Coachella Guide for First-Time Goers: Everything You Need to Know

Performances, vibes, and memories. These are three reasons why people love the Coachella Valley Music and Art Festival. Now is your moment to experience it as a first-time attendee.

Like many firsts, preparing for Coachella with zero guidance might leave you overthinking. Where do I get my tickets? Where should I stay? How can I get there? What do I need to bring?

We’ll answer that and share important details about this much-awaited event. This ultimate guide to Coachella will cover everything, from the activities, getting your tickets, planning your trip, packing your items, and choosing the best attire from our festival dresses and collections.

You’ll be 100% ready for the festival once you’re done reading this.

This year’s Coachella Music Festival will run from April 11-13 and April 18-20 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California.

It promises to bring an immersive experience for attendees. Here’s what to look forward to:

Music is the most talked-about part of this festival. You get to enjoy nine major stages with different genres and artists. We know how awesome that is, right? But there are other forms of “art” waiting for you:

• Larger-than-life art installations
• Iconic Ferris wheel
• Diverse and vibrant culinary art

Art Installations 

Last Coachella 2024, installations like Monarchs: A House in Six Parts and Dancing in the Sky wowed attendees. Many admired their scale and snapped photos for their Instagram stories.

Ferris Wheel

The iconic symbol of the Coachella Festival!

Get to see the festival grounds above, as this ride offers an aerial view of the Coachella Valley. The pods have AC, and it’s a great way to cool yourself down when the desert heat gets to you.

Keep in mind lines tend to get long before sunset. But that’s the perfect time to hop on the Ferris wheel. The golden hour rays feel like pixie dust and give a more magical vibe to the desert view.

Culinary Arts 

Coachella hasn’t yet announced the restos and vendors participating this year. But it provided many options in previous years.

Prepare your palate (and wallet) for food as diverse as the lineup. Meat lovers, vegans, and everyone can enjoy everything from appetizers and snacks to full meals.

Cuisines also span Japanese, American, Chinese, Italian, and more. Those with VIP passes can expect upscale food and drink options.

Coachella offers adventure for music lovers, art enthusiasts, and foodies!

The poster is up for the final lineup! Coachella didn’t disappoint in 2025.

Best-selling music artists and bands such as Lady Gaga, Green Day, and Post Malone will headline the festival on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Billboard toppers like Tyla, BlackPink’s Lisa and Jennie, Megan Thee Stallion, and Charli XCX will keep the hype up with their hits.

Explore new music and dance to the beat of rising stars and DJs performing across multiple stages. These fresh talents bring fresh energy and offer a chance to discover your next playlist favorite.

Plan like a pro and do it as early as possible so you can relax as the event comes close.

Let's talk about the must-know details like guidelines and rules, ticket options, where to stay, and how you can get there.

Coachella is open to all ages (woohoo!). Attend it with your kids, family, or friends for a more memorable time.

Keep in mind these other details:

• Children five and under get free entry for the General Admission.
• Onsite camping is only allowed for those 18 and older unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
• All transactions inside the festival are cashless—use credit, debit, or mobile payment options.
• Rain or shine, the event continues. Prepare for unpredictable desert weather.

The organizers allow parking at 11:00 AM. But the gates to enter the festival open at 1:00 PM.

If you have secured your ticket already, congratulations! Skip this part and read the "Transportation" section instead. But if you haven't, purchase your tickets at the Coachella website.

Coachella offers three options to pay for your tickets:

• Full Payment. Pay the total amount upfront and secure your pass right away.
• Installment Plan. Start with just $49.99 down, and split the remaining balance into equal monthly payments until March 7, 2025. A flat $41 fee applies, but there’s no added interest. Select this option during checkout, as it cannot be added later.
• AMEX Discounted Passes. If you’re an American Express cardholder, enjoy special discounted pricing by selecting this option at checkout.

Use this guide to choose which ticket to buy:

Now for the million-dollar question, "Where should you stay during Coachella?"

Coachella allows festival-goers to camp onsite or opt for nearby hotel packages.

Here's a simple guide for you:

Here's my two cents: Go tent or car camping if you want the whole Coachella experience. The other options are great, but only if you have the money to burn.

