The countdown is on for the 2013 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival to once again take over the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. For those of you making the road trip down to the Inland Empire’s Coachella Valley, you’ll need to plan your route ahead of time and create a pack list that will help you survive the weekend(s).
Whether you’re attending Weekend 1 (April 12-14) or Weekend 2 (April 19-21), here’s a guide for surviving the festival and packing according to the festival’s guidelines:
1. Purchase shuttle tickets.
Forget fighting traffic. Instead, plan to ride a shuttle. There are three shuttle pickups on the White Line that run across the valley into downtown to Palm Springs. Choose from the Riviera Resort Palm Springs, the Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel and The Saguaro. Shuttles run from 11 a.m. until 60 minutes after the music ends each night. Buy your tickets now, as there’s no will-call option and passes must be received through the mail.
2. Map your route.
If you plan on bringing a car to the festival each day, be sure to prepare your route. Traffic might be an issue, so give yourself plenty of time to get there. Day parking is free and open from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Do not plan on leaving your car overnight, because it will be towed. We suggest dropping a pin on your phone from your parking spot to make for an easier exit.
3. Pack light.
The festival will have just about everything you’ll need in terms of food and beverage, so leave your backpack at home. We suggest small, light bags, and a refillable, empty, non-metal water bottle. Leave the flasks, snack bars, blankets, tents and umbrellas at home-they’re not allowed in the venue.
4. Plan your concert schedule.
With more than 100 shows packed into two weekends, having a plan is crucial. Take a look at the lineup and prioritize your favorites. There’s no way to see them all, so try not to stress about cramming too much into each day. Make time for resting, meals and shopping, too. If you want to be up close for big-name headliners, plan to get to the stage early for a good spot.
5. Stay hydrated.
Drink lots of water, keep your blood sugar up, and get plenty of rest. Find a shaded area on the camp and take a catnap in between the performances you want to see. This way, you rest your feet and give your skin a break from the sun.
