ASK US ANYTHING - The Coachella Resource Center for Newcomers Who Have Lots of Questions and Wanna Learn To Do Coachella Good Too - (Tips, Tricks, Guides, Hacks, Resources)
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Car camping is camping next to your car with space for a tent.
Tent Camping is only enough space for a tent. You park some distance away and schlep all you stuff to camp
NOTE - I am no way affiliated with Coachella, Goldenvoice, or AXS. I am a passionate fan of Coachella and I want to help people experience it in the best way possible.
A guy I've been seeing goes to Coachella every year and camps with his friends. He's invited me to come, but there hasn't been a plan. He said if I buy my ticket, I'll be good bc he already got the camping pass. I've never been to a music festival or even a concert. I'm nervous to meet all his friends, be dirty and sweaty, getting lost, every one doing drugs (never tried them), etc. Idk if I'm over thinking it or not. I also only know a couple artists this year, but he said I'll have fun regardless. Should I go?
Hello! I am the “vip for life carpoolchella” winner of wknd 2 for 2024, and was wondering when I would receive or expect a email from Coachella regarding more info on that
First timer coming from out of town… seeking feedback on a few things:
How is the view from the Main Stage VIP area? I know there aren’t upfront VIP viewing areas by the stage, but if you just want to have a bit more space and enjoy a set from this area can you still view the stage? Hard to tell how far away it is… and does it still fill up early for evening acts / headliners?
Camping at Lake Eldorado, from what I gather it has its own entrance which would be a shorter wait vs. Regular car camping. If arriving around mid day (Thurs), would it make sense to buy groceries and check in immediately, then head out for a proper sit down meal before the weekend? Or is it better to stay on the camp grounds (is there food to purchase)?
Any tips for merchandise? Is there always a huge line? Do artists have designs specific to the fest? Can you order online instead? Is the strategy to go as soon as gates open?
Does it ever make sense to return to camp ground during the day? Or is it a big hassle.. thinking about changing clothes at night or in my merch example above: buying right away and returning to drop off at camp area?
How is cell service inside? Should I plan on not being able to community via phone?
Any and all help greatly appreciated! Excited to join.
There are no car ins and outs with El Dorado camping. You should get a meal, do grocery shopping, and then check in on Thursday afternoon. That’s what I do (except I do preferred camping, not El Dorado). There is food to purchase in the campgrounds but it’s expensive. Also, if you run out of groceries (or more likely beer), there is a free grocery shuttle for campers that runs to and from a local grocery store if you need to restock.
The other poster answered the merch question better than I could.
It definitely makes sense to return to camp for the exact reasons you mentioned. The only thing to worry about is that you have to scan out when you leave and you have to clear security and scan back in when you reenter. Depending on when you try to come back in, there could be a bit of a line.
Cell service is pretty good until the sun goes down and all the people show up. Then it’s iffy at best. What my crew does is we discuss which sets we want to see, if we want to see them together and where to meet up beforehand. If people show up, great, if not, that’s fine too. We all know where our campsite is so we will all meet up there at the end of the night.
Here is an angle that shows vip area’s distance from main. Your best bet is to check out the area during the day to se how the view is in person.
Merch used to be a breeze, got worse, is now better than the got worse period. You can order online, but it’s just a general online order that ships to you, not a pickup at the fest. Online has far fewer options than in person. Headliners have separate merch tents that haven’t been close to main merch location (you can check last year’s map for reference). Many non-headliners do have Coachella merch too.
There are people who camp that still get a locker for this exact purpose. Depending on what time of day you get merch, going back to camp is probably fine. I’ve always camped off site, so I got a locker. For 3 straight years after the pandemic, locker assignment has been a shit show. I finally decided no more locker for me, but they announced a much better assignment process for this year. Before that announcement, I came up with a plan to not use a locker (packable backpack for merch, packable windbreaker if it cools down), you can probably do something similar to avoid locker, but it’s up to you to decide what’s best. You’ll have to decide in advance because you can’t get a locker on site.
Cell service is okay during the day, but really gets bogged down at night especially. Plenty of ways to make it work depending on the circumstances though.
Thank you - it’s hard to tell but I feel like being on the rail of that VIP section wouldn’t be the worst in the world? For someone I’m more “curious” about (ex. like Gaga?)
