Coachella Weekend 1 from the sidelines: A roundup of 60+ free, ticketed, and invite-only events and pop-ups outside the festival grounds
A totally not complete, but pretty thorough list of everything happening outside those polo field gates in Indio, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, and locations throughout the Coachella Valley.
The annual migration of some 40,000 visitors is officially upon us, but you don’t need a $600 wristband to participate in the desert chaos. Whether you’re boycotting the polo fields because of the price hikes, crowds, or you just weren’t vibing with the lineup, we’ve rounded up the best ways to keep the party going outside the polo fields.
From free roadside coffee and archive fashion shops to after-parties that haven’t hit capacity yet, there is plenty of action for those staying outside the gates.
And we’re not gatekeepers, we included a bunch of invite-only exclusive events like the Neon Carnival or Revolve Festival. Who knows, if you’re a budding microinfluencer with a ring-light and a dream, you can try your luck sliding into the DMs of these party promoters. Otherwise, there are plenty of public pop-ups, freebies, and merch out there if you’re willing to brave the traffic.
And a reminder to give a little extra love to your favorite spot over the next three weekends. Contrary to popular belief, local businesses actually see less foot traffic during the festivals because festival-goers tend to drive straight to the fields and stay, eat, and sleep on-site.
If you need some extra motivation, spots like Indio Brewing are offering a 15% discount for “local refugees” who provide an ID with proof of address. Drink a beer, support local, and watch the chaos from a safe distance.
Off-Site: Open-to-All Events and Pop Ups (Free and Ticketed)
The Sounds of PSP: Courtyard Sessions
Open to all, Free
Thursday, April 9 | 10am–2pm
Palm Springs International Airport (Courtyard)
Welcome the festival weekend at the airport with a live set by DJ ModGirl. Non-travelers can join by grabbing a “Stay & Play” visitor pass at the terminal.
MaruMart (Maruchan Ramen Pop-Up)
Open to all, Free
Thursday, April 9 – Monday, April 13 | 10am–9pm
48750 Seminole Dr, Cabazon
A roadside noodle stop at the Cabazon Outlets offering free ramen samples, specialty menu items, and limited-edition merch.
Open to all, Free
Thursday, April 9 – Saturday, April 11 | 10am-5pm
59511 Highway 111, Palm Springs
A branded roadside activation featuring festival apparel, interactive photo moments, free dirty soda, and limited-edition merchandise.
Open to all, Free
Thursday, April 9 | 12pm–4pm
Friday, April 10 | 10am–2pm
Target, La Quinta
Get festival-ready with a beauty essentials kit for the first 300 guests each day, plus makeup sessions with L’Oreal and NYX, and a Beats charging station.
Open to all, Free
Thursday, April 9 | 4pm–7pm
414 N. Palm Canyon Dr. Suite M, Palm Springs
Stop by the shade oasis below the Thompson Hotel for limited-edition glosses, music from DJ ModGirl, and giveaways from Fazit and Ole Henriksen for the first 100 guests.
Open to all, Ticketed
Thursday, April 9 | 2pm-11pm
Private Location
Kick off the weekend with a deep DJ lineup including Michael Wagner, D-Tomp, and Javier Castillo.
Open to all, Free
Thursday, April 9 | 5pm-8pm
Jackalope Ranch, Indio
Join ALT 101.5 for a pre-festival bash featuring Evening Elephants, JXDN, Brooklyn Van Zandt, and a chance to win festival tickets.
Festival Pregame at Rosemary HiFi
Open to all, Free
Thursday, April 9 | 7:30pm
Rosemary HiFi, Indio
A relaxed “Day Zero” session with curated vinyl sets featuring your fav artists on the lineup.
Very Un/Necessary Pre-Coachella Party
Open to all, Free
Thursday, April 9 | 8pm–2am
World Famous Red Barn, Palm Desert
A high-energy “Day Zero” celebration featuring DJ Anna and Tom Envy to kick off the weekend at an iconic desert dive.
Festival Pregame at Indio Taphouse
21+, Free
Thursday, April 9 | 8pm
Indio Taphouse
Get hyped for the festival with a DJ night featuring Daniel Stylez, Twisted Jay, Ca$hcachis, Cazzuto, and Gustard, with high-quality sound and lasers.
Open to all, Ticketed ($17)
Thursday, April 9 | 9pm
Oscar’s Palm Springs
LE Parties presents a late-night kickoff for the LGBTQ+ community in Palm Springs.
