With more people preferring the ease that goes with cashless payments, all vendors at this year’s Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival will accept Apple Pay, Android Pay and Samsung Pay via the festival’s point-of-sale providerSquare.
“[Coachella has] been rather militantly cash-only for the long duration of its lifespan, but over the past three years we’ve been watching our sales and seeing credit card demand here and at other festivals really scaling heavily —this is a trend that couldn’t be ignored and denied; it’s the way consumers want to complete transactions onsite,” Gopi Sangha, the director of Digital Strategy at Coachella organizerGoldenvoice, toldForbes Magazine.
Other music festivals like Lollapalooza, Mysteryland and Austin City Limits recently tried the RFID (radio frequency identification) payment method, where users link their cards to wristbands. TomorrowWorld has attendees use a reloadable card to buy “Pearls” to exchange for food, beverages and wage. Sangha said Goldenvoice is “still interested in” RFID payments, and it could be added to Coachella in the future.
Coachella also has a digital partnership with American Express this year where the festival’s app will allow American Express members to link their cards for a chance to win “Surprise and Delight” rewards during the festival. Participants also will get $10 back afterspending $10 at Coachella.
“When it comes to cashless, just as a festivalgoer myself, I don’t want to have things in my pockets. You want to have as little on you as possible, but the one thing you’ve always got with you is your mobile device. For Coachella, where so much of your experience, your itinerary, the way that you are meeting up with your friends is done through your mobile device, this seemed like a no-brainer where we should go to add value,” Amy Marino, vice president of Digital Communications and Design Strategy at American Express, said.
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FAQs
There's something to know before you buy that slice of pizza or strawberry lemonade: Coachella is a cashless event, so you'll need to bring a debit and/or credit card to make purchases, or use Apple Pay, Android Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Wallet or other contactless cards.
Does Coachella accept cash? ›
Merchandise, food and beverage vendors accept credit/debit/mobile pay only.
Does Coachella take payments? ›
Payment Plans are available for all orders over $100 while supplies last! You may pay in full if you do not want to use the payment plan. You must select the payment plan during the checkout process. If you miss this, you'll be charged in full.
Do people pay to go to Coachella? ›
The annual music festival in the California desert draws thousands of people to see some of the world's biggest acts. Tickets are expensive – but the Coachella experience can be priceless. In the US's vast landscape of music festivals, Coachella is in a league of its own.
Why are festivals cashless? ›
Going cashless provides a touch-free experience for every festival-goer. Fans are free from the hassle of carrying a wallet, cash or cards. Transaction times are reduced and lines are shorter enabling fans more time to enjoy your event.
Are showers free at Coachella? ›
Free Showers: Basic yet Functional
Hours: Thursday: 5pm-8pm. Friday to Sunday: 7am-2pm & 8pm-2am. Limited 24-hour showers available from Friday 7am to Sunday 2am.
Can I bring my vape to Coachella? ›
SMOKING & VAPING ARE PERMITTED ONLY IN THE DESIGNATED SMOKING AREA.
What is not allowed at Coachella? ›
NO bicycles, skates, scooters or skateboards. NO blankets. NO chains or chain wallets. NO chairs (at Coachella, but certain kinds of foldable chairs are allowed in the area of GA designated for chairs at Stagecoach)
Does Coachella give free water? ›
Stay hydrated. Bring an empty plastic refillable water bottle to fill at any number of our free water refill stations. Find locations on maps (posted closer to festival dates). Coachella welcomes all people with disabilities.
Is food at Coachella free? ›
Business Insider's music team attended Coachella in 2022 and 2023. We documented our meals throughout our time at the music festival, including the price of each item. The exorbitant costs include $10 for a cup of black coffee, $11 for a slice of pizza, and more.
Regular festival goers can't bring outside food or drink onto the festival grounds, but campers get special privileges. Take advantage of your special snack privileges with this list of what to bring to Coachella (food-wise, that is). I mean come on, you'd be nuts not to bring these along.
Can you take a nap at Coachella? ›
Come chill in our Camp Lounge. While you're hanging out feel free to hop on the free wifi, meet up with friends to review set times or even just take a nap in the shade. This is the spot to relax and prepare for a long night or to unwind at the end of the show.
Do celebrities get paid for Coachella? ›
While the stars who headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show usually are not paid for their work, the artists who appear at Coachella make big bucks. The headliners seem to make a Lot more than the rest of the artists on the lineup.
How much is Coachella per day? ›
According to Coachella's official website, general admission passes cost $499 plus fees. With this ticket, guests are allowed entrance to the venue and camping areas all weekend. If you want to splurge a bit, you can purchase VIP passes for Coachella at $1,069 plus fees.
What is the most expensive Coachella ticket? ›
How much do they cost? Coachella offers tiered passes for general admission, general admission with shuttle service, and VIP. The cheapest tickets, which are already sold out for weekend one, are the GA tier 1 at $499. The most expensive ticket is the tier 2 VIP pass at $1,269.
Is water free at Coachella? ›
Stay hydrated. Bring an empty plastic refillable water bottle to fill at any number of our free water refill stations. Find locations on maps (posted closer to festival dates). Coachella welcomes all people with disabilities.
Is Coachella clear bag policy? ›
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?).
Do Coachella acts get paid? ›
While the stars who headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show usually are not paid for their work, the artists who appear at Coachella make big bucks. The headliners seem to make a Lot more than the rest of the artists on the lineup.
