At Coachella and beginning to feel the heat? Us, too.
As the weather heats up for the second weekend of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, it’s important to find a spot to take a break from the desert sun.
Temperatures are expected to be warmer this weekend compared to weekend one at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, where the annual festival is held. Forecasts predict highs into the high 80s Saturday and mid-90s Sunday. Lows will dip into the 60s.
Granted this is definitely not the hottest weather we’ve seen at the festival, especially in recent years, but it still sure feels rough out there in the direct sunlight. That said, here’s a few spots where festival goers can find some relief.
Art Installations
The easiest place to find some quick shade is in the shadow of the large-scale installations throughout the festival grounds. Some, like Maze, even have seating along their exterior to help you cool off. Plus, most are great spots to capture that perfect selfie. And some, like Spectra, even have air conditioning once you make it inside.
Also, what’s become know as the bunker, which houses an immersive Radiohead exhibition, is fully air-conditioned. You’ll either need a reservation or will have to wait in the stand-by line to get in, but it’s worth the wait.
The Tents
Don’t discount the Yuma and Sonora tents. Both feature indoor stages and that sweet, sweet A/C you’re craving. Did we mention they both have live music to get your groove on to? Mojave, Gobi and Sahara also offer shelter from the sun if shade is all you’re craving along with your music.
Activations
There are plenty of activations scattered throughout Coachella. Most include walking into an air-conditioned paradise along with some occasional freebies, like the Wavytalk booth which also provides hair appointments if the sweat has done a number on your festival look. Warning though, you may have to wait in line in the sun to get access to said A/C.
The Do LaB
Want to dance in the shade with misters? Head to the Do LaB stage. A staple of the Coachella vibe, the return stage even offers water cannons when things really start to heat up.
Speaking of misters, there’s a few scattered throughout the festival grounds. Take a beat and embrace the water droplets.
Bars
While drinking and sunning isn’t usually recommended by doctors, if you’re up for a treasure hunt with A/C being the pay off, there’s a handful of hidden bars to discover.
Might we recommend Sabrina Carpenter’s Pretty Girl Parlor — the line is also in the shade inside the Indio Central Market — or the Neon Cactus speakeasy near Street Food Alley that’ll take you back to the warehouse rave days, but, you know, with A/C.
Nature
Yes, it’s the desert, but that doesn’t mean there’s not some foliage out there. Head towards the Beer Barn and you’ll find a mini oasis for the taking. Many festival goers already have claimed their own spots, sprawled out on blankets.