I Went to Coachella for the First Time With 2 Pros. (First Time Coachella Tips: What to Know, Pack, and Do Differently)

I’ve been to festivals before. ACL, Life is Beautiful, the usual.

So I thought I knew what I was getting into. I absolutely did not.

I went to Coachella for the first time with my friend Shaheen and her sister Amber (check out their IG: aftertheencore_), who have done it 7 or 8 times and treat it like a full production. Outfits planned, content scheduled, backup looks ready.

We all experienced the same weekend… very differently.

Here’s what actually surprised us, what mattered, and what we’d do differently next time.

Q: What was your first impression of Coachella?

Alicia (Me, the first timer):

It’s bigger, hotter, and more intense than I expected, but also super fun.

It’s not just a music festival. It’s logistics, timing, outfits, walking miles in the heat, and figuring out how to not burn out by day two.

I thought I could just show up and figure it out. That was….wildly optimistic.

Coachella Reality Check

Q: What do people underestimate about Coachella?

Alicia: How much planning it takes. Even getting from stage to stage is a process. The festival is ginormous. I definitely underestimated the dust and have since been personally selected to experience the “Coachella Cough.”

Amber: The size, the dust, the heat and hydration. And they probably don't realize how different it is than any other festival experience out there - at least in the US.  This is the gold standard - no place has better production, watching a show here is next level.  I find myself wishing artists I’ve seen elsewhere would perform here just so I can experience them at Coachella.  It's also just an epic opportunity for the artists so they love giving their Coachella performances something extra - and bringing out special guests! Oh and the dust, no one realizes at first that it's important to cover your face.  The size - you're gonna walk a lot, wear broken in comfortable shoes! Hydration - I start super hydrating a month before Coachella because the desert will dry you out, too many people pass out! 

Shaheen: This is a massive production - I mean massive! Just the grounds themselves are twice (if not more) the size of say ACL. So you walk…and walk…and walk lol There are over 100k people. People from every where and everyone is there to experience music and shows - it’s amazing how a music festival can bring so many different people together (and often on top of one another for big sets!).

How Coachella Actually Works

Q: Is Coachella difficult to navigate?

Amber:  If you study a map ahead of time, I don't think so.  Take time your first day to go in early and get the lay of the land.  Look at maps from previous years - stages mainly stay in the same place with little changes.  Understand where any special access areas are that you wanna get to - like if you have VIP.  Know that you can move around, if you don't like the spot you're in just move to a different one and further back there's more space.  The screens at Coachella are huge - you'll still have a good view.

Alicia: Not when traveling with 2 pros!! Not when traveling with 2 pros. I simply followed them like a confused intern.

Shaheen: Though it might be a little hard to navigate at first because there are so many stages and set times, the good thing is, if you get lost, you are likely right by a stage and will get to experience something.

Holding the Balloonchain

Q: What’s the hardest logistical part?

Amber: Probably the shuttles if you're shuttling in and I imagine parking if you're driving.  Other than that, maneuvering around during a headliner set can be difficult. If you're near the front, its hard to get out.  Also the distance between Main/Outdoor stages and Sahara is really far!  It was nice to have golf carts this year, but even that involves timing because they save your feet but still can take the same amount of time or more to get there if there's a wait.

Shaheen: Aside from the shuttles, knowing what you need and making sure you have it on hand. Always have a water bottle, mask and perhaps an extra pair of comfy shoes. Don’t forget a light jacket or shawl - you may sweat during the day, but trust us - you will be cold when the sun sets.

VIP vs GA: Worth it?

Q: Should you do VIP at Coachella?

Amber: Age is just a number, but I’d say if you’re 27+ then Yes. Like if you wouldn’t stay in a hostel anymore than just splurge a little on VIP.  You get access to more space, places to SIT, shade, shorter lines in the Yuma tent, decent side view of Sahara, Outdoor, Mojave and Main stage.  Food lines are shorter, have dedicated merch, and most importantly flushable toilets!

Shaheen: What Amber said! 

Q: How does the Safari upgrade differ from VIP?

Amber: Safari gets you “Guest” pass.  Which pretty much is the same thing as an “Artist” pass.  The only place you can't get into is Artist compounds, but honestly half the time they let us in there too.  You get a dedicated area in the front of Main, Outdoor, Sahara, and Mojave stages. I think there's a table area in Yuma too, not sure. You still have to get there early for headliners (a set before), but you don't have to wait all day to have a spot in the front 20 rows.  Sometimes in smaller stages if it's filled up it's probably better to watch from GA.  Safari also gets you golf cart access - these go behind the stages and help get you from stage to stage faster so it's easier to split sets and see more artists.

