The Coachella Valley Music Festival is one of the biggest events of the year. With incredible music, art installations and a vibrant atmosphere, it’s no surprise that it draws huge crowds from across the country and the world. However, packing for such a large festival can leave you with a lot of questions. To ensure you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable Coachella, it’s essential to bring along all the necessary items.
This post is all about what to pack in your bag for Coachella.
To make the most of your time at the festival, here are some tips to keep in mind.
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Coachella Tips for First-timers
Register Your Wristbands and Lost and Found Tags
Register your wristbands before you arrive through the Coachella app. They also provide a few small keychain tags that you can register and add to your items to help for a safe return if the items are lost.
Weather at Coachella
One of the most important factors to consider when packing your festival bag for Coachella is the weather. The temperature can reach 100+ degrees so please dress and pack accordingly. This means staying hydrated, pack a hydration bag (everyone has them), wear tons of sunscreen, wear a hat or scarf and sunglasses. Pack a mask for the wind too because Coachella cough is not fun!
Schedule Your Day
There are a ton of artists and exhibits happening all three days of Coachella and the festival grounds are huge. Schedule out the artists you want to see with your group to be able to find each other if you get separated.
Get to Know the Festival Layout
The festival is a lot to take in and luckily there are some large art sculptures to help you find your way. We used the large sculptures to help orient ourselves during the day and night because it’s not a perfect circle or square…it’s kind of a blob.
Walk around the entire area during the day to know where the water refill stations are, bathrooms, med tents, etc. You can also use the app but if your phone dies you’ll need to know your way around.
Team Tip* We would text using Whats App and at the end of every text, we would add the time we sent it. That way if it didn’t go through for 30 minutes, we knew exactly what time people sent the text and where they were, and where they were heading at the time is was actually sent.
Getting to Coachella: Parking, Shuttles and Ride Share
Parking and drop-off can get pretty confusing at Coachella. We camped so we didn’t need to worry about it but we saw plenty of confused people wandering around at 2 AM looking for their rides and cars.
Do your parking and drop-off research ahead of time. Have a screenshot of the map of each lot and the entire parking and festival grounds. You don’t want to be lost late at night with tired feet in the dust.
There are three different types of parking areas at Coachella
- Free Day Parking
- Preferred Parking
- Camping Companion Parking
Ride Share Drop-off / Family and Friend Drop-off
This area is open Thursday-Sunday. The location can be found on the Coachella app. You can also visit the site for details on times for drop-off.
There’s also a full breakdown of the shuttle stops for getting to Coachella.
Notice* All guests with valid wristbands are allowed in the campgrounds. Please keep in mind that overnight parking is only for guests with companion parking passes. All-day parking vehicles will need to exit by 2 AM or they will be towed. The ride-share lot closes at 3 AM and shuttles run until 1 hour after the music stops at the main Festival.
Locker Rentals at Coachella
Lockers can be reserved in advance online for Coachella. They have different sizes available to rent. The 2023 pricing is below.
Locker locations will be posted a few days before the start of the festival and will be searchable on the map in the Coachella app.
Locks can be picked up using the scan code sent to your email after purchase. They will send an official email the week before the festival.
If you purchase a locker ahead of time your locker will be held and reserved until you claim it. It will not be given away.
They have changing areas in the Locker tent for you to use if you need to change outfits throughout the day.
Lockers must be cleaned out and locks returned by the end of the last day, technically 1 AM on Monday or your items will be donated.
There is a $10 security deposit that you will get back when you return your lock at the end of the weekend.
For any questions, reach out to lockers@coachella.com.
Essential Items to Pack for Coachella
I know you’re wondering, what can you bring into Coachella? There are a lot of items you can and cannot pack to take with you to Coachella. Let’s start with what you can pack for Coachella.
Eye Drops
Please pack eye drops. The dust will dry out your eyes and you will keep rubbing them and they will begin to sting. Just pack the eye drops.
Face Mask
Coachella cough is a real thing. Pack a mask, bandana, neck gaiter, or scarf to cover your mouth and nose during the festival to prevent dust from getting in. Sounds dramatic but it’s not. Even if it’s not windy you will wake up with a cough and stuffy nose and scratchy throat each morning. Cover your face.
