First edition · Coachella
Coachella
First-timer guide
There is no event parking on Thursday, and shuttles stop running about an hour after the music ends, so settle which one you are relying on before the night you need it. Drop a pin on your car when you park. Agree on a meeting spot too, because phone service in a crowd of 125,000 is a coin flip.
Getting there
The venue is Empire Polo Club, Indio, California. Fly into PSP (Palm Springs) or LAX (2.5 hr) and base yourself around Palm Springs (30 min). Typical timing: two weekends, early-to-late April (2027: Apr 9-11 & Apr 16-18) — confirm your edition's exact dates on the official site before booking anything nonrefundable.
Know the scale
You are joining roughly 125,000 people per day at an event running since 1999. That number shapes everything first-timers underestimate: entry lines, cell coverage, water station queues, and how long it takes to cross the grounds.
Make an arrival plan
Know where you will enter, where you will meet, how you will get home, and how you will keep your ticket, ID, water, and phone power accessible.
Keep the first list small
Get essentials, weather protection, and a recovery layer right before adding extra gear. A lighter, organized bag is easier to use all day.
Official source
Ready to pack?
The Coachella packing list
The saved checklist plus 11 gear picks chosen for these exact conditions.
Open the packing list →