Stages & Sets

Q: What should people know about the stages?

Shaheen: Some of the best sets aren’t even at the main stage. Be open to exploring.

Amber: The tents are named after deserts (Sahara, Mojave, Gobi, Sonora, Yuma).  The open stages are named Main (or Coachella), Outdoor, Quasar, and Do Lab. Main stage will generally have all popular artists on there, Outdoor is popular artists too, Mojave is probably the most fun tent - a lot of up and coming artists perform here before they explode (think Lizzo, Chappel Roan), Gobi is funky and weird - can always catch something unique here, Yuma is DJs like a nighttime club (but all day), Sahara is mainly bigger DJs plus Rap plus a girl group lately (Blackpink, katseye etc), Sonora is curated by its own company and features really great live bands, Quasar has popular DJs on that play 3 hour sets each so its more a come and go. Do Lab is … lol just go there and see.

Alicia:There are more stages than I expected, and they’re spread out. They are all outdoors except one, Yuma. It’s nice to go in and stand under the AC in the afternoon. 

Food

Q: Is the food actually good?

Alicia: Two words: Le Burger (or is that one word). I had to have that burger two days in a row. All the pizza smells amazing and I tried a slice of pepperoni at Spicy Pie. 

Amber: YES. SO much good food to to try. The vendors have to compete to be there.  Don't miss the Spicy Pie and Paella - both coachella traditions.  Also 3 people can split 1 paella - so its great on a budget.

Shaheen: OMG the food is the best. Yes it’s more expensive then if you went to their store locations but remember, these restaurants had to get all their equipment, supplies, ingredients and employees to the desert - that’s not easy. And it has higher costs. Most have gotten really good about portion sizes so things are definitely shareable and allows you to try a variety of foods.

Merch Strategy

Q: Is Coachella merch worth it?

Alicia: Merch is always worth it. Especially when taking the time, energy, and money to attend an epic festival like Coachella!

Amber: You gotta get something to remember Coachella! But honestly I would just pre-order merch when it comes out online and get it delivered at home. Not worth the lines.  If you want specific artist merch then get in first thing when gates open.  This is also where VIP comes in handy, it has its own mini merch tent, not artist specific stuff, but will often have collabs. We got our Gap collab hoodies in a much shorter line.

Three Perspectives, One Festival 

Q: Did staying in Safari Camp make a difference? (We stayed in a Safari Tent, but the Pros have also stayed in hotels).

We decorated our tent like Candyland for a contest I guess we didn't win.

Alicia: This was my first Coachella so I appreciated the perks of staying in the Safari: golf carts between stages, brunch in the mornings, late bites, IV options, complimentary massages and hair. I realize now I had a very unrealistic introduction to Coachella and may never emotionally recover.

Amber:  Yeah there was a lot of difference.  I’ve written about most of it, but I think one aspect I didn't write about is the community.  If you’re someone that loves to make random friends, safari (and probably camping in general) really lets you do that.  It also feels very immersive vs staying in a hotel.  It's like you never leave Coachella.  Bring ear plugs because you can hear the music artists rehearsing all the time!

Shaheen: It doesn’t change Coachella itself, but it changes how long you can last each day and how you feel by day three. I was probably more dusty and wore less gems lol but it still felt like I was totally immersed in the experiences. 

Q: How did your experiences differ?

Amber: I super appreciated everything about Safari because I know what it's like to do it without all the amazing perks. Loved having breakfast and dinner, loved having the opportunity for a massage and getting my hair done, love the ease of getting back ‘home’ when the night was done, loved not having to wait hours for a good spot.  I knew what to expect heat wise so it didn't really bother me, nor did the dust as I was prepared and knew to cover my face.   On  the flip side I also know what it's like to experience coachella when it's not so crowded - it was REALLY packed this year, so I didn't like that I didn't get to do as many activations, speakeasies etc. I have super high energy - I didn't get tired till about 5pm Saturday, so I tend to be okay to go go go.  I also am someone that worries about other peoples experiences - I want everyone to have fun,  but I’m learning that everyone experiences things differently.  

