It might only be February, but you probably need another holiday already.
And while Coachella’s been sold out for awhile, you can undoubtedly run into a ticket if you try hard enough – where there’s a will, there’s a way! If you’re thinking about a last-minute trip over to the West Coast this April, you’re not alone – here’s just five reasons to consider heading over in 2018:
The Line Up
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEGccV-NOm8
This is an obvious one. We all know that Coachella always manages to score the biggest and best artists all rolled into one sweet, sweet weekend of music perfection, but this year’s line up may be the best yet. While some were complaining about the lack of guitar-oriented music on this year’s bill, the three headliners – Beyoncé, Eminem & The Weekend – are indicative of hip-hop’s full and triumphant infiltration of the mainstream. We also can’t forget Post Malone and Cardi B, both of whom set chart records for their respective hit singles in 2017.
If those artists don’t tickle your fancy, then we also have HAIM, Portugal The Man, Alt-J, The War On Drugs and even A Perfect Circle at Coachella 2018.
Location, Location, Location
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lm-xqxUq3u8
Palm Springs is like every dream of the California landscape you can concoct- only surrounded by the desert. Not only does Palm Springs become the place to be when Coachella is on with droves of creatives (and networking opportunities) migrating for the weekend, if you stick around you can explore its insane array of furniture stores and museums. They are everywhere, and why not have a little trip to America afterwards? You deserve a holiday, go to Disneyland.
Extra-Cirricular Activities
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcGzBZjpEWw
We’ve already established that your earholes will be treated at Coachella, but your eyeballs will be taken care of, too. Each year, the festival is surrounded with large-scale artworks that frame the entire Coachella experience. These pieces are curated especially for the festival and are a crucial part of its overall vibe. There’s also a
smorgasbord of food and dining options throughout the weekend, so sit under a palm tree by yourself and eat six tacos consecutively.
You’ll Actually Be Doing Some Good…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXv7eRZ8Eto
Coachella not only injects a shit load of money into the Californian economy – we’re talking $700 million, and that was back in 2016 – but it does it best to engage with the local community and minimise environmental impact. Not only does a portion of the proceeds of passes go to the City of Indio and local charities (huge clap), they also provide recycling stations around the festival to reduce waste, while plastic bottles picked up by punters can also be exchanged for merchandise.
There’s still some way to go, with reports suggesting that attendees are only recycling 20% of their waste because of a failure to use the recycling stations. We’re hoping for an increase in years to come as awareness grows larger.
A Chance To Support Some Australians
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EUK9DrGhsU
As always, there’s a handful of Australians who have managed to inspire us all by crushing it internationally, and earning a spot on Coachella’s expansive lineup. This year, there’s seasoned favourites like Vance Joy and Alison Wonderland, as well as breakout stars Tash Sultana and Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever. Head along and tell everyone in your immediate vicinity that you listened to these artists before they were famous. Extra points for a nasally Australian accent.
