A BOOK OF: COACHELLA MUST DO'S — A BOOK OF MAGAZINE

BY: JESSE ZAPATERO

Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned desert wanderer, Coachella is more than just a music festival — it’s a culture-shifting, style-defining, sensory-overloading weekend that somehow manages to top itself year after year. With 2025 shaping up to be one of the most anticipated Coachellas yet, here’s your ultimate checklist of must-dos to make your weekend unforgettable.

Lady Gaga’s Return

Gaga's return promises to be nothing short of legendary. Whether you're a diehard Little Monster or a casual festivalgoer, there's no denying the sheer force of her live shows. This isn't just another performance—it's a cultural reset in the middle of the desert.

From “Bad Romance” to “Rain on Me,” Gaga’s catalog is packed with anthems that have defined eras and soundtracked lives. Her Coachella set is expected to blend theatricality, raw emotion, and euphoric pop brilliance—everything that makes her a global icon. The energy is already electric, the internet is buzzing, and anticipation is sky-high. If there's one set you cannot miss this year, it's Gaga's.

Catch a Set at the Sonora Tent
Sure, the main stage headliners are unmissable, but the real magic often happens in the tucked-away Sonora Tent. It’s where garage rock, underground hip-hop, and punk energy collide — and where you’re most likely to stumble upon your new favorite band before they blow up.

Go All-In on the Art Installations
Coachella’s large-scale art pieces are half the experience. Don’t just snap a quick photo — walk around them, under them, through them. 2025’s lineup includes a 40-foot kinetic sculpture rumored to interact with the crowd’s movements. Expect a fusion of tech and desert dreamscape.

Sunrise (or Sunset) Ferris Wheel Ride
It might be cliché, but there’s a reason the Ferris wheel has become the Coachella Instagram moment. Time your ride for golden hour and soak in the surreal view of palm trees, stage lights, and glittering bodies dancing in unison.

Hydrate… with a Twist
Water is life in the Indio sun, but don’t sleep on the hidden gems of Coachella’s culinary experience. This year, LA’s viral matcha truck and a rotating menu of mocktails (and yes, cocktails) from world-renowned mixologists are part of the VIP and GA+ lounges.

Find the Secret Sets
There’s always buzz around the surprise guests and secret sets — and 2025 is already teasing a few major reunions and under-wraps appearances. Follow the crowd (or better yet, the crew wristbands), keep your ear to the ground, and you might end up at the set everyone talks about on Monday.

Dress for the Moment, Not the 'Gram
Fashion is still a core pillar of the festival, but this year’s vibe? Intentionality over trend-chasing. Vintage pieces, sustainable brands, and functional fits are in. Think airy linen, UV-protective gear, and a killer pair of broken-in boots.

Explore the Coachella Curated Experiences
From artist-led wellness workshops to nighttime desert cinema screenings, the curated experiences give you a much-needed breather between sets. 2025 is focusing on immersive sensory pop-ups that blend music, meditation, and visuals in never-before-seen ways.

Go Beyond the Music
Check out the Coachella Art Studios for a hands-on creative outlet or dive into the record store pop-up, where exclusive vinyl drops and intimate artist Q&As offer a break from the chaos. This is your moment to slow down and connect.

Don’t Miss Framework In The Desert
When the main stages go dark, the real night owls head to Framework In The Desert, the fourth edition of the iconic afterparty series presented by Framework and Wynn Nightlife in association with CUSP and Corso Marketing Group (CMG). This year’s lineup is stacked:

Friday, April 11: Chris Lake, deadmau5, Hills
Saturday, April 12: Mau P, Max Styler, Interplanetary Criminal, Erez
Sunday, April 13: Alesso (BODY HI), Francis Mercier, Layton Giordani, Miluhska

Hosted at Atlantic Aviation in Thermal, just a short drive from the festival grounds, Framework In The Desert is introducing the Long Feng Art Car — making its first public appearance outside of Burning Man. If you’re chasing next-level visuals and top-tier dance music into the early morning, this is the afterparty to prioritize. Buy tickets here.

Catch Tyla’s Coachella Debut

Tyla is set to make her highly anticipated Coachella debut this weekend, performing on Friday, April 11, at 6:45 PM PT on the Outdoor Theatre stage . After canceling her appearance last year due to injury, Tyla returns with renewed energy and excitement.

Dive Into Goldenvoice Surf Club at The Palm Springs Surf Club
If you’re craving daytime beats with a splash of cool, trade your desert dust for wave pool vibes at Goldenvoice Surf Club, a two-weekend mini-festival at the newly opened Palm Springs Surf Club. Taking over April 12–13 and April 19–20, the event (formerly known as Day Club Palm Springs) features artists like Mustard, Rico Nasty, Polo & Pan, and more.

The venue? A full-on resort experience with a sprawling wave pool, lazy river, water slides, and an amphitheater perfect for live DJ sets. Expect food, drinks, and activations from your favorite brands in a laid-back, sun-soaked setting.
Grab your tickets here.

Put Your Phone Down (at Least Once)
It’s tempting to capture every moment, but the most unforgettable ones tend to be the ones you live without a screen. Choose a set, stick with your crew, and go full immersion. You’ll thank yourself later.

One Last Thing…
Coachella isn’t just about who’s on stage — it’s about who you become in the crowd. So say yes to that weird art experience, dance like you’ve already lost your voice, and let the desert transform you.

See you in the fields — and maybe in the waves, or at the hangar.