COACHELLA WEEKEND TWO: HOW TO SURVIVE THE DESERT CIRCUS

By Kai Li

Alright, campers — Weekend Two of Coachella is upon us, and if Weekend One was any indicator, we’re in for a wild ride. We're talking throwback-level chaos: long lines, no bathrooms, $17 lemonades, and yes — actual palm trees on fire. It was giving Lord of the Flies meets Woodstock '99, but with influencers and glitter. Total buzzkill.

Let’s rewind for a sec.

TikTok exploded last weekend with festivalgoers venting their rage. Some folks waited eight hours just to get into their campsites. EIGHT. HOURS. That’s not a music festival — that’s a DMV line with worse vibes and no AC. People were straight-up losing it. No bathrooms, no shade, and lemonades priced like cocktails in a Vegas club? Not cool. And then, because the desert said, “Hold my beer,” a few palm trees caught fire. Literal flames. No metaphor here.

If you're rolling into Weekend Two, don’t freak — just learn from the chaos, pack smarter, and get your head right. Here's how to keep it together and actually enjoy the madness.

1. Beat the Lines Like a Pro

Channel your inner slacker genius and don’t roll in during peak times. Get there early Thursday if you're camping, or wait until late at night when the crowds chill out. Bring snacks, chill music, and a zero-expectations mindset. Remember: it's about the journey, not the destination (unless the destination has working toilets).

2. Hydrate Like You’re in a PSA

You’re not 19 anymore (or maybe you are, but trust me, you’ll feel 47 by Sunday). Water is non-negotiable. Bring a hydration pack, chug electrolytes, and skip the overpriced sugar bombs unless you’re down to drop half your paycheck on citrus.

3. Dust = Real

Weekend One turned into a full-on sandstorm. Bandanas and goggles aren’t just a fashion statement — they’re survival gear. Throw in some nasal spray and eyedrops, and boom — you’re basically a desert ninja.

4. Fashion, But Make It Functional

Gen X knows this rule well: comfort = cool. Save your fashion risks for Instagram. IRL, go for layers, SPF 50, and shoes you can dance in without seeing a medic. Pro tip: break those boots in before the fest. Blisters are not a vibe.

We love these fashion looks from Thriftology in Palm Desert

5. Have a Game Plan, but Be Chill About It

Wanna see Lana, Justice, and Ice Spice? Rad. Just don’t have a meltdown if things don’t go according to plan. Signal dies. Friends wander off. Tents get weird. Pick a meeting point (we recommend the Ferris wheel — classic) and keep it analog. If your phone goes dead, don’t panic — ask someone. People are actually pretty nice out here.

6. Remember the Vibe

Coachella isn’t just about the music — it’s a mood, a state of mind. Be excellent to each other. Offer water, trade snacks, hype up strangers’ fits. Gen X survived Y2K, dial-up internet, and low-rise jeans. You can survive Coachella Weekend Two.

The desert will test you. But it’ll also gift you sunsets that look like album covers and memories that live longer than your phone battery. Stay cool, stay kind, and keep your weird. Peace, love, and lemonades — hopefully under $10 this time.

About the Author

Kai Li is a millennial writer with a passion for travel and fashion, blending her love for exploration with a sharp eye for style. She writes to inspire others to embrace both the adventure and artistry of life. Whether she’s jet-setting to new destinations or curating the latest looks, Kai brings a unique blend of creativity and wanderlust to everything she does.