Coachella
Coachella Valley Festival of Music and Arts (usually referred to simply as “Coachella”) is an enormously popular annual music and arts festival. In fact, it is one of the largest and most profitable music festivals in the world. It takes place over two weekends in the spring, April 12th–14th and 19th–21st, 2019.
This event hosts a variety of musical artists with backgrounds in rock, indie, hip-hop, electronic dance music, and more. Some of the artists are quite popular, while others are up-and-coming.
Besides amazing music, the festival also features art installations and sculptures, making it a well-rounded arts festival with something for everyone.
ON-SITE AMENITIES
Download the Coachella app and use the interactive map to learn about all the fantastic amenities offered at this festival, as well as their locations. This app also allows you to pay via your mobile device, making a cash-free experience possible.
Pedicabs make it easy to get from point A to point B, phone charging ensures you always have your phone handy for photos and video, and Wi-Fi allows you to stay connected while at the festival. On top of all that, general stores and lockers make it possible to have everything you might need close at hand.
LOCATION
Coachella is held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. This can be found in the Inland Empire's Coachella Valley in the Colorado Desert. Just as you might expect, the weather can be quite warm in the valley during the day and then becomes chilly at night. Be sure to pack accordingly.
LINEUP
Childish Gambino, Tame Impala, and Ariana Grande are headlining. However, there are dozens of other amazing artists lined up to perform. These include Kacey Musgraves, Christine and the Queens, Bad Bunny, and many, many more.
To see the entire 2019 Coachella lineup, click here.
RVING AT THE EVENT
A favorite of many Coachella visitors is off-site RV camping. Some good area RV camping options are listed below:
- Indian Waters RV Resort and Cottages (3 miles away)
- Motorcoach Country Club (5 miles away)
- Lake Coahuila Recreation Area (5 miles away)
- Indian Wells RV Resort (5.8 miles away)
- Shadow Hills RV Resort (7.5 miles away)
- Palm Springs RV Resort (9.5 miles away)
- Emerald Desert RV Resort (11 miles away)
WHERE TO STAY
Of course, there is also the option of staying in a nearby rental house or hotel room.
HOW TO GET THERE
Getting to Coachella is easy. There are options to drive, take a shuttle, ride a bus, hop on a train, or even walk or bike to the festival.
Driving
Driving directions can be found here. You will want to make sure to follow these instructions, as doing otherwise could result in issues due to road closures.
If you will be driving, you might want to consider bringing friends along for the ride. Cars with four or more passengers will be eligible to participate in Carpoolchella, an opportunity to win prizes for carpooling. Be sure to dress your car up so you’re easy to spot!
Shuttles
Shuttles run to the festival from a number of places. Long-distance shuttles travel from the nearest big cities, and convenience shuttles bring people in from a number of different area hotels. There is also a shuttle option that’ll take you to and from the airport.
Public Transportation
Greyhound buses, Sunline buses, and Amtrak trains and buses can also be used to get to the festival. Visit their respective websites for information on tickets.
Walking and Biking
Staying nearby? If so, you do have the option to bike or walk. That said, you will want to use these directions, as some roads will be blocked off to pedestrians and bicycles.
PARKING
Coachella offers a few different parking options for those who drive to the festival.
The first option is their regular day parking. This is free to event attendees, and is available from 10am–2am. Any cars left after 2am will be towed. No drop-offs are allowed in this location.
Another option is the “preferred” day parking lot. This lot is closer to the festival and is also open 10am–2am. Payment is per weekend and cost is $150 per car per weekend. Again, cars left after 2am will be towed. Additionally, cars arriving after 10pm will not be parked in the preferred lot. No pickups or drop-offs will be allowed in this lot.
Finally, there is the option of “camping companion” parking. This parking is for those who would like to leave their car parked overnight while they car- or tent-camp in the onsite campgrounds. Cost is $60 for the weekend, but those who leave at any point during the weekend will not be allowed back into the lot. Visitors will not be allowed to car camp in this lot.
None of these lots allow car camping or tailgating, and all require everyone in the vehicle to be wearing a Coachella wristband.
Those who wish to pick up or drop off should always head to the designated location.
TICKETS & PRICING
Coachella sells tickets per weekend (not per day) and tickets are available now. Prices start at $429 for a 3-day base pass, and other options such as shuttles and a VIP experience can be added at the time of purchase.
WRAP UP
Heading to Coachella this year? We want to hear about it! Share your photos and stories with us at [email protected].
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