Coachella, arguably the world’s most iconic music festival, is set to return for its 24th iteration this April, taking place across two weekends: April 11-13 and April 18-20. Renowned for its unparalleled lineup, stage production, and vibrant atmosphere, Coachella is a must-attend event for music lovers and festival enthusiasts alike.
With a mixed-genre lineup that caters to fans of every music taste, Coachella continues to set the gold standard for global music festivals. From rare reunion performances by legendary artists to surprise sets at the Do LaB, here’s your ultimate guide to making the most of this unforgettable experience.
Festival Highlights
Stages Overview
Each stage at Coachella offers a unique experience, from genre-specific vibes to innovative production design:
- Coachella Stage: The festival’s main stage, hosting headliners and large-scale performances, this stage has state-of-the-art production with massive screens, lights, and sound systems.
- Outdoor Theatre: As the 2nd biggest stage, the Outdoor Theatre hosts some of the largest performances each year and holds a picture-perfect backdrop.
- Sahara: The sahara is one of a kind and has evolved over the years. Now featuring a wide screen for great visuals, lights, and a giant disco ball overhead. Many of the top electronic music artists play here, and there’s a great hill to sit on the far side of the Sahara.
- Yuma: The Yuma tent is air-conditioned, showcasing many great techno and house artists each year, this stage brings stimulating lights and loud speakers.
- Sonora: A smaller stage, typically used for punk, rock, or alternative bookings.
- Mojave: One of the smaller stages/tents, a wide variety of music can be found here. We have seen some electronic acts play here in recent years such as Charlotte de Witte and Bonobo.
- Gobi: The smallest stage offering a more intimate vibe, this stages highlights indie, rock, and global artists.
- Quasar: Yet to be announced for 2025, the Quasar debuted in 2024. The stage beautifully blends into the festival’s desert aesthetic with groundbreaking design and production. Last year this stage brought us global dance artists including Michael Bibi, Rüfüs du Sol, Eric Prydz B2B Anyma, Jamie XX and more.
- Do LaB: A raver’s paradise, the Do LaB is a beautifully artistic, EDM-focused stage known for its surprise performances and vibrant energy. The Do LaB features unique line-ups each weekend of the festival, with their highly-anticipated 2025 lineup soon to be announced.
*NEW for 2025, Coachella added VIP areas adjacent to the Outdoor Theater and Sahara. “These areas will feature specialty drink options, added bars, extra shade, flushable restrooms & more amenities to be announced later.”
Insider Tips
1. The Weather
Coachella is synonymous with desert heat by day and cool, windy nights. Be prepared for the sun and heat during the day, with sudden temperature drops, pack a light jacket or hoodie to stay comfortable after sunset.
2. The Do LaB Experience
The Do LaB isn’t just a stage—it’s an experience. Known for its stunning design and surprise sets, it’s a must-visit for any EDM fan. Sign up for the Do LaB’s text notifications and keep an eye on socials to stay in the loop about pop-up performances. 2024 Weekend 1 highlights include a B2B set between Alison Wonderland and Kaskade, BODY HI by Alesso, Chase & Status, and Tape B.
3. Scheduling and Conflicts
With a lineup this packed, schedule conflicts are inevitable. Prioritize your must-see artists, and allocate around 15 minutes travel time to navigate the massive festival grounds.
4. Rare Performances
Coachella is known for hosting rare and exclusive performances, such as Gesaffelstein, Justice, and reunion sets like last year’s No Doubt performance. This year, don’t miss legendary electronic acts like Kraftwerk, Above & Beyond, Lady Gaga, or Sammy Virji.
5. Packing Essentials
Whether camping or staying off-site, a solid packing list is key:
- Water Bottle or Hydropack: Stay hydrated with refill stations located between stages throughout the grounds. If you don’t want to ruin your Coachella aesthetic, there are cheap recyclable water bottles available for purchase at various vendors.
- Portable Charger: Essential for long days capturing memories and staying connected.
- Earplugs: Protect your ears with such electric sets and high-quality sound production.
- Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be walking miles each day.
- Bandana: Useful for both sun protection and dusty conditions.
Coachella also features a general store, if you need any last-minute essentials during the festival this is your place to go. Last year Neutrogena had a sunscreen station activation, which was super clutch and meant one less item to carry.
Lodging and Transportation
Coachella offers an array of lodging options, from camping on-site to nearby hotels and Airbnbs. The festival’s shuttle service is a lifesaver, with air-conditioned buses running efficiently to and from the grounds each night. Make sure you purchase your tickets and book your stay in advance, as it will sell out!
“Explore new camping options for 2025. From upgraded Ready-Set and La Campana tents with added comforts to the classic Tent and Car camping you love, there’s something for everyone. Want a front-row car camping spot, a limited-edition pre-set souvenir tent, or a private temperature-controlled tent with real beds for four? The choice is yours at checkout.”
Festival Merch and Freebies
Coachella’s exclusive merch is a must-see, with limited-edition designs selling out quickly—so plan to shop early. Don’t forget to explore on-site activations like American Express and Absolut Vodka, offering free swag and unique experiences. There also will be artist-specific Coachella available at merch.
General Tips for a Seamless Experience
- Take Photos Early: Capture your festival looks in the golden-hour light before sweat sets in.
- Explore: Walk around the grounds and discover the hidden gems, from speakeasies to art installations.
- Celebrity Spotting: Coachella attracts high-profile attendees, so keep an eye out for famous faces in the crowd.
- Expect Surprise Guests: Headliner sets often include special guests, like last year with DJ Snake bringing out Kodak Black and 50 Cent, or Dom Dolla surprising the crowd with Nelly Furtado.
Stage Hoppability Score: 9/10
Thanks to Coachella’s massive grounds, it’s surprisingly easy to get close to the action at almost any stage. The layout spreads the crowd out, ensuring that even popular sets don’t feel overcrowded, but with grounds so big it takes a while to get around.
Coachella remains the pinnacle of music festivals, combining cutting-edge production, trendsetting lineups, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a first-timer, Coachella 2025 promises to deliver memories that last a lifetime.
Tickets for the 2025 Coachella festival are now available for loyalty 2023/2024 attendees (started Thursday, November 21 at 11am PT). To access the loyalty presale, register with the same email used to purchase or register a wristband in 2023 or 2024. Available at just $49 down with the payment plan.
If this is your first year attending the festival, sign up for the presale which begins Friday, November 22 @ 11am PT. For your best chance at passes, look to Weekend 2. Review available passes HERE.