Is it worth the hype?
I have now attended two Coachella music festivals. I would say it is worth the hype. There is something there for absolutely everyone. You will see things that you cannot see anywhere else in the world.
The lineup is always incredible. If you are a music lover, you will have at least 10 artists you want to see. As an Australian, most of these acts never make it to my home country. If you search all the way through the lineup there are always incredible artists. I have seen Beyonce do a Destiny’s Child reunion, Eminem on stage with 50 cent and Dr Dre, Harry Styles and Kygo just to name a few.
Since Coachella is so close to LA, you get some incredible guests onstage. It is also the festival of the year for celebrities. You get to see extra artists you did not expect. I saw Arianna Grande on accident, Pharrell Williams and Cardi B. They all came out as guests.
It is not expensive for what it is. Sure, you can pay $20,000 and go crazy with a fancy Airbnb and designer outfits. Or you can pay $800 and camp at the festival. The campsite is a beast of its own. It is also where they have a silent disco that runs into the early hours of the morning, they have a bunch of events during the day and yoga classes in the morning. I went to go see Billie Eilish’s mum talk about veganism and helping the planet. There is a lot to see!
I also attended some weird workshops, one of them I had to look into a stranger’s eyes without looking away for five minutes. It was awkward but kind of awesome at the same time, because you would never usually do that in your day to day (speaking for myself). I also did a yoga workout with a DJ playing the music.
The people watching is one of the most entertaining parts of the weekend. You can dress as weird as you want and no one will bat an eye. I saw someone wearing only nipple stickers and a thong, no one cared. I have worn all sorts of mesh, reflective miniskirts, and floor length sequin skirts.
Because it is an art festival alongside the music, you get to see some incredible sculptures. You can usually walk through the sculptures. I have seen them use planes to write things in the sky. The also have light shows in the sky, alongside fireworks.
The following information is a few lifehacks that I have picked up for when you go. Number one, alcohol there is insanely expensive (duh). Bring your own, they do not check the cars that well. Just hide it in a good spot and you will be fine. Same thing with food and coffee. My coffee in the mornings was costing $10-13. Food is usually $15-30 USD per meal. This adds up quick.
To bring alcohol into the festival I have picked up some hacks over the years. One way is to put it in those squeezy yoghurt containers. Then you can slide them into your clothes without an issue. Another is to fill up a water bottle and reseal it. They shake water bottles at the entrance if you put it in your bag, they do not seem to check pockets though. My boyfriend and brother walked in with two in their pockets, they were obvious as well. The security did not check them. I have been caught going into the festival with drinks and the guy was not even mad, he was just very apologetic that he had to take my vodka. It was weirdly nice.
Bandanas at Coachella are not just to look cool; they are helpful when it is super dusty to stop from swallowing dirt. As the weekend goes on the dust gets worse. My brother and I had an allergic reaction to the dust and needed to go to the medical tent every now and again to take medication to open our lungs. They are super helpful in there and everything is free. One of the weekends I got food poisoning and got a free ride to the tent with security. Kind of embarrassing because I was projectile vomiting everywhere, but overall could have been worse.
The festival is extremely hot during the day and freezing at night. I can leave my jacket in the campsite and just run to grab it when I want. If not, they have cloak rooms available. I got one of those light up fluffy jackets which is always a massive hit at festivals. I got it from the website Dolls Kill, it is warm. It is worth bringing a jacket if you can.
If you have extra room in your budget bring something to decorate your campsite, people have so much fun with this. I have seen all sorts of weird mandalas and lawn ornaments. Also painting your car with window paint before you drive to the festival is so much fun. It is the coolest feeling when you are on the highway and you know everyone is going to the same place for the same reason. I love passing all the cars that have fun drawings all over them.
Generally after being in extreme heat and dancing for any length of time, you start to smell. If you bring in a small bottle of hand sanitizer it weirdly works as deodorant. I love the bath and body works hand sanitizer because they have really nice scents. Disclaimer, if you have sensitive skin don’t do this. Also I just use it as a one off, not everyday because it is not good for you.
If you can, take the time to explore palm springs. I love the art galleries. There are also so many cute cafes. Not to mention the sunsets and sunrises are surreal. The mountains surrounding palm springs and the festival are so beautiful.
Last of all there are people of all ages, I have been to this festival with my parents. They are in their 50’s. We met a 70-year-old DJ named bob who still attends raves. The first time I saw him, he was standing on the roof of a car while his friend drove them into the festival. Be like Bob.
If you interested in going, just do it. You will not regret it, or maybe you will. Anything is better than always being curious about what it might have been like…
Coachella 2018 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5As5glFfqJCEnIBQhcLEVu?si=97e519f7cd524d30
