As a first timer at one of America’s biggest music festivals, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Of course Coachella did not disappoint. Indio, CA is flooded with people from all over the world in barely-there clothes and a hippy-esque attitude for the weekend. Here are some recaps of Weekend 1, and/or Coachella 2016 in general.
Visitor
Not only was 2016 filled with astonishing artists from every genre of music, but they also brought along their equally talented cast of famous friends. Some of them: Rihanna and Big Sean graced the stage with Calvin Harris, Kanye West with A$ap Rocky and Jack U, Brendan Urie with Halsey, Ke$ha and Aloe Black with Zedd, Third Eye Blind with the Chainsmokers, Lorde and Sam Smith with Disclosure, Snoop Dogg with Ice Cube, Kristen Wiig with Sia, and lots of more. The list goes on and on. You certainly get your money’s worth at this festival.
Art/Atmosphere
There’s no better place to people watch than the Coachella pitch. Sit on the grass and watch the trendyly dressed people dance their way up and down. The Ferris wheel is a must to ride, and you can see the entire grounds from above. This year there’s also a free interactive castle that you can climb to take pictures with friends. The Besame Mucho sign is one of many works of art, together with several sculptures. As the sun sets, take in all the artwork, lanterns and palm trees lit up in rainbow colours.
Planning
First things first, you MUST bring a bandana. This is not just a fashion statement; the dust is REAL in the desert and will suffocate you. Also, water bottles and Gatorade powders are another lifesaver. You must empty it when you enter, but there are water filling stations around the fields. If any artist you want is semi-close, you should possibly get on stage about 30 minutes early. It’s hard to travel and create for overlapping artists, but it is possible to do half measures if the stages aren’t too far from one another. If you are not staying at the campground try to stay within 5 miles as Uber is about 4 times the normal fare. Those costs can really add up.
It’s time to start planning for Coachella 2017. This is one festival that I suggest everybody have on their bucket list. Beso Chella 16!
