2012 Festival Info: Rules and frequently asked questions

Below are general venue rules and frequently asked questions. Please note, onsite camping has it's own separate set of rules. Please visit the onsite camping pages for those.

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

• General Questions
  • What's the best time to arrive?

    Definitely arrive several hours earlier to be on the safe side. CARPOOL, CARPOOL, CARPOOL!!! Please be prepared for significant delays if you choose to not obey all festival signage and staff. For the easiest and fastest arrival and departure, take a shuttle.

  • Can I walk to the festival?

    Yes, pedestrian access is available via Avenue 49/Monroe and Avenue 52/Madison. Please be advised, there will be NO festival access for pedestrians along Monroe Street between Avenue 49 and Avenue 52.

  • What time does it end?

    The festival usually ends around 12:30am-ish.

  • Will you be posting set times in advance?

    Yes. Set times will be posted here a couple days before the festival and also be on the festival guide that is passed out upon entrance.

  • How hot will it get in the day and how cold will it get at night?

    CLICK HERE for Coachella Valley 10 day Weather forecast information.
    CLICK HERE to see what the "average" weather is like in Indio, CA. all year long.

  • What charity is the money going to? Who are they?

    Please visit our CHARITY PAGE for complete information.

  • How do I submit ART for the Festival?

    Sorry, we are not taking art submissions.

  • I'm a photographer. Who do I arrange a photo pass through?

    Please use the press email address on the Contact Info page for inquiries.

  • Are you hiring volunteers at the event?

    No.

  • Can I pass out flyers inside? Outside?

    No. Please try and use less paper. Plus, marketing is totally over rated.

  • What happens if I lose or break my festival wristband?

    Ouch, if you lose it or tamper with your wristband, you will have to buy another one (if there are any left)! If your wristband accidentally breaks or is damaged, please immediately return to the nearest entrance gate (tollbooth) and ask for customer service.

  • How do I become food vendor? Or non-food vendor? I have questions!

    Non-Food Vending booths for 2012: We are not taking vendor applications. There is NO waiting list. We will post here IF we change our minds.
    Food Vending for 2012: CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION

  • I am going to the festival but not camping on site. CAN I PARTAKE in all the cool stuff going on in the campgrounds?

    You can during the festival but there is NO parking for you on Thursday night. (this means there is nowhere for you to park your car on Thursday night). If you find another way to arrive (taxi/shuttle/bike/walk/float/swim) and are wearing your festival pass, you are more than welcome. Onsite camping is the best option to never miss a moment of the fun! party.

  • Are there any places to rent a bicycle nearby?

    You should check HERE or HERE.

  • I have a Medical Marijuana Card and medicate daily. cool?

    Sorry Bro, Medical Marijuana Cards are not valid at Coachella.

  • Why ______________________ ?

    Because.

  • Can I use tickets/wristbands/the Coachella name to promote my website/product/event?

    No. The Coachella trademarks, intellectual property, tickets and wristbands may NOT be used for advertising, promotions, contests, sweepstakes or any commercial purpose. The only exception is for the festival's official sponsors (and even they need formal written authorization from the festival's producers).

• What Can I Bring?
  • Can I bring an umbrella to block the sun?

    Sorry no, those block the view of other festival goers.

  • What about bringing in my medical prescription? Example: Diabetic insulin?

    You should identify yourselves to security while waiting to enter the venue. Security will locate the medical folks adjacent to the main entrance, and they will assist you in storing and providing a secure area for diabetics. ALL Medical prescriptions and accompanying names on those containers will need to match the person's proper ID. Medical related items (food included) may be brought in provided a proper dr. note and / or prescription detailing the necessity of the item is onsite and available.

  • Can I bring in eye drops for my contact lenses?

    Yes, but they need to be in a marked container.

  • Can I bring a water squirt gun or mister?

    Sorry, these will not be allowed into the venue, though there might be some mister fans available for purchase onsite.

  • Can I bring Chapstick?

    Yes. Make sure it has Sunscreen in it too!

  • Can we bring walkie talkies?

    Sure.

  • Are strollers allowed into the venue?

    Yes if it is for an infant/toddler.

  • How big is a medium backpack? / How will this be enforced?

    A medium backpack should be no bigger than 20" tall, 15" wide and 9" thick packed. Bags will have to fit into a box of that size similar to the system used at Airports. If your bag doesn't fit in the box it won't be able to go inside the venue.

  • What are considered professional cameras and professional digital cameras?

    Any camera with a removable lens.

• Will There Be... At/In The Venue/Festival?
  • Will there be vegetarian/vegan food offered?

    Yes.

  • Will there be flushable toilets and sinks available?

    Yes.

  • Will there be Disabled person parking/bathrooms? Where?

    STAND BY (NO PUN INTENDED)

  • Will I be able to find security if needed?

    Yes.