Small Blanket or Towel
You will spend a lot of time sitting on the floor hiding from the sun, waiting for a performer or eating your meals. Pack a small blanket or towel to avoid getting grass all over your clothes and avoid sitting in gum.
Lock for Your Bag
I’ve heard a lot about theft at Coachella, so to be safe we packed locks for our hydration packs. Ou can also purchase an anti-theft hydration pack made for festivals if you want to be fancy.
Water Bottle
If you’re not packing a hydration pack you will need to pack a water bottle. Don’t argue with this, you need to hydrate in intense heat.
Comfortable Shoes
I loved the fashion at Coachella but I was seriously trying to figure out how people were wearing boots and heels for 8 hours in the sun and dirt. Sneakers and closed-toed boots or Crocs are the way to go! There were LOTS of Crocs at Coachella. Kind of bummed they didn’t sell Coachella Croc charms.
Jacket
Most days are hot at Coachella so you may not need a jacket but it can get pretty windy in the evenings. A light jacket is suggested but nothing too intense.
Drip Drops or Liquid IV
Hydration is key! We like to pack Drip Drops to add to our water bottles or hydration packs during the day because the heat will drain you.
Mini First-Aid Kit
A first aid kit sounds extreme but pack your usual essentials like band-aids, Tums, Advil, Pepto. You don’t want to get sick at Coachella and have to use the porta potties. Pack anything that will keep you feeling good for the whole day.
Hand Sanitizer
I’m big on hand sanitizer, especially at festivals. There’s a lot of dust, you’re sitting on the floor, porta-potties, refill stations. You’re going to need the hand sanitizer or wipes.
Portable Charger
This is an absolute MUST-PACK item! Pack a good portable charger with at least 2 charges. Your phone will die or overheat. You need to keep it alive. Pack your own charger so you don’t have to rely on charging in the sun at Coachella.
Hat/Scarf
We packed our huge straw hats and loved them. I would suggest something that covers every angle, like a bucket hat or straw hat. Large scarves are also a great idea to wrap around your head and face to help with the dust. Plus, scarves can be backed down to fit in your bag.
Concert Earplugs
If you’re planning on getting close to any of the stages or visiting the Yuma tent then I would suggest packing earplugs. You don’t want to hurt your ears while you’re there. They have a lot of options for concerts that filter the sound so you can still hear everything and protect your eardrums.
Hydration Backpack
We packed the Sharkmouth Hydration Backpack from Amazon for cheap and added locks to keep our stuff safe. You can also purchase an anti-theft festival hydration backpack. Either way, they are a great way to stay hydrated and hold all of your items so you can remain hands-free at Coachella.
Anti-theft Phone Cord
I carried my phone and wallet in my fanny pack across my chest but to make sure I didn’t drop or lose my phone or have it stolen, I added an anti-theft phone cord. It worked out really well and I saw multiple people drop their phone in the huge crowds while they were dancing and they were frantically trying to find their phone in the dark on the ground while people were jumping and dancing. I felt a lot better knowing my phone was attached to the inside of my bag.
Sunglasses
Any and all sunglasses are needed. Make them as cute or functional as you want but please pack them. Once again, the heat and sun are a lot. It’s bright outside and I want you to stay safe. Please take the heat seriously and protect yourself.
Seat covers/TP/Baby Wipes
I would say out of all of these things the baby wipes or flushable wipes are the most important. There’s usually toilet paper in the stalls but having wipes is a lot better.
Sunscreen
No spray sunscreen is allowed inside Coachella but sunscreen lotion is allowed. We layered on the spray sunscreen before heading in and reapplied multiple times throughout the day with the free Neutrogena sunscreen that is around the festival grounds.
Small Flashlight/ Headlamp
I like the small flashlight idea or something glowy to keep you and your friends together. We saw a lot of totems with lights and also people with flashlights at the front of their group leading their way through crowds. It is very easy to lose your friends at night in the crowds so pack items that will help you navigate at night.
Items Not Allowed in Coachella
What can you not bring to Coachella? It’s actually more than you would expect.
