Your first time at this festival is always a life-altering experience and it's highly unlikely you won't crave the desire to go back again for round two.
Coachella is near and dear to my heart. I first attended the festival when it was a one-day event that very few people heard about back in 2001. I mean, sure there was a crowd in those days, but 30,000 in comparison to the 90,000 figure it draws today is a massive difference.
However, contrary to popular belief, not much has changed for the worse. Sure, the lineups vary and people complain about the pop-culture element Coachella has inherited over the past 5-10 years, but there is no denying that this place still serves as a quasi-paradise for music enthusiasts.
There are certain nuances that one should prepare themselves for when attending Coachella.
1- Unpredictable, but generally warm-to-hot weather: Prepare for lots of sun and very little shade. it's the desert on the precipice of summer. however, there is always a chance for high winds, which will blow enormous amounts of dirt, dust and sand everywhere. There is a slight chance you will experience a little rain (It's happened twice) and night time has the potential to get really cold.
2 - The crowd: You will deal with all sorts of people. Ignore the douchebags and you will be fine. But that can be much easier said than done if you are unfamiliar with your surroundings. The best idea is to dig deep within you and find the willpower to ignore the fools. They may stand out in a crowd, but I promise you the friendly, courteous people outnumber the amateurs who are there simply to party. Also, pro-tip: Ignore the celebrity buzz. it's not worth it.
3. Comfortable shoes: Get ready to walk.... A LOT: In 2013 I turned on a pedometer and it was only active 2/3 of the time. I walked over a total 15 miles each day.
4. Bring plenty of money: It's a festival and like any concert or sporting event, everything is overpriced. However, with all of the cool merchandise and the addiction of craft beer, craft foot, freshly made candy and ice cream, fresh nuts and so many other amazing food and drink options, you WANT to spend your money.
5. Get a locker: Trust me, this is a life saver. All that walking will tire you, so lighten your load as much as possible
6. Drink water: Duh, it's the desert and you will be in the sun.
7. Stay positive: I know this sounds really cliché, but a positive attitude can serve you well at Coachella. I am generally a very level person. Some accuse me of being bitter at times, but I let that all go the moment I step onto the polo fields. There will be too many uncontrollable issues you will encounter that you will let your time at the festival become ruined.
As far as the music, they have yet to curate a lineup I do not like. Sure, some years are stronger than others and the direction of the lineup has gone towards artists that will move tickets, which is entirely forgivable when you have AEG breathing down your neck and still find away to book an ample amount of amazing musicians. Outkast, Jay-Z, Dre and Snoop, Arcade Fire, Prince, Roger Waters, Kraftwerk, The Black Angels, The Replacements, Devo, Plastikman, Daft Punk, Queens Of The Stone Age, Bonobo, Radiohead... I mean the list of acts they have booked over the years is so diverse that it's really elevated my appreciation of music.
On top of the amazing music, the art provided brings one to a near-sensory overload of sorts. Countless amounts of unique art structures that illuminate at night or move around. Others are interactive or serve as waste bins. There are so many individual examples that it's impossible to try to list them all without failing to feel as if you caused the reader an injustice because you are leaving details out.
It's really something I suggest everyone experience at least once and do so with respect. Don't be a raging lunatic whose main focus is consuming more alcohol than the human body is designed for or ingesting enough drugs to kill an elephant.
Pace yourself. Coachella is a marathon, not a race. There is a lot to do and see in the three (sometimes four) day span. Making one mistake for the sake of partying can not only hinder your experience, but cost you the ability to see some very incredible, inspiring music. read more