Southern California is an oasis for people who love music, art, and culture. There are tons of local artists to check out, incredible restaurants to eat at, and some of the best California fairs and festivals. At Shadow Mountain Resort, we’re particularly fond of the nearby music festivals in southern California. With both the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and the Stagecoach Festival just a short drive from our luxurious resort, how could we not love live music? Here is our ultimate guide to these Coachella Valley events.
In the Festival and in the Know
Although Coachella’s advance sale tickets sell out almost immediately, don’t fret; the next wave of ticket sales starts in January. The Stagecoach country music festival doesn’t typically sell out, so you have a little more leeway for when to buy them. However, attending music festivals in southern California is about more than just the tickets. These are the basic essentials for your Stagecoach or Coachella packing list.
- Your tickets. For both Coachella and Stagecoach, this will be a three-day wristband.
- A comfortable bag or fanny pack. For Stagecoach, it must be no larger than 18 inches tall, 13 inches wide, and 8 inches thick when fully-packed. Coachella has a similar rule, but the size limit is 20 inches tall, 15 inches wide, and 9 inches thick. There are lockers available, but they often sell out.
- A packable parka or raincoat; umbrellas are not allowed.
- Cash, card, and ID. ATMs are available at the festival grounds, but you can skip the transaction fee by bringing cash along.
- An empty, plastic water bottle or hydration pack. Metal and glass are not allowed. We recommend leaving your Shadow Mountain Resort room with a full water bottle and drinking it during the commute to the festival grounds.
- Sun protection. The festivals don’t allow aerosol containers, so opt for liquid or stick sunscreen and your trusty pair of sunglasses. Hats are also a good idea for the California desert. We also suggest adding an SPF lip balm to your Stagecoach and Coachella packing list.
- Hand sanitizer or baby wipes. While Coachella does have bathrooms available, you won’t always want to wait in line to clean up before or after a meal.
- A blanket or towel for lounging. Chairs are not allowed into Coachella, and while some are permitted at Stagecoach, hauling a chair around all day can spoil the fun. Your raingear could also work.
- Cell phone, charging cord and block, and a fully-charged external battery pack. It’ll be a long day full of great music and art, and you’ll need your phone when the excitement finally ends. Keep it charged so you can call your Uber or meet up with friends.
- Earplugs. The music is awesome, but it’s also loud. Protect your hearing by wearing earplugs.
Keep in mind that the average temperature during these music festivals in southern California is between 60 and 87 degrees Fahrenheit. Wear comfortable shoes and breathable clothing and drink plenty of water to ensure you spend the weekend in the crowd, not the medical tent.
Out of the Festival and Out on the Town
When you stay at Shadow Mountain Resort instead of camping in the desert, your Coachella packing list is significantly smaller. You don’t have to pack a tent, bedding, bath towels, toilet paper, or shampoo, so you’ll save money on airline expenses while enjoying a comfortable bed at the end of a day on your feet. But when you stay here, you’ll have access to plenty of perks beyond the clean, private room—including our vibrant town.
- Cool off and escape the desert heat with a dip in our pool.
- Grab a freshly-brewed cup of coffee to jumpstart your morning.
- Replenish your energy levels with the best Palm Desert ice cream.
- Browse the local thrift shops for a unique piece to complete your festival outfit.
While the music festivals in southern California may be what brought you to town, experiencing the area before and after the fest can be the best part of Coachella Valley events! So when you attend Coachella or Stagecoach, hotels are the ideal accommodation option.
Hotels near Music Festivals in Southern California
When the music and arts festival closes for the night, Palm Desert is here to keep you occupied. With countless incredible restaurants and one-of-a-kind shops, our town will make your California experience truly exceptional. Call 760-346-6123 or contact us online to reserve the most comfortable room in southern California for your next festival adventure!