If you don't have tickets yet... wyd?
Published April 10, 2025 by Brady Goodman-Williams & Kelly Buergel
Let’s face it: Coachella isn’t just a music festival anymore – it’s a full-blown cultural circus where the side quests are as epic as the main event.
Sure, Lady Gaga might be belting out “Abracadabra” on one stage while Megan Thee Stallion is twerking on another, but the real action? It’s happening in the pop-ups, brand activations, and food stalls that have turned Indio into a playground for the fabulously overstimulated.
Here’s everything that’s worth ditching a set (or three) for:
PRE-PARTIES, AFTERPARTIES & ACTIVATIONS:
THE DESERT’S PLAYGROUND
Coachella has maxed out on pop-ups and activations that are so enticing they might make you forget you’re here for the music.
Billboard
No one knows music better than Billboard. They’re throwing some sweet pre-festival parties, including White Claw Sessions at the Saguaro Palm Springs Hotel with headliner Maren Morris on Thursday, April 10, and MUSICK: LIVE from Reggie Watts’ Couch at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club on Saturday, April 12. Both events are free with RSVP on a first-come, first-served basis!
No one raves harder than Framework & Wynn Nightlife. Back for its 4th year, Framework In The Desert takes the insane production of the Yuma Tent to an airport hangar in Thermal at this can’t-miss desert afters, running all three nights (Weekend 1). Chris Lake, Deadmau5, Mau P, Max Styler, Interplanetary Criminal, and more on this year’s stacked lineup. Off the dancefloor, there are bars, food trucks, and outdoor social areas near a literal airport runway – a combination that defines this one-of-a-kind experience.
Framework In The Desert
The most highly anticipated desert afterparty is back for its 14th year! The legendary Neon Carnival (and its iconic Ferris wheel) will once again transform its three-football-field-sized all-grass playground into an immersive neon-lit wonderland, reigning over the Saturday night sky with an oasis of music and revelry. Think carnival rides, margaritas in collectible glow-in-the-dark cups (shoutout PATRÓN), and music by Charly Jordan, Chase B & Friends, and Anderson .Paak spinning as DJ Pee .Wee. This exclusive party is invite-only, so start buttering up your influencer friends... Founder Brent Bolthouse and producing partner Jeffrey Best, you’ve really outdone yourselves this time.
Goldenvoice Surf Club is where Coachella goes to catch a wave—literally. Nestled in the Palm Springs Surf Club, this 21+ daytime escape serves up beats from Sammy Virji, Chris Lorenzo, Sara Landry, Rico Nasty, Polo & Pan, Eli Brown, and more, alongside pro surfers shredding the state-of-the-art wave pool. Think lazy rivers, luxury cabanas, and wellness vibes paired with single-day passes that won’t break your festival budget. Whether you’re grooving on the grass amphitheater or sipping cocktails by the slides, it’s part music fest, part tropical daydream. Bonus: You can even book a surfing lesson!
Goldenvoice Surf Club, Credit @imkeiki
This isn’t just a stage — it’s the stage. Celebrating 20 years of surprise sets and dancefloor magic, Do LaB returns to Coachella with another stacked lineup: DJ Pee .Wee (aka Anderson .Paak), Blu DeTiger, Confidence Man, TOKiMONSTA, RUDIM3NTAL B2B Skepsis, and Trixie Mattel, to name a few. Past surprise sets have featured Skrillex, Sofi Tukker, Major Lazer — and even an iconic Billie Eilish appearance. Anything goes at the Do LaB. Sign up for text alerts so you don't miss a single moment!
NYLON House in the Desert is back on Friday, April 11, kicking off Coachella Weekend 1 with a splash — literally. Presented by Ulta Beauty, this year’s oceanic-themed “Deep Dive” bash invites guests to plunge into self-discovery while partying under the desert stars. Multihyphenate actress and popstar Dove Cameron headlines the night, alongside pulse-pounding DJ sets from James Hype and Austin Millz. With a star-studded guest list and NYLON’s signature blend of music, fashion, and culture, this exclusive soirée isn’t just a party—it’s the party. If you don’t have an invite, well, some secrets are better left underwater.
Red Bull Mirage
Red Bull Mirage is the festival’s new crown jewel of cool — a 20,000-square-foot, multi-level playground parked next to the Quasar stage. For GA folks, it’s a shaded oasis with bars and interactive activations. Feeling fancy? The first floor offers a high-end dining experience (hello, Nobu pop-up). Meanwhile, the upper levels are exclusive lofts for artists and industry insiders, capped by a VIP-only rooftop with killer Quasar views. It’s part architectural marvel, part social hub, and all about leveling up your festival game. Basically, it’s where music meets luxury meets Instagram gold.
rendering: Red Bull Mirage via @coachella, credit corso marketing group
A festival within the festival, Heineken House is always worth a quick pit stop. With headliners like Pusha T and Afrojack—and a vinyl-themed “listening bar” vibe—it’s where music meets chill. And of course, the ideal opportunity to check out Heineken’s premiere portfolio of beer offerings!
Amex Experience
The Amex Lounge is back at Coachella, aging like a fine band tee — 10 years deep and still the coolest spot to catch your breath (and a free Coke). This year’s “glimmers”-themed playground is basically a Pinterest board come to life: custom charm workshops, a photo booth that’ll make your Hinge profile jealous, and a dart game with prizes from Cake Monkey and Hi-Chew because...why not? Card Members (plus their 3 coolest friends) get first dibs on exclusive merch and a moodboard station to manifest their main character moment. It’s the VIP lounge for your inner artsy, nostalgic, snack-loving self.
