10 must-have items to survive Coachella this year

If you’re heading to the desert for Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, consider this your survival guide.

Between triple-digit heat, dusty winds and marathon dance party days, Coachella is less a festival and more an endurance sport. With the festival’s Weekend One upon us, here are 10 must-have items to keep you cool, comfortable and Instagram-ready from Friday to Sunday.

1. A game plan

With more than 100 artists across multiple stages (and weekends), you cannot wing it. Prioritize your must-sees — whether it’s Bieber’s long-awaited performance or Sabrina’s headline moment — and build your schedule around them.

Pro tip: download your schedule and map for offline use before you hit the grounds. Once the crowds arrive, the cell towers usually take a hit.

2. Designated meetup spot

Between Sahara tent chaos and main stage crowds, you will lose your friends. Pick a landmark ahead of time — think a major art installation — so you’re not wandering aimlessly during Karol G’s closing set.

Pro tip: “Meet me by the Ferris wheel” is how friendships go to die, so pick something specific.

3. The “sunset” sweatshirt

When planning your outfit, it’s important to remember that it has to take you from day to night — and the desert is fickle. It’s not unusual for temps to reach 100 degrees at noon and then 60 degrees the moment the sun starts to dip.

Pro tip: Don’t be fooled by the daytime heat. Pack an oversized hoodie, and tie it around your waist during the day.

4. The dust-proof bandana

Dust is inevitable. When the afternoon winds kick up that Coachella dust, you’ll see the rookies choking while veterans pull out a bandana to wrap around their face. It’s your best defense against the dreaded “Coachella cough.”

Pro tip: bring bandana options, because it doubles as a lifesaver and a fashion moment.

5. Sunscreen

The weekend calls for potentially 10+ hours outside a day, and SPF is a must. If you don’t reapply every few hours, you risk being fried before the headliners even hit the Coachella Stage.

Pro tip: Aerosol cans are a no-go with security, so swap your spray for a sunscreen stick or lotion.

6. Broken-in boots or sneakers

This is not the place to debut any new footwear or expose your toes. Between the 20,000 easily clocked steps and the thousands of people stepping on your feet, you need something sturdy.

Pro tip: think Dr. Martens or old sneakers. If they aren’t already scuffed, they will be by Monday.

7. Phone charger

Between filming Sabrina’s set, texting your group and checking the festival schedule, your phone battery won’t survive the day without backup. It could be the difference between calling an Uber at 1 a.m. and sleeping in a dusty parking lot.

Pro tip: bring a portable power bank so you don’t have to go out of your way to find a power outlet.

8. A pre-paid parking pass or designated driver

With tens of thousands flooding in, transportation is half the battle. Whether you’re driving or ride sharing, plan ahead and prepare to wait. If you aren’t taking the shuttle, ensure your parking pass is secured and designated driver locked in. Navigating the entrance and exit traffic without a plan is unwise.

Pro tip: remember, the walk from the “Friends and Family” drop-off is a marathon in itself.

9. Sunglasses

This isn’t just about looking a celeb in hiding. The California sun is brutal, and a pair of shades will save you from squinting all weekend. They’re essential for daytime and even nighttime sets like Disclosure. Plus, they hide the inevitable dark circles.

Pro tip: don’t bring your favorite pair.

10. A small, strategic bag

This is your command center, so pack smart, not heavy. Go for a compact crossbody and be ruthless about what goes inside. If it doesn’t serve a specific function (hydration, comfort, safety), leave it at home.

Pro tip: don’t forget to pack small items like earplugs and band aids.

Coachella 2026 isn’t just about the music — it’s also about the stamina. With a packed festival lineup, preparation is key.

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