Open to all, Ticketed ($20)
Thursday, April | 9pm–2am
Dune Room, Indio
An intimate pre-festival session featuring bOOqOO, Adrienne Mack-Davis and Pedro Le Bass.
18+, Ticketed ($40)
Thursday, April 9 | 9pm
Dave & Buster’s, Rancho Mirage
Brownies & Lemonade takes over the arcade for a night of drum & bass music, arcade games, and secret guest sets.
Open to all, $25-$40 depending on item
Thursday, April 9 – Sunday, April 12 | 11am-6pm
The Place, Indio
Visitors can design a custom keepsake using artist Katie Kimmel’s character decals and letters, heat-pressed onto a t-shirt, bandana, onesie, or hat.
Open to all, Free, RSVP Required
Friday, April 10 | 8 am
La Quinta Cove Trailhead parking lot, La Quinta
A wellness-focused morning run and group therapy session to reset before the first official day of the festival.
Open to all, Free, RSVP Required
Friday, April 10 – Saturday, April 11 | 9:30am–1pm
Saguaro Coffee, Indio
A last-minute festival fashion hub where guests can secure outfits and beauty essentials from brands like Urban Decay and Olive & June.
Urban Decay Downtown Indio Festival Weekend Takeover
Open to all, Free
Friday, April 10 | 10am–4pm
Saturday, April 11 | 9am–12pm
The Place (Friday) & Saguaro Coffee (Saturday), Indio
A downtown Indio takeover featuring free All Nighter setting spray for the first 50 customers on Friday and free coffee at neighboring Saguaro Coffee on Saturday morning.
Sabrina Carpenter “Pit Stop” Pop Up
Open to all, Free
Friday, April 10 | 12pm–8pm
Saturday, April 11 | 11am–1pm, 4pm–8pm
Sunday, April 12 | 12pm–3pm
82338 Highway 111, Indio
Friday’s headliner Sabrina Carpenter presents a branded pop-up with Airbnb on Highway 111 in Indio. Stop by for photos, merch, and refreshments.
Club Decades: Electric Desert Pool Party
Open to all, Free, RSVP Required
Friday, April 10 – Saturday, April 11 | 12pm-4pm
The Saguaro Hotel, Palm Springs
A pool party featuring DJs spinning dance favorites from every decade alongside specialty drinks.
Open to all, Free
Friday, April 10 | 2pm–4pm (Avalon Hotel) | 5pm–6pm (Ace Hotel)
Saturday, April 11 | 12pm–4pm (Ace Hotel)
Sunday, April 12 | 12pm–4pm (Rancho 51 Date Garden)
Loops Beauty tours Palm Springs with their “Jelly Mist” skincare. Stop by for product sampling on Friday, a wellness day on Saturday, and a pool party on Sunday.
Open to all, Free
Friday, April 10 | 5 pm
Corner of Towne Street and Bliss Avenue, Indio
It’s Festival Night at Food Truck Friday! The food lineup this week features Tamaleria Mi Ranchito, Candy’s Pupusas, Cafe Las Toxicas, The Flaming Cluck, and more. Stop by and dance for free to DJ Alf Alpha.
Open to all, Ticketed ($194)
Friday, April 10 – Sunday, April 12 | 10pm
Atlantic Aviation Hangar, Thermal
Framework returns for three nights of underground dance music in an airport hangar with headliners like Disclosure, Armin van Buuren, and Mochakk.
Jeremy Scott Archive Pop Up Shop
Open to all, Free
Saturday, April 11 | 11am–3pm
Market Market, Palm Springs
Designer Jeremy Scott hosts a pop-up shop of his vintage archives. Enjoy food from Palm Springs Charcuterie, tunes by Hi Lo Split, and drinks to celebrate the launch.
Open to all, Free
Saturday, April 11 – Sunday, April 12: 11am-2pm
The Place, Indio
A refreshing desert/dessert activation serving fruit snacks to festival-goers on their way to the grounds plus photo cards and phone charms.
Open to all, Ticketed, ($50)
Saturday, April 11 – Sunday, April 12 | 12pm–6pm
Palm Springs Surf Club, Palm Springs
Coachella’s producers offer laid back pool-side sets from Bunt., Subtronics, and Levity at the newly renovated surf park.
