I Finally Made It to Coachella!
Ever since moving to California, attending the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival was high on my bucket list—and I finally made it happen!
This comprehensive guide covers everything from buying tickets and transportation to lodging recommendations and festival survival tips.. Planning your first trip to Coachella? Read on!
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival 2017
Dates
Weekend 1: April 14–16, 2017
Weekend 2: April 21–23, 2017
Venue
Empire Polo Club, Indio, California (approximately 2.5 hours east of Los Angeles)
Headliners
Radiohead, Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar (Beyoncé was replaced by Lady Gaga due to pregnancy)
Tickets: General Admission (3-day pass) $399
Capacity: 125,000 per weekend
Organizer: Goldenvoice
Since 2012, Weekend 1 and Weekend 2 have featured an identical lineup, with the same artists performing at the same scheduled times. Generally, Weekend 1 is more popular—people are eager to see performances first, making tickets sell out faster and command higher resale prices. Celebrities are often spotted during Weekend 1; in 2017, Leonardo DiCaprio, Orlando Bloom, and Katy Perry were among the attendees. Weekend 2 is known for smoother event operations and more polished performances, making it an ideal choice for my first Coachella experience. Notably, The Weeknd and Selena Gomez were reportedly spotted during Weekend 2.
America's Biggest Music Festival!
For young Californians, especially in Los Angeles, Coachella is more than just a festival—it’s a cultural phenomenon. The excitement, fashion statements, and energy make it a must-attend event for many teens and young adults.
Preparation Starts Early!
Coachella tickets go on sale nearly a year in advance. For 2017, initial tickets went on sale in June 2016 and sold out immediately. Additional tickets were released in January 2017 and also sold out quickly.
Here’s how things went down for Coachella 2017:
- Around June 2016: Tickets went on sale (sold out immediately)
- January 4, 2017: Additional ticket release
- Late February: Emails were sent out asking ticket holders to confirm their mailing addresses
- March 20: Tickets arrived via UPS
- April 15: Festival app download and locker rentals became available
- April: Emails were sent reminding ticket holders to activate their wristbands
How to Get Tickets
Tickets for Coachella 2017 first went on sale in June 2016 and sold out in about 3 hours (in 2015, they reportedly sold out in just 40 minutes!). By fall, when I suddenly realized, “I want to go next year!”, it was already too late—talk about a moment of panic. What surprised me was that the tickets sold out even before the artist lineup was announced, or possibly even decided.
Fortunately, additional tickets were released in January 2017, which also sold out within a day. I managed to secure my ticket during this second release.
Tickets were also available on resale platforms like StubHub, but they were expensive—around $600 at the lowest. Your best bet is definitely to purchase your tickets directly from the official website.
Ticket Types and Prices (2017)
- General Admission: $399
- GA + Shuttle: $474
- VIP Pass: $899
- VIP Parking: $150
- Tent Camping: $113
- Car Camping: $113
- Safari Tent (luxury camping): from $7500
- Shuttle Pass: $75
- Dinner (Celebrity Chef Experience): $225
In March, tickets are mailed to your home.
Lockers
If you have a lot of stuff, use the lockers available at the venue. If you’re attending with a group and plan to split up but still want to share a locker, the Keyless Extra Large option (set your own 4-digit PIN) is highly recommended. It costs $80.10 for all three days.
Packing Checklist from the Coachella Guide
- Activated Wristband (your ticket!)
- Sunscreen (no spray allowed)
- Photo ID (for alcohol areas)
- Cash/Credit Card/Apple Pay
- Dust Protection (bandana, mask)
- Mobile charger and cables
- Comfortable shoes and clothes (hot days, cool nights)
- Earplugs (loud music everywhere!)
- Water bottle (plastic only)
- Sunglasses and hat
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Small backpack or fanny pack
Tips from the Coachella Guide
- Be cautious wearing open-toed shoes in crowded areas. Heels may look great, but they’re tough to walk in around the venue.
