A view of the Stagecoach ferris wheel on the afternoon of April 27th (Day 2). Over 70,000 people were in attendance this year. (Photo courtesy of Claire Doyle)

“Overdone,” “boring,” and “influencer Olympics.” Just a few phrases that have been used to describe the festival season, particularly Coachella and Stagecoach. Both festivals are held in sunny Indio, California. The year’s lineup included artists such as Sabrina Carpenter, Billie Eilish, and Morgan Wallen. 

I had the privilege of attending Stagecoach this year, and it prompted me to reflect on the pros and cons of such festivals. 

Pros

• Exposure to new artists as well as established names in the music industry  (I listened to some of the biggest names in country music!)
• Surprisingly good food options 
• Diverse activities and performances throughout the event

Cons 

• Extensive walking (On my first day alone, my health app logged 7 miles!) 
• High food prices despite the quality
• Limited sitting options (The ground is really the only option!)

Next, here are some tips if you plan to attend a festival:

• Wear comfortable shoes like sneakers. (Think twice about boots!)
• Eat a meal before arriving to avoid having to buy a lot of overpriced food.
• Plan your schedule around artists you want to see to make the most of your time.
• Arrive at an optimal time to avoid boredom or exhaustion from waiting too much.

For anyone interested in attending a festival, I recommend trying it at least once, as the experience can be both enjoyable and eye-opening!