Everything you need to know about going to Coachella

Coachella is a mega festival held in the Empire Polo Club Coachella Valley. This desert held festival is a master piece full of music, fashion and art. The festival is held over 2 long weekends in April which normally offers the same or very similar music events and guests.

This guide is going to detail everything you need you need to know before going to Coachella packed full of tips for first timers.

After going to Coachella for the first time there were a few things we wish we knew before our first visit. We will detail all of the Coachella survival kit items, what to bring to Coachella and absolutely everything you need to know.

Getting your tickets

In order to get into the festival you first of all need to make sure you get hold of your tickets. Getting and purchasing your Coachella can be tricky as the demand for the tickets are so high.

Luckily we have created a step by step guide to ensure that you get your Coachella tickets. You can find our more here.

Before the festival

Getting your wristbands

You will need to either ensure your wristbands have been delivered to your home if applicable. If you live out of the state or country you have the opportunity to get your tickets delivered to Will call where you can collect them. This must be done with the credit card you paid on and proof of ID. Select times also apply. If you have purchased an accommodation package you will need to collect the tickets when you check into your accommodation. Lastly you can collect your tickets at the ticket booth at the festival, however you may need to be prepared to queue.

Our biggest advice is to pick up your tickets as early as possible so that you have the opportunity to activate them and explore the app. You can find out more about this in the next step.

Activating your wristband

Before you go to the festival you need to activate your wristband on the Coachella app. For this you need to ensure you have the most up to date app and an updated phone in line with the latest update especially if you are using an Apple device. Be aware that the app can take up a lot of storage so make sure you have the required storage amount free.

As a last resort you can activate your wristband at the festival before you enter the festival. Please bare in mind that there may be a large queue for this and it will delay you getting into the festival.

Coachella app

Take a look at the Coachella app before you arrive to see the line up, set times and a map of the venue. You can plan you day with your own planner and choose places to eat.

Special giff’s and emojis can also be downloaded for all of your social networking needs.

The Coachella rules

The camera rules

You are not allowed to take large camera’s into the festival. A large camera is any camera with a detachable lens. Photographers, press and influencers can apply for a camera pass, however these are limited and should be done as early as possible. With a huge amount of bloggers and influencers at the festival the demand for the camera pass is always huge. When the festival decides they have given enough out you are no longer able to apply!

Don’t be too alarmed you can take your phone or a smaller camera such as a mirrorless camera and have way less to hodl and look after at the festival.

No umbrella’s

You are unable to take umbrellas into the festival rain or shine. You can however take a parasol in to the festival to shield you from the hot sun. These can also be purchased at the festivals.

Bar and alcohol rules

If you want to enter a location in the festival selling alcohol you need to first get yourself an over 21 wrist band. Once you have the wristband you are able to access the bar areas and purchase alcohol. Once you have purchased your alcoholic beverage you must finish it inside the bar area. You are unable to take any alcohol out into the main festival grounds.

This was an inconvenience to us, as it would have been nice to wander the festival stages with a drink in our hand. You can however purchase many soft drinks to walk around with.

Amex card rules

When you use your Amex card in the festival with every 100 dollars spent you can claim 20 dollars back. This can save you a ton of money and is high up on our list of best things to know before visiting.

Coachella hints and tips

Dust in the desert

The festival is held in the desert in Coachella Valley. Due to this the festival can become very dusty. be sure to pack a face mask or bandana to cover your nose and mouth at dust heavy times.

Re-usable water bottle

You can take in your own reusable water bottle to fill up at all of the water stations. This helps reduce plastic waste and saves you money its a win win.

Be sure to check on the app where the water refill locations are located before you visit. The areas can become crowded so checking out the lesser known areas is well worth your time!

Amazon lockers

Amazon have partnered with Coachella and you can now get your amazon parcels delivered directly to your locker at the festival.

If you need anything urgently you can choose prime for next day or even same day delivery. This saves you waiitng around at your home or accommodation for any delivery.

Always in need for some last minute glitter!

Post Mates

You can now pre-order food on the Coachella app for when you would like to collect it. Be sure to check out all of the food options on the app first t make your decision.

The food stalls at Coachella are awesome and are hand picked each year. We recommend checking out the app and making sure you do not miss any of your favourites.

Re-chargeable battery packs

Make sure you take a battery pack with you to re-charge your battery whilst at the festival. Since you can’t take camera’s you are likely going to use your phone to take a ton of photos.

If you forget your charger you can find select charging points which also become very crowded.

Coachella wifi

There is Coachella wifi throughout the festival which works better is designated places. Be sure you connect to stay connected to the outside world and access the app for all of the stage announcements.

Chill in the evening

The festival days are very hot in the desert with temperatures reaching high into the 30’s. Once the sun has set and the darkness descends the festival can become very chilly. Make sure you take a jacket or wrap to keep you warm in the evening.