Coachella Festival

Ready to rock Coachella Festival in style and comfort? Ditch the plastic pop-up tents and experience the festival in luxury with a canvas tent designed for durability, airflow, and aesthetics. Whether you’re glamping solo, camping with friends, or setting up a desert oasis, this guide brings together everything you need to know about Coachella festival camping—tent passes, campsites, outfits, tickets, and more

What is Coachella?

Coachella, formally known as the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, is an annual music and arts event that takes place in the picturesque Coachella Valley of Southern California. Spanning two weekends in April, this iconic festival has become a cultural phenomenon, attracting music enthusiasts, art lovers, and fashion-forward individuals from around the globe.

Coachella Festival Where?

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival takes place in Indio, California—located in the Inland Empire’s Colorado Desert region. The venue is the Empire Polo Club, a massive open space that transforms into a vibrant city of sound, style, and sun. A sprawling 78-acre venue that transforms into a vibrant oasis of music, art, and entertainment. Coachella’s unique desert setting creates an otherworldly atmosphere that enchants attendees and sets the stage for unforgettable experiences.

The Coachella Experience

Attending Coachella is more than just a music festival; it’s a fully immersive experience that engages all the senses. The festival’s multiple stages host an array of musical acts, from legendary headliners to up-and-coming artists, ensuring that there’s always something exciting to discover. Coachella’s art installations, scattered throughout the festival grounds, create a visually stunning and interactive environment that complements the musical performances.

Food and drink play a significant role in the Coachella experience, with an extensive selection of culinary offerings that cater to various tastes and dietary preferences. From gourmet food stalls to craft beer gardens and specialty cocktail bars, the festival’s culinary scene is as diverse and exciting as its musical lineup.

Fashion is another integral aspect of Coachella, with festival-goers embracing the opportunity to express their personal style and push the boundaries of festival fashion. The event has become a showcase for emerging trends, with many attendees drawing inspiration from bohemian, vintage, and contemporary styles to create unique and eye-catching looks.

The History and Evolution of Coachella Festival; The Early Years (1999-Present)

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival has its roots in the vibrant music scene of the late 1990s. The festival was founded by Paul Tollett and Rick Van Santen, who envisioned an event that would showcase a diverse range of musical genres and attract music lovers from all walks of life. The inaugural Coachella Festival took place in October 1999, featuring a lineup that included Beck, Tool, and Rage Against the Machine. Although the first festival drew a modest crowd of around 25,000 attendees, it laid the foundation for the event’s future growth and success.

In 2001, Coachella faced financial challenges and was forced to take a hiatus. However, the festival’s organisers remained committed to their vision and worked tirelessly to secure funding and support for the event’s return.

Coachella Festival Passes

Coachella festival passes are the tickets that allow entry to the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. These passes grant access to the festival grounds for the entire weekend, including the various stages, art installations, and other attractions. There are different types of passes available, such as General Admission, VIP, and camping passes, each offering varying levels of access and amenities. 

Types of Coachella Festival Passes:

• General Admission (GA):These passes provide access to the festival grounds, including all general areas like the GA camping zone. 
• General Admission + Shuttle:These passes include general admission access, plus a shuttle pass for transportation to and from the festival. 
• VIP:VIP passes offer a more elevated experience with access to exclusive areas like VIP lounges, premium viewing areas, and dedicated amenities. 
• Camping Passes:These passes allow attendees to camp on-site during the festival, providing a fully immersive experience.
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Coachella Tickets

Coachella ticket prices vary by tier. In 2025, expect GA to start around $549 and VIP from $1,069 (plus fees). Camping passes are sold separately and must match your entry pass.

Car Camping Pass: Approx. $149

Tent Camping Pass: Approx. $125

Preferred Camping: Higher cost with closer proximity

Don’t wait—tickets typically sell out within hours of release.

Coachella Tent Camping

Canvas tents offer a game-changing upgrade from traditional nylon tents. They’re:

• Breathable and cooler during hot desert days
• Insulated and cozy at night
• Instagrammable and festival-chic

The Springbar Traveler and White Duck Regatta 360 tents are two of the best for Coachella-goers. Designed for comfort, style, and weather resistance, they bring a luxury edge to your camping experience.

White Duck Regatta 360

Canvas Tent Advantages:

Eco-conscious & reusable

Fire-retardant (great for camp stove use)

Superior airflow

More durable than synthetic materials

How Long is the Coachella Festival?

Coachella spans two consecutive weekends, usually in mid-to-late April. Each weekend runs from Friday to Sunday, with early campers arriving as early as Thursday.

Total duration: 3 days of music per weekend, plus 4 nights of camping.

5 Best Campsites Near Coachella

1. Lake Eldorado – VIP-style camping with pre-pitched tents and air mattresses.
2. Coachella Car Camping – Set up your own site next to your car. Social and popular.
3. Tent Camping Area – Bring your own gear. Great for groups and budget-conscious festies.
4. Shadow Hills RV Resort – A few miles away; RV hookups and shuttle service.
5. Indian Wells RV Resort – More relaxed, resort-style amenities with Wi-Fi and pool.

