Every spring, the Coachella Valley turns into a global hotspot thanks to Coachella and Stagecoach—bringing music lovers, influencers, and partygoers from all over the world right into our backyard. And while it’s exciting for some, not every local is here for the festival frenzy.
Whether you're planning to stay far from the crowds or are just looking to survive the next few weekends, here are our favorite tips for non-festival goers to keep life smooth, fun, and maybe even a little profitable.
𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗡𝗼𝗶𝘀𝗲
If you live near the Empire Polo Grounds, expect the party to start as early as Thursday. Sound checks begin, campers arrive, and local attendees may be enjoying the music from their homes. If you’re sensitive to noise, grab some earplugs or a white noise machine and brace yourself for a few late nights.
𝗕𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀 (𝗨𝗯𝗲𝗿 & 𝗟𝘆𝗳𝘁)
If you’re a regular rideshare user, expect significant price surges during festival weekends. With thousands of extra users flooding the apps, even short rides can become surprisingly expensive. On the other hand, if you’ve ever thought about moonlighting as an Uber driver, this might be the perfect time—earnings go way up during the festivals!
𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰 & 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀
It’s not just Indio that feels the crunch. Expect slowdowns across La Quinta, Palm Desert, and even Palm Springs. Avoid driving near Monroe, Jefferson, Avenue 52, or 49th during peak hours (late afternoons and after midnight). And check for road closures in advance—these are common during both weekends.
𝗚𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲
Festivalgoers often arrive in town and head straight to the grocery store to stock up. Expect heavy crowds at local markets Wednesday and Thursday, especially near Indio and La Quinta. If you can, shop earlier in the week or hit stores late at night when it’s quieter.
𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 & 𝗟𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵
Looking forward to a relaxing brunch or midday meal? Make a reservation. Popular restaurants throughout the desert will be packed—not just in Indio, but across the valley. Even locals will be dining out in between sets or while hosting out-of-town friends.
𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗕𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝗘𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀
Need to get gas, hit the bank, or pick up a package? Knock it out before Thursday if possible. Crowds and traffic make even the simplest errands more complicated during the weekends. Plan ahead and avoid the rush.
𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝗯𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲
Don’t want to deal with the chaos but still love good music? You’re in luck—Coachella streams live on YouTube each year. Watch the headliners from your couch, backyard, or pool—no wristband required.
𝗕𝗲 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗱, 𝗕𝗲 𝗙𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲
It’s a wild few weeks, but it brings a boost to local businesses, restaurants, short-term rentals, and service providers. With a little patience and a local’s know-how, you can ride the wave just fine—and maybe even enjoy it.
Got your own local hacks for Coachella or Stagecoach survival? Share them with us—we're all in this together.
