The Complete Coachella Festival Guide in 2025

Planning to turn your Coachella dream into reality? Coachella isn’t just any festival—it’s an iconic cultural event that brings a parade of fun activities every year. It's often called a pilgrimage, as attending this desert festival feels like stepping into a magical wonderland.

But let’s be honest: preparing for Coachella can be overwhelming. Tickets sell out quickly after the lineup is announced, accommodations can be pricey, and packing the right gear can feel like a puzzle. And don’t even get started on trying to catch all your favorite artists without missing a beat.

If you plan to attend Coachella 2025, this complete Coachella festival guide will be your compass to survive the festival. Let’s explore together everything you need to know, from securing tickets to making the most of your time in the desert.

What is the Coachella Festival?

Coachella is a popular and massive music festival in the world.  It is also known as the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, meaning, it is an immersive event where music and arts are celebrated. But why does it sound expensive and still making tickets sold out in just a few hours?

Over the years, an insane lineup of famous global artists and rising music icons have performed on the Coachella stage – the heart of Coachella. This event is also held in a massive desert where you can see giant art installations, futuristic exhibits, fun attractions like a Ferris wheel, food party corners, and shopping centers.     

Coachella is also popular for having surprised big artists suddenly popping up on stage and celebrity sightings vibing with the crowd. You can also witness a display of fashion outfits that influence the trends. These jaw-dropping experiences make Coachella one of the most profitable music festivals in the world.

 

When and Where is Coachella 2025?

Coachella is held annually at the Empire Polo Club Indio of California, specifically, in the Coachella Valley of the Colorado Desert. Traditionally, Coachella runs for two consecutive weekends with the same lineups of performing artists.

For Coachella 2025, it will be held in April for two weekends:

• Weekend 1: April 11–13, 2025
• Weekend 2: April 18–20, 2025

 

Coachella Lineup: Who’s Performing?

One of the most exciting parts of Coachella is the lineup announcement. The lineup is typically revealed in the first week of January.  Brace yourself because the official headliners for 2025 are Lady Gaga, Green Day, Post Malone, and Travis Scott.  

Additionally, who might be the surprise guest performers at this year’s Coachella? Below are some of the highly-anticipated performers in the three-day Coachella 2025:

April 11 & 18 (Friday):

• Lady Gaga
• Messy Elliot
• Benson Boone
• Lisa of Blackpink
• FKA twigs

April 12 & 19 (Saturday):

• Green Day
• Charli xcx
• The Misfits
• Enhypen (K-Pop Group)
• Above & Beyond

April 13 & 20 (Sunday):

• Post Malone
• Megan Thee Stallion
• Jennie of Blackpink
• Zedd
• Kraftwerk

How to Get Coachella Tickets

Here’s the catch, although Coachella is held every mid-April, tickets sell out fast. You can register in advance during the pre-sale period at the Coachella website which typically falls every June of the prior year.  If you miss the pre-sale, general tickets are open for sale right after the lineup announcement in January. If you’re serious about going, here’s how you can secure your ticket:

1. Visit Coachella Website

To secure purchasing legit tickets, visit Coachella's official website. Ensure that you read carefully the inclusions of ticket pass options on the website before purchasing. If you’re staying outside the festival grounds, add a shuttle pass for your transportation.

Want to hear some ticket hacks? There’s still hope if you missed out on buying a ticket. Some festival-goers visit legit websites like StubHub and Ticketmaster for lower ticket prices. Ticket holders who can’t attend the Coachella post their tickets on these websites for resale. The downside is, sometimes it is the contrary. Meaning, ticket resellers may also charge higher than the original prices.

2. Choose Your Ticket Type

Coachella offers General Admission passes and VIP passes. As of writing, all service fees are included in the ticket price, and any taxes and shipping of your wristband will be added at checkout.

• General Admission (GA):This ticket pass allows you to enter the venue during the three-day festival and visit the GA camping areas. GA pass price without shuttle starts at $649 for Weekend 1 and $599 for Weekend 2. For a GA pass with a shuttle pass, the price starts at $779 for Weekend 1 and $679 for Weekend 2.

   

• VIP Pass:This option allows you to enter the venue plus VIP areas during the three-day festival. VIP pass holders can enjoy shorter lines, better viewing spots, and visit GA camping areas. VIP price without shuttle starts at $1,399 for Weekend 1 and $1,199 for Weekend 2. These rates exclude add-ons such as shuttle passes.

3. Pay your Ticket

After choosing between a GA pass and a VIP pass, pay directly at the checkout option on the Coachella website. Additional rates can be incurred if you avail of a shuttle pass and other add-ons during checkout.

 

How Do You Get to Coachella and Where Should You Stay?

After securing a ticket, you can plan how to travel to Coachella and where you can stay during the three-day festival. Remember to book early to secure your desired hotel to stay.

Transportation

• Via Driving:If you’re coming from Los Angeles, you can drive your car to reach Coachella. Many Coachella attendees are bringing their cars and you may encounter them on your way while enjoying your road trip.   
• Via Shuttle:If you don’t have a car or just want to save energy from driving, Coachella offers shuttle services from Los Angeles, Palm Springs, and nearby cities.
• Via Flying:If you’re coming from out of state or foreign country, fly into Palm Springs (PSP), Los Angeles (LAX), or Ontario (ONT). From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle.