  • Will there be payphones inside the venue?

    Sorry, No. Do they still make those?

  • Will there be ATMs?

    Yes, both inside the venue and all around the event / camping grounds plus clearly marked on the festival guide.

  • Will there be lockers on site?

    There are a very limited amount of lockers available for rent. Please go to: http://lockersonline.com . Be nice to Lou the Locker guy. He's super cool.

  • Will there be a Lost & Found? (Lost keys, cell phones, etc.)

    Yes, there will be a Lost & Found booth which might be clearly marked on the festival guide, or hopefully at least the booth itself will be clearly marked. We have a kick ass Lost & Found. Please try to put your contact info in your phone and take a picture of your contact info for your camera in case you lose those things. You can inquire with lost/found after the festival by emailing info@coachella.com Please describe your lost item in detail. Pics are usually posted later too.

  • Will there be First Aid on site?

    Yes. First Aid stations will be on site, clearly visible to the eye, and clearly marked on the festival guide.

  • Will there be a Mist tent?

    Maybe... wander around to see. There for sure will be various shaded structures.

  • Water? And/or how much is water?

    Bottled water will be sold for only $2 (same price since 1999) at numerous vendor locations. Also there will be water fountains. Yes you can bring an empty refillable bottle (no metal).

  • Will there be a sunglasses / visors or hats / sunscreen sold?

    Yes, there will be booths on site with those items.

  • Will there be a festival map available ahead of time so we can see which bands will be at which stages/tent areas? And see locations of food courts, bathroom areas?

    Yes. It will be posted a couple days before the festival. It will also be on the festival guide being passed out upon entrance. LINE UP SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

  • Will there be wifi?

    AT&T Wi-Fi will be available for attendees to connect during Coachella. For more information on how to connect to Wi-Fi, visit THIS PLACE RIGHT HERE

• Parking, Taxis, Cars, Buses, Trains
  • What's the deal with parking?

    There will be plenty of parking adjacent to the festival grounds. Day parking is free. YOU WILL NOT BE ADMITTED INTO THE PARKING LOTS WITHOUT ALL PASSENGERS IN YOUR VEHICLE HAVING THEIR FESTIVAL PASS ON THEIR WRIST! NO EXCEPTIONS. There is no overnight parking allowed except for people who bought a companion camping parking pass or those who have an onsite camping spot. Everyone planning to park needs to have their festival pass on upon arrival. Did we already mention that? There is NO parking for RVs.
    
    Absolutely NO PEDESTRIANS OR PEDESTRIAN FESTIVAL ACCESS will be allowed on Monroe Street between Avenue 49 and Avenue 52. PEDESTRIAN ACCESS IS available at the corner of Avenue 49 & Monroe Street and at the corner of Avenue 52 & Madison Street.

  • Where can I park my RV? Is there RV camping?

    There is NO parking or Camping for RVs.

  • I locked my keys in my car, my car won't start, I lost my keys. Will there be a Tow truck or AAA on site?

    There will be a Locksmith on site (it's probably Sean. He is super cool) and an AAA Tow Truck on stand by. Be sure to stop by lost and found and look for your keys first. Lost and Found gets tons of unclaimed lost keys each year.

  • Where is the nearest bus stop?

    In downtown Indio about 3 miles from the venue.

  • Where is the nearest train stop and/or bus stop?

    Downtown Indio about 3 miles from the venue.

  • Where is the nearest gas station or drugstore?

    A gas station is about 3.6 miles away, Monroe & the 111. There are several food places up and down hwy 111.
    The closest grocery store, coffee shop and some food places is the shopping center with RALPHS at the corner of Jefferson and 50th. Google maps will help guide you. HERE is satellite view of venue. You can zoom out.

  • Where is the Taxi and/or Drop off/Pick up point??

    At the corner of Avenue 52 & Madison Street.
    
    Absolutely NO PEDESTRIANS OR PEDESTRIAN FESTIVAL ACCESS will be allowed on Monroe Street between Avenue 49 and Avenue 52. PEDESTRIAN ACCESS IS available at the corner of Avenue 49 & Monroe Street and at the corner of Avenue 52 & Madison Street.

• Passes
  • Where can I buy passes? I don't have a credit card to use online/phone?

    Take your cash to a grocery store and purchase a prepaid credit card to use.

  • I bought tickets for Weekend 1Weekend 2, can I switch them to Weekend 2 Weekend 1?

    Sorry, no.

  • Will there be passes sold at the event?

    No passes will be sold at the venue, Period.

  • Can I slide off my wristband and give it to a friend?

    No, if your wristband is loose enough to slide off of your wrist, you will not be allowed access to the show. You will also be required to purchase a replacement wristband on-site for $25.

  • I accidentally damaged my wristband, what do I do?

    If your wristband is damaged, you will not be allowed access to the show. You will also be required to purchase a replacement wristband on-site for $25.

