Your Complete Guide to Coachella 2026: Planning, Packing & Survival Tips

If I were planning to attend Coachella 2026, here's exactly how I'd do it - from securing tickets to surviving the desert heat, crowds, and dust.

Getting Your Tickets

Let's start with the hardest part: actually getting in.

If you're planning well ahead for the April festival, face-value passes may already be limited or sold out, depending on demand. But don't panic - you still have several solid options:

• Join the official waitlist.
• It's free, low-effort, and tickets can open up as payment plans fail or inventory is released.

• Use the official resale or exchange platform.
• This is the safest option outside of buying directly, since tickets are verified and protected against fraud.

• Turn to trusted secondary marketplaces.
• Platforms like StubHub often have availability, especially closer to the event. Prices may be higher, so stick to reputable sellers and double-check buyer guarantees.

Pro tip: Ticket prices tend to fluctuate. If you're flexible on weekends or willing to wait, you may find better deals as the festival approaches.

Finding Your Place to Sleep

This is where personal preference really matters. Some die-hard festival fans choose to camp for the full Coachella experience, and the atmosphere can be unforgettable. Others prefer air conditioning, a real bed, and a proper shower, which makes nearby short-term rentals the better option.

The challenge is availability. Airbnbs and vacation rentals near the festival grounds book up quickly, and prices often increase as the event gets closer.

One helpful strategy is using Alertstays, a tool that monitors Airbnb listings for last-minute cancellations. Cancellations often occur in the weeks leading up to Coachella as travel plans change, creating opportunities to book desirable properties at lower prices. Setting alerts based on dates, budget, and group size allows travelers to act quickly when new listings become available.

Tip: Expanding the search to nearby areas like Indio, La Quinta, and Palm Desert can significantly improve availability and pricing options.

Research the Lineup Like a Pro

Don't just show up for the headliners. The real magic of Coachella often happens in the undercard, where new favorite artists can be discovered. Spend time reviewing every performer on the lineup-yes, all of them.

Pro Tip: Create a comprehensive playlist on Spotify or another streaming platform with all artists. Listening ahead of time helps identify hidden gems, ensuring that mid-day sets or lesser-known performers don't get missed. You might stumble upon a mid-day set that becomes the highlight of your weekend.

Survival Tip #1: Invest in Comfortable Footwear

Walking hundreds of thousands of steps across the desert heat is inevitable. Avoid fashion boots or shoes without support - they can quickly lead to soreness or injury.

Recommendation: Opt for cushioned, supportive sneakers such as Hoka Clifton or Adidas Ultraboost. Maximum cushioning and comfort are crucial for sustaining energy throughout the festival. . Your feet will thank you when you're still dancing on the last night.

Survival Tip #2: Protect Your Phone and Essentials

Your phone is your lifeline at Coachella, so planning for battery life, meeting points, and security is essential:

• Portable Charger: You'll be capturing memories all day and festivals drain batteries quickly. A reliable power bank is a must.

• Meeting Spot: Once the crowds hit, cellular service becomes unreliable. Before you even step onto the grounds, identify a specific, pre-planned meeting spot with your crew-somewhere easy to find and easy to remember. No phone service? No problem, you've got a backup plan.

• Secure Bag: Pickpockets love festivals. Get yourself a quality fanny pack or cross-body bag to keep your phone, wallet, and keys safe. I'm partial to the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag. It's stylish, secure, and (as the name suggests) you can literally wear it everywhere. Plus, celebrities rock them at festivals, so you'll fit right in.

Prep Essentials: Don't Leave Home Without These

Bandana for the Dust

The Coachella dust is real, and a quality bandana is your best defense. Breathable cotton is your friend here-it's comfortable to wear for hours. If you want better protection and a tighter seal, the Buff neck gaiter is an excellent upgrade with tons of cool designs to choose from. This item is widely recommended by festival-goers for both style and practicality.

Clear Water Bottle

Dehydration is a silent killer, a serious concern at outdoor festivals. You will get thirsty-count on it. The free water refill stations throughout the grounds are a lifesaver, so invest in a quality, reusable water bottle.

The Nalgene Wide Mouth is the gold standard that festival-goers keep recommending. It's durable, lightweight, and doesn't break when you inevitably drop it in the chaos. Plus, Nalgene makes designs that actually match the Coachella aesthetic, so you won't look out of place.

Final Thoughts

These tips are more than suggestions-they're essentials that can make or break your Coachella experience. Good tickets, solid accommodation, supportive footwear, phone protection, and the right gear will have you feeling prepared and ready to actually enjoy the festival instead of just surviving it.

Now that you've got the blueprint in hand, festival-goers can approach Coachella with confidence, knowing they've covered the critical bases for a safe and memorable weekend.