New Layout Enhances Festival Experience
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival opened its doors on April 11, 2025, ushering attendees into a transformed layout designed to streamline navigation and enhance the overall festival experience. A notable adjustment includes the repositioning of the popular Do Lab and Quasar stages, now strategically placed to balance crowd flow. Artist merchandise tents have also been moved along the pathway leading to the Sahara tent, catering specifically to eager fans looking to purchase memorabilia without disrupting traffic elsewhere.
This year, the festival organizers have dialed back the number of art installations, embracing a less-is-more approach aimed at appreciating the existing art and music performances more deeply. Additionally, The Record Safari, Coachella’s legendary on-site record store, has been relocated, making vinyl browsing more accessible for festival-goers. The Original Misfits, who debut their performance on Saturday, have secured their own dedicated merchandise tent, signifying their prominent inclusion this year.
Gate hours begin at 11 a.m. PT, with a notable “lockdown” period from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., a policy aiming to secure the festival grounds during peak hours. It’s a change emphasizing the importance for attendees to meticulously plan their daily itineraries in advance. Veteran attendees like music influencer Jackie Tanti advise festival-goers to come prepared with essential items—including emergency blankets, portable chargers, and cream-based sunscreens—to handle the deserts’ sharp temperature drops, from highs near 90 degrees Fahrenheit to overnight lows dipping into the low 60s.
“Preparation is key. Pack your essentials, stay hydrated, and be ready for significant temperature swings,” advised Tanti, reflecting on her years of festival attendance.
Alcohol-Free Movement Takes Center Stage
Another substantial shift in festival culture at Coachella 2025 is the growing popularity of alcohol-free experiences, indicative of a wider societal movement emphasizing wellness and clarity over intoxication. The “Alcohol-Free Starter Pack” has become an essential product offering, allowing attendees to remain energized and engaged with the music without the downsides of alcohol consumption. This includes mood-enhancing supplements such as Flow State Nootropic Kratom Powder, Funanna Guy functional botanicals, and Kalm with Kava for relaxation.
This alcohol-free trend highlights a significant cultural pivot among festival participants, reflecting a broader consumer desire for experiences that prioritize mental clarity and physical well-being. Organizers have taken steps to accommodate this trend by boosting the availability and diversity of non-alcoholic beverages and wellness-focused products across the festival grounds.
Many attendees now prefer clarity and energy over traditional partying. This shift not only impacts vendors—who increasingly offer health-conscious, alcohol-free alternatives—but also suggests changing perceptions around festival experiences themselves.
“We’ve noticed attendees are much more mindful about their festival participation now,” commented a Coachella organizer. “People are embracing wellness and really valuing staying present and clear-minded to enjoy the music fully.”
Festival Foods Reach New Heights
Arguably one of the biggest attractions of Coachella each year is its vibrant and diverse culinary scene—and this year marks its most expansive yet, with over 75 vendors exhibiting an impressive array of culinary delights. Chef Roy Choi’s new stand, Tacos Por Vida, has quickly garnered attention with its innovative offerings of charcoal-grilled Mexican street tacos and burritos filled with Korean-inspired marinated meats and fiery house-made salsas.
VIP guests have additional gourmet options available, like Le Burger by Camphor, a Michelin-starred destination serving its famed burger with gouda and remoulade, paired uniquely with a refreshing tequila-lime sorbet cocktail. Notable crowd-favorites returning this year include Yeastie Boys Bagels, Prince St. Pizza, Clink Wine Bar, and Outstanding in the Field—where visitors can enjoy an exclusive four-course dinner in the prestigious VIP Rose Garden setting.
This wide-ranging selection of eateries underscores Coachella’s commitment to elevating festival cuisine. It caters not only to traditional festival foods but also appeals to food enthusiasts seeking gourmet experiences, reflecting a growing expectation of high-quality food options at major cultural events.
“Coachella isn’t just about music anymore,” said food critic Marissa Tran. “The culinary experience here is becoming an attraction all by itself, and the festival definitely recognizes and supports this trend.”
Through these collective changes—enhanced festival layout, escalating popularity of alcohol-free experiences, and an elevated culinary scene—Coachella 2025 continues to redefine what a modern music and arts festival can offer, creating a multifaceted event catering to diverse tastes and cultural preferences.