Pro Tip: Reserve early—Coachella camping sells out fast.

Coachella Festival Outfits

Coachella isn’t just a music festival—it’s a fashion runway. Think boho-chic meets desert explorer:

• Flowing dresses, fringe vests, and bralettes
• Cowboy boots, Birkenstocks, or platform sandals
• Wide-brimmed hats, bandanas, and bold sunglasses
• Lightweight kimonos or crochet layers for breezy evenings

Stay practical too. Temperatures swing wildly between day and night, so bring layers, comfy shoes, and SPF everything.

Practical Information and Tips for Attending Coachella Festival

Purchasing Tickets and Passes

One of the most important steps in planning your Coachella experience is securing your tickets. The festival offers a range of ticket options, including general admission passes, VIP passes, and luxury camping packages.

Coachella tickets typically go on sale in January, and often sell out quickly due to high demand. It’s important to plan ahead and be prepared to purchase your tickets as soon as they become available to ensure you don’t miss out.

Accommodations and Transportation

Once you have your Coachella tickets, the next step is figuring out where to stay and how to get to the festival. The festival takes place in the Coachella Valley, which is located about two hours east of Los Angeles.There are a range of accommodation options available in the surrounding area, including hotels, vacation rentals, and camping. Coachella also offers on-site camping options, including car camping and luxury camping experiences.

What to Bring and What to Leave at Home

When packing for Coachella, it’s important to keep in mind the festival’s guidelines and restrictions on what you can bring into the grounds. Some essential items to pack include:

• Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect against the desert sun
• Comfortable, breathable clothing and shoes suitable for long days of walking and dancing
• Reusable water bottles to stay hydrated throughout the day
• Cash for food, drinks, and merchandise (some vendors may not accept credit cards)
• A small, portable charger for your phone and other devices

There are also some items that are prohibited at Coachella, including outside food and drink, glass containers, and professional camera equipment. It’s important to review the festival’s website for a full list of prohibited items before packing.

Navigating the Festival Grounds

The Coachella festival grounds are expansive, covering over 600 acres of land. It’s important to familiarise yourself with the layout of the grounds before arriving to help you navigate between stages and attractions.The festival typically releases a map of the grounds a few weeks before the event, which can be helpful for planning your itinerary and identifying key locations such as restrooms, medical tents, and food and drink vendors.

Staying Safe and Healthy

Finally, it’s important to prioritise your health and safety while attending Coachella. The desert environment can be harsh, with high temperatures and dry air that can lead to dehydration and heat exhaustion.Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, take breaks in shaded areas, and listen to your body if you start to feel unwell. The festival also offers medical tents and services for those who need assistance.

It’s also important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your personal belongings, such as using a secure locker or bag to store valuables and being mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas.

The Cultural Impact and Legacy of Coachella Festival

Setting the Standard for Music Festivals

Since its inception in 1999, Coachella has become one of the most influential and iconic music festivals in the world, setting the standard for what a music festival can and should be.From its diverse and cutting-edge musical lineups to its immersive art installations and culinary experiences, Coachella has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in a festival setting. Its success has inspired countless other festivals around the world, and has helped to establish music festivals as a vital part of the cultural landscape.

Launching the Careers of Emerging Artists

One of the most significant ways in which Coachella has impacted the music industry is by providing a platform for emerging artists to gain exposure and build their fan bases.The festival’s commitment to showcasing up-and-coming talent alongside established headliners has helped to launch the careers of countless artists over the years, from breakout performances by Arcade Fire and Billie Eilish to surprise appearances by Beyoncé and Daft Punk.

Driving Fashion and Lifestyle Trends

In addition to its impact on the music industry, Coachella has also had a significant influence on fashion and lifestyle trends. The festival’s unique blend of bohemian, vintage, and contemporary styles has inspired countless fashion brands and retailers, and has helped to popularise festival fashion as a distinct aesthetic. Coachella’s influence on fashion has also extended to social media, with influencers and celebrities using the festival as a platform to showcase their personal style and build their brands.

Promoting Sustainability and Social Responsibility

In recent years, Coachella has also become a leader in promoting sustainability and social responsibility in the festival industry. The festival has implemented a range of eco-friendly initiatives, such as banning single-use plastics and offering reusable water bottles and utensils, and has partnered with organisations to promote environmental and social causes.

Creating a Global Community

Perhaps the most significant impact of Coachella has been its ability to bring people together and create a sense of community on a global scale. The festival attracts attendees from all over the world, who come together to celebrate music, art, and culture in a shared experience. Through its live streams and social media presence, Coachella has also been able to connect with fans around the world who are unable to attend the festival in person. This has helped to create a global community of music and culture enthusiasts, who are united by their love for the Coachella experience.

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