Accommodation

• On-Site Camping:This is perfect for those who bring their cars or tents and want to save money from hotels. For others, their Coachella bucket list would not be complete without camping. What’s more? This is also perfect for those who want to stay close to the Coachella grounds. For more details, you can visit the Coachella Camping page.
• Hotels & Airbnb:Coachella offers hotel packages and information about local hotels for hassle-free accommodation. You can still personally book on Airbnb for flexible options and choose from the most luxurious to budget-friendly hotels in nearby cities like Palm Springs, Indio, and La Quinta.   
• Glamping:If you dare for a more luxurious experience, Coachella has glamping options such as La Campana Tent Camping, Lake Eldorado Camping, and Safari Camping. These exclusive areas offer air-conditioned tents, comfy beds, and private showers. Glamping is perfect for those who don’t want to bring cars or tents.

What to Bring to Coachella 2025

Now that you’re all set, the last thing you should do before leaving home is to pack the right things to bring. Below are the essential items you must not forget to survive the festival. The list does not include necessities such as food, clothing, medicines, and personal care items.  

• Coachella Pass, Wristband, and ID: Forget everything but not these key items to embark on your Coachella dream. Always bring these items with you each day of the festival or you’ll be in trouble.
• Comfortable Shoes: You are going to a massive wonderland thus you’ll be walking a lot under the heat of the California sun. Wear comfortable and strong shoes to protect your feet as you visit the Coachella attractions.
• Sunscreen & Hat: Coachella Valley is a desert and the temperature can go hot during the three-day festival. The summer sun can burn your skin if you’re not wearing sunscreen and a hat.
• Water Bottle: Given the hot weather in the desert sun, staying hydrated is essential. To save money from buying bottled water, bring a water bottle or tumbler as there are many free water refill stations.
• Earplugs: Coachella is attended by thousands of people and the collective noise can be too much.Wear earplugs to protect your hearing when watching the lineup artists perform on the Coachella stage.
• Bandana or Mask: The dust in the desert can be intense sometimes.You can wear a bandana or mask to protect yourself from inhaling dust when the wind hits hard.
• Power Bank: Given the endless sightings and attractions you see, you might not even have time to charge your phone. Especially when you’re watching your favorite artist perform, power banks can save you if your battery suddenly runs out:

1. Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K, Slim)- a small-size power bank with huge power and fast charging capacity.

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2. Anker Power Bank (10K, Fusion, Built-In Cable)-a compact power bank with an AC Plug and a built-in charging cable for flexible use. It can fit easily into your pocket while watching your favorite artist perform or strolling around the Coachella grounds.

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3. Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K, 35W, For Apple Watch)-  a versatile 10,000mAh charger with an adjustable Apple Watch charger, an integrated USB-C cable, and a colorful LED display. Offering broad compatibility, fast USB-C charging, and sustainable design with 75% recycled materials.

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• Charger: There are charging stations around the area and make sure you have at least a compact yet super-fast charger. We recommend Anker Nano Charger (30W)which is 70% smaller than the original 30W chargers, perfect to carry while strolling the festival grounds. For laptops, Anker Charger (140W, 4-Port, PD 3.1) with USB-C Cable can charge your 15-inch MacBook Air to 50% in just 30 minutes.

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Pro Tips for an Unforgettable Coachella Experience

Whether you’re a first-timer or a former Coachella goer, planning smartly can help you enjoy the magical festival. Here are some pro tips for an unforgettable Coachella experience in 2025:

• Arrive Early:If you want the best view of your favorite artist, arrive early to the Coachella stage. Others go to the stage hours ahead of the schedule just to secure the best view. The best spot is always near the stage and it fills up quickly, especially during the performance of headliner artists.
• Hydrate & Eat Well:The sun can be too harsh in the desert and staying hydrated is essential. Coachella provides free water refill stations, so bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during the three-day festival. As for food, eat ahead of the schedule of your favorite artist and bring snacks when watching the performances.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be walking a lot so wear comfortable shoes. The festival grounds are massive, and you’ll be walking miles each day under the scorching sun. Be wise enough in choosing the shoes you’ll wear to protect your feet. You can wear boots, sandals, or comfortable sneakers.
• Follow the Festival Map:Do you know that the Coachella festival has a map on the Coachella app? This is a must for a massive venue for the festival. If you don’t want to get lost or don’t want to be late in arriving at the Coachella stage, grab a copy of the festival map. Knowing the locations of bathrooms, food stalls, and water refill stations will save you time.

Conclusion

Ticking your Coachella dream from your bucket list is truly rewarding. Coachella is like a magical cultural journey for music or art enthusiasts. It takes a lot of effort to prepare and once you step there, you’ll have a lot of attractions to visit. By following this complete Coachella festival guide, you are guided from the moment you secure a ticket until you enter the festival grounds and survive Coachella. By being prepared, you can guarantee a seamless and enchanting Coachella experience in 2025.   

FAQs

What is Coachella’s golden rule?

The golden rule of Coachella is simple: respect others and the festival grounds. Coachella attendees are encouraged to be mindful of others, follow festival guidelines, and contribute to a positive environment. The festival’s policies aim to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

What is not allowed at Coachella?

Weapons, drones, and professional cameras, etc. Coachella has a comprehensive list of prohibited items to maintain safety and comfort. For a detailed list, refer to the official Coachella FAQ page.

How much money do you need to go to Coachella?

Expect to spend anywhere from $800 to $3,000+, depending on your choices. Your budget depends if you want a budget-friendly or luxurious experience. Attending Coachella involves various expenses, including ticket prices, accommodation, food, and travel. General admission tickets start at $599, with additional costs if you opt for a shuttle pass, camping, or hotel packages. You’ll also spend on your meals, merchandise, and other personal expenses.

Is there a dress code for Coachella?

The answer is no. While Coachella does not enforce a strict dress code, attendees often wear Bohemian-inspired outfits or trendy summer-theme clothing. Given the desert climate, lightweight and comfortable outfits are recommended. The choice is always yours. You can even wear a jacket if you dare.