Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival

Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival stands as one of North America's most influential and widely anticipated music events. Held annually in the California desert near Indio at the Empire Polo Club, the festival has become synonymous with discovering new talent, celebrating established artists, and creating memorable experiences that extend far beyond the music stages.

The Festival Experience

The festival operates across two consecutive weekends, with each weekend featuring the same lineup, art installations, food vendors, and activities. This dual-weekend format allows attendees flexibility in choosing when to experience the event. The festival is all-ages, welcoming families and children under 5 free of charge (General Admission only), though onsite camping is restricted to those 18 and older unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

On-Site Accommodations

Coachella offers extensive camping options for those looking to make the festival a full immersive experience. Car camping starts at just $40 per night, with upgraded options including preferred parking locations ($105-$130 per night), powered camping with electricity and upgraded facilities ($155 per night), and glamping experiences like the pre-set Ready-Set Tent Camping ($172.50 per night) and the luxury La Campana Camping with temperature-controlled tents featuring real beds for up to four people (from $650 per night). Lake Eldorado accommodations range from 4-person tents ($187.50 per night) to 2-person lodges ($287.50 per night). Group camping is available, with new 2027 features allowing separate individual spot payments starting at $40 per night for groups of 10 or more.

Logistics and Planning

The festival opens to general parking at 11am each day, with the venue opening at 1pm. Venue curfew is set for 1am on Friday and Saturday, and midnight on Sunday. Camping check-in opens Thursday at 9am. The Coachella shuttle service, available for $150 total, provides dedicated routes with the shortest walk to festival entry and helps attendees avoid the driving and parking hassle. For those preferring to drive, preferred parking is available for $299 for the entire weekend. Additional options include LAX shuttle service and hotel package bundles that combine festival passes with lodging at select hotels.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

Coachella is committed to accessibility regardless of ability. The festival provides comprehensive ADA accommodations and support services. A valid government-issued photo ID is required for entry where applicable and for purchasing alcohol. The festival maintains a robust health and safety infrastructure with medical tents staffed by Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) personnel throughout the grounds. Security measures include bag checks, dog sweeps, and metal detectors for all attendees.

Mobile Experience

Attendees can download the official Coachella Mobile App to register their wristbands (mandatory for attendance), create custom lineups, receive real-time updates, and unlock additional festival features. Wristband registration must be completed before arriving onsite and can only be registered once with the unique alphanumeric code on the back.

Beyond the Music

While the lineup is the festival's primary draw, Coachella offers extensive programming beyond performances, including art installations, workshops, food and beverage experiences featuring local flavors and festival favorites, community activities, and various amenities. The festival generates official documentary content and livestreams performances on YouTube, allowing those unable to attend in person to experience the event virtually.