Coachella Packing List: Everything You Need to Survive the Festival
As one of the most anticipated events of the year, Coachella promises to be an unforgettable adventure filled with music, art, and a vibrant atmosphere. But before you step foot onto the grounds of this iconic festival, you need to make sure you're fully prepared. That's where this ultimate Coachella packing list comes in – your ticket to a stress-free and enjoyable weekend of festivities.
In this packing list guide, we will cover everything you need for Coachella – including what you will need before and during the festival, tips, what to wear, and more. Plus, a free packing checklist printable download to make sure you don’t forget a thing!
Whether you're a seasoned festival-goer or a first-timer, this comprehensive packing list will ensure that you have everything you need to rock the festival like a pro.
Keep in mind, this packing list does not include what you might need for Coachella camping (tent, camping gear, etc), but rather focuses on what you would bring with you to the festival each day for non-campers.
Table of Contents Show
This packing list has a lot of detailed information and tips, so save this post to reference back to later when you’re packing for Coachella using the Pinterest image above!
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The Ultimate First Timer’s Guide to Coachella
Along with this complete Coachella packing list, we also put together The Ultimate First Timer’s Guide to Coachella. From where to stay to essential tips for before and during the festival, it covers everything that you need to know so that you can make the most out of your first time Coachella experience.
Even if it isn’t your first Coachella, this guide covers everything so make sure to check it out, maybe learn something new, and get hyped for the upcoming festival!
Read more: The Ultimate First Timer’s Guide to Coachella
Once you’re prepared for the festival with all of those essential tips, it’s time to make sure you have everything you need and get packing.
The Complete Packing List for Coachella
Without further ado, let’s get onto the complete packing list for Coachella! Here we will list each item you will want to pack for Coachella with an explanation of why it’s important, any relevant tips, and product recommendations we might have.
Now, I will break the packing list down into what to bring but leave in your car, must have items to bring into Coachella, and nice to have items. By keeping these essentials in mind when packing for Coachella, you'll be set up for success at the festival all weekend long.
Bring, but leave in the car
Like I mentioned at the beginning of this guide, this packing list is focused on those coming into the festival each day (aka non-campers), which means you will either be taking a shuttle or driving into the festival each day.
If you are taking the shuttle, consider this portion of the list “use right before you leave the hotel, and leave it at the hotel”. If you’re driving into the festival, you can easily leave them in your car so you can use them right before you enter the festival.
These items are either things you can’t bring into the festival because they are against the rules, or items that you simply wouldn’t want and don’t need to lug around with you all day. The less stuff you have to carry around all day = the more comfortable you will be.
Sunscreen
Sunburn is a real threat in the desert, so keeping up with your sunscreen application is a must!
However, since Coachella had Neutrogena sunscreen stations set up throughout the festival grounds, there is no need for you to bring your sunscreen into the festival (unless you have a brand that you love and want to use throughout the day – I brought my favorite face sunscreen COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 that goes on light like lotion and doesn’t leave white streaks).
But it is definitely worth bringing sunscreen, applying it before you head into the festival, and leaving it in the car since it is a long walk to the festival entrance and you won’t know where the first sunscreen station you encounter will be.
*Note: I assume they will continue the sunscreen stations every year, but make sure to double check this before the fest and bring your sunscreen into the festival if not. Trust me, you will want to reapply!
Allergy medicine
“Coachella cough” is notorious from the dust that can get kicked up out in the polo field, especially if it’s a windy day which often happens in the desert. It’s been recommended to take some allergy medicine each day before heading into the festival to stave off these symptoms.
By the end of the weekend Peter and I were both feeling cold-like allergy symptoms like a stuffy nose – luckily no cough though. But Peter (who suffers more from allergies than I do) took allergy medicine every day before heading into the festival which helped him a ton.
Nasal spray
Along the same lines of allergy medicine, nasal spray is helpful to bring in order to combat the Coachella dust that will inevitably clog your nose.
Peter used it every day before leaving the car to give himself a “clean slate” so to speak.
Hairspray
For last minute touch ups before walking in. Also note that aerosol products/cans are not allowed into Coachella, so it’s another reason to leave it in the car.
My personal favorite hairspray is the TRESemmé Extra Hold Hairspray. I sprayed that all over and was rocking my curls all day and night through dancing and sweating.