If camping isn’t your thing, Coachella also offers hotel and travel packages, which include festival passes and accommodations at nearby hotels like Fairfield Inn & Suites or Hampton Inn Indio.

These packages are available when purchasing your ticket— select the travel bundle option during checkout.

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival venue is accessible to everyone, and there are many ways to reach it. But that'll depend on where you're from.

You can arrive there using one or a combination of transportation methods, especially if you're coming from another country or state.

Here are your options:

• Flying In. Book your flights to one of these nearby airports.
  • Palm Springs International Airport (35 minutes away from the venue)
  • Los Angeles International Airport (2 hours and 25 minutes away)
  • Ontario International Airport (1 hour 27 minutes away)
• Public Transport. Ride Greyhound buses from the Indio Station or Amtrak trains to Palm Springs station. Pair these options with local rideshares or shuttles for the last stretch.
• Shuttle Service. Coachella provides shuttles with 16 stops. Get to the venue from nearby hotels like Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas, Embassy Suites La Quinta, and Westin Rancho Mirage with the shuttle pass.
• Private Transport. Splurge on a black car or limo service for an elevated, celebrity-like arrival. On-site drop-off options are available for those who want to skip the hassle.
• Driving Yourself. Organizers discourage using GPS when attending Coachella. If you're taking your car or bike, double-check the address and use the official festival map to avoid getting lost. The exact place is Empire Polo Club, 81-800 Avenue 51, Indio, CA 92201.

Arrive a few days before the festival if possible. Explore the area, get familiar with the route and transport, and sort out any changes so you don't have to worry about the event day.

Golden tip: Download the Coachella app for announcements and updates. 

Coachella takes place in the Colorado Desert in springtime. It can get hot during the day and chilly at night. Make sure to include the following when you pack for Coachella to avoid discomfort and enjoy three days without any worries.

• Daytime Essentials. Sunscreen, sunglasses, refillable water bottle, dust mask or bandana, portable fan, hat, gum, wipes, tissue, battery pack, mask, or buff for dust.
• Evening Essentials. Light jacket or hoodie, leggings or sweatpants, lightweight windbreaker, blanket (for campers), wrist warmers.
• Other Important Items. Portable charger, hand sanitizer, deodorant, snacks or sweets (in case sugar drops), lip balm with SPF, earplugs, keys, wallet, phone, mini flashlight, band-aids, liquid IV packets, short-sleeved button-up shirt (rolled tightly), shuttle pass, neck gaiters, first aid kit.

You can wear anything you want for the festival! Good news for those who love to experiment and dress up. But it can be stressful if you don’t like putting too much thought into your outfit.

We picked three of the best items from our Born in Stockholm outfits. These outfits combine style and comfort you'll love.

• Check the weather forecast beforehand to dress accordingly.
• Use lockers for extra belongings.
• Set up a meeting place with your friends in case you lose each other, as the signal can be unreliable.
• Stay hydrated throughout the festival grounds and performances.
• Wear comfortable sneakers or shoes.
• Bring food and drinks in your vehicle (if you're camping) to save some money.
• Take breaks and recharge.

• Tamper with or remove your festival wristband. It will void your access.
• Bring oversized bags or suitcases. Follow the 18"x13"x8.5" size limit.
• Accept drinks from strangers for safety.
• Consume too much alcohol.
• Carry prohibited items like aerosols, cannabis, drones, hammocks, and selfie sticks.

Coachella is an iconic music festival that many people dream of attending. You got the chance to make it memorable for you and your companions.

Let’s recap the essentials for a successful festival:

• Preparation is everything. Book your tickets early, decide whether to camp or stay in nearby accommodations, and plan transportation to avoid stress.
• Follow the packing guide. Non-negotiables like sunscreen, a portable charger, footwear, and water bottle should be on your top list. Prepare for the heat during the day and cooler nights.
• Ready your festival outfits. The Belle Rhinestone Festival Bodysuit, Emma Sequin Party Dress, and Paris Metallic Dress are great attire options. You can also check Born in Stockholm for more stylish outfits.
• Prioritize safety. Stay hydrated, keep your festival wristband intact, and follow the rules for a worry-free and fun Coachella!

Save this festival guide and come back here whenever you need help. Also, remember to follow updates from the official Coachella website.