10 Essentials to Pack, and Not to Pack, in your Coachella 2023 Music Festival Day Bag - Travel Love Fashion (2024)

10 Essentials to Pack, and Not to Pack, in your Coachella 2023 Music Festival Day Bag - Travel Love Fashion (1)

10 Essentials to Pack, and Not to Pack, in your Coachella 2023 Music Festival Day Bag

Contents

  • #1 The Bag
  • #3 Travel Sized Sunscreen
  • #4 Phone With a Case with a Strap
  • #5 External Phone Charger
  • #6 Clear Sunnies/Goggles
  • #7 Bandana/Mask with Chain
  • #8 Light Jacket
  • #9 Long Scarf/Sarong
  • #10 A Positive Attitude
  • 5 Things Not To Pack In Your Coachella 2022 Bag
  • #1 Camera with Removable Lenses
  • #2 Pocketknives
  • #3 Selfie Sticks
  • #4 Chairs
  • #5 Food And Drinks
  • The #1 Thing To Sneak In

Even with the in-and-out privileges the coveted Coachella wrist brand gives you, no one has time to be running back and forth to the ever expanding parking lots. Packing the perfect festival day bag is an art, you don’t want to be hustling back to your car as you miss your favorite band.

Here are the ten things you must pack in your Coachella 2023 music festival bag, and five thing to forget about trying to sneak in (plus one you can!)

#1 The Bag

First things first, what’s the best bag to bring in to Coachella 2022? A crossbody purse, belt bag, or backpack is going to give you the best fashion and function. You will want your hands free for dancing, holding a drink, and/or making out with that hot band member you met sneaking backstage.

A medium sized bag is ideal to hold all your essentials, while not be cumbersome in large crowds that come with music festival crowds.

10 Essentials to Pack, and Not to Pack, in your Coachella 2023 Music Festival Day Bag - Travel Love Fashion (2)

10 Essentials to Pack, and Not to Pack, in your Coachella 2023 Music Festival Day Bag - Travel Love Fashion (3)

#2 ID & Credit Cards

Security at Coachella becomes more intense every year. Fake or real, make sure you have your Id (and facts memorized if fake) because you will need it for a wristband to be able to purchase drinks. And while ATMS are available on festival grounds, there are often lines and they regularly run out of cash. Do yourself, and everyone in line, a favor by remembering your credit card.

10 Essentials to Pack, and Not to Pack, in your Coachella 2023 Music Festival Day Bag - Travel Love Fashion (4)

#3 Travel Sized Sunscreen

Regardless of how hot you are, no one looks good as red as a lobster. Protect your moneymaker with sunscreen, and don’t forget to reply after the amazing dance session to the new band you discover.

10 Essentials to Pack, and Not to Pack, in your Coachella 2023 Music Festival Day Bag - Travel Love Fashion (5)

10 Essentials to Pack, and Not to Pack, in your Coachella 2023 Music Festival Day Bag - Travel Love Fashion (6)

#4 Phone With a Case with a Strap

Repeat after me, “I will not lose my phone.” Keep this promise by keeping your phone, not only quickly available for those insta-worthy snaps, but attached to you with a phone strap.
A variety of phone cases with straps are available in exclusive music festival prints.

10 Essentials to Pack, and Not to Pack, in your Coachella 2023 Music Festival Day Bag - Travel Love Fashion (7)

#5 External Phone Charger

There will be phone charging stations around the festival grounds, but ain’t nobody got time for that. Don’t miss out on meeting up with your friends, or perhaps, even finding them after intentionally ditching them. Either way a phone charger is a must in every Coachella 2022 music festival bag.

#6 Clear Sunnies/Goggles

As the sun sets over the Palm Springs desert, be prepared for the winds to pick up. Clear sunglasses, or goggles, will keep dust out of your eyes and make help keep you from looking like a noob on the festival scene. For an even funkier Coachella 2022 look, go for colored lenses that you can still see out of the dark.

10 Essentials to Pack, and Not to Pack, in your Coachella 2023 Music Festival Day Bag - Travel Love Fashion (9)

10 Essentials to Pack, and Not to Pack, in your Coachella 2023 Music Festival Day Bag - Travel Love Fashion (10)

#7 Bandana/Mask with Chain

It is still unclear at what capacity face coverings will be required at Coachella 2022, but you won’t want to be without one. Due to the dust that picks up in the evenings, bandanas have been a staple at this Palm Springs, California music festival, this year make sure you’re not without some sort of face covering, especially if you want to find the hidden nightclub and speakeasy’s around the festival.

