get you travel to/from the festival from any participating stop all weekend long. These are available through Valley Music Travel.
• There are options for hotel to festival and LAX to festival/hotels

MISCELLANEOUS

Bingo cards for lineup predictions - Pre-Lineup only

• I love artist tracking in preparation for the lineup drops

• My husband and I have been making an ongoing lists of who we think will go to coachella 2024, these lists will become a bingo card and when the lineup drops we will be filling them out and the person who gets the most items on their bingo cards will either win something or the loser will get something done to them at the festival.

• I’m thinking winner can get a veto on something, their choice of something, or maybe an extra drink or something like that
• If we choose that the loser has to do something, I am thinking we do, the loser has to wear a shirt of the winner’s choosing, loser has to do something funny at the festival or something similar.

• We are planning on using this website for the bingo card

Coachella Subreddit

• If you have other questions that you cannot get an answer to and think it may be a “stupid question” you can always ask them in this thread! It is a yearly tradition that is posted around lineup drop time when there is an influx of new people frequenting the subreddit!
• If you aren’t familiar with reddit or flair on subreddit pages then they are a way to tag your posts and search posts in the subreddit. These are some of the best ones for planning and or learning about the festival either as a first timer to the festival or you need help figuring things out because they are new to you. Here are some of the go to ones:

• FAQ
• Personal Experiences
• Festival Planning
• Camping Tips
• Hotel / House Tips
• Coachella Sob Story
• LINEUP MANIA!!!

Taking off wristbands without cutting them off

• Whether it be to save the wristband as a keepsake or to sell it for Sunday since you can’t make it for that day there are a couple ways to do this.

• If you need it to stay intact then this trick works the best: Plastic Bag
• If you don’t care then I like to use heavy duty scissors to cut off the plastic bit that is holding it in place leaving me with the wristband in a nice open band that I can then do as I please

• Here is what I did with my old wristbands: I sewed them on a bucket hat as a fun usable keepsake (I got the idea from this reddit post)

Please be nice always but especially when snaking through the crowd to move up!!

• If you need to move past people in the crowd for whatever reason please be nice about it!

• Make sure you are saying “excuse me” “thank you” “sorry” anything! Many times I am vibing and pushed aside because a group is trying to get by me. If they had said sorry or excuse me it would have made the situation better.

• Keep in mind not everyone will let you through.

• Some people have been waiting all day for that specific artist.
• If you want to avoid anyone not letting you through then think about the pros and cons of camping out earlier in the day.

Take the Extra Day Off

• If you have enough PTO or are able to take the extra day off after the festival then I highly suggest taking it.

• I have the Monday already off due to camping but if I didn’t already have that Tuesday off I would take it off.

To go in a Group or Pair?

• There are benefits to going with a group versus going with one other person.

• The monetary aspect of going in a group vs a pair can be the difference in whether you are even able to go or not. So see if there is any benefit for you, to go with a group or just with another person.

• The areas in which this can change how much you’re spending is how many people are splitting the campsite/hotel/Airbnb as well as how much more you may need to get in preparation for a larger group

• If you do end up going with a group make sure to come to a consensus on whether the group will be okay with splitting up when actually in the festival or if they want to stay together throughout.

• I suggest planning for splitting up in case it happens regardless of what the original plan is (see “Plan for Little to No Phone Service”)

• This is easier if you are camping onsite since the ultimate meeting spot can be the campsite

• Going with one other person is still a lot of fun, though!

• It’s always easier to plan things out with less people but it’s never perfect
• Going in a pair can also be cost effective since you don’t have to make accommodations for large groups.

• If you’re Ubering then an uber for two is a lot easier to get than an uber for a large group.
• Less people also means less beds/space/camping spots so that can also be cheaper.

Lineup Posters

• If you missed out on buying the lineup poster when buying your tickets then head over to the merch tent at the festival!

• This reddit post of 2023 merch tent shows that they not only sell the current year’s poster but they also sell past years posters

• Note that 2024 poster prices have gone up to $17 before tax ($20 after) so this may affect the price of all the posters in the future as well.

Learn from other’s mistakes

• Here is a great read when you have time! Redditors tell their rookie mistakes in this thread
• Here is another thread on Reddit for Camping Mistakes

• Rocket92’s comment in this thread includes a lot of great information.

Fun & Informative Content Creators

• If you’re looking for informative Coachella/Festival content creators take a look through these links:

• Angel Chavez

• He is from the valley and has been to about 13+ Coachella festivals. He posts often about the festival itself, the lineup and what it’s like. He also has a lot of other videos about the Coachella valley and the culture there

• Living by the F Word

• Tons of videos regarding Coachella and other festivals

• If you’re looking for fun Coachella/Festival vlogs to get a taste of what it’s like then look through some of these links:

• TPD TV

• I found these guys from their Coachella video but they also go to many other festivals to show what it is really like.
• They went to Coachella 2022 W2 and 2023 W1. They have a typical vlog format to their videos to capture what it is really like at whatever festival the video is about

• TW: Bodily fluids from both ends

• Sarah Baska and Caitlyn Rae

• Sarah posts their Coachella experiences in a storytime-esque style with clips from the festival throughout
• Caitlyn is more of a stereotypical influencer and posts their experiences going to Revolve Fest and Neon Carnival

• Harm Reduction/Safety content creators

• Psychedsubstance

• This channel is a great resource regarding harm reduction and overall knowledge.
• Remember to be safe however you choose to have fun at a festival.

Free Wifi

• Free wifi is located in the following areas
• In Festival Grounds:

• Coachella Stage bar
• 12 Peaks bars (VIP only)
• Merch area
• Terrace Food areas
• Beer Barn
• Outdoor Theatre bar
• Indio Central Market
• Sonora bar
• Rose Garden (VIP only)

• In Camping Grounds:

• Camping General Store
• Camping Activities area

Acrylic Paint for Car Window Decoration

• I have used both chalk markers and acrylic paint to paint my windows on my car but the best overall was the acrylic paint.
• The acrylic paint works best when it is in thin layers. Be careful not to go too thick or else it can flake off.

More misc. information on wristbands

• Once you have them in your possession make sure to not put them on until right before the festival.

• Once they are tightened they are almost impossible to get loose.
• Make sure to read the instructions if they need to be on a specific wrist.

Can’t Make it? Here’s what you CAN do from home!

• Couchella is the name, life stream is the game! The Coachella YouTube page has historically streamed the first weekend. It has now started (in 2023) streaming both weekends for anyone to enjoy from home!
• If you have a lot of time on your hands or want to see live posting regarding the lead up to the festival then you should check out the subreddit!

• It’s even more fun when there is a lot of drama (ie Frank Ocean) that you can partake in from afar!