Coachella 2018 Recap

After 5 years, I can still say Coachella is my favorite time of the year. 2018 was my 5th year and one of the best years yet. So yes, I shall be returning to the desert. I love it too much to give it up. Why do I love it so much? I love everything from the overall vibes, people, music, art, food and almost everything in between. There are always a few negatives (keep reading), but they are minor compared to all of the amazingness that takes place.

Since it was my 5th year, we had planning down to a science. This year I went with my friend from college Justina and she and I have been 3 times together. We arrived to LAX on Wednesday. We stayed the evening at Cambria Hotel & Suites LAX. It’s a new boutique concept from Choice Hotels. It’s geared towards millennials with a fun bar and outdoor pool. They have also just opened a location in downtown Nashville. After a fun and restful stay, we woke up Thursday and picked up our Jucy Van. We camp every year and the Jucy van made it so easy this year.

The Jucy Van sleeps 4 and is very spacious and comfortable. It has a sink with running water, a fridge lots of food storage and a stove. We had delicious hot dogs for breakfast most mornings. The other days, I had my favorite Spicy Pie. With all of the food options at Coachella, Spicy Pie will always hold my heart. It’s a running joke among my group…everyone knows I’m their #1 fan! This year, we arrived the earliest I ever have on a Thursday and got a great camping spot near the festival entrance. It’s a 2.5 hour drive from LAX to Indio Valley. We stopped at Walmart and In & Out Burger on the way and still made good time.

After setting up camp, we met our neighbors and then walked the campsite. We watched the sunset with 5,000 other campers which was an unforgettable experience. It was also a to do on my 30 Things to Do by 30 List. I checked off 2 things on Thursday. I also danced on someone’s shoulders at the Dome Welcome Party on site. That’s why I love going Thursday. It’s a free day to get acquaintanted with the ground and meet other festival goers. Friday morning, we were up bright and early. It’s hard not to wake up early as there is rarely cloud cover and the sun comes over the mountains hot. We were thankful to have the Jucy as it was about 45 Thursday night. The desert is blazing during the day and then very cold at night which is one of the main negatives. The other negative is dust storms. If you’re like me and have allergies, you will have a bandana on most of the time you’re walking around.

Enough with the negatives, back to the positives. Coachella is expensive, but if you breakdown ALL of the shows you see it’s completely worth it. I saw what I would consider a few dud performances, but also saw some amazing ones. My highlights from the weekend were Beyoncé, Kygo, Busta Rhymes, Cardi B, Miguel, Chromeo and Vance Joy. I saw many more, but those were by far my fave sets to attend. Everyone has a different Coachella experience which is based on your personal preferences, whether you camp and who you go with. My crew def elevated my experience this year. Positive vibes only which really helped. We also have similar music tastes so stayed together most of the time. Now that Coachella is over, I’m looking forward to next year and planning for my next festival.

Did you go to Coachella this year? If so, what weekend and what were your thoughts. Are you planning on going next year? I think everyone needs to experience Coachella once. Experience whether you camp or get a house. It’s a magical place for all to be themselves and be free for a few days.

love,

Leigh

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