10 Essentials to Pack, and Not to Pack, in your Coachella 2023 Music Festival Day Bag - Travel Love Fashion (11)

10 Essentials to Pack, and Not to Pack, in your Coachella 2023 Music Festival Day Bag - Travel Love Fashion (12)

#8 Light Jacket

Yes, it’s hot AF during midday at the music festival, however, temperatures drop quickly as the sun dips behind the Palm Springs mountains. Don’t be left out in the cold, make sure to pack your festival bag with a light jacket for all evening performances and after parties.

10 Essentials to Pack, and Not to Pack, in your Coachella 2023 Music Festival Day Bag - Travel Love Fashion (13)

10 Essentials to Pack, and Not to Pack, in your Coachella 2023 Music Festival Day Bag - Travel Love Fashion (14)

#9 Long Scarf/Sarong

While dancing all through the weekend is the dream, sometimes the beats are perfect to spread out a sarong on the Indio Polo Fields and just vibe with a moment of rest. While the grounds are impeccably kept, who knows who or what has left their mark on the grass, trust me, a sarong is a worthy addition to your festival pack.

10 Essentials to Pack, and Not to Pack, in your Coachella 2023 Music Festival Day Bag - Travel Love Fashion (15)

#10 A Positive Attitude

Ok, cheesy, I know, but it’s a music festival. Always pack your best vibes. Cell service often becomes jammed at Coachella with so many people in one place. Agree on a time and place to meet if by chance you are separated for too long, and always add a time stamp to your text messages, as there are often delivery delays.

10 Essentials to Pack, and Not to Pack, in your Coachella 2023 Music Festival Day Bag - Travel Love Fashion (16)

5 Things Not To Pack In Your Coachella 2022 Bag

#1 Camera with Removable Lenses

Security is no joke at Coachella. Every bag and person will be searched upon entry. Due to licensing and copywriter issues, absolutely no camera with removable lenses will be allowed inside the festival grounds. Don’t even try, or you will find yourself making the long walk back to your car to put away your, mostly likely expensive camera, you don’t want to leave in festival parking. *Pro tip: always make sure your car is locked and if camping all valuables are in car. Theft has been an issue in the past years.

#2 Pocketknives

We all know you are cool, no need to bring your ever present pocketknife in to the music festival. Plus, if you’re really that cool, you should be good with your fists ;). (Ps: this is a joke, and I in no way condone fighting – I hate that I even have to reiterate this.)

#3 Selfie Sticks

Let’s just go ahead and say these are a faux pas anywhere. Plus, you’re already impeding everyone’s view with your over the top hat (which is fabulous BTW).

#4 Chairs

Although allowed and encouraged at Stagecoach, chairs are not allowed in Coachella. Save yourself the effort and bring a sarong or light blanket as recommended in what to pack #9.

#5 Food And Drinks

Outside food and beverages are not allowed inside the festival. In past years an empty water bottle was allowed in the festival for water filling stations, however, it is unclear if this option will be available in 2022 due to the current health situation.

For more information on what Coachella allows you to bring in to the festival checkout Coachella’s FAQ page.

The #1 Thing To Sneak In

Alcohol, duh. This is best done is deposable soft flasks, hidden within jackets or scarves within your bag. Be prepared to either down it or toss it at security. You didn’t hear it from me, but these little flasks have worked at many Coachella festivals before.

10 Essentials to Pack, and Not to Pack, in your Coachella 2023 Music Festival Day Bag - Travel Love Fashion (17)

Now you only need to figure out what to wear! For the hottest Coachella Music Festival fashion trends check out this post.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL COACHELLA MUSIC FESTIVAL GUIDE

10 Essentials to Pack, and Not to Pack, in your Coachella 2023 Music Festival Day Bag - Travel Love Fashion (2024)

FAQs

10 Essentials to Pack, and Not to Pack, in your Coachella 2023 Music Festival Day Bag - Travel Love Fashion? ›

Coachella. Fanny packs and hip bags are allowed, along with purses and handbags that are no larger than 12″ x 6″ by 12″.

What kind of bag should I bring to Coachella? ›

Coachella. Fanny packs and hip bags are allowed, along with purses and handbags that are no larger than 12″ x 6″ by 12″.

