Coachella Weekend 2 is approaching quite fast this year. Thoughts of the hot blazing sun and the feel of the music coursing through our bodies are thoughts occupying many people’s minds worldwide.
As a third-year veteran and a frequent festival goer, I can tell you that festivals can be a tough experience if you do not think them through. If you do take these tips and tricks from me and my friends, you may make it out with some of the best memories you’ll ever have.
Barricading
Barricading can be a tough thing to do, but who doesn’t want to see their favorite artist up close and personal?
Lauren Lara, a senior at New Mexico State University and third year Coachella goer, shared her favorite memory from Coachella 2024 and her favorite thing about the festival.
“I think the best part of Coachella is the overall experience. Seeing some amazing artists and making new friends is so much fun. My favorite memory is being barricade[d] at Deftones with my best friend. Chino, the lead singer, pointed at us multiple times and acknowledged us. We cried and hugged after because it was so fun,” Lara said.
Lara explained how best to get those barricade spots for your favorite artists at festivals, especially at Coachella.
“If you want to see your favorites up close, your best bet is to try and camp for a spot, but if there’s other artists, at other stages, that you would like to see you can definitely leave and come back and find a decent spot,” Lara said.
Another way to possibly get up close is by starting further back for an artist that is performing at that stage before your favorite and then when the crowd clears move up into their spots.
You may have to wait an hour between sets, but it can bring you fairly close or pretty much at the barricade. It can be a gamble though.
Diana Palomarez, a third year Coachella goer, gave her thoughts on barricading for artists and what things you should take with you to ensure a good time.
“I would say if you’re going to barricade, be prepared! Take snacks, jackets, fans, a camel pack, have a buddy so you can switch off to go to the bathroom. I wouldn’t recommend [it], the festival is so much fun. Go explore,” Palomarez said.
Camping
Camping is a huge part of Coachella. For many years we saw influencers posting their Airbnb’s and their expensive living at Coachella. For many regular people though, camping is a big part of the experience. From making new friends, to first sundown, to camp parties, the experience is crucial to many veterans of the festival.
Palomarez talked about her experiences camping and what people should do if they are considering it.
“Mentally prepare for the weather. It’s hot but it is so worth it. Getting to experience the music in the desert. The whole experience keeps me going back,” Palomarez said.
The artists can also be heard sound checking while getting ready in the mornings, which makes the experience all the more exciting. It gets everyone in the campsite hyped up and it is so fun to chat about it with friends while doing hair and makeup.
Lara shared that making friends and having good food are the most important things while camping.
“To survive camping, definitely try to make friends with your neighbors. The more the merrier when you’re all in the same conditions. Bring food that won’t spoil easy, because the heat will do numbers. Also to avoid lines at the on-site shower station go as early as you can during the day, like seven in the morning,” Lara said.
Merch
For any music fan, merch can be a big part of the concert experience. When there are many artists, different kinds of fans, and the challenge of having a time constraint to make it to the stages, getting the merch you want can be a bit tricky.
Lara and Palomarez shared different ways to get merch, avoid the long lines, and not miss your favorite artists.
“Yes, you should buy the merch. Get there early, you’re going to have to wait, but it’s worth it,” Palomarez said.
Palomarez’s approach is to get there early enough that if you have to wait you will have enough time to wait and also see your favorite artists. Lara’s approach is quick, but it is also when you may be depleted of your energy. Either one works it just depends on the person and what they are willing to do.
“If you want merch, definitely go on your way out of the festival on any of the three days. The lines are short and you’re not waiting in the heat,” Lara said.
Other Tips
Lara also gave a look into some of the things that keep her going during the festival even through the intense heat.
“An item everyone should have with them is either sunscreen or some type of fan. The heat is no joke. I also think the best meal you can get at Coachella is the chicken strips. They’re not as expensive as a lot of [other] things and provide some good protein to keep your energy up,” Lara said.
Palomarez talked about her favorite food item at the festival, and her overall experience with the food.
“Pink lemonades, [are] $20 of happiness. The food is okay, I haven’t been to a festival that has great food. With that I’m very excited to try food this year,” Palomarez said.
Palomarez also gave her biggest must have, and something she thinks everyone should have with them.
“Also, anti-chaffing sticks, everyone needs it, trust me,” Palomarez said.
Coachella is an addicting experience; it can be some of the highest highs of anyone’s life. The heat may be tough to get through but there are so many fun things to do and experiences you’ll have make it all worth it in the end.
