Coachella 2010 Survival Guide

Photo from Rieh via Flickr

Coachella 2010 will officially arrive in Indio, California this Friday, April 16. The infamous three day music festival will feature a wide variety of well known bands, and some that have yet to be discovered. Some of the most popular headlining will be Jay-Z, Muse, Tiesto, and Gorillaz.

This three day festival will have attendance upwards of 100,000 people. Once inside, five different stages will be hosting a wide array of bands. These stages consist of: the Coachella Stage, the Outdoor Stage, the Gobi Tent, the Mojave Tent, and the Sahara Tent. Check out the line-up and plan your day accordingly. Be sure to note what bands you want to see and at what stages they will be located. Or download the Coachella iPhone app so you don’t miss a beat.

Coachella is known for record attendance and record heat. After all, it is in the desert. Remember to bring some key essentials so you can survive the weekend, especially water and sunscreen. Bring plenty of water to avoid dehydration. If you do run out, Coachella has a great recycling system where you recycle ten water bottles and get one free. You stay hydrated and help out the environment; a win for everybody. Bring plenty of cash and if you are camping, make sure to lock up your stuff and leave your valuables at home, thousands of people will be walking past your campground.

Some important times and facts to remember for this weekend: Doors open at 11 AM all three days and shows end at 1 AM on Friday and Saturday, and midnight on Sunday. Parking is free and all food served is cash only.

Unfortunately tickets are sold out, and so are the campgrounds. Will call will be open all night on Thursday and the box office will be open at 8 AM Friday-Sunday for extra tickets. If you check out Coachella.com, many people have posted about what to do if you are a late Coachella crasher. If you are willing, the great majority of Coachella veterans say bring $20 cash and some beers, and start bartering with people at the campsites. If this idea is a little daring for you, here are the 5 best last minute hotels to stay at (availability is likely to be scarce, so if you’re attempting to crash, call early):

Fantasy Springs Resort & Casino: 4 miles away from the venue and only $89 a night
Mojave Resort: 12 miles away from the venue, rooms starting at $209 a night, but include private patios and continental breakfast
Lawernce Welk’s Desert Oasis: 20 miles away from the venue with rooms starting at $169 a night for a one-bedroom villa
Caliente Tropics: 25 miles away from the venue with rooms starting at $105 a night and in the center of town
Ace Hotel Palm Springs: $310 a night and rooms can only be booked from Thursday, April 16th to Sunday, April 19th with a commitment to Coachella

Make sure to check out Coachella.com for event info, and FAQ on what items are and are not allowed into the venue as well as directions and other informational items are that are important for your weekend. Be safe and have fun!