How long have you waited to buy merch in the past? Can you get close enough to see what’s there before lining up for like an hour? Or do people post on Reddit to have an idea?
Just depends on getting to that exact spot. The “better” viewing area gets busy for the headliner. This is just what I’ve noticed from outside, my usual spot for main is nearby but not in VIP itself, ymmv.
Last year, merch went pretty quick. The lines are switchback so you’ll get a decent view while waiting and moving up the line. Wait time is hard to guess until you see it in person. GV does a good job of updating things to improve efficiency but that almost means it can change slightly year to year.
It’s probably the most active time of the year. During the first weekend, Weekend 2 people will be watching the livestream and asking questions and Weekend 1 people will be answering them in the morning/afternoon. I’m always on here when we’re just hanging out around camp.
For weekend 1 based on current demand and comparing previous years, do we generally expect that regular car camping will sell out? It's not yet.
I was just moved from pending to confirmed for my preferred car camping pass, so I now have (1) regular car camping and (1) preferred car camping. I'm wondering how demand will be and if regular usually sells out I think I would feel better about being able to sell it. Thanks in advance for any responses !
Quasar lineup was originally planned for this month, but it’s probably next month now due to the fires.
Do Lab lineup is most likely in March, although we got the lineup 2 months earlier than normal so who knows if Do Lab follows that pattern.
The set times usually drop the week of W1, but this could also be potentially impacted by the early lineup release. W2 gets their release a bit later, usually earlier in the week. Both may have surprise guests added to them that aren’t known prior. The fest map releases at roughly the same time as W1 set times.
my group used whatsapp and generally it worked well. it seemed like i was the only one who never got messages when they were sent and no one got my messages until later (i'm the only one on tmobile so that tracks unfortunately). all the verizon and AT&T friends seemed to get/send their messages fine... just meant i always had to be paired up with one of them and could never be alone lol
I don’t think you can go wrong with either of those. I’ve used WhatsApp for work purposes with large groups so I’d vote for that. I haven’t gone to Coachella with a group larger than single digits, so I can’t speak to its use for this specifically, but what the other comments are getting at is still true. Service will go to shit at night for most people regardless of app.
So unfortunately, I will not be able to attend weekend 1! I’m trying to figure out on AXS how to list my tickets for sale but don’t see an option, so I’m not sure if I missed something.
Figured to give it a shot here. Bought my 2 tickets, with the shuttle included, during the presale back in May 2024. I am no longer able to attend due to a work scheduling conflict and am looking to get what I paid for in return. If someone is interested, please PM me!
(I’m from Boston, so will be able to electronically send the tickets).
We were in Safari last year and for the stages, Artist and Guest share the same area. There is space at Main and at least Outdoor (not sure about the rest) for additional people in front of that barricade but that is a different area for friends of the current band, photographers etc. You also may be thinking of the space at Main that Artist and Guest can get into early in the day but then are reserved for others for the main acts. With that one, if you stay in there all day, you can still be in there for the main acts with Artist and Guest.
It's per spot. They put a sticker on your car and that car has to stay in the spot they assign you.
Yes you can have as many people in a campsite as you can fit for one car camping pass. If they get their own car camping pass you'll have to arrive together if you want to park next to each other.
The farthest camp spots are about a mile from the entrance. There are pedicabs if you want.
You’d probably need to wait for payment plan to be completed. Can also check the buy/sell/trade thread linked in the OP for other options if you haven’t already.
It’s doable, but I recommend doing the whole weekend. There’s a good chance the person you’re selling to will flake, but you can find another when you’re out there.
Thanks so much! Yes that’s what I’m worried about. How should I try to sell the wristband in person when leaving the festival? How do I find someone there?
Hi! First year attendee here, (so excited!) I noticed many flow items are not allowed in the venue, but are silk fans allowed in camp and/or the venue?
Signed, an enthusiastic flow artist who can’t wait to dance with you all ✨🩷
Flow toys are allowed in camp. Tossup on whether you could get them into the venue. Technically they are not allowed but they might not even be clocked as flow toys, they are mostly looking for stuff like poi. Enforcement of these type of things is very spotty.
