A First Timer's Guide To Coachella

Here’s what you need to know before heading to the world’s most famous music festival

- Zipho Ntloko And Cleo Marcopoulos

There’s a reason Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (commonly referred to as ‘Chella’) is so famous – there’s nothing quite like it. With a star-studded line-up – the coolest newcomers on the music scene, artists of Beyoncé’s calibre, and a guest list comprising of A-class celebs and famous influencers – it’s an all-access pass to a Hollywood-meets dancing-in-the-desert affair. Why attend? Because it’s a ‘tick off your bucket list’ experience that will not only completely overwhelm you (from the art installations, to the fashion seen on Chella-goers, to the music talent) but you’ll also be sure to experience many pinch-me moments.

Festival tickets

We hate to break it to you but tickets aren’t cheap, so start saving up as soon as you can. If finances are tight, Coachella offers a pretty convenient payment plan that allows you to pay off tickets in monthly instalments. Read all about this at Coachella.com.

General admission for all three days: $429 (about R6 370)

General admission + shuttle for all three days $509 (about R7 560)

VIP for all three days $999 (about R14 835) Visit Coachella.com/passes

The line-up

Coachella covers all music genres, so every festivalgoer is catered for. 2019 saw Childish Gambino, Ariana Grande and Tame Impala take centre stage; next year we’re crossing fingers for Rihanna!

Visa

Getting a US visa is no easy feat. We advise applying for it months in advance to ensure you receive it in time. For more info, visit Ais.usvisainfo.com/en-za/niv.

Getting there