  • I accidentally put my wristband on too loose, what do I do?

    If your wristband is loose enough to slide off of your wrist, you will not be allowed access to the show. You will also be required to purchase a replacement wristband on-site for $25

  • Is a 3-day pass three separate tickets?

    No. It is one wristband that is good for the entire weekend. Void if removed or tampered with.

  • Why?

    Because.

  • Can I buy passes for both weekends?

    While supplies last. You would have to place two separate orders. They would ship separately as well.

  • When and how do I receive my passes/order?

    All festival passes, camping decals, and shuttle and parking passes will be shipped out in March 2012. Signature will be required – please keep that in mind when entering your shipping address. We will NOT ship to P.O. Boxes.

  • My friend got his order or his email notification that his order is coming and I didn't get mine yet. When should I panic? What should I do?

    Passes start(ed) shipping out in March and take a couple weeks to get all the emails/packages out. Wait until at least March 21, 2012 before you start bugging frontgate about your order.

  • Can I have my order shipped to an address other than my billing address?

    Sure. You have the option to choose a different shipping address during the order process. Please keep in mind orders will require a signature for delivery and will NOT be shipped to a PO Box. For INTERNATIONAL orders (excluding Canada & Mexico), you also have the option to pick up at Will Call at an offsite location near the festival.

  • Is getting my pass shipped the only option or can I pick them up somewhere?

    Shipping was the only option for people in the USA, Mexico or Canada. International orders could ALSO chose to pick up at Will Call which is offsite location near the festival. Details will be posted at a later date.

  • I am traveling from abroad and not sure where exactly I will be in March. Where should I have my order shipped?

    In 2012, INTERNATIONAL orders (excluding Canada & Mexico), you also have the option to pick up at Will Call at an offsite location near the festival.

  • My 2012 order is will call, can I change it to get shipped?

    To inquire, please contact the ticketing company, frontgate. 888-512-SHOW. Shipping charges will apply.

  • I missed the 2012 deadline to update my shipping address and the package is already coming, what can I do?

    To redirect a package after you've received a shipping notification please contact Frontgate at 888-512-SHOW. Additional shipping charges may apply.

  • I got a shipping notification/my frontgate account says my package was shipped today, when am I getting my package?

    From the time you receive your tracking email from UPS and/or your frontgate account says your package has shipped, your package will be en-route within the next BUSINESS day. If you are trying to track your package and get an error please wait until the next day and you should be able to see its status. If you are still having issues more than 24 hours after you've received your shipping notification please contact Frontgate at 512-888-SHOW

  • I have a camping spot but I need to get a companion parking spot for my friend who is meeting me there. What do I do?

    When ordering your camping spot you will have an option on to add a companion parking pass. If you already purchased your passes, please contact Front Gate via phone 888-512-SHOW and have them add one to your order (if there are any left).

  • I bought passes(s) for 2012 on layaway but I need to change my credit card information on file. How do I do that?

    TO CHANGE CREDIT CARD:
    1. Click on one of the following URLs
    Weekend 1: http://coachella-weekend1.frontgatetickets.com/
    Weekend 2: http://coachella-weekend2.frontgatetickets.com/
    
    2. Sign In with the same email address and password you used to place your original order
    
    3. Click on My Account
    
    4. Under "Change My Account Information", scroll down and update your "Stored Credit Card" information.
    
    5. Hit "Save Changes"

  • How do I contact Front Gate? How do I check on my order?

    PHONE: 888-512-SHOW
    EMAIL: support@fgtcustomerservice.com
    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: http://www.frontgatetickets.com/support/faq/#1
    FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/frontgatetickets

  • I need to check on my layaway order. How do I contact the ticketing company?

    PHONE: 888-512-SHOW
    EMAIL: support@fgtcustomerservice.com
    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: http://www.frontgatetickets.com/support/faq/#1
    FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/frontgatetickets

  • I ordered 2012 passes(s) on layaway. Can you please tell me step by step how I can view my order history?

    TO VIEW ORDER HISTORY:
    
    1. Click on which weekend you purchased:
    Weekend 1: http://coachella-weekend1.frontgatetickets.com/
    Weekend 2: http://coachella-weekend2.frontgatetickets.com/
    
    2. Sign In with the same email address and password you used to place your original order
    
    3. Click on "Order History"
    
    4. Once you are in your order history, click 'View Receipt' to view all payments and details regarding your order.

  • Is Live Tours legit? How can I contact them? P: ¿Estas viajando de Mexico? R: Tenemos la solucion para ti.

    Yes, Si, They are legit. You can contact them here: http://www.livetours.com.mx/

• Hotels
  • Every hotel is sold out. What can I do?

    Don't give up.
    Try Valley Music Travel
    Try looking on our Hotels page.
    Try Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, etc. etc.
    Try finding someones couch to surf that lives near there?