This year’s Coachella Music and Arts Festival is nearly here, and hoards of music fans are gearing up for the trek to the Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA on April 13. With headliners Beyonce, Eminem and the Weeknd, it’s set to maintain its status as one of the year’s biggest live events.

Not only does SeatGeek still have weekend passes (starting at $519), we also have all the tips and tricks to make this year your best Coachella experience ever! Let’s get into it.

1. Download the Apps

After buying your tickets on SeatGeek (*wink wink*), start planning with another great app: the Coachella 2018 Official app, duh! You can personalize your lineup schedule, receive updates, and view maps and concessions.

2. CARPOOLCHELLA

Carpooling to Coachella not only helps the environment, but also can help you win lifetime passes. Enter the parking lot with four or more people in a car displaying a sign with “CARPOOLCHELLA” on it, and you could be approached to draw for amazing prizes.

3. Hotline Bling

Coachella’s grounds have notoriously poor cell service, so send messages with timestamps to avoid confusion. Don’t forget to set meeting locations, too. The giant art sculptures double as prime meeting spots and unique Instagram backdrops. On that note, you must bring a portable phone charger for all those photo ops. And don’t forget to adjust your phone settings to save battery.

4. Cash Money

The last thing you want is to be waiting in long lines for overpriced ATMs or card purchases. Bring enough cash for the delicious food, but no more than you would mind losing.

5. Lock it Up

With rising festival theft, storing your essentials in backpacks and back pockets is risky. Someone was arrested for stealing 100 cell phones at last year’s festival! Keep your phone in hand at all times to combat swipers and for quick camera access. With all the famous attendees, you never know who you may run into.

Phone case wallets, wristlets and fanny packs are ideal. Round straw cross-bodies are definitely in and couldn’t be more “Coachella.” You can also rent a locker, starting at just $55 for three days.

6. Soak in the Sun

The California sun is heavenly, but strong. Protect yourself with sunscreen and some stylish shades and hats. Remember, nothing ruins a good time like a bad sunburn. Cat eye sunnies are a fun trend to trade in the usual aviators and round hippie shades for.

Stay hydrated with a reusable water bottle or even better, a foldable pouch. Bring one full of coconut or electrolyte water for maximum hydration.

7. Weather Warrior

Along with the mystique of the Indio desert comes mysterious weather. Temperatures drop from around 90 degrees during the day to chilly 60s at night, so lightweight layers are key. And hey, the more outfit options, the better. Tie layers around your waist for flow-y fun as you dance in the sun.

8. Beat the Dust

With past dust storms, “Dustchella” and the “Coachella Cough” weren’t coined terms for nothing. Save those pipes for singing with a trusty bandana. Tie it around your neck for quick mouth and nose coverage. Dress it up with your favorite patterns or a chic silk bandana or scarf.

Keep clean with wipes and hand sanitizer, and stay moisturized with chapstick and lotion. Don’t forget a light cotton tapestry to lounge on–and for that classic Coachella Instagram pic!

9. Happy Feet

To avoid your toes being stepped on, wear closed-toe shoes. There are endless options from boots to espadrilles. Stylish platforms are a comfy alternative to heels. Step up your footwear with stud, embroidery and fringe accents.

10. Happy Camper’s Checklist

If you’re going for the full experience and camping at Coachella, pack a pop-up canopy and portable fan for ultimate comfort in the sun. Get creative with a unique flag or banner to mark and easily identify your campsite.

So what are you waiting for? Buy your Coachella tickets on SeatGeek ASAP and get ready for the experience of a lifetime.

(Main image [cropped] courtesy Ingridzippe via Wikimedia Commons.)
(Second image courtesy of Drew Ressler via Wikimedia Commons.)