Imagine a gorgeous California desert swept with people of all genders, ages, races, and walks of life, all coming together for the one thing they all have in common: the love for music. Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival recently announced the lineup for the festival, which will take place in April. If you enjoy blaring live music, celebrity drama, and trancing fashion, it is something you should definitely consider attending.
Coachella: What is it?
Coachella is a high-profile music festival that takes place in California every year. There are usually many influencer and celebrity sightings. It is a hotspot for mainstream pop music and usually has a lineup of influential artists that have shaped at least the last decade or so.
“Festival season is back in full swing, with Coachella 2023 kicking off this weekend. As fans, celebs, and influencers flock to the desert, anticipate your social feeds being filled with Ferris wheel photos, selfies on film, and some very interesting festival fashion.” -Glamour
Cultural Relevance
Although the cultural relevance of Coachella is debatable, I would argue that this festival will always be a part of modern-day society. This is because it includes many popular and emerging artists and is beloved by many people. Although, many argue that it is losing its grip on society due to a “vibe shift.”
“Trends are slippery things that consistently resist our best attempts to define them — particularly these days when any “-core” can go viral on TikTok, distorting our ability to determine what has mass popular appeal. Whether Coachella still has relevance is up for debate. A recent poll on Deuxmoi, a popular celebrity gossip Instagram account, asked if, after this year, Coachella as a “whole is over.” Sixty-seven percent of respondents said yes. Nevertheless, the festival is an ideal place to see thousands of young people having a good time while trying to be cool, free, and feel alive.” -New York Times.
Coachella still attracts millions of people around the world due to its gorgeous views and amazing live music. Some have described the experience as “artsy and roomy” and “absolutely amazing.”
Locations and Dates
Coachella takes place every year in April. This year, it will be held over two weeks near the end of April. The dates for week one are April 12-14, and week two, April 19-21.
Coachella occurs in the Empire Polo Club, a field located in Indio of the Coachella Valley, California. Indio is just east of Palm Springs, California. The Coachella Valley is a part of the Colorado Desert range.
In addition to Coachella, Indio offers a variety of other tourist attractions and activities, such as zoos, casinos, high-profile resorts, hotels, and restaurants. Indio is also near the famous Joshua Tree National Park, which is known for its ethereal and unique wildlife and gorgeous views. It is known for its one-of-a-kind trees that can not be found anywhere else.
Tickets and Prices
General admission tickets for Coachella are $499 plus fees. However, VIP passes are $1069 plus fees. You must also pay more for parking, shuttles, lockers, posters, food, and lodging. You can purchase ready-to-go lodges and tent accommodations near Lake Eldorado.
Although Coachella is generally considered to be much more pricey than other similar music festivals, it is possible to cut down on costs dramatically by bringing your own food and water, staying away from merchandise, and being wise about lodging decisions.
What to wear
Coachella is known as a place full of unique fashion. Although most opt to wear flashy and uncomfortable clothing, I would suggest wearing something that provides comfort and style. Stay away from tight, heavy, itchy, or stiff clothing. This is because it is very hot in that region of California, especially during April, so it is important to consider comfort when picking an outfit.
“As the weekend was wrapping up, so was the festival fashion. The common denominator? Comfortable kicks, cowboy boots, and what I believe the biggest trend of the season will be: midi-maxi skirts. I didn’t notice as much cultural appropriation happening (thank goddess) and there was not a single feathered headdress in sight (maybe because Vanessa Hudgens skipped this year.) And I also noticed less “festival style” looks, a.k.a. buying looks just for Coachella. The environment thanks you.”
- The Cut
Make sure you dress for the weather. There’s nothing more annoying than being caught in baggy jeans and a sweater in nearly ninety-degree weather.
What to pack + Climate
It is very, very important to make sure you have readily accessible water sources during this event. You can also save a lot of money by bringing your own food and snacks. The price for goods is generally very high.
In addition, Coachella is not unknown for its crime rate, so make sure you have defense equipment and cup covers. Bring sunscreen and shades to protect yourself from the blazing sun. Other than that, have a phone and charger on hand.
The temperature for Coachella Valley during April, as of now, is in its mid to high 80s in terms of Fahrenheit. The weather is mild and partly cloudy. Although there will not be sun, it is still going to be very hot.
What to do
There are many things you can do at Coachella. After gates open at roughly 11:00 am, there will be a variety of shows throughout the day. Other than that, you can spend time vlogging and taking pictures, eating, touring the premises, riding a Ferris wheel, or looking at art installations.
Music Lineup
The music lineup for Coachella this year is very diverse and offers something for all types of music lovers. The headline acts will be some of the most influential artists of this decade: Lana Del Ray, Tyler The Creator, Blur, and Doja Cat. There will also be acts from Ice Spice, Peso Pluma, Ateez, Lil Uzi Vert, Jhéne Aiko, Reneé Rapp, J.
Balvin, and many more. The full list can be found on the Coachella Website.
Whether you are a K-pop fan, rap enthusiast, pop addict, etc., there is something for all kinds of music lovers at Coachella. Attending this unique music festival is undoubtedly one of the most interesting and fun things you can experience.
