Once a humble haven for music enthusiasts and devoted fans, Coachella has transformed dramatically from its roots as a simple desert getaway. The festival, initially characterized by its rugged charm and natural allure, now presents itself as a lavish retreat where attending can be as costly as a family vacation.
In its early days, festival-goers embraced the adventure of sleeping under the stars, subsisting on canned goods, and disregarding their reflections for the duration. Today, however, Coachella reflects a shift towards luxury and exclusivity.
Ticket prices have reached new heights, and festival food and drink options have followed suit. Gone are the days of practical attire like rain boots and denim shorts; now, attendees are seen clad in the latest designer fashions. Camping has given way to “glamping,” with many opting for the comfort of nearby villas or hotels instead of traditional tents.
In the contemporary landscape, Coachella epitomizes the evolution of music festivals into events that blend live performances with high fashion and aspirational experiences.
Ticket prices have soared, as have the costs of food trucks and pop-up bars. Rain boots and denim shorts have been replaced by the season’s hottest designer trends. Camping has evolved into glamping – or skipping the tent altogether for a villa or hotel nearby.
In today’s world, Coachella stands as the ultimate example of the modern music festival: part concert, part fashion show, and entirely aspirational.
Here are the prices you can expect if you plan on attending the festival.
Tickets
Coachella tickets originally went for $549 each. Add a shuttle to the festival grounds – because who actually camps anymore – and you’re looking at a starting price of $679. Not bad… if you were one of the lucky few to snag a pass during the official sale.
Fast forward to the days before Weekend One, and a three-day general admission pass is going for a staggering $6,440. Yikes.
Coachella tickets originally went for $549 each. Add a shuttle to the festival grounds and you’re looking at a starting price of $679
A three-day general admission pass is going for a staggering $6,440 just days before Coachella kicks off
Glamping
The ultimate glamping experience at Coachella doesn’t come cheap.
A tent near the festival grounds can cost as much as college tuition, a full year’s rent for a nice apartment, or even a car.
At the top of the luxury scale, the ‘ULTRA’ glamping options include The Resort: a yurt – a round, tent-like structure – that sleeps four and will set you back a jaw-dropping $41,000.
Break it down, and that’s roughly $10,000 per person. Pocket change, right?
Described as an ‘unparalleled experience’ within the Safari Campground tucked just behind the main festival grounds, these yurts come fully furnished, air-conditioned, and surrounded by lush palm trees and breathtaking mountain views.
But that’s just the beginning. Guests also enjoy golf cart rides between stages, private parking, air-conditioned restrooms and showers, breakfast and late-night snacks, an air-conditioned lounge, concierge service – and so much more.
It’s a far cry from the days of pop-up tents, sleeping bags, and dirt under your fingernails.
An ‘off-grid culinary experience’
Not tempted by taco trucks or burger vans? Don’t worry.
Artist James Denevan is bringing his traveling farm-to-table experience, Outstanding In The Field, to the VIP Rose Garden for the 12th year in a row.
‘Guests are greeted with a signature cocktail before settling in for a four-course, wine-paired communal dinner prepared by acclaimed chefs from California and beyond.’
Price tag? Just $362.50, please.
Join the discussion
Is Coachella now more about showing off luxury than celebrating music and community?
In today’s world, Coachella stands as the ultimate example of the modern music festival: part concert, part fashion show, and entirely aspirational
For festival attendees not tempted by taco trucks and burger vans, there is even a VIP culinary experiences, which costs almost $400
Lockers
Need a tiny metal box to stash essentials – portable chargers, water bottles, a jacket for the desert chill?
That’ll be $89 for a locker on festival grounds.
Worth it? Considering you’ll easily blow past 10,000 steps darting from stage to stage while hauling liters of water, probably yes.
