‘Coachella Veteran’ Lists ‘Do’s and Don’t’s’ Of Music Festival

As music festival season kicks off, thousands are gearing up to attend one of the biggest and most famous festivals in the world, Coachella, which begins with weekend 1 on April 11-12, and weekend 2 on April 18-19.

Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G headline this year’s festival along with a diverse lineup of genres consisting of pop, electronic, rock, Latin, rap, R&B, and more. 

Known for its desert setting in California’s Indio desert, between the heat, crowds, and non-stop performances, navigating Coachella can be overwhelming, especially for first-timers. Luckily, a self-proclaimed Coachella veteran took to Reddit to share 50 essential dos and don’ts. Here are 10 dos and don’ts to help you survive and thrive at Coachella. 

1. The people your with define your experience more than the sets you see

At Coachella, your experience is not defined by the performances but who you are with and who you meet along the way.  Most of your day is spent navigating crowds, walking between stages, waiting for sets, and dealing with heat. It is important that you are with people who communicate well, match your energy, and genuinely care about having a good time. Sets come and go, but the memories you leave Coachella weekend with will hold a memorable place tied to who you laughed with, danced with, and experienced social outings or adventures with.

2. Drink more water than you think, beer doesn’t count

Located in a desert drinking more water than you think helps you stay consistently hydrated and helps to maintain your energy. To avoid dehydration, headaches, fatigue, or even severe health risks like heatstroke, in either desert’s extreme heat, intense physical outdoor activity, and alcohol consumption if legal, water is essential to keep your body hydrated. If you forget to bring a water bottle, buy a water bottle when you get in to refill. Only water bottles that are empty, plastic, and less than 64oz are allowed. No metal, glass, aluminum, or steel bottles allowed.

3. Bring a bandanna even if it’s not part of your outfit

Bringing a bandana to Coachella is essential for protecting your nose, mouth, and lungs from the dust that may arise, especially after windy afternoons. Easy to carry, a bandana is a staple and stylish accessory for the festival, preventing against the “Coachella cough.”

4. Sunscreeeeeeeeen

Sunscreen is a necessity to protect your skin against UV levels and all-day outdoor exposure. Coachella is an all-day event featuring performances throughout the day from 11 a.m to 1 a.m or later. Proper sun protection not only helps protect your skin but can also help reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration. No aerosol products are allowed, including sunscreen, so make sure to bring sunscreen lotion, and if you forget, look for complimentary sunscreen towers partnered with Neutrogena.

5. Bring a portable phone charger

Out all day, it is important to make sure your phone battery does not die. While there are charging stations at the festival, it prevents reliance on limited, crowded stations and allow you to enjoy the concert while not missing out on any performances.

6. Be a friend a friend would want to have

Say hello to people around you and look out for people even if you do not know them. 

7. Cell service is absolute shit, be sure you know where you’re people are going or where to meet back up

Cell service can be quite bad, making it difficult to coordinate with your group if you ever get lost. Best to know where you are going with your group or where to meet if you ever get lost. 

8. Check out artists you’ve never heard of before!!!!

Coachella has a wide range of diverse genres and artists performing at its festival. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore different sounds of genre or discover a new artist, and if you are not vibing with an artist’s music, leave. There are so many other stages to check out.

9. WATCH OUT FOR PICKPOCKETERS

Crowded environments make it easy for theft to happen. Make sure you do not have your phone in your back pocket, and be aware of your phone, even if it is in your front pocket, as well as valuables in your backpack. Someone can steal something valuable from you without you even knowing.  Consider getting a locker to hold your belongings or a fanny pack with a zipper, which can be great for carrying your personal belongings.

10. Dance as if nobody’s watching, sign as if nobody’s listening. Anyone who judges is jealous of your freedom

Coachella creates a strong feeling of freedom, so allow yourself to let loose and have fun. Soak in every moment, whether you are going solo or with a group, and enjoy whoever you get to see. This is a weekend to remember, so who cares what people think.