Coachella 2026: What long-time attendees are doing differently this year

  • Housing swaps: Several longtime campers reported moving to Airbnbs or preferred car camping after rough prior years. One commenter said, “Getting an Airbnb after 8 years of camping — last year’s W1 shitshow convinced us.”
  • Trying camping for the first time: Others who’d always stayed off-site are finally giving camping a shot to simplify logistics and the vibe.
  • Buy a locker / VIP experiment: People are trying lockers for day-of convenience, while a handful are testing VIP access just to see the Yuma entrance and VIP areas.
  • Comfort > fashion: A major theme: sensible shoes and support. Notes ranged from “wearing arch supports” to switching from platform Docs to athletic shoes to avoid regret after long days on your feet.
  • Packing lighter & smarter: After lugging extra food and gear, many plan to downsize what they bring and focus on recovery supplies (hydration + supplements) instead.
  • Self-care upgrades: Spa sessions, paid lockers, and pre-festival workouts are trending. One person booked a Sunday spa after two heavy days of walking/partying.
  • Ear health: Some folks are finally buying custom earplugs to protect hearing while still enjoying loud sets.
  • Solo set freedom: A recurring personal-change: people are planning to split from their groups to chase sets they actually want to see — no more group babysitting. One redditor put it bluntly: “I am not letting [a grown man]’s tantrums get in the way of enjoying MY Coachella.”
  • Decide housing early: camping vs Airbnb vs preferred car camping — each changes how you move and pack.
  • Prioritize shoe comfort and arch support. Your feet will thank you on day 3.
  • Consider a locker or VIP trial if convenience is your priority.
  • Protect your ears — quality earplugs are an easy upgrade.
  • Don’t feel guilty about wandering off to solo sets. Money + time = your experience.

Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/Coachella/comments/1r1edx9/for_longtime_repeat_coachella_attendees_what_are/

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