RANGE’s “Music Over Influence” Guide to Coachella Weekend Two – readrange.com

Listen, I love Coachella.
And I know the internet may not be a safe space to say that. Hater culture is at its peak. Coachella used to be cool, Geese is a psyop, Euphoria sucks now, etc., etc. But if you (like me) got to see one of your favourite bands since high school (I love you, The Strokes) play a seismic set, complete with political banter while the frontman donned an anti-capitalism T-shirt, maybe your cold, hard heart would melt a little, too.
“But it was last weekend,” you snap back. “You’ve already posted your recaps, your photos, and tagged your brand. Why are we still here?!” Because Weekend two, baby, or as I like to refer to it: all the music, with a little less influence.
So sure, you won’t be at Revolve Fest with a Patrón Headliner in hand (which, for the record, I loved), or spotting a Jenner at 818 Fest watching Kaytranada, nor will you be able to rub shoulders with your favourite pop stars at the electric lit Neon Carnival, or (takes a breath) catching KATSEYE at the Threads party.
But, and I want you to pull out your Loop earbuds while I say this, you will still get a silly-good lineup, now with Kacey Musgraves (did we say f*ckin yee?), a Sabrina Carpenter set that’s mysteriously five minutes longer, and a second chance to catch what you missed (say, PinkPantheress, because you were at The Strokes and your heart is still recovering).
As a five-time Coachella attendee who’s experienced everything from GA to Artist and VIP, I know a thing or two about choosing your own adventure, so sit back as I present to you RANGE’s guide to the perfect weekend two. Whether you’re in it for the activations or the on-stage activity, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
 
 
 
There are countless brand activations at Coachella, so many, in fact, that it can be hard to keep track of. So, for us, it’s smart to choose a few you want to experience and schedule them during times where you want to get out of the sun before temps drop for the night. If you’re an early bird, say, around 12 p.m. when the gates open, you won’t have to deal with lines and you won’t miss much music. One of the best activations we saw was the Aperol Day Club. We’re talking spritz, frozen drinks, tooth gems, bracelets, oh my! Plus, weekend one, Joe Jonas showed up and bartended. Who knows who will pull up for weekend two? More importantly, you can slide through with a GA wristband, meaning all the VIP treatment without the price tag.
Next on our list had to be the GAP Hoodie House. Yes, you will have to purchase your custom hoodie, but also yes, you’ll have a lasting, wearable cozy memory, covered in patches to remember what I’m calling your favourite Coachella year yet. Last but not least on this list has to be my favourite pyramid-shaped oasis, open to all wristband tiers, the Red Bull Mirage. It’s right across from The Quasar stage, has a literal Nobu in there, and balconies with a great view of the entire festival, but that’s not why it’s making the list. Aircon, hun. There’s air conditioning in there. So sure, you can catch a DJ set from the likes of Tinashe and spot celebs like Olandria from Love Island, but the true magic comes down to the unmatchable experience of air conditioning in the desert.
 
 

 
Let’s not even talk about headliners. They’ve had their chance weekend one. Plus, you’ve likely already seen a billion thinkpieces on Justin Bieber’s YouTube playlist (my review is that watching him sing to his younger self made me break into tears), and Sabrina’s Hollywood-themed performance, or even Karol G’s history-making set. But now it’s time to enjoy the rest of the lineup. Here’s who I’d be seeing if I was heading back to the desert. First, the recently RANGE featured worst girl in America herself, Slayyyter. Watching her set from my screen gave me the strongest FOMO, the same I felt when watching Chappell’s set in 2024, and that is the highest compliment I can give to a girl to be honest.
Next, Ethel Cain. I was running to catch a ride home when I heard her ethereal voice beaming from a stage ornamented with Southern mass and reflecting a swamp. My advice? Coordinate a late-night ride and enjoy the whole set. I also think you should see (in no particular order) Flowerovlove, an upcoming indie-pop juggernaut you’ll wish you knew when; Iggy Pop, because it’s fucking Iggy Pop like, c’mon; Wet Leg, because they put on an insane show that’ll wake you up midday like a suckerpunch; CMAT, of course, because there’s nothing that sounds quite like her; and Subtronics, a DJ that doesn’t fit into my typical indie rock taste, but who brought out rapper Destroy Lonely during his set and made the youth go wild. I’m all for a genre-blending future and using Coachella as a way to broaden my music taste. And, of course, Kacey Musgraves, an unparalleled lyricist who will be bringing her cheek and talent to Coachella as a surprise, because the only thing we love more than surprises are singalong-worthy tracks that dip into everything from country to pop to folk to rock.
 
 
 
OK, so this may be the least exciting but most important part of the guide. Here are some lessons I’ve learned that you don’t have to learn firsthand when it comes to making your Coachella super easy. 
First, transportation. Get a shuttle pass. Just listen to me, find one, get one, just do it. I sat in an Uber for two hours this year trying to leave a parking lot, and in 2024 I lost a BMW overnight (I don’t want to talk about it). So this weekend I need you to ride with a friend who is paying attention to where you parked and has a car alarm that works so you can find the car even if it’s pitch black, or I need you to take a shuttle. Trust me. 
Second, you need to hydrate. Man can not live on Red Bull sodas alone, nor can he sing along to “Stateside” with a dry raspy voice. Bring your own water bottle and use refill stations, and remember to chug, chug, chug. Also, get on the Ferris wheel. Flip the idea of having it in the background of your photo opp and lean into childlike wonder by enjoying the view. I rode it for the first time this year, and it was a nice respite from the crowd while also letting me see just how many music fans were pressed up against each stage — gorgeous! 
My last piece of advice? And I know this sounds obvious, but prioritize having fun. The world is on fire, and joy feels fleeting, but this is an entire weekend dedicated to bliss, to music, to unadulterated delight. So yes, your phone may die (bring a charger, or a cord to use the stations), you may not be able to find your friends (make new ones, that’s usually what I do), and you might miss your favourite act. And yes, there is the real world outside of Empire Polo Club, and we will make sure we keep doing the work to make it a fairer, more equitable place. But if you can’t bliss out, unjaded, for just three days at a music festival, what are we fighting for in the first place?
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