Your Ultimate Coachella Survival Guide - Especially for First Timers

Coachella is right around the corner, and the annual festival is, hands down, the most anticipated music event of the year. The 2025 lineup is stacked—Lady Gaga, The Marías, Green Day, CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso, T-Pain, and more. If you're a seasoned festival-goer, you already know what’s up: 72 hours of dirt, fluctuating temps, endless walking, couples fighting, sunburns, tears, and pure, chaotic fun. If it’s your first time heading into the desert, don’t stress—I’ve got your back with all the tips you’ll actually need.

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Things You Don’t Want to Forget

• A reusable water bottle – Do NOT spend all weekend buying overpriced water. Coachella has water refill stations all over the grounds, and there are even collapsible water bottles that clip to your bag or fanny pack. Bring it, use it, and hydrate.
• External battery charger – Your phone will die. It’s a given. Get a 10,000 mAh one that can power both you and your unprepared friend asking to borrow it. 
• Advil, Electrolyte hydration packs – You're going to need it, trust.
• Band-Aids – For the cowboy boots you knew weren’t broken in.
• Callus and blister pads – Especially if you’re committing to uncomfortable shoes. You’ll thank yourself later.
• Sunscreen - It is hot, you will burn, people will look at you and say ouch and not offer to help you. 
• Wristlet Strap - Keep your phone secure and free from thieves by literally attaching it to yourself. 
• Tampons (or whatever you need) – Even if it's not that time, bodies have minds of their own. You don’t want to be caught off guard surrounded by strangers.
• Sunglasses (That You Won’t Cry Over If You Lose) - The sun is brutal, and you'll be outside all day. Bring a pair of shades that you won’t be devastated to lose in the crowd. Don’t bring your designer ones unless you're okay with parting with them during Missy Elliot's set.
• Earplugs - If you're planning to be at the front of any set or just hitting multiple shows back-to-back, earplugs will save your ears. 
•  Bandana - You're going to be in a dust storm when you head out of the festival; bring a bandana you can cover your mouth and nose with. 

Fashion: It’s Your World

Coachella fashion is whatever you want it to be. Forget what influencers wore last year. If it feels good and looks like you, wear it.

BUT. Pack for nighttime. It gets cold. Unless you have “other ways” to stay warm, you’re going to wish you had brought a blanket, beanie, or hoodie. If you’re worried about ruining the look, toss leggings or a long sleeve in your bag for later. Otherwise, you’ll end up dropping $$$ on a last-minute Coachella sweater that you’ll wear once and forget about.

Shoes Will Make or Break You

You will be walking a lot. Like, 20,000+ steps a day. Your shoes need to keep up.

If you’re wearing new boots, day one of Coachella is not the time to break them in. Wear them around the house for a week beforehand, and make sure they can handle the long haul. Cute and comfy exists—find them.

General Tips to Not Lose Your Mind (or Your Friends)

• Plan your schedule in advance. Know who you’re seeing and when. You don’t want a last-minute disagreement with friends over who to see and end up missing someone you love. Split up? Have a meeting spot. Make it specific. Not “the entrance.” Pick a landmark or tent to regroup at.
• Take your cute pictures early. You’ll never look better than when you first walk in before the sweat, dust, and sun hit.
• Write stuff down. A pocket notebook is underrated. Jot down moments, quotes, or whatever else makes you laugh. You’ll love looking back at it.
• Put your debit or credit card in your digital wallet so you don't take your real wallet out every time you buy something. It will get lost, and you will be sad. 

Safety First, Always

• Hydrate. Again, bring that water bottle. 
• Don’t take random “candy.” It’s not worth the risk.
• Stick with your group. Don’t let a friend leave alone or trust them to get back to your Airbnb in Joshua Tree on 2% battery. Stay together.
• Keep your stuff secure. People are still stealing phones. Fanny packs, crossbodies, backpacks—whatever works, just make sure it closes and stays close to you.

Learn the Map Before You Go

Seriously, take 15 minutes to look at the festival map. Learn where the water stations, bathrooms, charging areas, and main stages are. It’ll save you time and stress once you’re in the thick of it, especially when you’re trying to beat the crowd between sets.

Don’t Overpack Your Bag

Keep it light! You’re carrying it all day. Pack essentials—like your charger, water bottle, sunscreen, and sweater—but don’t weigh yourself down with stuff you might need. You won’t.