The ancillary events that happen around Coachella have nearly become as big a deal as the festival itself. In fact, there are plenty of people who head out to the desert during fest weekends just to do the party circuit and never actually set foot inside the Polo Grounds. Want to know where to pool party with it girls and influencers or catch main stage musicians playing far smaller events? Here’s our guide to Coachella parties, pop-ups, and activations.
Coachella Parties 2019
4Hunnid After Party: This ticketed, public event organized by local rapper YG and his fashion brand 4HUNNID takes place on a big weekend for the star, who is set to take the stage on Sunday night. Sponsored by Select CBD, guests can restore festival-worn bodies with CBD drops, rubs, and patches, in between performances by YG, DJ Vision, Sean G, and Brewbyrd. HITS Desert Horse Park, Thermal; tickets $32
Desert Beach Club: The owner of L.A.’s 1OAK nightclub teams up with V Magazine and concierge app Velocity Black for this VIP event. This year’s theme is French Riviera poolside vibes. A-listers including Kendall Jenner, Travis Scott, Rihanna, and Alessandra Ambrosio are among those you might spot sipping rosé and getting complimentary massages. Private location.
Desert Gold: The Ace always goes all out for Coachella, with programming and events for both weekends–and even the weekdays in between, for those who extend the trip. On the docket are performances by Jónsi, Juliana Barwick, Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith, Mary Lattimore, and many others. Ace Hotel & Swim Club, Palm Springs; RSVP
Ciroc Summer House: Hosted by Evan Ross & Ashlee Simpson-Ross, stop by this Ciroc-sponsored event for tour through Ciroc Watermelon World (full of photo ops, naturally), Ciroc cocktails, and food by chef Leandro Bongarra of Saline Restaurant in Laguna Beach’s new Hotel Joaquin. Korakia Pensione, Palm Springs.
Neon Carnival: Presented by Levi’s, Bondi Sands, and Pokémon: Detective Pikachu, the Neon Carnival is the buzziest of the big Coachella after-parties. Taking place both weekend one and during Stagecoach, the event is huge and packed with celebs. Private location; guest list
Day Club Palm Springs: Splash the weekend away at this daytime event featuring top-notch DJ talent each day. Diplo, Dillon Francis, and Rüfüs Du Sol are among the performers to expect. Hilton Palm Springs; tickets $30-$75.
STK & LiveMe Parties: This pair of invite-only events is organized by LiveMe, SKAM Artists, and Apex Social Club. Guests will dine on fare by L.A.’s STK Steakhouse and enjoy drinks by the Barbershop Club and Cocktails. Private location.
KROQ House: L.A.’s rock radio station takes over an Indio estate for this annual event which, this year boasts some top talent. The 1975, Billie Eilish, Khalid, and Bob Moses are among the performers. While officially invite-only, KROQ offers a chance for fans to enter to win admission. Private location.
ZOEasis: Rachel Zoe was a pioneer in the world of boho-chic Coachella parties, and returns for her fifth annual ZOEaisis event. The stylish affair highlights partnerships with Sephora, Swatch, and Sunseeker Rosé. A Rocketman-inspired photo station serves Elton John looks. The Parker, Palm Springs.
Rhonda Queen of the Desert: Framework presents this annual late-night desert dance party by A Club Called Rhonda. Headline DJs this year include Virgil Abloh and Nina Kraviz, and guests can pass the wee hours exploring interactive art installations scattered around the massive indoor/outdoor venue. 85555 Airport Blvd., Thermal; tickets $60
Secular Sabbath: Two Bunch Palms, a spa retreat dating back to the ’40s, becomes a very modern wellness destination over weekend one. Secular Sabbath includes special music, workshops, massages, and more, and features a partnership with dosist. Helicopter service BLADE and dosist are also partnering on ferrying fans to the desert in style. Two Bunch Palms, Desert Hot Springs; Reserve.
Inside the Festival Grounds
DoLab Stage: Curated separately from the other stages–but no less exciting–this dance-focused area is an annual favorite. This year, performers will include RY X, Pete Tong, Madam X, DJ Nu-Mark, and more. For updates and surprise guests, fans are encouraged to text DOLAB to 55222. More information.
Heineken House: In between main stage sets, be sure to duck into the Heineken House for constant programming and a break from the sun. Headliners include The Roots, De La Soul, Pete Tong, and other pretty big names. More information.
#MYCALVINS House: Tucked between the Gobi and Mojave Tents, make a diversion to check out #MYCALVINS House. This activation from Calvin Klein will offer a “multisensory experience” inspired by the label’s most recent ad campaign.
Absolut Planet Tent: Absolut is the official vodka of Coachella, so they get their own fancy bar, complete with refreshing drinks, cute photo backdrops, free WiFi, and music. Oh, and air conditioning, which is the greatest gift of all.
Pop-Ups and Shops
Dolls Kill Quickie Mart: Colorful local brand Dolls Kill has taken over an abandoned gas station off Highway 111 and turned it into a festival fashion pit-stop. A curated fest edit will be available to shop, or place an order for anything on the company’s website for pick-up at the pop-up. 83186 Hwy 111, Indio; dollskill.com/quickiemart
YSL Beauty Pop-Up: Need a refresh on your beauty look on your way out to the desert? Pull off the road at this art installation-ish pop-up, stocked with favorite items from the luxury line. There’s Instagram-worthy “moments,” of course. 68899 A St., Cathedral City; RSVP
RELATED: Coachella Is Launching a New Program to Combat Harassment at the Fest
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