Coachella 2023: The ultimate music festival survival guide

Whether it's your first time in the desert or you just need a guide for that one friend in the group who you have no faith in, welcome. This one-stop-shop will give you all the essential info you need to have an epic (and healthy) experience at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

The Desert Sun has been covering Coachella since the very beginning, and our staff knows a thing or two about what lines to avoid, where to find shade, what essentials to bring and, perhaps most importantly for our editors, where to find Diet Coke.

So, grab your bandana and wipes (don't worry, we'll explain later) and read on to learn the best tips and tricks, as well as all the logistics, behind attending one of the world's most famous music festivals.

More: Coachella 2023: A first timer's guide to the festival

Festival passes still available

No wristband? There's a chance you could still snag one. Although Weekend 1 is sold out, there are still Weekend 2 wristbands up for sale at coachella.com/passes.

What does your pass include? Regardless of what kind of pass you have, you'll have access to the venue and day parking lots for all three days of your designated weekend. GA Pass holders may also visit — but not sleep in — the GA camping areas. If you have a camping or GA + shuttle pass, you (or your more organized friend who planned the whole weekend) should know.

More: Coachella 2023: Still looking for a place to stay during the Coachella? Here are some options

What to bring to the polo fields

Anyone who's landed at the Empire Polo Club grounds during festival season knows just how dirty you can get. Yes, I know you want to wear a cute outfit, but desert dirt is relentless, so reconsider wearing anything white, and be ready to clean yourself up if you want a squeaky clean Instagram pic.

Don't forget the following (and pack it in a bag no larger than 18"x 13"x 8.5"):

• A bandana — Great for swiping sweat away, cooling off when dipped in water and keeping dust out of your mouth and nose when used like a mask.

• Plenty of sunscreen — Nobody can escape the desert heat at Coachella, so pack your best SPF protection, as long as it's not in an aerosol can (which security will make you throw away upon entrance).

• Wipes — Body wipes, facial wipes, all of the above; they're your best friend when it comes to wiping the aforementioned desert dust off your body.

• An empty water bottle — Again, the heat is no joke and nothing ruins a festival day like getting dangerously dehydrated. Fill up for free at various water stands.

• Ibuprofen — For your friend who doesn't listen to you and opts for all beer and no water, or for yourself and your aching feet after standing for hours on end. Just make sure it's in its original container and not a baggie.

• A thick jacket or sweatshirt — You won't need it during the day of course, but you'll thank us when the sun goes down and the temperature drops.

Read more tips and tricks on what to bring in our official packing guide.

More: Coachella 2023: Heineken House lineups announced for both weekends

Traffic concerns: Getting there (and home)

What's the best route to take? Primary routes to the polo club include Washington, Monroe and Jefferson streets between Interstate 10 and Avenue 52, along with Highway 111 at Jefferson and Monroe. These are all expected to be hard to access during festival weekends.

As of March 27 and through May 8, Avenue 50 will be closed between Monroe Street and Madison Avenue for festival prep, happenings and subsequent teardown. On each Friday of the festivals through each Monday, the following roads will also be closed:

• Avenue 49 between Hjorth Street and Monroe Street

• Avenue 50 between Madison Street and Jackson Street

• Hjorth Street between Avenue 49 and Avenue 50

• Madison Street between Avenue 49 and Avenue 52

More: Coachella, Stagecoach 2023 road closures: What you need to know

Alternate routes include:

• North and south travel — use Washington Street, Jackson Street, Calhoun Street and Golf Center Parkway

• East and west travel — use Highway 111, Fred Waring Drive, Miles Avenue, Dr. Carreon Boulevard and Avenue 54

What if you don't want to drive yourself? Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft will operate at the rideshare stand at Avenue 49 and Monroe Street from 9 a.m. until 3 a.m. Friday through Sunday. Shade and phone charging will be available.

But be patient. Your wait time will be long regardless of when you leave, but the highest wait times are expected between midnight and 2:30 a.m. each night.

Uber is expecting a significant uptick in demand for rides during Coachella. During the first and second weekends of the festival last year, Uber faced a 614% increase and a 502% increase, respectively, in drivers completing trips in and around the festival, according to Zahid Arab of Uber Public Affairs.

Arab added that due to said demand, there will be a $20 special event surcharge in effect from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the festival — 100% of which goes to drivers. Those uninterested in paying said surcharge can opt to buy festival shuttle passes and ride to other offsite lots where they can then request an Uber where it may be less congested.

The City of Indio also has Bird scooters, but all motorized scooters are prohibited at Coachella. Bikes, however, are allowed, and bike racks are located on each color path. Bikes locked to anything other than racks will be removed and forfeited, and lights and reflectors are required by law when biking at night.

More: Coachella 2023: Do LaB unveils artist lineup for both weekends

Logistics, rules and safety

So you've got your wristband and essentials-filled fanny pack, now what? What else should you know before heading to the entrance?

What are the safety protocols? Goldenvoice says it can't "publicly comment on detailed, specific actions which are taken" because of safety concerns, but a few measures that will be in place again include bag checks, walk-through metal detectors and dog sweeps.

What items are prohibited? To keep everyone safe, there is a long list of prohibited items on Coachella's website, but the items you might not realize are prohibited are the following:

• Aerosol products (including sunscreen)

• Audio recording devices

• DSLR/professional cameras

• Flashlights

• Glow sticks

• Selfie sticks

• Umbrellas (although parasols, aka umbrella-like shade protectors made of paper and light wood, are allowed)

What if I'm harrassed or assaulted? In 2019, festival producer Goldenvoice began mandating an anti-assault and anti-harassment policy that will be in effect again this year. The Every One campaign mandates no tolerance of any form of sexual, physical or verbal assault or harassment. Trained ambassadors will be stationed throughout the festival grounds to offer assistance, and marketing materials will educate festivalgoers on available resources and rules.

What if there's another type of emergency? In the event of an emergency, information may be relayed on the video screens, over the audio system, and/or through mobile notifications.

To prepare for any possible emergency scenario, Goldenvoice recommends making a contingency plan via the following steps;

• Share location with everyone in your group via your smartphones.

• Predetermine a place to meet up that’s clear, specific and easy to find. Example: Spectra or a specific info kiosk.

• Be aware of your physical, mental, emotional needs and take care of them regularly.

More: Coachella 2023: Where to find coveted shade on the festival grounds

Food and drink at the festival grounds

What's on the menu this year? The Coachella app has details about food vendors, but expect everything from the return of beloved Sweetfin Poke and East Coast-inspired Italian deli Ggiata to the debut of Mexican fast food joint Taco Party. You can find the full food lineup here.

What about those with dietary restirictions? Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options will be available.

Do I have to pay for water? Bottles are $2 and there are water refill stations located throughout the grounds (though they can be tricky to find).

Miscellaneous tips

While we're thinking of it, there's a few other things you should know:

• Can't find the soda you want? Or simply in need of some Advil? Head to one of the various General Stores scattered about the festival grounds. Last year, there was one located between the Coachella Stage and Outdoor Stage — the only place some of The Desert Sun's staff could find their favorite beverage: Diet Coke

• Heading to the grounds earlier in the day has countless benefits: The food and merch lines are shorter, the bars are less crowded and you can enjoy some coveted activities, such as as the famous Ferris wheel, without waiting an hour plus

• The ground is dusty, but sometimes it's the only spot to sit (even while eating). Bring a towel or thin blanket with you to make the experience much less messy

This story includes previous reporting from Desert Sun reporters Eliana Perez, Erin Rode, Jonathan Horwitz and Ema Sasic.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Coachella 2023: The ultimate insider music festival survival guide