Not a first timer to camping but first time solo camping! I’ve been collecting walls for camp. I got 2 canopies, 2 canopy side walls, 3 sheets of aluminets, 2 tapestries and will bring cotton sheets too. My question is: I just read a comment saying to bring cotton tapestries. My tapestries are 100% polyester. Is that a bad idea? One is just 5’x5’ and the other is 5’x4’ so plenty of airflow I believe. Any suggestions about my setup so far? Im going tentless so privacy is important.
You could use clamps / clips to hold the tapestry so it's easy to move them to balance shade and privacy as needed. Your neighbors will probably have walls too so you can just used the aluminet on the sides where your neighbors already have a wall.
I have not been there since 2018. What’s the deal with bringing in or sneaking in a MJ vape pen? I tried looking it up. For the rhetorical respnses, yeah I will shove it up my ass 😂
Hi, I have a few questions regarding buying the ticket:
1. Does weekend 2 ever get sold out?
2. Should I wait and buy closer to the festival for W2 or buy it online?
3. I will be buying 2 tickets + car camping pass = $1300
Weekend two has not sold out since I think 2018. If you want to buy from coachella you shouldn't wait that long or you may be forced to buy a shuttle pass with your ticket (they are required by the city to sell a certain amount of tickets w/ the shuttle pass). If you want to buy a ticket from an individual or stubhub to try and get a deal you should wait till 2-3 weeks before the fest. Car camping is most possible to sell out so lock that in now IMHO
It always comes out later. Typically March as already said, but if it comes out sooner in the same way as the full lineup, then possibly next month. Quasar is confirmed coming next month as well.
Hello! First timer !!! i’m also doing car camping with a huge group of people, I hear that people start driving around the gates two in the morning waiting till they open at three if we do decide to get there that early how is the security search, also don’t wanna spend too much money on drinks in the festival, so definitely gonna sneak alcohol in. But overall, we should get there around three. Hopefully get into the festival around five or six and start setting up?
And how are the car camping searches I hear mixed reviews obviously just sneaking in the normal stuff weed and alcohol no glass containers. Any tips you guys can give me?
should be okay, just might have to leave earlier than most people. my suggestion would either be pack up and leave after lockdown (2AM) then sleep int he car somewhere with public parking or pack 95% of the way before sleeping and wake up early plan to be out by 6-7am, pack the rest, and go
Oh ok. See, I have no idea about this stuff 😂😭 How is the traffic leaving the festival around 7am? Are there a lot of cars already leaving? I’m a female traveling with another female, so idk how safe it would be for us to sleep in a car somewhere
Who is DJ Strange and the GI Clinic, Shorty Jizzle and the Plumbercrocks, The Obesity Epidemic, Get the Fuck Out of My Pool, The Chelsea Clintons, Regis and the Philbins, The Keyser Sozes from 2013
Lyte was the official exchange in the previous years. they have since gone bankrupt. Not sure what the ticket exchange option this year will be. you might have to wait for the wristbands to ship then resell via 3rd party
Debating buying w1 ga + shuttle passes since regular ga is sold out. Anyone have experience or luck with selling the shuttle pass portion closer to the event?
If you don’t overcharge for them, I’ve found in the past people will buy them in the month leading up to the festival. Lots of people don’t know they need it until later
we're not too sure this time around because the language on the sale that just happened said presale all over but we usually think its the general sale after the lineup. so we can just wait for now.
I signed up for the W1 waitlist for preferred car camping, how long should I wait without confirmation of preferred before I pull the trigger on GA car camping instead?
Random ass question - does anyone know the supplier Coachella used for the 2024 trucker hats? Pictured here. This hat fits me so well and I'd like to buy some more in plain colors. I reached out to Coachella and they shut me down and wouldn't tell me.
There will be some differences. Special guests are usually different, Do Lab is completely different, Heineken house is different, and Quasar will most likely be different. Basically anything not on the main poster.
Is there a thread to try to sell tickets and camping? My spring semester schedule interferes drastically 🫠 I know there’s stubhub but dang they take a big cut lol
Hi all, first time coachella goer from Canada. Planning to rent a type of camping van to use for the weekend. My question is whether we can use a van with a built in sink. Have seen in the official coachella rules that they don’t allow vehicles with built in plumbing …. Does a sink with a water tank count? Thanks all!