- Expect traffic and delays when arriving and leaving the venue—it gets very congested.
- Set a meetup spot with friends ahead of time. Don’t rely entirely on your phone.
- When texting friends, include the time you sent the message, in case delivery is delayed due to network congestion.
- A headlamp can be super useful when navigating crowds or using the restroom at night.
- Avoid wearing large hats that block other people’s view.
- Watch out for blisters—there’s a lot of walking involved!
- Wet wipes come in handy for all kinds of situations.
- Fanny packs are super useful. They hold all your essentials and keep your hands free.
- Backpacks can get in the way of others. Store large ones in your car or a locker.
Allowed: small backpacks, cameras (non-detachable lenses), sunscreen (no sprays), sealed plastic water bottles, portable chargers, small blankets.
Not Allowed: professional cameras, drones, selfie sticks, umbrellas, glass/metal containers, drugs, outside food and beverages.
Getting There and Parking
Free parking is provided but involves a 20-25 minute walk to the entrance. Consider VIP parking ($150), using shuttles ($75), or pedicabs ($20+) for convenience.
Recommended Parking Lots
#1: Near Blue Gate
From Day Parking Lots 15 and 14, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the Blue Gate. Lot 15 is even closer to the entrance. There are rental lockers immediately inside this gate, making Blue Gate the perfect choice if you plan on renting a locker.
#2: Near Red Gate
It’s about a 20-minute walk from Day Parking Lot 2A to the Red Gate. The parking here is on grass, so your car won’t get as dirty and it stays a bit cooler. However, you’ll have to pass by the campgrounds on the way in, which means going through two security checkpoints (one to enter the camping area and another to enter the venue) — a bit of a hassle.
#3: Near Yellow Gate
It’s about a 25-minute walk from Day Parking Lots 1B and 1C to the Yellow Gate. The ground here is sandy, so your car will end up absolutely covered in dust (Coachella’s dry, windy desert climate certainly doesn’t help with that).
Other Access
Rent a Bike
You can totally bicycle from the parking lot (or even from your hotel) to the festival grounds. Coachella provides a dedicated bike parking area just outside the gates, so you’ll have a secure spot to lock up your wheels.
Use Pedicabs
These three-wheeled bicycle rickshaws (which can seat up to three people) are available 24/7. A ride costs about $20 (plus tip), and the drivers are super fun — they usually have music blasting and keep the party vibes going as they pedal you right up to the festival entrance.
Get a VIP parking pass
If you’re willing to spend $150 on a 3-day VIP parking pass, you can park in the VIP lot near the Yellow Gate (one of the closer entrances). It’ll definitely get you closer, but heads up: even with VIP parking, you’re still looking at about a 10-minute walk to reach the festival gates.
On-Site Experience
The festival grounds are easier to navigate than you might expect. Multiple stages, food & drink stalls, art installations, and rest areas ensure a comfortable experience despite the heat and crowds.
States
- Coachella Stage
- Outdoor Theatre
- Mojave
- Gobi
- Sahara
- Sonora
- Yuma
- Heineken House
- Do Lab
Food & Drink
Stores
Water Stations
Water refill stations are located throughout the venue. (However, rather than bringing your own bottle, it’s easier to buy a plastic water bottle at the venue and refill it. You can simply discard it when it’s no longer needed.) Note that the refill stations likely provide tap water, not mineral water. If you’re concerned about that, you can purchase bottled water separately as needed ($2 per 500ml bottle).
Charging Stations
You can charge your devices for free, but stay vigilant to avoid theft — over 100 phones were stolen during Weekend 1! (Fortunately, the thief was quickly caught on-site using the “Find My iPhone” feature.)
Art installation by UK-based artists Joanne Tatham and Tom O’Sullivan
Final Thoughts
My first Coachella was incredible: great music, amazing atmosphere, and unforgettable moments. Whether it's your first or tenth time, preparation makes all the difference. Stay hydrated, plan your schedule, and most importantly—have fun!
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