Any advice for a first timer??

[Jasicka]

I just recently moved to LA from Pittsburgh and will be attending my first Stagecoach festival. I was wondering if anyone had any advice. Anything would be helpful. Thank you, Amanda

[greg-andrea]

Amanda, Amanda, Amanda, first time, wow you are sure in for some fun. Well to start out, the weather will be significantly warmer than what you may be accustomed to being from Pittsburgh. Also depending on if you are camping or just attending the festival and either going home everyday or staying in a hotel will make a difference as far as your experience and how you have to prepare yourself. If you are camping, make sure you bring all the essentials so you won't have to buy anything at the venue as this can set you back alot. Also, take all the small side shows in even if you have never heard of the artist before. Get there early and grab a hay bale so you can be up front. Some of the best music is when an artist is starting out. Other then that, just enjoy the festival, don't do anything that you wouldn't want your friends to see on youtube and be safe!!!

[keebzie]

don't do anything that you wouldn't want your friends to see on youtube and be safe!!!

Haha, that is great advice! I think I'll take that advice too...

I'd also say use the buddy system, especially since you're a female. I had a very safe and fun time last year but, the venue is huge and its easy to get lost. So either have your phone on you or always keep a friend close

So excited for you!

[JNPatton]

Yeah, I have to agree, super fun but super huge and you get separated from your friends a lot. Most people are amazingly nice though! Read the FAQ's on the website, theres a lot to know. The board if full of really useful tips too! Are you camping on site?

[annie]

Yeah, I have to agree, super fun but super huge and you get separated from your friends a lot. Most people are amazingly nice though!

i can attest to this - got separated from all my friends last year and this really nice couple let me use their phone to find my sister!

i've gone three out of the past five years but this is my first year camping - super excited!

[Gone2Havasu]

i've gone three out of the past five years but this is my first year camping - super excited!

We've been to Stagecoach every year. The first year we rented a house very close the venue with it's own pool and jacuzzi. It was incredible, but the following 4 years we took motorhomes/trailers and camped. Without a doubt there is no comparison. Camping is the only way to go!!

[skinzfan20]

Bring lots of cold beer! Drink as much as you can before you get in because, just like every venue, the drinks are significantly higher priced. It's a long weekend, don't be in a hurry.

Also, everyone is pretty cool and helpful. I lost my wife a few years ago in the crowd and her cell phone died and was by herself. She called me from three different cell #s. All people trying to help. We caught up right before Brad came on stage.

[calgal]

Lived in Pittsburgh area myself so you're going to love the weather during the day...evenings can get a little cooler, but you probably won't think so! Also, love the buddy system/cell phone suggestions. Get familiar with the surroundings. It will make getting around easier at night! With the festival being sold-out this year, it's going to be a bit more crowded than in the past! You're going to have a great time!

[Jasicka]

Thank you for all the advice To be honest, I'm still trying to figure everything out. I know it's so last minute but I just found out about Stagecoach last week. Got my tickets just need to figure everything else out. I really want to camp...if anyone wants two girls to tag along with them let me know lol.

[Keith]

I highly recommend the camping as I did it last year... But it's not for the faint of heart or even for a first timer if you haven't camped before...Altho you are an East Coaster like me so I'm sure you're tough!!!

However, if you decide not to camp or are unable to secure a spot, I do have bedrooms available in the house I'm renting 11 miles from Stagecoach! (Shameless plug!!!)

Enjoy the hell out of it, you won't forget the show or the people you will meet here on the boards and at the show!

Keith

[Countrygurl]

SPF on your lips is my tip

[Chevgirl357]

SPF on your lips is my tip

^^^THIS^^^

I bring SPF 20 chapstick and use it ALL day long and my lips still get super fried. The one year I forgot it, I couldn't move my lips for a week! Also sunblock applied 2-3 times a day is super important. I'm the sunblock police with my group!

[annie]

I bring SPF 20 chapstick and use it ALL day long and my lips still get super fried. The one year I forgot it, I couldn't move my lips for a week! Also sunblock applied 2-3 times a day is super important. I'm the sunblock police with my group!

YES! and an FYI to everyone ~ Burt's Bees chapstick does NOT have SPF!

[frenchie]

SPF on your lips is my tip

I cannot agree more! My lips are always super sensitive and I keep SPF chapstick on daily. No matter what I do at SC, my lips always get chapped & burnt. And do your best to balance the amount of water & alcohol you're drinking. Dehydration sucks and can ruin the weekend A lot of rookies don't pace themselves and get sick within the first few hours.

[calgal]

OMG! Yes. Chapstick with SPF. Learned about that the hard way the first year at Stagecoach. And last year I had to use Claritin and I don't have allergies! Something with the grass disagreed with my sinuses.

[frenchie]

OMG! Yes. Chapstick with SPF. Learned about that the hard way the first year at Stagecoach. And last year I had to use Claritin and I don't have allergies! Something with the grass disagreed with my sinuses.

Yes, Claritin & tissues! I take at least one Claritin or Allegra daily and go through at least one pack of tissues. I do have allergies and they flare up like crazy out there.

[Cannonball Run]

A few thoughts....

Go to page 22 on this Questions Forum (Best Bang for the Buck) and

Page 32 for Camp Ground Rookie -

Both threads are filled with great ideas and things not to forget.

You'll have fantastic time... and welcome to California - you'll really like it in January!

Sorry I don't have space for you two in my rig.....

[Jasicka]

Thank you all and I'm getting so excited

[KWORL]

I'm a first timer too! Soo excited and ready to go! And after reading this I definetly won't be forgetting my chapstick!

If you are still trying to figure out where to camp, we have space! We are camping at Lake Cahuilla about 4 miles away from Stagecoach. Let me know, prices are super reasonable and we have a few first timers!

Email me at KarlyWorl@gmail.com if you are interested!

[ezygezy]

Not sure if this question belongs here or on the ins and outs - but, as a first timer if you do chose to drive and park - are you able to walk back to where you parked your car and hang out for a few hours? Will you then be readmitted to the venue without a problem? We were thinkin to leave a cooler in the car and maybe something to make a shade with in order to chill, if needed. Is this ok?