Shaheen: I was definitely excited to have more access, food at the tent grounds and of course the golf carts. This year though, there are so many people. It took away from what we have been able to experience in the past - brand activations, walking around with ease and not feeling like every set would be shoulder to shoulder. I did also miss the hotel room lol but the trade offs were worth it! It was also the first time going with more than just two of us. I think it’s okay to let people go and do their own thing but know it can get hard with groups. Decide ahead of time on sets you all want to experience together and then let the rest be. 

Alicia: As a live music lover, I really enjoy being upfront and personal which is difficult to do at Coachella. I know I griped a bit about the number of people in our dedicated section, but I also realize the effort to be where we were would be much greater if we hadn’t had the Safari access. Madonna coming out on the Sabrina set was such a highlight for me. This would never happen at a typical concert so it did feel very special (and I got myself up there pretty close!).

What is Coachella actually like day-to-day?

Q: How do you survive the midday heat?

Alicia: The heat is…aggressive. We live in Texas and have hot summers, but this is just different. Low 80’s was an intense heat. The first full day we went out for the day, but I adjusted my strategy for Saturday and Sunday so I wouldn’t completely burn out.

Amber:  Didn't figure this out till last day, but get in the kiddie pool.  The water stays COLD.  Also just know that there are certain hours it's going to be hot, so try to stay and watch sets in the tent stages or watch them from the shade.  The temperature changes drastically, so if you remember you'll be cold soon, it won't bother you too much.

Shaheen: If you don’t take breaks, you’ll feel it by day two. Guaranteed.

Q: What matters most at night?

Amber: Ear plugs, sleeping mask when sleeping.  Having a pashmina because it gets cold, and wearing a mask/bandana/gaiter for all the dust everywhere.

Shaheen: Something to keep you warm and comfortable shoes - you need these all day but will be happy at night when you made the right choice during the day.

Alicia: My noise cancelling headphones and eyemask helped me bliss out and sleep every night. Since we were technically outdoors sleeping, my hoodie, blanket, socks were a must.

What to bring to Coachella (First Time Coachella Tips)

Q: What actually matters no matter where you stay?

Alicia: The things that made me comfortable and functional, not the “just in case” items I packed.

• Eye mask + noise cancelling headphones at night

• My favorite body oil 

• Ultima Electrolytes are my favorite and surprised everyone who accidentally drank my water

• Bandana/Scarf/Facemask (any will work and are needed for the dust)

• I did not bring a handheld fan, but kept borrowing

Amber:

• Loop ear plugs - don't damage your ears!

• Bandana / face mask

• Fan - either electric or a paper/plastic foldable one

• Portable chargers

• Electrolytes

• Comfortable, broken-in shoes. If you want to wear boots, do it, I do, just break them in! Also bring a pair of foldable flats

Shaheen:

• Water bottle - there are filling stations every where 

• Hand sanitizer 

• Face mask

• Portable charger

• Fans

• Comfortable shoes

• Outfits that make you feel like you are slaying the day :)

What Would You Do Differently next time?

Q: Alicia, what would you change as a first-timer?

Music-wise I'd go see more EDM. Don't have to stay with the group the whole time! Just need a meetup plan.

I would also pack less and plan smarter. I’d focus more on:

• Outfit planning ahead of time (I saw the texts about outfit planning. I acknowledged them. I did not internalize them.)

• Leveraging the Safari team and services more 

• Spending more time in the park by heading out early and coming back for a nap or break before the evening

I’m sure the other two will say, don’t bring the bougie first timer. 

Q: Amber?

For Safari - bring more fans, use the golf carts more, split sets and just see more artists, get ready and just go in when I want.  Meet more people.  Spread more love - I usually have a giveaway like defractor glasses, or buy random people drinks.  Get my merch earlier.  Take a proper sleeping pill.

Q: Shaheen?

If at Safari, use the common area more. To hang out and meet people but also get ready. The heat can be bothersome and can quickly make you want to give up on your look - which is fine for many but it’s one of the fun parts for me. 

TL;DR

Thank you to my dear friend Shaheen for inviting me along on the adventure that was Coachella 2026!

• Coachella is more intense than expected

• Planning and pacing matter more than anything

• Comfort changes your experience more than you think

• Packing smarter beats packing more

• Everyone experiences it differently, and that’s the point

Final Note

If it’s your first Coachella, don’t try to do everything. Figure out what matters to you, plan around that, and give yourself room to actually enjoy it.

That’s the difference between surviving Coachella and actually loving it.