Pregame drinks
This is a “pro-gamer move” that we noticed other Coachella veterans doing that we will be keeping in mind for next time and will share with you now.
Like the food and everything else at Coachella, the alcoholic beverages will be crazy expensive (I’m talking like $16 for a craft beer, $20 for a single cocktail). So, bring some drinks to share with your group in the parking lot and during the walk to the Coachella entrance to save a little money.
We saw a ton of people doing this – drinking right up until security at the entrance and then throwing out their empties, and no one got in trouble. And it’s a long walk in the hot sun from the parking lot to the entrance, so why not enjoy a cold one along the way?
Snacks
It’s important to go into Coachella with a solid base of food in your stomach – you’ll need the energy for all of that walking across the polo field and dancing you’ll be doing.
So top off that hearty brunch you had at the hotel by bringing snacks and eating them in the car before you enter the festival! Unless you plan on heading straight for the Indio Central Market food court area upon arrival. But by eating something right before you head into the festival, you will also be saving yourself some money since we all know the cost of food in Coachella is super expensive and you’ll probably have to buy at least one meal there later in the evening already.
Must have items for Coachella
Coachella Wristband
This goes without saying, but your Coachella wristband is the #1 must have item on this list. It is literally your ticket into the festival, so don’t forget it!
You can put it on your wrist before you enter the festival since they will be scanning wristbands to allow entry (you don’t need to wait to put it on at the gate or anything like that). So just make sure to register it ahead of time, put it on a wrist you won’t mind wearing it on for 3 days straight, and you’ll be good to go.
Fanny pack or small backpack
A small backpack or cross-body bag is a must for carrying your essentials around the festival. Note: the max size allowed is 18"x13"x8.5".
It is also safer to have your possessions in a fanny pack in front of you where you can keep an eye on it than in a pocket or a backpack which is behind you and easier to pickpocket. Just sayin’.
We bought this cheap, simple fanny pack from Amazon so we didn’t have to worry about it getting covered in sunscreen or ruined from a full weekend of festivaling, plus it comes in many colors! It held up perfectly and after a run through the wash, it looks good as new and we use it all the time.
Phone
Of course, you won’t want to forget to bring your phone. You’ll probably need it to coordinate with friends at the festival, maybe snap some pictures and videos, and you can download the Coachella app to check the daily schedule, pick your lineup, and more.
If possible, also bring a portable charger to keep it charged throughout the day (more on that below in the “nice to have items”).
ID / Driver’s License
Don’t forget your ID! We were never asked to show our ID when they scanned our wristbands to get in, but I know that can happen so it is best to be prepared if they want to cross check the name registered with your wristband.
You will also need your ID if you want to purchase alcoholic beverages – you will show it once and then receive a wristband showing that you’re of age for the day. We did have to do this each day of the festival and receive a new wristband, so make sure to bring your ID every day of the festival.
Credit Card
If you plan to buy anything such as food, drink, and merch at the festival, you will need your credit card. There is no need to bring cash, as all of the onsite vendors accept credit cards.
The only time you would need cash is for the hot dog stands outside of the festival grounds at the end of the night, so if you know you’re going to want to smash a hot dog at 2am then make sure to bring some cash (it was ~$8 per hot dog – not cheap!). Although, we did see one hotdog stand accepting Venmo.
Refillable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is crucial in the desert heat, and many hydration stations are available on the festival grounds for you to refill your own water bottle for free.
Bringing your own water bottle will not only help you stay refreshed but also reduce your environmental impact by cutting down on waste. AND it will save you tons of money since you won’t be needing to buy bottles of water throughout the day. It’s a win-win-win!
We waited until the last minute and bought a cheap water bottle from Walmart, but there are tons of color options to match your festival outfits on Amazon for under $10, like this Pogo Plastic Water Bottle with Soft Straw Lid and Carry Handle. The carry handle is nice too so you can clip it to your fanny pack and stay hands-free.
Sunglasses
You will definitely want to bring a pair of sunglasses to help shield your eyes from the sun. That desert sun is no joke and you don’t want to be squinting all day and give yourself a headache.
We love our polarized aviator Ray Bans – they are both stylish and comfortable!
