There are festivals, and then there’s Coachella.

After spending three unforgettable days in the desert, we left with sore feet, thousands of photos, and pages of notes. While most attendees were talking about their favorite performances, we found ourselves admiring something a little different—the logistics, the guest experience, the production, and all of the behind-the-scenes details that make an event of this scale possible.

As event planners, we couldn’t help but imagine what we’d do if Coachella asked us to take the reins. And while we’d never want to change the magic that makes the festival so iconic, there are definitely a few things we’d keep, a few we’d tweak, and a few fun ideas we’d love to add.

We’d Keep the Activations

One of the biggest highlights of the weekend wasn’t even on the stages.

Everywhere you looked, there was something to discover. From larger-than-life art installations and immersive brand activations to colorful structures that doubled as photo opportunities, Coachella truly created an experience beyond the music. Every activation felt intentional, giving guests a reason to explore every corner of the festival grounds.

We especially loved seeing brands think beyond traditional sponsorships. Whether it was the Neutrogena sunscreen booth offering a much-needed refresh or the incredible interactive installations scattered throughout the venue, every experience felt thoughtfully designed and genuinely useful.

It’s exactly the kind of experiential marketing we love to see.

We’d Keep the Food—But Feed People Later

Let’s talk about the food.

Festival food isn’t always known for being… memorable. Coachella completely changed that.

The variety was incredible. Whether you were craving tacos, pizza, healthy bowls, sweet treats, or late-night comfort food, there truly was something for everyone. It felt less like typical festival concessions and more like walking through an outdoor food hall featuring some of California’s best restaurants.

If we could change one thing, though? Keep it open later.

After headliners finish, thousands of people are leaving the festival hungry. Extending food service just a little longer would create a better guest experience, reduce the rush to leave, and give everyone one last chance to enjoy the incredible food before heading home.

The Production Blew Us Away

As planners, this may have been our favorite part of the entire weekend.

While everyone else was watching the performances, we found ourselves watching the production crews.

Seeing massive stage sets disappear and entirely new productions come together in what felt like minutes was incredible. Giant scenic pieces, lighting rigs, instruments, LED walls—everything moved with remarkable speed and precision.

The amount of planning, communication, and teamwork required to make those transitions happen is something most guests never even notice, but it’s one of the most impressive parts of the entire festival.

We’d Make Navigation Easier

If there was one area we’d improve immediately, it would be wayfinding.

Finding your way around Coachella can be overwhelming, especially on your first day. While there were plenty of staff members available to help (and every person we spoke with was incredibly kind), clearer directional signage would make a huge difference.

Day 0 especially left many guests unsure of where to exit or how to navigate transportation after the festival.

When you’re welcoming hundreds of thousands of attendees, great signage becomes just as important as great programming.

We’d Reimagine the VIP Experience

VIP definitely had its perks.

The dedicated entrance into the Yuma Tent was one of our favorite features all weekend. Having access to separate lounges, food vendors, and amenities made the experience feel elevated without taking away from the excitement of the festival.

That said, we’d make a few updates.

The main stage viewing area didn’t quite feel like the premium experience guests expect when purchasing VIP. We’d love to see a better viewing layout that allows guests to fully enjoy the performances while still maintaining crowd flow.

We’d also introduce dedicated VIP merchandise lines at the larger merch tents. Small conveniences like shorter wait times go a long way in making guests feel like they’re receiving added value.

Crowd Flow Matters

One thing every event planner notices? How guests leave.

The final night highlighted one opportunity for improvement. As everyone exited VIP, thousands of guests were funneled through what felt like one narrow exit, creating long standstills and unnecessary congestion.

Whether that’s solved through wider exits, multiple access points, or adjusted traffic flow, it’s a reminder that the guest experience doesn’t end when the music does.

A smooth exit leaves people talking about the memories—not the traffic.

One Fun Idea We’d Add

Now for our completely unofficial Ash Events suggestion… golf cart shuttle upgrades.

If you’ve been to Coachella, you already know the walk into—and especially out of—the festival is no joke. After a full day of walking, dancing, and exploring the grounds, that final trek back can feel endless.

We’d love to see an optional golf cart shuttle upgrade available for purchase, giving guests a more comfortable and convenient way to get to and from the festival. It would be a fun luxury that solves a real guest pain point, especially for those attending multiple days or simply wanting to save their energy for the music.

Sometimes it’s the smallest touches that leave the biggest impression—and we have a feeling this would quickly become one of Coachella’s most popular upgrades.

Our Biggest Takeaway

Coachella reminded us why we love what we do.

It’s easy to look at a festival this size and focus solely on the artists, but what makes Coachella truly unforgettable is everything happening around them. The activations, the production, the food, the branding, the logistics, the guest experience—every detail works together to create something much bigger than a concert.

We left inspired not only by the performances, but by the incredible team that brings this event to life year after year.

And while we may have returned with tired feet, we also came home with fresh ideas, renewed creativity, and even more appreciation for the power of thoughtful event design.

So, Coachella… if you ever need a few event planners, you know where to find us ✨