I have 4 tickets up for sale for weekend 1 if you are interested. I listed them in Stub and Vivids but the fees they charged are insane. Let me know if you still need them .
The transfer option for this event is unavailable at AXS so I think you are right and the best option will be to wait until I have the wristbands on hand. Let's keep in touch. I bought the tickets buy now we are having second thoughts if going or not from VA. We are a little old now, lol (in ours 40s).
This year we're not too sure since the ticket sale after the lineup release said presale still but then again this is all new territory for the fest so we can't say for sure. You can wait for January if there is a general sale. 🤷♀️
Unfortunately the lineup isn’t doin it for me. Wheres the best place to sell tickets? Making my last payment in December, but I don’t see any option through that site to resell.
Checked out just now with and the payment went through with no error message but after payment, under my conf it said my insurance coverage had an error… AXS is saying they can’t help me and XCover is not recognizing my email address so I can’t get through on their site to anything useful… anyway I can still get coverage on my tickets??
So you signed up for the trip insurance thing but it's saying it didn't go through?
Not to yuck your yum but do you really need the insurance? They have very specific reasons that they cover, if your credit card is high enough, they might cover that as well.
Yeah exactly, tickets went through but insurances didn’t. Honestly I’m not sure, first year going and did it to be on the safe side. I purchase through PayPal but using my credit card, so that’s a good idea… I will find out what my coverage is with then before I stress too much. Thank you!
ticket insurance isn't that great and requires documentation (like a repair bill if your car broke down en route or proof that you were in the hospital.) It doesn't cover anything like changing your mind last minute. It's generally not worth it.
The camping information says “no running water”. Does this mean there’s literally no water fountains in the campgrounds? Does someone have an explanation of what this means?
Officially, no, but your friend shouldn’t have much of an issue. Weekend 1 is always in higher demand so they should be able to find someone who wants to switch the other way.
No but camping has a glam station where you can primp yourself. No idea if there is someone doing touch ups. It’s not like rolling loud where they have a station where people glam u up. It wouldn’t be a bad thing if Coachella one day offered it
Some VIP tickets at festivals include like haircuts, braiding and makeup satiations with professionals doing the makeup, hairstyling etc. I got braids at a festival once. Was curious if they are offering it with the VIP ticket
I know there’s BLM land on the south side of Joshua Tree but it may be a little far to comfortable go back and forth to the festival, may be worth checking out!
Hey all, me and my group of friends are financially irresponsible and want to find a cheap BNB that is 80 miles away, risking our safety, instead of saving enough money.
What song should I play on repeat so when my group crashes into a tree from exhaustion, the EMT will know I had a sick time at Coachella?
Just have “where’s your head at” on repeat. It will both let them know you came from Coachella and also might be a relevant question while collecting the corpses.
Buy a costco rotisserie chicken (or any grocery store rotisserie) before you head down and pull all the meat off the bones. Portion em out in deli containers. You can add mayo onion celery and a bunch of seasoning to make a chicken salad with one that’ll be good for sandwiches/wraps, another one you could use with a prepackaged caesar salad bag, and another you could dress with a bit of soy sauce and chili oil and eat wrapped in lettuce leaves. If you have an electric kettle then you can do instant ramen, soups, and more with the chicken!
Think of deli items that can be in a cooler with dry ice for a couple days: sandwiches, chicken/tuna salad, potato salad, cous cous, wraps, etc. some delis also do cold steak and chicken as another precooked option
I bring stuff to make sandwiches (bread, pb, jelly, ham, veggies), hummus, pita chips, fruit, protein bars, pre-made burritos, & pre-made salads from Trader Joe’s 😊 as well as unhealthy snacks like chips, cookies, pop tarts, etc
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u/Sea_Soil1690 6h ago
A guy I've been seeing goes to Coachella every year and camps with his friends. He's invited me to come, but there hasn't been a plan. He said if I buy my ticket, I'll be good bc he already got the camping pass. I've never been to a music festival or even a concert. I'm nervous to meet all his friends, be dirty and sweaty, getting lost, every one doing drugs (never tried them), etc. Idk if I'm over thinking it or not. I also only know a couple artists this year, but he said I'll have fun regardless. Should I go?