Hat
Again, shielding yourself from the sun is key to an enjoyable Coachella. Wearing a hat can help shield your eyes from the sun and provide your face with some sun protection as well (a sunburnt face will not be cute for the Instagram pics). Plus, a hat can make a great accessory to your Coachella ‘fit.
Peter wore a cheap bucket hat from Amazon that matched his outfit (it comes in tons of colors and sizes). And since it was cheap, we didn’t have to worry about it getting ruined by sweat and sunscreen by the end of the weekend (but it’s still going strong and a go-to for pool parties and beach days).
Earplugs
If you’re a seasoned festival and/or concert goer, you know the importance of protecting your ears from the blaring music. Bring yourself some earplugs and save your hearing!
We haven’t tried them yet, but the Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs are highly recommended and we plan to get them for our next music festival. They are a good investment, but you can also just get some cheap disposable earplugs to bring.
Hand sanitizer
With thousands of people in close proximity, it's essential to keep your hands clean and germ-free. After a long weekend of dancing and partying, you will likely wear down your immune system and many people come away from Coachella with some sort of cold. Try to save yourself the trouble by using hand sanitizer.
Bandana / Face covering
Come prepared for the notorious Coachella dust with some sort of face covering to help minimize your intake. This could be a face mask, bandana, shawl, buff, or scarf – the possibilities are endless.
Peter and I brought spare N95 face masks from home just in case things got really bad (they pack flat in our bags so why not), but luckily for us we never experienced any serious dust storms during our Coachella weekend, though they have been known to happen. The few times things got dusty, I covered my face with my pashmina scarf that also served to keep me warm at night. Speaking of which…
Coat / Scarf / Coverup
After experiencing the baking hot desert heat during the day, it’s hard to imagine how cold it becomes once the sun sets, but the desert at night is no joke. Even after sweating and being overheated all day, you will wish you had a coat once night comes, trust me (we were shivering!).
For this reason, I highly recommend bringing a light coat, cardigan, or shawl you can pack down into your bag during the day and will have to cover up at night once the chill sets in.
We brought our light puffer jackets which pack down super small in a pouch (like these puffer jackets from Amazon) which we just tied to the straps of our fanny packs.
Wear comfortable, close-toed shoes
I will talk more about this in the “What to wear” section of this guide below, but I’m adding it to the “Must have” items list too because you need comfortable, close-toed shoes for a weekend at Coachella.
You’ll be on your feet all day so you need something comfortable with good support. And you will be in crowds, your feet will be stepped on I promise you, so wear close-toed shoes. Don’t let aching feet ruin your Coachella experience.
Chapstick
Big surprise – the desert is very dry! Your lips will inevitably become dry and chapped (ours certainly did) and you will be thankful you brought the small tube of chapstick that doesn’t take up too much room in your bag.
Nice to have items
Camera / GoPro
Phone pictures and videos will do the trick, but let’s be honest, they’re never as good.
Whether you want to get those perfect Instagram pics or rewatch your favorite sets when you get home, consider bringing a pocketable, point-and-shoot camera (like the Canon PowerShot G7X) or a GoPro action camera. Keep in mind, no drones or detachable lens cameras are allowed.
We brought our GoPro camera and were really impressed with the video quality, image stabilization, and sound quality (our entire Coachella video was filmed using our GoPro!).
Battery Pack
The last thing you want is for your phone to die during the festival! You can bring your charger, but power outlets were few and far between (if I even saw one at all, tbh). Your best bet is to bring a small battery pack to charge your phone.
Peter carried a small power bank in his fanny pack for us which we used every day. We recommend this power bank from Anker – it’s small but has enough juice for multiple charges.
Liquid IV
As much as you try to keep up with your water intake, it can still be hard to stay hydrated when you’re moving all day under a baking hot sun. Do yourself a favor and bring a couple Liquid IV packets to mix in your water throughout the day to help you stay hydrated.
These can easily be added to your refillable water bottle, won’t take up much room in your pack, and they may be the difference between headaches and dehydration and an enjoyable festival.
Bandaids
It never hurts to have a few bandaids on hand, especially since you’ll be on your feet all day and developing a blister is always a very real possibility. Don’t let a painful blister ruin your night and pack some bandaids to stop the rubbing as soon as a spot starts hurting.
I recommend the flexible fabric bandaids because I find they stay on better, even if I’m sweating.
