Are you ready to experience the ultimate festival event in the world? Get ready for Coachella, the two-weekend celebration of music, art, and community held annually in Indio, California. For all you Aces out there, this guide is all you need to know about Coachella details, who to look out for, and what to wear.

What is Coachella

For those that don't know the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, also known as Coachella, is an annual festival that features musical artists from various genres, art installations, and other activities. It is held in the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, and is widely considered one of the biggest and most popular music festivals in the world.



Snapshot of Coachella stage of Coachella goers enjoying a performance
Image from Unsplash by: Hari Nandakumar​​

Mini History Lesson

The festival was first held in 1999 and was originally created as a response to the high ticket prices charged by Ticketmaster. Pearl Jam's conflict with Ticketmaster led to the band headlining a concert that charged a reasonable amount for tickets. This event inspired the organizers of Coachella, and since then, the festival has grown into a global phenomenon, attracting artists and attendees from all over the world.


Coachella Dates (2023)

This year's Coachella festival will take place on April 14-16 and April 21-23.


Festival Location

The festival takes place at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, a desert area located about two hours east of Los Angeles.


Ticketing

Tickets for Coachella range from $549 to $1,069 for a VIP pass, with shuttle and camping passes available for purchase as well.

If you haven’t gotten your tickets yet you can still get tickets for weekend 2 on the official Coachella Website  or alternatively you can buy the tickets from third party sites like Vividseats  & Viagogo  

There is always good ol Facebook groups & Marketplace too if you’d rather buy it from people


Artist & Performances to look out for

Jam along to some of our favorite artists performing at Coachella this year. 

Coachella is a festival that prides itself on showcasing a variety of music genres, and this year is no exception. We're seeing a shift in the music lineup that's taking a reggaeton with headliners like Bad Bunny and Rosalia. This addition to the lineup is sure to bring in fans of Latin music, as well as those who are curious about this exciting and vibrant genre.

Another interesting performer making a comeback to Coachella is Calvin Harris, who was the original poster boy for EDM. Harris helped to take off the EDM scene, and although we haven't seen him for a while, we're interested to see what he brings back this time around.

For those looking for the burner people and EDM lovers, we're excited to see Elderbrook and Porter Robinson performing. These two artists always bring something fresh to the table and have a way of getting the crowd moving and grooving.

If you're looking for a good time but something a little more mellow, we're really excited to see the following artists performing: Jan Blomqvist, Nora EN Pure, Eric Prydz, Jai Wolf, SG Lewis, and FKJ. (definitely checkout the Mellow Fever Spotify Playlist)  These artists offer a more laid-back sound that's perfect for chilling out and enjoying the festival atmosphere.

Finally, for those who are just looking for a ratchet good time, we're definitely keeping an eye out for Two Friends, who always bring some great mix-ups, Chromeo, Fisher, and of course, Calvin Harris. These artists are sure to get the party started and keep it going all night long.

It's exciting to see how Coachella is evolving and changing over time, showcasing a wider range of genres and artists. It's clear that the festival organizers are listening to their audience and paying attention to what people want to hear. Whether you're a fan of EDM, Latin music, or something in between, there's sure to be something at Coachella that will get your heart pumping and your feet moving.
5 guys in Coachella
Pinterest​​

What to Wear?

Firstly, let's address the elephant in the room: just dressing to fit in is a big no-no. The experience of creating purposeful outfits for Coachella pays itself back many times over just from the memories alone. The festival is a unique opportunity to showcase your personal style and stand out from the crowd.

That being said, there are some tips to help you rock out at Coachella. It can get pretty dusty and hot out there, so you'll want clothes that can tough it out with you. Denim is an amazing choice that fits right in with the festival's theme. A classic denim jacket is perfect for those cooler desert nights, and distressed denim shorts are perfect for staying cool in the hot sun. 

Accessories are also key to nailing the Coachella vibe. A fedora hat not only looks stylish but will also help keep you cool. Plus, it's a great accessory to pair with any outfit. Sunglasses are also a must-have to protect your eyes from the bright desert sun.

For footwear, comfort & durability is key. The last thing you want is to have sore feet after the first day of the festival. Opt in for a pair of boots that can withstand the dusty terrain, keep you going and last as long as you do. 

If you really want to standout in the crowd, skip the floral tees & tie dye shirts that everyone always wears. 
Put on a Ponshawl, and embrace your inner mystic. it’ll keep you covered from the dusty and hot days, while still covered during the colder night hours, best of all? Look mysterious, mystical, & Sexy all together. Skip the regular shorts too, try on some ¾ cargo shorts to keep the flow grooving and you moving all day. If you’re not a fan of the cargo shorts, you can always go own the beautiful mystical patterns on some paisley shorts to complete the look.

