Editor’s note:Now updated for 2018!
Spring has arrived and the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is on the horizon. The Weeknd, Beyoncé and Eminemwill headline the 2018 edition of the popular music festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio April 13-15 and April 20-22.
Before you go to the desert, this is what to pack for Coachella 2018 to get you through the festival. And if you need some inspiration on what to wear to Coachella, we’ve got some ideas for you.
Related: 31 fashion photos from Coachella to inspire your 2018 look
1.Sunscreen
You’re going to the desert. The Empire Polo Club is massive with wide open fields and there’s not a ton of shade. Wear sunscreen and don’t forget to reapply. Even if you’re going to be rolling into the festival after the sun sets, you will still want to pack it for the pool.
Pro tip 1: Bring a lip balm that is at least SPF 15. A sunburn on your lips makes being sun-kissed very unpleasant.
Pro tip 2: Aerosol spray sunscreens are not allowed inside the festival. Apply them before leaving the hotel or parking lot and bring liquid sunscreen inside. And don’t try to smuggle in liquor in the sunscreen bottle–security checks for that.
2. Water
Again, you’re going to the desert. Dehydration is serious business. Drink water on the way in and use the empty bottle at free refilling stations around the venue.
You can bring in empty plastic (non-metal) bottles 40 ounces and under, according to the Coachella FAQ. Empty Bota Bags and CamelBaks are also allowed.
If you need to buy some, it’s $2 per bottle on the field. Also, you can trade in 10 empty bottles for one fresh one.
Pro tip 1: Keep an extra bottle of water in your car. After the long, dusty walk back to the parking lot, it is welcome, even if it is a little warm. If you want to get super fancy, bring a cooler with an ice pack and it will be chilled.
Pro tip 2: Keeping non-meltable snacks in the car, like nuts, is a good idea, too. Getting out of the parking lot can be unpredictable and you might not make it to In-N-Out before it closes.
Related:What to eat and drink at Coachella 2018, including Shake Shack and a kombucha bar
3. Hat
Did we mention the whole going to the desert thing? Nobody wants a scalp sunburn. A full hat with a wide brim is ideal, but even a baseball cap helps. Try to be conscious of your fellow festival-goers. While we love Jay Kay of Jamiroquai, his large hats can be prohibitive to watching the show. Since he’s on stage, it won’t be a problem for him.
Pro tip: Flower crowns do not block out the sun.
Related:Plan your days at Coachella 2018 around these 18 artists you have to see at the festival
4. Comfortable shoes
Your Fitbit will be happy as you log miles upon miles trekking around the Empire Polo Club. Your feet will be happy if you’re wearing comfortable shoes.
I’ve been going to Coachella for more than a decade and I am still confused by people who wear high heels. It’s a grassy field; you’re going to sink.
Don’t try to break in new kicks for the weekend. If you go the flip-flop route, remember that 100,000 people could step on your feet.
Pro tip: Keep a couple of adhesive bandages around if you get blisters. And it never hurts to have a backup pair of shoes in the car just in case you lose one in the Sahara Tent.
5. Bandana
This is the must-have wonder accessory for Coachella. It can block out the dust and the sun and if it’s too hot, you can soak it in water and put it on your neck to cool off.
You can get creative and make your own, too. An infinity scarf is also a good option.
Walking back to your car along the dusty paths, you will be so happy to have a bandana covering your mouth. And if a big sandstorm hits, you’re covered. A dust mask from a home improvement store also works.
Pro tip: If you forget a hat, you can fashion the bandana to cover your head and keep you from that scalp sunburn.
6. Sunglasses
Remember that whole thing about being in the desert? Yeah, it’s bright. Protect your eyes.
Pro tip: If you lose your sunglasses, check out Target or Walmart along Highway 111 in La Quinta. Anything you buy inside the Coachella compound is far more expensive. That goes for sunscreen, too.
Related: Beyoncé is headlining Coachella 2018, but are women still struggling for equal treatment at major festivals?
7. Phone charger
I don’t care how great your phone is, it’s going to die at Coachella.
The good news: Around the field there are plenty of spots to charge your phone now, so bring your cable and a plug and you can juice up while grabbing a refreshment in the Craft Beer Barn.
Pro tip 1: Bring a USB external battery for your phone. You can roam and see sets and still charge up.
Pro tip 2: Speaking of phones, realize that even if you charge your battery, the number of people on the network can make service go down at peak times. Make a plan with friends for a specific meeting spot and time.
Pro tip 3: Buy extra cables and plugs for less online. You won’t be out of luck if you leave one behind in the aforementioned Craft Beer Barn.
8. Ear plugs
You want to be able to hear people after your trip to Coachella. Ear plugs are a must. Splurge on the fancy ones that Doppler Labs have put out, or just go for the cheap-o ones at the drug store. Either way, your ears will thank you.
Pro tip: If you’re using inexpensive disposable ones, bring a couple of pairs each day. You’re likely to lose one here and there.
9. Hand sanitizer
If you’ve never been to Coachella, know that it’s a giant field with dirt and grass and, like, 100,000-plus people. You’re going to want to clean your hands and if you aren’t near the real bathrooms or porta potties, hand sanitizer a good idea.