What should I buy for Coachella? ›

Must-Have Coachella Essentials
  • Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray. Given that Coachella takes place in the California desert, there's no avoiding the sunshine. ...
  • Fun Sunglasses. ...
  • Ear Plugs. ...
  • Hands-Free Bag. ...
  • BoomBoom Nasal Inhalers. ...
  • Stylish Rain Poncho. ...
  • Easy-Pitching Tent. ...
  • Travel Hand Sanitizer.

What should I pack in my festival day bag? ›

What to pack for a day festival
  • Sunscreen. Especially important if all your favourite bands are playing the main stage. ...
  • Water. ...
  • Hand sanitizer. ...
  • Sunnies. ...
  • Portable phone charger. ...
  • Earplugs. ...
  • Garbage bag. ...
  • Cash.
Feb 16, 2018

Can you bring an empty water bottle to Coachella? ›

You can bring empty and reusable plastic water bottles into festivals like Coachella and Stagecoach. You'll definitely want to stay hydrated during festival days, so pack a water bottle to fill up on H20 throughout the weekend.

What is Coachella dress code? ›

Key Takeaways. Coachella fashion includes flowy dresses, one-piece floral outfits, shorts, miniskirts, and everything that is Bohemian and chic. Since the event takes place in the middle of a desert, it is advisable to wear soft, breathable, and comfortable clothes.

Do Coachella backpacks have to be clear? ›

Backpacks are allowed at Coachella, and they don't have to be clear, but they can't be larger than 18″ x 13″ x 8.5” (but who wants to lug around a big backpack?). If you're in need of a compact backpack to carry your essentials, pick up this mini pack from Carhartt.

Should I bring cash to Coachella? ›

Bring your cards

To reiterate — you don't need to stuff your cutoffs (or fedora) with cash. You can just swipe your credit card at a Square Stand or Reader for purchases large and small at all the beer tents, food vendors, and merch stands.

What not to forget for a festival? ›

What to take to a festival
  • Festival Ticket (If you forget this, the rest doesn't matter)
  • Money (The queues for cash machines at festivals can waste hours of your day)
  • ID (Many festivals need your ID for various reasons, especially drinking)
  • Rucksack.
  • Tent & Tent Pegs.
  • Sleeping Bag.
  • Sleeping Mat or Air Bed.

What clothes to pack for a 3 day festival? ›

Try to bring layers so you can dress for hot days, wet days and cold nights.
  • Wellies. An essential. ...
  • Sturdy shoes. ...
  • A warm jumper. ...
  • Waterproof jacket. ...
  • Changes of clothes for every day plus a couple of extras. ...
  • Clean clothes for the trip home. ...
  • Hat. ...
  • Laundry bag.

How do you pack for Coachella? ›

What to pack into Coachella:
  1. Collapsible water bottle.
  2. Bandana.
  3. Bandaids.
  4. Peppermint essential oil.
  5. Mineral Water facial spray (so nice and refreshing if you plan on being at the festival all day)
  6. Cash/credit cards.
  7. ID.
  8. Light sweater.

Is there free water at Coachella? ›

Drink Plenty (of Water)

Perhaps the biggest mistake that Coachella rookies make is not staying hydrated. It's easy to forget to drink water, or maybe you don't want to stand in line to get it. The good news is that the price of water at the festival is capped, but you still need to get it.

Should I bring a bag to Coachella? ›

A medium backpack should be no bigger than 18”x13”x8.5” when fully packed. Bags will have to fit into a box of that size, similar to the system used to check the size of carry-on luggage at airports. If the bag doesn't fit in the box, you won't be allowed inside the Venue.

What shoes to wear Coachella? ›

White sneakers go with everything, and they're especially perfect for a music festival since they're so comfortable and versatile.

How much money do you need for Coachella? ›

Tier 1 pass prices for general admission start at $449 before fees, tier 2 at $474, tier 3 at $499, and finally, tier 5 for $549. VIP tickets to Coachella are also an option, starting at $929 and going up to $1,119.

Is Coachella cold at night? ›

While you'll be sweating in the sun in the daytime, remember that Coachella is in the desert, aka it'll get really cold at night. While you may think the crowd will protect you from the cold and you'll be fine in your little summer outfit, when you're waiting in line to get back hold, you'll wish you brought a jacket.

Can you bring a purse to Coachella? ›

Bags made of a clear material, not exceeding 14″ x 14″ x 6″ in size, and no more than 2 pockets. Small clutches/purses/wallets are permitted provided that they do not exceed 4.5″ x 6.5″ with or without a handle or strap.

