Coachella Survival Guide 2025

Coachella, one of the biggest music festivals in the world, is returning in 2025, hosted over two weekends in mid-April. Known for attracting top stars from the U.S. and around the globe, it's a massive event that presents a logistical challenge for organizers, who must balance entertainment and safety for over 125,000 attendees.

Recently, I was chatting with friends about the highs and lows of festival nights, and it became clear how important it is to stay safe and enjoy the incredible spectacle unfolding around you.

After giving it some thought, I've decided to put together a Coachella survival guide. With the right preparation, a festival can be an unforgettable experience, and what better place to highlight potential risks than one of the biggest festivals on the planet?

Packing Essentials: What to Bring and What to Leave Behind

Packing for Coachella requires striking the right balance between style and practicality while also preparing for the extreme heat. Begin with the essentials:

• Water bottle or hydration pack

• Portable charger

• Comfortable shoes

• Sunscreen

• Bandana

While it's tempting to go all out with bold fashion choices, it's best to avoid impractical items like high heels, which can be uncomfortable and pose a risk of injury in the fast-paced festival environment. I also check Coachella's official website for the latest updates on prohibited items and bag restrictions, as they tend to change each year.

For the perfect balance of fashion and function, bring a light jacket or hoodie for cooler evenings. While California weather is generally consistent, it can be hot during the day and suddenly much cooler at night, especially during the festival season. It's always wise to check the forecast and be prepared for fluctuating temperatures, leaving extra space for warm clothing and a rain jacket just in case.

Navigating the Festival Grounds: Tips for First-Timers

For first-time festival-goers, navigating Coachella's vast grounds requires a bit of planning. One useful tip is to set designated meeting spots at each stage using landmarks like the labeled speaker towers (for example, "B1" or "A6"), which will make it easier to find your friends if you get separated.

The festival also offers several places to rest and recharge, including air-conditioned tents like Yuma and Sonora, where you can escape the heat. There are plenty of water stations scattered throughout the venue, along with medical tents if you need assistance.

To get around efficiently, it's a good idea to allow 15-20 minutes to move between stages, as the layout is designed to spread out the crowds and avoid congestion. Planning and knowing these key spots allows you to go through the festival with less stress and more enjoyment.

Still, intense heat, long distances between stages, and constant stimulation can be overwhelming, especially for those new to festival environments. When I attended Coachella with a big group of friends, I was lucky to have a solid support system, but I always encourage staying cautious for your safety and the well-being of others. Be mindful of personal boundaries, especially when it comes to substance use and navigating potentially explicit behavior from others.

Health & Safety: Staying Hydrated and Protecting Yourself

Staying hydrated and ensuring extreme heat safety at Coachella is a must. When my friend passed out, staying near the air-conditioned tents helped us avoid panic and seek help immediately. Although our case was a false alarm, air-conditioned tents are a lifesaver when you need a break from the scorching California sun.

There are water refill stations all over, so keep your hydration pack or bottle filled at all times. Watch out for signs of heat exhaustion, like dizziness or headaches, and if you feel off, get to one of those tents right away. For food, stick to the official vendors to avoid an upset stomach, and be sure to wash your hands—clean hands mean you'll be enjoying the festival on the stage, not stuck in the bathroom!

For more safety tips, check out the official Coachella safety guidelines at the Coachella Police Department's safety tips page.

Transportation Safety: Getting to and from Coachella

For safe transportation to and from Coachella, I've mostly used the festival's shuttle service. It is reliable, air-conditioned, and runs smoothly between the grounds and designated pickup points.

If you're using rideshare services, always double-check the driver's identity and license plate before getting in, and always share your ride details with friends who will stay in touch with you during the ride. Blindly trusting strangers can lead to devastating consequences.

Recent lawsuits have highlighted serious safety concerns with rideshare services, particularly for festivals like Coachella. These cases have involved sexual harassment and assault claims, with victims receiving compensation ranging from $10,000 to $500,000. Again, the festival's shuttle service is always the safest option unless you get a ride from friends in their own car.

Conclusion

To ensure a stress-free Coachella experience, remember to prioritize both preparation and enjoyment. Pack essential items like sunscreen, hydration packs, and comfortable shoes while planning for transportation and accommodations well in advance.

Coachella is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to enjoy world-class music, incredible art, and unforgettable moments with friends. Learn from my mistakes and others so you don't let a lack of preparation ruin a once-in-a-lifetime experience.