Wipes
A travel size pack of wet wipes is nice to have in case you eat something messy or touch something questionable and need to wipe off your hands. The only sinks with running water to wash your hands is at the main restroom building in the center of the festival.
It’s always good to have a small pack of wipes on hand just in case, and they are small, flat, and don’t take up much space in your bag or fanny pack.
Compact mirror
If you’re anything like me, you worked hard on your Coachella makeup look and you’ll want to be able to check it throughout the day and touch it up as necessary.
Having a small compact mirror is clutch because the only other mirrors we saw at Coachella were in the main restroom building near the center of the festival grounds. They even make compact mirrors with built in lights now!
Travel size pack of Advil
I always like to have a travel size Advil on hand. It’s small, can fit in your fanny pack, and will stop any unexpected headaches from ruining your day at the festival.
Headaches could happen from the sun and dehydration, drinking alcohol, the loud music, the list goes on and on... Better safe than sorry.
Hair tie
No matter what hairstyle you’re rocking for your festival look, it’s a good idea to pack a hair tie and maybe a few bobby pins.
It can get windy in the desert and maybe by the end of the day you need to fix your hair or are simply tired of the hair in your face and want to tie it back. Always better to pack it and not need it than to not pack it and wish you had it!
Toilet paper
By the end of each day the toilets started to run out of toilet paper, and you’d rather not get stuck in a situation without it.
It wouldn’t hurt to bring a few sheets or a small roll of toilet paper with you in your bag. It doesn’t take up much space and then you’ll have it in case of emergencies.
Free Coachella Packing Checklist
Save the image above on your phone or pin it for later to use as a checklist when you’re packing for Coachella! I included all of the items that were mentioned in this packing list guide for quick reference.
Want to print it out? Here’s a simplified black and white version you can download and print. Or you can use it on your device as an interactive checklist!
If you use this packing checklist and enjoy it, you can thank me by following @adventureswithpinny on Instagram or subscribing to our YouTube channel (both of which are free to you and greatly appreciated).
What to wear to Coachella: Clothing essentials to keep you stylish and comfortable
When it comes to dressing for Coachella, it's all about embracing your personal style while still staying comfortable under the desert sun. The right clothing choices can make all the difference in your festival experience, allowing you to dance and move freely without feeling restricted or overheated.
So, as you pack your bags for this epic music event, keep these clothing essentials in mind to ensure that you're both stylish and comfortable throughout the festival.
Wear comfortable, close-toed shoes
First and foremost, let's talk about footwear. You'll be spending long hours on your feet walking and dancing, so it's crucial to choose shoes that can handle the demands of a music festival. Opt for comfortable and supportive footwear like sneakers, sandals, or boots.
Avoid brand-new shoes that might give you blisters and go for pairs that you've already broken in. Trust me, your feet will thank you for it.
I would also highly recommend wearing close-toed shoes. You will be in tight crowds of people and you will have your feet stepped on. This may seem obvious, but I was surprised by the amount of people wearing open-toed shoes or sandals and then getting upset when someone accidentally stepped on them in a jam-packed crowd… don’t be that guy.
Stay cool with breathable fabrics
Next, be sure to pack lightweight and breathable clothing that will keep you cool in the desert heat. Opt for loose-fitting pieces and flowy fits made of natural fabrics like cotton or linen. These materials allow proper airflow, keeping you feeling fresh even during the sunniest hours of the day.
You can also opt to simply wear less, as anything goes for festival fashion! Many people (myself included) wore sheer fabrics with the essential bits covered up underneath. Just make sure to sunscreen everything periodically.
Also, be sure to avoid tight-fitting jeans or anything that may restrict your movement. Remember, you'll want to have the freedom to dance and move without feeling constricted.
Let your personal fashion shine
When it comes to festival fashion, anything goes, so let your unique personal fashion shine. There are no rules!
If you want to go for the trendy boho desert-chic look, do it. If you want to wear your favorite band t-shirt with ripped jean shorts and combat boots, do it. If you want to go over the top and wear a micro bikini bottom with star-shaped nipple pasties and cover your body in glitter, that’s okay too. Do what makes you feel beautiful and happy.
