It doesn’t matter how many concerts you’ve been to. It doesn’t matter how often you’ve seen your favorite artist perform. Finally, it doesn’t matter if you’ve watched recorded performances from Coachella. Attending it in real life is like no other. Admittedly, I’ve never attended any other music festival or even a rave, so maybe my POV is biased. So here are some of my top tips if next year will be your first year.
Self-Expression is Big
You can research all the boho-themed outfits you’d like, but many stores do not capture what you’ll see on the festival fields! Swimwear, mesh, pasties, and catsuits/unitards/bodysuits are more common than boho wear. Having an open mind if you are relatively conservative is all I can say, LOL!
Comfortable Shoes Will Be Your Best Friend
I can not express this enough. The parking lot and shuttle drop-off areas are about a half-mile from the fields alone, and once you’re on the grounds…. there’s a lot more walking. I averaged about 20,000 steps per day. This does not compare to a dance class (where these steps can be made in an hour) because it is spread out and includes LOTS of standing for hours. I took breaks and refuge in the American Express lounge to give my feet a rest. Others could easily average about 30,000 steps. Guys, this is over 10-15 miles of walking per day.
Bandanas Are Not Just A Fashion Statement
Initially, I wondered why so many people had bandanas covering their faces and figured it was a Californian thing. It’s not. There’s so much dust on the fields; people wore surgical masks to keep the dust from getting in their noses and mouth! This was 2018, so before, it was a requirement in everyday life. Imagine how bizarre that was for me. The dust gets stuck to your lipstick/lipgloss if the wind blows. I was okay after day one, but day two and three was almost unbearable! I highly suggest cleaning your nose or packing a neti pot with you to use every night.
You May Not Get To See Everyone On Your List
With several performances being held on different stages simultaneously, there’s a chance you may not see your favorites unless they’re a headliner. The headliners perform last in the evening.
The Food Prices Are Extremely High
I budgeted $400 for myself for food, drinks, and souvenirs for the weekend. I didn’t spend close to that because the prices were absurd! My boyfriend and I spent about $200 each for the whole weekend, so we saved half of our projected budget. A cup of lemonade was $9, and a sandwich was twice the cost. I’m from the city, so I am used to $10-$15 burgers, but not $18 for something mediocre like a sandwich or hotdog. I also picked up a case of water, fruit, and things that could quickly heat up in the microwave from the nearest supermarket.
Be The Person You Are When You’re Alone
Have fun! No one will judge you or care how loud you sing during the performances. So scream at the top of your lungs if you want, and wear that outfit you’ve been waiting to wear for a “special event.”
Spend More To Stay As Close As Possible To The Fields
As the title suggests, staying closer is better! Traffic is horrendous during the weekend, and what would take you 15-20 minutes will take you over an hour, which can cause you to miss a performance. So either give yourself plenty of time for traffic or stay close to the field, so it’s not an issue.
Have you ever gone to Coachella or a similar festival? What other tips can you suggest?