Food & Drinks
No outside food and drinks are allowed inside Coachella. You must finish all drinks and food before going through security. Don’t worry, there are trash cans along the walk to security because they know you’re drinking up until that point.
Glow Sticks
I read this and got really sad. Even though it’s on the “banned” list, plenty of people had them. So I’m going to say this one isn’t a strong NO at Coachella.
Large Blankets
Towels and small blankets are allowed but only ones that will fit in your bag. Anything too large will be denied at the gates.
Walkie-Talkies
Another NO but I saw a lot of at Coachella. BUT I will say it was way too loud to hear anything. I even heard one person shouting at the walkie-talkie and they couldn’t hear anything. So I’m going to say this one is a pass unless you’re using it in a quiet place or after the festival to find friends.
Umbrellas
Umbrellas are not allowed at Coachella but parasols are allowed. Meaning the paper umbrellas, but nothing waterproof is allowed.
Spray Sunscreen
Spray sunscreen is not allowed so pack your sunscreen lotion. There are also a ton of sunscreen stations located throughout the festival if you forget to pack some. We loaded up with spray sunscreen before going in and then reapplied with the free sunscreen there later in the day.
Flyers, Samples or Promotional Items
No promotional items are allowed at Coachella, including samples or freebies. No selling at Coachella either. Sorry folks! If you want to be a vendor at Coachella, click here.
Glass and Metal Water Bottles
Only plastic water bottles are allowed in Coachella. Skip the canteens or insulated water bottles. We prefer wearing hydration packs while at festivals but you can always pack a water bottle in your bag if you prefer.
Selfie Sticks or Tripods
Sorry but no selfie sticks or tripods allowed in Coachella. This means you have to record the old fashioned way – by holding your phone. Don’t fret, you can still get tons of cute selfies and tiktoks this way.
For a full list of items allowed and not allowed in Coachella, visit the office site.
FAQ’s
What Kind of Bags Are Allowed at Coachella?
Coachella allows a number of types of bags at the festival including hydration packs, fanny packs, medium backpacks (no larger than 18”x13”x8.5”) and purses (no larger than 12”x6”x12”).
Are There Real Bathrooms at Coachella?
Yes! There are real bathrooms with flushable toilets at Coachella. There are also loads of porta-potties but and the fancy porta-potties.
Are there Charging Stations at Coachella?
Yes, Coachella has charging stations available for free but most are located in the direct sun and it makes it difficult for your phone to charge in extreme heat and also difficult for you to stay there while it chargers. Find a shaded charging station like in the Beer Garden or pack a portable charger.
Is there Free Water at Coachella?
Yes, Coachella has free water refill stations. Pack your water bottle or hydration pack for free water.
Can I Bring a Water Bottle to Coachella
Yes, water bottles are allowed but no glass or steel (insulated) bottles – plastic only. This is why I recommend wearing a hydration pack, it’s a lot easier and more convenient throughout the day. You will also need to bring in your water bottle completely empty and will need to refill at one of the water stations around the festival.
If you don’t fancy wearing a hydration pack, here are a few plastic water bottle options.
How to Stay Warm at Night at Coachella
A lot of people pack scarves or mylar blankets. They are easy to fit in your bag and will help protect you from the wind and dust.
Can You Sell Items at Coachella without a Booth?
No and no promotional items inside the venue. Items will be confiscated.
What Time Does Coachella End?
Coachella ends at different times each night, Friday and Saturday 1 AM and Sunday 12 Am-ish.
Can I Visit the Coachella Campgrounds if I’m not Camping?
Yes! All guests with valid wristbands are allowed in the campgrounds. Please keep in mind that overnight parking is only for guests with companion parking passes. All-day parking vehicles will need to exit by 2 AM or they will be towed. The ride-share lot closes at 3 AM and shuttles run until 1 hour after the music stops at the main Festival.
If you’re planning on going to any after-parties at Camp, please be aware of the time and how you’re getting home if you are not camping.
Are there Lockers at Coachella?
Yes, there are lockers available to rent at Coachella. Be sure to book your locker rental before the festival starts to make sure you get one because they do sell out.
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