If you’re looking for style inspiration for your Coachella outfits, I highly recommend Pinterest. Try searches like “Coachella fashion”, “music festival fashion”, “rave fashion”, etc. That’s what I did to come up with my outfits. Once I found a few inspiration pictures, I made them my own with a combination of items I already owned and a few new purchases.
You can even DIY a one-of-a-kind Coachella outfit! My Saturday outfit (shown above) I made myself using sequin hearts patches, a military captain hat, and a bikini top and rave bottom that I bought from Amazon.
Bring an extra layer to stay warm at night
As we mentioned in the complete packing list section, it gets really cold at night in the desert and you will definitely want to bring an extra layer to stay warm.
This could be a fashionable scarf, shawl, or trendy jacket to match your epic Coachella outfit, or simply a lightweight jacket or cardigan you already own. To be honest, no one can really see your outfit at night anyway so prioritize your warmth over fashion in this case. You won’t be enjoying yourself if you’re shivering from the cold (we speak from experience on this).
What's allowed and not allowed in Coachella
To make sure you're fully prepared for your Coachella adventure, it's important to know what you can and cannot bring into the festival grounds. Coachella has a few guidelines in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all attendees.
Some of the items have already been covered in the complete packing list, but it’s good to familiarize yourself with the rules to avoid any unwanted surprises at the festival entrance security.
Note: This list is subject to change – make sure to check back on the official Coachella Rules page for the most up to date list.
What’s NOT allowed
It's essential to note that Coachella has a strict no-weapons policy. This includes firearms, knives, and any other item that could be considered a weapon. Additionally, outside food and beverage is prohibited, so be sure to leave those bottles of wine at home.
Aerosol cans, including sunscreen and bug spray, are not allowed inside the festival grounds. Instead, opt for non-aerosol alternatives or lotion-based options.
Reusable water bottles are encouraged as long as they are not glass or metal, which are not allowed. Make sure your water bottle is a reusable plastic bottle folks!
It's worth noting that professional cameras, audio recording devices, and drones are also not permitted, unless you have received prior approval from Coachella. So, if you're planning on capturing those Instagram-worthy moments, make sure to rely on your smartphone or a small point-and-shoot camera. Also, leave the selfie-sticks and tripods at home as they are not allowed.
Lastly, while it may be tempting to bring your furry friends along for the experience, pets are not allowed at Coachella (with the exception of service animals, of course). So, make arrangements for your pets to be taken care of while you enjoy the festivities.
What IS allowed
Now for a few key points from the “Allowed in Venue” list. You can bring medium sized backpacks, but only up to 18"x13"x8.5". Purses and handbags are also good to go as long as they are no larger than 12”x6”x12”. Get your rulers ready!
Small point-and-shoot cameras (non-professional) are allowed as well as GoPros, so you can still capture your perfect Instagram moments and vlogs. Disposable, Polaroid, and film cameras are also allowed if you want to get that retro vibe going for your scrapbook.
By familiarizing yourself with the prohibited items, you can ensure a smooth entry and hassle-free festival experience. Knowing what's allowed and what's not allowed will help you pack efficiently and save you from any surprises at the entrance.
Now that you know what you need for Coachella, it’s time to get packing!
With this ultimate Coachella packing list in hand, you're now equipped to embrace the magic of this iconic festival like a pro. From knowing what's allowed and not allowed, to curating stylish and comfortable outfits, and all of those must-have items that will keep your festival experience carefree and enjoyable, you have all the essentials covered.
Now, it's time to double-check your list and start gathering all of the items you need so that you’re ready for an unforgettable Coachella. Don’t wait until the last minute to buy things to avoid sold out options and stress. I would also suggest packing ahead of time so you don’t have to panic last minute (take my word for it).
Have you been to Coachella before? If you have any suggestions of other must-have items that belong on this packing list, please share them in the comments below!
If this is your first Coachella, make sure to check out our guide, The Ultimate First Timer’s Guide to Coachella.
If you found this Coachella packing list useful, share it with your festival buddy or save it for later using the Pinterest images below. While you wait for Coachella to arrive, check out our Coachella First Time Experience video to help you get hyped for the festival! If you enjoy it, please make sure to give it a “thumbs up” and consider subscribing to the Adventures with Pinny YouTube channel for more travel and adventure videos. You can also keep up with our current travels by following us on Instagram.
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