Rendering: Amex Lounge
Gallery Media Group, the lifestyle publisher behind PureWow, @ballplayers, and more, is making its highly anticipated return to Indio with Gallery Desert House — an invite-only immersive celebration of music, culture, fashion, and beauty. From day-to-night programming featuring a GRWM studio, high-energy pool parties, and specialty wellness workouts, the two-week Gallery Desert House pop-up will bridge top creators, influencers, and talent with brands including PATRÓN Tequila, Raw Sugar, Hunter Boots, Vince Camuto, High Noon, Josh Cellars Seaswept, Palmer’s, Frye, U by Kotex ®, and more!
Chris Lake is about to flip Coachella on its head—and he’s not even waiting for the festival to start. The GRAMMY-nominated house music maestro is rolling into the campgrounds on Thursday night, April 10, to kick off Weekend 1 with a set so exclusive, it’s practically a desert mirage. Forget the main stages—this special performance is reserved for the campers who dared to arrive early and pitch a tent before the gates swing open on Friday.
Coachella x Electrolit Campground 5K
Rise and shine, campground warriors — Electrolit and Venice Run Club are flipping the script on festival mornings with the Electrolit Campground 5K, a no-pressure jog-meets-party through the Coachella campgrounds at the crack of dawn (Saturday, April 12 and April 19 at 8AM). Whether you’re trying to shake off last night’s glitter or pre-game for the headliners, this 5K is your ticket to starting the day strong.
Absolut House of Cosmo
Paris Hilton is bringing her sliving (that’s “slaying” + “living,” for those not fluent in Paris-speak) energy to this immersive vodka wonderland. Expect chic lounges, self-expression stations, and more photo ops than your phone storage can handle. That's hot!
Photo Credit: Ashley Osborn
The Food Scene: Michelin Stars To Quick Bites
Coachella’s food game has officially leveled up from survival fuel to culinary flex. Whether you’re GA or VIP, there’s something to make your taste buds sing louder than Charli XCX’s auto-tune.
Photo: @good.boy x @montysgoodburger
Perfect for fueling your festival adventures, All’Antico Vinaio is dishing out quick, portable, flavor-packed Florentine sandwiches. Find them at Indio Central Market and say 'ciao' to boring eats — this is a bite of Florence, right in the heart of the California desert.
Ah, pizza... festival-goers' go-to meal. You can't miss these New York and Sicilian-style slices. Grab a slice and be mobile – they've got all the fixings for you including pepperoni, cheese, Margherita, vegan, and spicy vodka. This slice of heaven is just waiting for you.
Hand-pulled biang-biang noodles are all you need to keep the party going. Spicy, saucy, and seriously Instagrammable, these chewy bowls are a flavor bomb straight from Highland Park. Bonus: dumplings and pancakes for extra foodie points.
Good boy, good burger! Not only do we love Monty’s Good Burger for their delicious, 100% plant-based burgers, but we love Monty the canine mascot too. There’s often a line at their original location, and we imagine the situation will be the same for their Coachella booth. Make sure you get there early to try their Impossible Burger!
Drinks & Speakeasies: Hydrate and Elevate
It wouldn’t be Coachella without a little liquid courage – whether you're braving the 4PM scorch or dancing like no one's watching. Sure, we all love a $14 lemonade... but if you're ready to level up your sip game, keep reading.
Photo: coachella.com
A Speakeasy?!
Step off the beaten path into a secret cocktail hideaway where the beats stay smooth, the drinks stay strong, and the vibes are golden. Find it if you can... (Let us know if you do. We want in.)
#JUICEBAE isn’t just juice – it’s a full-on glow-up in a cup. From cold-pressed, alkaline blends to fresh aguas frescas, smoothies, and wellness shots, every sip brings the hydration and energy you actually need. Fuel up, cool down, stay fresh, repeat.
Beer Barn
A moment of appreciation for the new freedom to roam Coachella with a drink. Sure, you’re no longer confined to the Beer Barn... but lounging on the grass with a cold draft still hits. Pro tip: snag your 21+ wristband early to skip the line.
Need a break from the desert blaze? The Cabin is your cool, mountain-inspired hideout – brought to you by The Houston Brothers (Good Times at Davey Wayne’s, No Vacancy). Swing by near the Beer Barn for alpine vibes and top-shelf craft cocktails on tap.
Código 1530, the “Official Tequila of Coachella,” is serving up premium margs with major agave cred. Made in Amatitán, Mexico, their barrel-free Blanco lets the fresh agave shine—especially in Classic or Watermelon Margs (aka the weekend’s go-to drink). Find them fest-wide.
Get the full scoop on food and drink vendors at Coachella.com (and yeah, buy your tickets too unless you love watching it all unfold on the YouTube livestream).
Remember...
Coachella isn’t just a festival – it’s an endurance test for how much fun one human can cram into a single weekend (or, two weekends technically). Between giant moving art, secret pop-ups from LA’s finest, brushing past your celebrity crush, and glow-in-the-dark margs at Neon Carnival, it’s easy to forget there are actual headliners. But hey, isn’t that kind of the point?
See you in the desert?