A man in a Ponshawl
Not feeling very Mystical? You are loud, proud, and wanna stand out wherever you go? Embrace your inner warrior,  and Own your power. You know what’s got warrior written all over them, utility. You know what’s up, and you’re always ready for anything and so your clothes need to reflect that too. Throw on a pair of cargo pants, together with a denim jacket for a timeless wild west look, add on a matching fedora and not to forget some boots and your look is done



An outfit consisting of a long sleeve Denim, 3/4 quarter cargo pants, fedora hat, & grey boots.
Maybe these are still a little too safe for you? Maybe you’re someone ahead of your time, maybe you’re someone that carries an inexhaustible imagination & creative energy. Someone that embodies the creator. Then the perfect fit is something with a mix of style and comfort, the ladies love them but who says that the guys can’t enjoy them either. You’re rocking with some standout leggings that give you all day comfort, with kick ass style. Can’t forget a top that's as cool as you are, throw on a cloak and for extra points a bandana. Lastly, some shades & boots to complete the look.



A man wearing a cloak, green bandana, graphics leggings, sungalasses & a pair of black boots along with the each individual item piece broken down

Accommodations

When attending the festival, you have several accommodation options to choose from, depending on your preferences and budget:
  1. Onsite Camping: The festival offers onsite camping options, including car camping, tent camping, and RV camping. These options let you stay close to the festival grounds and enjoy the full Coachella experience.
  2. Offsite Camping: There are several offsite camping options around Indio and the surrounding Coachella Valley area, such as Lake Cahuilla Recreation Area and Indian Waters RV Resort & Cottages. These sites may offer additional amenities like showers, restrooms, and water stations.
  3. Hotels: There are many hotels in the greater Palm Springs area and nearby towns like La Quinta, Palm Desert, and Rancho Mirage. Some of these hotels may offer shuttle services to and from the festival, making it convenient for you to attend the event without worrying about transportation.
  4. Vacation Rentals: Websites like Airbnb and Vrbo offer a variety of vacation rental options in the Coachella Valley, from private rooms to entire homes. This option provides a more personal and comfortable stay, especially if you're traveling with a group.
  5. Luxury Accommodations: If you're looking for a more luxurious experience, there are high-end hotels, resorts, and villas available in the area. Some of these options may offer VIP

Activities

One of the thing to remember is that Coachella is not just a music festival, it is a full-blown experience, with plenty of things to see and do beyond the live performances. Attendees can expect a range of activities to suit their interests, from art installations and interactive experiences to delicious food, wellness activities, and more.

One of the most popular attractions at Coachella is the art installations. Every year, the festival features large-scale installations from artists around the world that provide a visually stunning backdrop to the festival. These installations are often interactive, allowing attendees to engage with the art in unique and exciting ways. From a massive astronaut towering over the crowd to a 36-foot-tall ice cream cone, the art installations at Coachella are a sight to behold.

In addition to the art installations, Coachella also offers a variety of food options from some of the most famed restaurants in the country. From pizza to sushi and everything in between, festival-goers can indulge in a variety of cuisine options while taking in the music and art around them.

For those looking for some rest and relaxation, Coachella also has a wellness program. Attendees can participate in yoga, meditation, and other wellness activities that are sure to leave them feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.


Transportation

In addition to figuring out what to wear and which artists to see, getting to Coachella can be a hassle for some festival-goers. With traffic and parking being major issues, many people prefer to use alternative transportation options to make their way to the festival grounds. Fortunately, Coachella offers several shuttle options for those looking for a more convenient and eco-friendly way to travel to the festival.

The Any Line Shuttle Pass is a great option for those who want to skip the festival traffic and leave their car at home. This service offers a safe, comfortable, and environmentally-conscious alternative for transportation to and from the festival. Round-trip shuttle service will depart from local hotels between 12 PM and 8 PM each show day and return service from the festival will end 60 minutes after the music ends each night. The prices for the Any Line Shuttle Pass start from $120 + fees.

Another shuttle option offered by Coachella is the LAX Shuttle Pass, which is perfect for those traveling far and wide to join the festival. This option is also great for those coming from the Los Angeles area. The shuttle service offers convenient pick-up at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and return service right back. One-way shuttle service to/from Coachella Camping and select resorts are available for both weekends. The prices for the LAX Shuttle Pass start from $85 + fees.

When it comes to transportation options, it's important to keep in mind that shuttle passes must be purchased in advance and are non-refundable. Additionally, shuttle passes must be exchanged for a wristband at the shuttle pick-up location before boarding. With these in mind, shuttle services are still a great option for those looking for a more convenient and hassle-free way to travel to and from Coachella.

For more information on shuttle passes, including pricing and pick-up locations, visit https://www.valleymusictravel.com/events/coachella/shuttles/.


That's it, you're ready for Coachella. It's time for you to go out and make memories that'll last a lifetime. If you don't know which outfits suit you, try out GameXShop to discover your hidden Archetype

Leave a comment

Please note: comments must be approved before they are published.