Coachella is a popular destination for influencers and Instagram fanatics.Callie Ahlgrim
Coachella in Indio, California is the most famous music festival in the world.
However, Insider’s music team found that the reality isn’t exactly as it appears on social media.
The area is dusty, food is expensive, and much of the day is spent sitting or weaving through crowds.
The first taste of the festival is not very picturesque.
Day parking at Coachella is free. Callie Ahlgrim
The way from the parking lot is long, tedious and extremely dusty.
Preferred parking is $140 plus fees. Callie Ahlgrim
Festival workers try to reduce dust with water, but this often creates mud puddles.
It may take 20 to 30 minutes to reach the festival site from daytime parking lots. Callie Ahlgrim
The way back is even worse.
Most headlines end well after midnight. Callie Ahlgrim
Many people got lost trying to find their cars and had to traverse unmarked areas.
On the first day there was not enough signage to help visitors find their way. Callie Ahlgrim
Some people took off their shoes because their feet had become so sore.
Cowboy boots were a popular footwear option at Coachella this year. Callie Ahlgrim
The lines at the festival are always long.
Those over the age of 21 will receive a special bracelet that must be renewed every day.Callie Ahlgrim
The queue when buying goods is particularly exhausting.
Some people waited more than two hours to buy merch. Callie Ahlgrim
You might wait 40 minutes or more to buy overpriced groceries.
There is classic fast food as well as vegan options.Callie Ahlgrim
This slice of cheese pizza costs $11.
It was OK. Callie Ahlgrim
This order of fries and onion rings is $26.
The dipping sauces were complimentary. Callie Ahlgrim
There are very few tables or seating areas so people usually eat on the floor.
It’s difficult to find a suitable seat at Coachella if you don’t have access to the VIP areas. Callie Ahlgrim
In fact, people spend far more time sitting on the floor than you might expect.
People sat on the lawn to watch FINNEAS perform. Callie Ahlgrim
The sun is so strong that people skip shows and activities just to sit in the shade.
There are art installations and structures that offer some relief from the sun. Callie Ahlgrim
It’s so hot that some people can’t bear to approach the stage even if they want to see the performance.
Coachella’s outdoor theater stage. Callie Ahlgrim
It can also be difficult to get close to the stage, thanks to massive VIP areas off-limits to regular guests.
Coachella’s Mojave Stage. Callie Ahlgrim
Much of the day is spent weaving through crowds.
Coachella’s Gobi Stage. Callie Ahlgrim
These masses leave rubbish everywhere.
Workers can be seen throughout the day picking up discarded bottles and food. Callie Ahlgrim
The experience can be overwhelming and exhausting.
Some people just sleep on the floor. Callie Ahlgrim
Read the original article on Insider