Open to all, Free, RSVP Required
Saturday, April 11 | 1pm–4pm
Private Location, Indio
An immersive afternoon featuring refreshing cocktails, beauty touch-ups, tarot readings, and gifting with sounds provided by XANDRA.
Open to all, Free
Saturday, April 11 | 3 p.m
Center Stage, Indio
The city of Indio presents Echo Lounge at Center Stage, featuring festival survival kits, giveaways, photo ops, a live DJ, and a Coachella Festival livestream.
Open to all, Ticketed, ($75)
Saturday, April 11 | 10pm–4am
Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport, Thermal
A high-fashion late-night takeover set among private jets featuring runway shows from designers like Honey Birdette and Nathalia Gaviria and sets from BigXthaPlug and DJ Katty Q.
Open to all, Ticked ($250)
Sunday, April 12 | 7am-7pm
ABC Ranch, Thermal
A 12-hour marathon event featuring house music to carry festival-goers through the final day. Featuring Kimonos, Ariel Vromen, and Vanjee.
The Flea Market by Bichota Records
Open to all, Free
Sunday, April 12 | 8am-2om
The Street Fair at College of the Desert, Palm Desert
A curated celebration of Latin American artisans and entrepreneurs celebrating artist Karol G featuring a Beauty Bar, over 35 fashion brands, and traditional cuisine. Fans are invited to prep for the festival with “tropicoqueta” styles and national flag-inspired colors.
10th Annual Desert Sunrise Trip & Breakfast
Open to all, Free, RSVP Required
Sunday, April 12 | 12pm–4pm
Private Location, Coachella Valley
Celebrate a decade of this guided journey to one of the valley’s most breathtaking sunset spots, designed to bring balance to the festival weekend.
Off-Site: Invite-Only Events
Invite-only
Thursday, April 9 | Daytime
Desert Island Country Club, Rancho Mirage
Kygo’s lifestyle brand returns for its annual tournament and opening celebration, blending music, golf, and a party atmosphere.
15 Year Celebration with CARAVANA
Invite-only
Thursday, April 9 | 6pm–12am
The Madison Club, La Quinta
A private desert celebration marking fifteen years of the Mexican artisanal brand with an evening of hospitality and dancing at a residence in the Madison Club.
Medicube Glow Oasis Pool Party
Invite-only
Thursday, April 9 | 9pm
Private Estate, Palm Desert
An exclusive pre-festival gathering focused on skincare and wellness.
Invite-only
Thursday, April 9 | 9pm
Private Location, Indio
Billboard’s annual kickoff event returning to the desert with Louis the Child, Jonas Blue, and other special guests.
Invite-only
Friday, April 10 | Daytime
Private Estate, Indio
Kendall Jenner’s tequila brand returns for a massive ranch-style party featuring DJ sets, high-profile guests, and custom 818 cocktails.
Invite-only
Friday, April 10 | 11am–3pm
Palm Springs
Catwalk Carnival and CONTRA host an exclusive gifting suite and lounge for trendsetters featuring live music from Santoooo, surprise performances, and brand activations from poppi and MCoBeauty.
Invite-only
Friday, April 10 – Sunday, April 12 | 11am–4pm
Private Estate, Indio
A daily social mixer featuring brand activations, gifting suites, an open bar, and surprise performances for creators and industry insiders.
Invite-only
Friday, April 17 | 11am-3pm
Private Location, Indio
Come experience the club with our rhineSTONE bar + makeup elevations, on site custom 90s air brush artist, insane photo ops including our CON AMOR bakery, BUENA MATCHA, DJ, giftings, +More!
Invite-only
Friday, April 10 | 12pm–5pm
Private location
Hosted by Julie Smolyansky, CEO of Lifeway Kefir, this wellness oasis features poolside hangs, mocktails, a hair braiding bar, and live performances by Autograf and Debbie Gibson.
Invite-only
Friday, April 10 | 12pm-5pm
Private Location, Indio
Featuring house sounds by Lubelski, Juush, Myles O’Neal, Nyjah Huston, and a special guest.
Method Oasis powered by Ulta Beauty
Invite-only
Friday, April 10 – Sunday, April 12 | 12pm–5pm
Private Estate, Bermuda Dunes
A poolside playground for creators and friends of the brand featuring beauty touch-ups, wellness moments, and a “poolside reset” on Sunday.
Invite-only
Friday, April 10 – Sunday, April 12 | 12pm-6pm
Private Estate, Indio
A high-end retreat for global tastemakers featuring a wellness oasis, IV drips, and exclusive gifting of unreleased collections.