Can you bring deodorant into Coachella? ›

The music can be loud, so a few pair of earplugs is a good idea. You can't bring food inside, but you can bring gum and breath mints. Toiletries are allowed if you want to shower so bring a small travel-sized kit with body wash, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, makeup, comb or brush, and a small travel towel.

Can you wear normal clothes to Coachella? ›

Coachella fashion doesn't really have any rules, anything goes – but be prepared for a lot of skin and free-love kind of fashion with people looking for refuge from the blistering heat. Use a capsule wardrobe to pack light but create many outfits.

Does Coachella have water refill stations? ›

Coachella's map of the grounds shows six water refill stations, but Desert Sun reporters found that the stations were often tucked away and hard to find.

Is there WIFI at Coachella? ›

Lockers, Wifi, Pedicabs and more. There are a lot of services available to our fans.

Is parking free at Coachella? ›

Free Parking

Open Fri-Sun 10am-2am. Free day parking is first come/first serve.

How do you not get sick at Coachella? ›

Take Vitamin C Before, During, and After the Festival

You can also avoid catching a cold at Coachella by taking vitamin C. Some researchers refer to vitamin C as the “Goldilocks vitamin.” You don't want too little, and you don't want too much.

What time is shower at Coachella? ›

Showers
  • Thu 5pm-8pm.
  • Fri-Sun 7am-2pm & 8pm-2am.
  • Limited 24 hr. showers at all locations (Fri 7am-Sun 2am).

Should you get a locker at Coachella? ›

I do recommend that you get a locker. I only recommend lockers to people who aren't camping, because when you come in, you can put your jacket, film equipment, even, like, your water bottle in there, and you have it all weekend long.

How much is a bottle of water at Coachella? ›

Drink Prices at Coachella 2023

Water, a basic necessity for staying hydrated, may seem relatively affordable at $2, but it can still add up if festivalgoers need to purchase multiple bottles throughout the event.

How much do you spend on food at Coachella? ›

How much is Coachella food? Every vendor will have different prices, but you should know that Coachella food is rather expensive. This year (2019), an 18″ Pizza from Pizzanista was $65 (or $9 a slice) and a double scoop of After's Ice Cream was $14.

What are 2 downsides of festival? ›

Additionally, they can provide tourism benefits such as increased visitation and promotion of a destination's image. However, there is the potential for negative social impacts to result from the hosting of a festival, including traffic congestion, overcrowding, vandalism and increased antisocial behaviour.

What is the best food to take to a festival? ›

Cold food appropriate for festivals includes:
  • Sandwiches (to be eaten within the first couple of days)
  • Pasta salads.
  • Overnight oats (a filling breakfast to set you up for the day ahead)
  • Chicken or Vegetarian skewers.
  • co*cktail sausages.
  • Pork pies.
  • Sausage rolls.
May 22, 2019

Should I shower at a festival? ›

Bacteria and germs thrive without appropriate shower facilities, unavoidable dirt, and less-than-perfect toilet facilities. However, this should not prevent you from having fun with your friends. Give yourself a thorough clean the morning you leave for the music festival.

How many outfits to pack for 7 days? ›

2. Do the clothing countdown: If you need a mantra to help streamline your wardrobe, use the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 rule for a weeklong trip: Limit yourself to no more than five sets of socks and underwear, four tops, three bottoms, two pairs of shoes and one hat. The list should be adjusted to suit your needs.

Can I wear all black to a festival? ›

You can never go wrong with black! No matter the time of year, what event you're going to, and what you wear, all black outfits can be stunning and stand out on their own. Here is a guide of how you can create the best black colored outfits for your next rave or festival.

Should I wear jeans to a festival? ›

DO: wear denim. Shorts, jeans, jackets and shirts, they're all welcome at festivals and make an easy go-to if you're unsure what to wear but still want to look cool.

What is the perfect outfit for a music festival? ›

Denim jeans, cut-offs, jackets, and shirts are a reliable festival-ready choice. It's easy to style regardless of what you wear with it and will hold up well in a mosh pit.

How do you carry your phone at a festival? ›

Keep An Eye Open for Pick-Pockets.

Keep your phone in a zipped compartment of your bag, in a secure inside pocket, or on a lanyard around your neck.

How do you prepare your body for a festival? ›

The best way to prepare your body is to stretch and do light workouts daily. Focus on opening your hips, lower back, and legs. A light workout can be performed in the form of stairs, side lunges, or planks. Avoid heavy workouts the week of the festival and make sure to stretch between sets.

