Festival season is upon us, fellow music fans.
The gates open for the first day of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in less than 48 hours, so we are in full festival mode. Just like other festivalgoers, we’re planning what items we need to stock up on, so let’s take a moment to talk the do’s and don’ts of festival packing.
Here is a list of all the things you need in your bag for three days of Coachella festivities, as well as some other must-know fest info.
Where is Coachella held?
Coachella (just like Stagecoach) is hosted a the Empire Polo Club located at 81-800 Avenue 51 in Indio, California.
When is Coachella 2026?
Coachella Weekend 1 is April 10-12 and Coachella Weekend 2 is April 17-19.
Must-have items for battling the sun
Must-have items for staying clean and sanitary
Must-have functional attire
Must-have handy accessories
Items to leave at home
There’s a long list of items that are forbidden for security reasons at Coachella, and here’s a condensed version of that list (I repeat, do NOT even try to bring any of these things through the festival gates or they’ll make you toss it right in the trash):
Editor’s note: Some of the above items are not permitted on the main festival grounds but ARE permitted in the festival camping areas (like wagons, tents, sleeping bags, etc.) so if you have a camping pass, check www.coachella.com/camping before packing the car to see what’s allowed and what’s not.
Still have questions? Here’s a few answers to the internet’s most-asked Coachella questions:
Coachella will call address?
If you’re like me and you have to go pick up your wristband, you can do so at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden located at 78-200 Miles Ave., Indian Wells.
Can you bring food into Coachella?
Sadly, no, but you can bring a plastic water bottle to refill throughout the day and stay hydrated.
Palm Springs weather?
Music lovers may need to trade in their bikinis and fishnet stockings for raincoats and sweatpants during the first weekend.
The National Weather Service predicts relatively cooler weather this weekend, especially at night. Saturday will also bring the chance of thunderstorms, a rare chance of rain to accompany the music.
“The eastern end of the valley could stay dry the whole weekend, but the chance is there that some of the rain showers and thunderstorms could make it over the mountain on Saturday,” said Adam Roser, an NWS meteorologist.
(This story was updated to add information and a video.)
This story includes previous reporting from past Desert Sun intern Kevin Caparoso.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Coachella essentials — what to bring and what’s banned
Reporting by Niki Kottmann, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
