2019 was my first time ever experiencing Coachella to celebrate my 30th birthday–and I did it WITH Ulcerative Colitis. If you don’t know what UC is, all you need to know is that this was a big accomplishment. If you do know what UC is, well then you are in the right place. Here are my tips and packing list for making the most of your magical music festival experience. Happy Coachella!
*Note: I feel like I need to add that I was in remission with very minimal symptoms at the time I went to Coachella. I was fighting adrenal fatigue, but not an IBD flare-up. If you are in an active and severe flare-up, I do not recommend venturing to a music festival until your symptoms are under control.
Accommodations
- The most comfortable option — You can rent a hotel room or Airbnb nearby for the most amenities and greatest comfort level. Just keep in mind the hotel prices are higher during the music festival season. If this is the selection you choose, plan your transportation to the event ahead of time, either by car, Uber, or pre-paid shuttle tickets.
- The most convenient and affordable option — Camping on-site is much cheaper, closer to all the action, and allows you to make new friends! However, your bathroom is a port-a-potty and your shower is shared by thousands of your closest friends. If you want to camp, but can’t walk a mile to get to the front gates, don’t worry! They have ADA camping spots located right outside of the gate. This is something I wish I knew ahead of time, as it took about 3,000 steps just to get to the gate from our campsite. Whew!
Food
- Outside of the event — Hubby and I planned ahead and brought bags of food for camping. If you are flying in for Coachella, you can stop by Walmart in Indio and load up on supplies ahead of time. We packed plenty of food for breakfast, lunch, and snacks, and LOTS of water. See my packing list below 🙂
- Inside the event — First off, it is expensive. Like $15 for a burrito and $8 for a coffee expensive. However, the food is pretty darn good. We agreed to eat dinner inside the gates so that we can enjoy music as we ate. They have fantastic options for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets.
Pro tip: Don’t waste your money on an $8 churro or a $10 lemonade, unless you just want to. Find the best protein for your buck, like a $15 hearty burrito or a $13 burger.
Self-Care
- Hydrate — If there is one thing I could recommend, it is to keep water with you at all times. For the event, I brought a CamelBak backpack and Hubby brought a cycling fanny pack with a water bottle holder. The event grounds has several free water filling stations, which we used to refill several times each day. If you plan to camp, I recommend bringing several gallons of water with you. However, they have water filling stations in the campgrounds if you run out.
- Rest, rest, rest — I cannot emphasize this enough. Most of the bands you will want to see (at least that was the case for me) don’t play until at least 5pm (the best ones won’t start until after 9pm!), which means you have ALL DAY to rest. Sure, there are pool parties, activities at the campsite, and IG pictures to take during the day, but you have to listen to your body. I took two naps each day and I have no regrets 🙂
- Plan your schedule — Along the same lines, concerts typically don’t end until 1:30am. Decide ahead of time which artists you want to see and be prepared to make an in-the-moment decision to go home early or back to your tent if you begin feeling run down. Coachella is a marathon, not a sprint. The days can feel long, so make sure you take care of yourself.
Packing List
Materials
- Tent
- EZ Up Tent – the desert sun is intense and you will be glad you have extra shade
- Headlamp
- Folding table
- Camping stove – we didn’t bring this and ended up using our neighbor’s. Highly recommend!
- Air mattress
- Sleeping bag
- Camelbak backpack for water – inside the event there are free water stations to fill this up. Definitely take advantage of this!
- Sunscreen – I used Babo Botanicals tinted moisturizing sunscreen for my makeup and sunscreen…2-in-1…boom
- Hand sanitizer
- Shower toiletries
- Phone charging packs
- Cooler with plenty of ice
- Earplugs – for the concerts and for when you are trying to fall asleep before the last concert ends
- Makeup remover wipes – I really like the Burt’s Bees wipes
Food
- Perfect Bars
- Instant coffee or matcha packs
- Base Camp Paleo Bread
- Organic deli meat
- Veggie toppings for sandwiches
- Guacamole
- Selection of fruit – cold fruit on a hot day is just the best
- Lara Bars
- Siete Chips
- Siete Foods Cashew Cheese Dip
- Gallons of water
Supplements
- Protein powder – I used this for breakfast
- Greens powder – I like the one from Amazing Grass
- Hydration tablets, I personally love the ones from Nuun
Clothes
- Hat and sunglasses – the sun can be brutal
- Comfortable shoes – you will be walking around 10 miles each day! I wore my Brooks trail running shoes, but a lot of girls wore Doc Martin boots
- Jacket – you will need this when the sun goes down and the music is just getting started
- Fun and colorful outfits – it is Coachella after all!
Coachella is SO much fun and not to be missed. You know your body better than anyone, so listen to it, know what it needs, and make the most of your festival weekend.
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