Invite-only
Friday, April 10 | 1pm–6pm
44325 Jackson Street, Indio
Luxury meets the desert as YSL takes over for one night only, offering an exclusive drive-thru beauty experience.
Invite-only
Friday, April 10 | 1pm–4pm
Private location, Thermal
A beauty and glam event featuring skincare, gifting suites, and influencer networking in a desert oasis.
Boing Presents: This is Going to be Boing
Invite-only
Friday, April 10 | 10pm
Private Location, Indio
An exclusive late-night desert escape featuring surprise guest DJs and immersive production for those who know where to find the party.
Invite-only
Friday, April 10 | 10:30pm
Private Estate, Palm Desert
Nylon’s flagship after-party featuring a headline set by Diplo and an immersive late-night atmosphere for fashion and music insiders.
Invite-only
Friday, April 10 – Sunday, April 12 | Evening
Zenyara Estate, Indio
An ultra-exclusive late-night party series at a private desert lagoon featuring David Guetta, Afrojack, and Green Velvet.
Members Only, Paid Membership Required
Friday, April 10 – Sunday, April 12 | 11pm
Private Location
Featuring special guest DJs and a “members only” atmosphere. To gain access, attendees must download an app and join a membership.
Invite-only
Saturday, April 11 | Daytime
Private Estate, Thermal
The festival’s most famous off-site event featuring performances by Don Toliver, Mustard, and Kehlani plus brand activations from Erewhon and Affirm.
Invite-only
Saturday, April 11 | Daytime
Private Estate, Palm Springs
The annual staple celebration featuring Interscope’s heavy-hitting artist roster, gourmet food, and a high-profile crowd in a luxury poolside setting.
Casa De Lola: The Soft Spot of the Desert
Invite-only
Saturday, April 11 | Daytime
Private Estate, Indio
An exclusive pool party hosted by Lola Blankets featuring a cozy, luxury lounge environment and designer gifting.
CÎROC Athletic Club x Padel Up + AM Radio
Invite-only
Saturday, April 11 – Sunday, April 12 | 8am–6pm
Private Location, Indio
An experience featuring a custom-built padel court, a premium social lounge with CÎROC cocktails, and an on-site Pro Shop for merchandise.
Invite-only
Saturday, April 11 | 11am–3pm
Ingleside Estate Pool, Palm Springs
Bloom takes over the desert with sun, sounds, and a first taste of their newest energy flavor, featuring DJ sets by TOKiMONSTA and Fifi.
Invite-only
Saturday, April 11 | 11am-3pm
Royal Sun Hotel, Palm Springs
Riviera Social Club present an intimate pre-festival pool party with the renowned Roche Musique label at the Royal Sun Hotel, featuring some of your favorite Parisian djs + secret guests!
K-Beauty Lounge: Desert Edition
Invite-only
Saturday, April 11 – Sunday, April 12 | 12pm–6pm
Private Location, Palm Desert
A two-day beauty experience featuring leading K-Beauty brands like Medicube and Beauty of Joseon, hosted by celebrity makeup artist Ariel.
Absolut x Tabasco: The Hottest Brunch
Invite-only
Saturday, April 11 | 12pm–4pm
Private Location
Absolut and Tabasco team up for a “Hottest Brunch” featuring bold flavors in celebration of a new chili pepper-flavored vodka.
Invite-only
Saturday, April 11 | 1pm-5pm
Private Estate, Palm Desert
Kourtney Kardashian’s lifestyle brand hosts an immersive “camp” experience with wellness treatments, gifting suites, and high-profile attendees including a special performance by Ashlee Simpson.
Invite-only
Saturday, April 11 | 10pm–4am
Desert International Horse Park, Thermal
The legendary late-night carnival returns with amusement rides, carnival games, and a performance by Ty Dolla $ign.
Invite-only
Saturday, April 11 | 1pm–6pm
Private Ranch, Thermal
A boutique poolside activation featuring music, fashion, and beauty, with some outlets reporting appearances by Lizzo, SOMBR, Alix Earle, Flume, and Charli D’Amelio.
Martell x Davido Afrobeats Brunch
Invite-only
Sunday, April 12 | 12pm-4pm
Private Location, La Quinta
A celebration of Afrobeats culture and luxury cognac hosted by Davido to close out the first weekend of the festival.
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