Doing Coachella Sober: How Festival-Goers Pull It Off
Yes — you can do Coachella sober (or nearly sober). We scanned the conversation among festival regulars and boiled down the ground-level advice: it’s mostly about planning, pacing, and swapping the party script for deliberate ways to stay present and energized.
People who’ve pulled it off emphasize that sobriety at a multi-day festival isn’t about missing out — it’s about choosing different ways to have peak moments without relying on alcohol or heavy substances.
Practical tips from the crowd
- Set anchor shows: pick 3–4 must-see sets and plan food/heat breaks around them so you don’t burn out.
- Hydration and electrolytes: bring a refillable bladder or bottles and electrolyte tablets — you’ll thank yourself midday.
- Mocktail strategy: alternate water with a nonalcoholic drink (cans of sparkling water, canned mocktails) — it keeps the ritual without the buzz.
- Pace the sun: schedule shade, rest, and short naps (if you’re camping or have a safe quiet zone) — heat is the real energy thief.
- Bring comfort kit: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, cooling towel, portable fan/umbrella, and comfy shoes for long days on your feet.
- Social script: tell your crew you’re opting out (or bring a sober buddy). Most people respect it — planning removes peer-pressure friction.
- Activities beyond sets: chase art installations, late-night food, yoga, or ambient stages — sober attendees report those moments can be the most memorable.
- Use festival support: identify first-aid/welfare tents and water refill stations when you arrive — good to know your safe zones.
- Timing and logistics: get to big sets early for a good spot so you don’t feel the need to “loosen up” to enjoy the crowd.
- Low-key recovery game: pack snacks, a phone charger, and cooling layers to extend your stamina across back-to-back days.
Bottom line: sober Coachella takes a little more planning but delivers plenty of payoff — clearer memories, better energy management, and often a stronger connection to the show. If your priority is the music and the experience, following the tips above keeps you in the front row without the hangover.
Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/Coachella/comments/1ok6qj2/is_it_possible_to_do_coachella_sober_or_almost/