Coachella 2023 Essentials: Tips and Tricks to Make the Most of Your Weekend

A comprehensive guide for attendees of music festivals, covering everything from preparation and safety to enjoying the experience and spreading positivity.

Coachella 2019 weekend 1 Photo credit: Coachella
Coachella 2019 weekend 1 Photo credit: Coachella

Coachella is one of the most popular and exciting music festivals in the world. Every year, hundreds of thousands of music lovers from all over the globe flock to the desert to enjoy some of the best artists and bands in the world. However, attending Coachella can be challenging, and it requires preparation and the right mindset to make the most of your weekend. To help you navigate the festival and stay safe, here are 10 essential tips to have the best time at Coachella.

Coachella Survival Guide: Tips and Tricks for Navigating the World’s Most Popular Music Festival

  1. Pace Yourself

Coachella, like most music festivals, is a marathon, not a sprint. With so much music, food, and drinks, it can be easy to overdo it on the first day and burn out before the festival is over. Therefore, it’s essential to pace yourself and make good choices throughout the weekend. Remember that the real party is the music, not the shots of warm liquor at camp. Enjoy the festival responsibly, and you’ll have a much better time.

  1. Protect Yourself from the Elements

Coachella 2023 takes place in the desert, which means you’ll be exposed to the sun and heat for several hours each day. To avoid sunburns and dehydration, seek shade, wear sunscreen diligently, and bring a sweater for cooler nights. Also, don’t forget to wear a mask for the dust, especially on Sunday night, when the ground is pulverized, and the crowds kick up a massive cloud of it.

  1. Take Care of Your Body

Attending Coachella can be physically demanding, and you’ll be walking, standing, and dancing for hours on end. To prevent injuries and soreness, it’s crucial to stretch your hammies, foam roll, massage your feet, and take good care of your lower body and back. If you’re older or have any preexisting conditions, make sure you limber up and stay loose to avoid any pain or discomfort.

DoLab Coachella W1 Credit: Juliana Bernstein // @gettiny
DoLab Coachella W1 Credit: Juliana Bernstein // @gettiny
  1. Drink Lots of Water

In extremely dry and hot conditions, your body loses a lot of water, which can lead to dehydration and other health issues. Therefore, it’s crucial to drink lots of water, especially if you’re drinking alcohol. Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it regularly, and consider bringing some liquid iv/pedialyte powder to keep your electrolytes up.

  1. Flush Your Sinuses

One of the most valuable things you can do to avoid getting sick from the weekend is to flush your sinuses every morning and night with some nasal spray or neti pot. Coachella is a massive gathering of people from all over the world, which means you’ll be exposed to a variety of germs and bacteria. Flushing your sinuses can help prevent any infections or illnesses, and it’s a quick and easy step to add to your festival routine.

  1. If the music sucks, go somewhere else

Sometimes, the music at Coachella 2023 may not be your cup of tea. But don’t fret! There are plenty of other stages and artists to check out. If the music at one stage doesn’t resonate with you, head over to another stage to discover new sounds and enjoy the music that speaks to you. Another Coachella tip is to remember that the festival is all about exploring and discovering new artists and genres.

  1. Time with friends is precious, so stick with the group

Attending Coachella with friends is a great way to share the experience and make lasting memories together. So, make sure to stick with your group and enjoy the festival together. You can plan your schedules together and decide which acts to see as a group or split up to catch different performances. Just make sure to check in with each other regularly and have a designated meeting spot if you get separated.

Coachella 2022 Do Lab stage
Coachella 2022 Do Lab stage
  1. Be kind and encourage your friends to be kind too

Coachella can be a stressful and overwhelming environment, with thousands of people crowded in one place. But it’s important to remember to be kind and respectful to others, especially your fellow festival-goers. Encourage your friends to do the same, and be a positive influence on the people around you. A little kindness and empathy can go a long way in making Coachella a more enjoyable and memorable experience for everyone.

  1. Take Breaks When Needed

If you’re tired and can’t continue, there’s zero shame in taking a break. You can even call it early and head back to camp or to your Airbnb. Leaving a little early to beat the rush can save you a lot of time and pain trying to leave. Remember that you’re there to have fun, not to push yourself to the brink of exhaustion. Take care of yourself and listen to your body.

  1. Look for the Magic of Connection, Mutual Love, and Respect

As you wander through the festival grounds, take a moment to appreciate the small things. Look at the art installations, listen to the smaller bands, and strike up a conversation with a stranger. You never know what connections you might make or what memories you might create.

Remember to also be kind and respectful to those around you. This festival is a chance to come together and celebrate our shared love of music and art, and we should all strive to make it a positive and uplifting experience for everyone.

Remember, the magic of Coachella 2023 isn’t just in the music or the celebrities, it’s in the connections we make and the love we share. So go out there, embrace the festival spirit, and create some unforgettable memories. Peace and love, friends.