How do you get comfortable at Coachella? ›

Here are 10 unbeatable tips for your first time at Coachella
  1. Consume Water. Staying hydrated is among the most vital Coachella recommendations! ...
  2. Plan. ...
  3. Wear sunblock. ...
  4. Wear Comfortable Shoes. ...
  5. Take a tiny flashlight with you. ...
  6. Brink a powerbank to keep your phone's battery charged. ...
  7. Keep the medication. ...
  8. Food available on-site.
Dec 20, 2021

Can I bring a hydration backpack to Coachella? ›

Water Bottle Fanny Pack

You can technically bring in any water bottle to Coachella as long as it's empty and not made of metal, but remember you're in it to win it, so treat yourself to CamelBak's hydration belt.

How to save money at Coachella? ›

A simple way to save a few bucks is to only buy one (or zero) meals on the festival grounds. Have a nice big breakfast or lunch before you arrive. It will help you sustain energy levels throughout the day. You could even somewhere local in Indio, Coachella or La Quinta before hitting the polo grounds.

Do people shower at Coachella? ›

While pitching a tent may sound gritty, Coachella offers many amenities that are available for campers to use throughout the festival such as showers, free Wifi and charging stations, portable restroom facilities, medical aid, and even a general store.

What time should I go to Coachella? ›

Get there on Thursday morning

What is this? Arriving at Coachella on the Thursday is a great idea. The campsite opens at 9am and it's the perfect opportunity to get in the festival mood first. You can get a good spot and check out the area where you'll be spending the next few nights too.

Does Coachella search bags? ›

Some of the security measures you will notice upon your arrival such as bag checks, walk-through metal detectors(magnetometers) for all attendees, staff and performers, and dog sweeps.

Do you need a wristband for Coachella? ›

Wristband registration is mandatory for Coachella.

Registering your wristband unlocks surprises, secures your investment, helps replace your lost or stolen wristband* and helps with a smooth entrance to the festival. *Fees may apply.

Can you bring water backpacks to Coachella? ›

The good news is that the price of water at the festival is capped, but you still need to get it. If you have access to a Camelback backpack or other hydration system, it's a good idea to bring it with.

Should I bring a backpack to a music festival? ›

First off, the backpack itself is crucial for an outdoor festival. If you're one of those who can get away with using your pockets, a fanny pack, or a running belt, we commend you. But if we're going to be dancing for hours at a time in the blazing sun, we need hydration packs.

Are purses allowed at Coachella? ›

Aside from backpacks and fanny packs, Coachella says that other purses and handbags are OK. However, officially they can be no larger than 12” x 6” x 12” to make it past security.

How much money should you save for Coachella? ›

This year, Coachella attendees will spend at least $399 for basic admission for each weekend of the festival. The event spans two weekends, April 15-17 and April 22-24. Tickets to the festival have steadily climbed over the 17-year history of the event.

How do you avoid pickpockets at music festivals? ›

How to Avoid Theft at a Music Festival
  1. Wear an Anti-Theft Hydration Backpack. This is a no-brainer. ...
  2. Fanny packs/Chest utility packs. This is another great option. ...
  3. Utilize the lockers. ...
  4. Wear clothing with zipper pockets. ...
  5. Utilize secret pockets. ...
  6. Be strategic.
Dec 17, 2021

What not to forget at a music festival? ›

10 Most Forgotten Essentials For Music Festival Camping
  • Portable Phone Charger. We've all experienced a phone losing battery suspiciously quickly at a festival. ...
  • Sunscreen. ...
  • Cash. ...
  • Sunglasses. ...
  • Refillable Water Bottle. ...
  • Ponytail Holders. ...
  • Travel-Sized Toilet Paper. ...
  • Travel-Sized Body Wash.

Is food at Coachella free? ›

FAQs About Coachella Food

No, Coachella food is not free or included with your ticket.

How much does the average person spend on Coachella? ›

We hope you've been saving up (all of the following prices include fees): General admission costs between $549 and $649, depending on when you're able to snag them. Shuttle combo tickets cost $649 to $699. For VIP, it'll cost you $1,119 to $1,399. Check out the Coachella website for wide range of camping rates.

Does Coachella check your car? ›

All vehicles will be thoroughly searched. Everyone in the vehicle must be wearing Festival Wristband. No camping or sleeping in your car. Check-in Thu 9am-2am; Fri-Sun 9am-8pm.

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