Why does Coachella Start on a Thursday this year?

[Napztwf]

I'm a coachella noob but last year was my first time and it was on Friday,Sat,Sunday?

[PlayaDelWes]

[ivankay]

April 12th is a Friday. Although Thursday setting up and camping has become an extra Coachella day of sorts (at least that's when the partying starts).

[microcuts]

Thursday is the only day Daft Punk would commit to playing.

[billtino]

We get the party started early Wednesday night at the 24 Hr Walmart parking lot.

[Bumblebee]

You might get a Roses soundcheck on thursday. 2009 got a full McCartney soundcheck on thursday

[ivankay]

^So fun when that was going on. People setting up, walking around with Paul coming in from the Polo Fields. After every song the camp grounds applauded and even got a "thanks". One of those major Coachella memories for me.

[travelfan]

The Black Keys soundchecked last year on Thursday. Remember hearing Little Black Submarine. But Thursday night is one of my favorite things about Coachella, everybody is just ready to go and excited.

[Duvel]

^So fun when that was going on. People setting up, walking around with Paul coming in from the Polo Fields. After every song the camp grounds applauded and even got a "thanks". One of those major Coachella memories for me.

That was an amazing night.

My first night in Coachella, the anticipation was palpable....

never, ever forget that.

[gaypalmsprings]

[Bumblebee]

Dre & friends also soundchecked mid week including Eminem.

[Napztwf]

So it's best to get there Thursday to set up and party basically?!

[adrialuz]

Is it highly recommended to arrive on Thursday if we are staying at the car camping? I mean, if we arrive on Friday will we get shitty spot?

[Spid3y]

Is it highly recommended to arrive on Thursday if we are staying at the car camping? I mean, if we arrive on Friday will we get shitty spot?

The first lot fills up by 8PM on Thursday. The second lot is a pretty good walk if you plan on going in and out of the fest.

[adrialuz]

The first lot fills up by 8PM on Thursday. The second lot is a pretty good walk if you plan on going in and out of the fest.

So you would recommend us to arrive on Thursday (e.g. after lunch time: 4-5pm), right?

EDIT: How many minutes are "a pretty good walk" (from car to shows, I imagine)?

[dcbell05]

So you would recommend us to arrive on Thursday (e.g. after lunch time: 4-5pm), right?

EDIT: How many minutes are "a pretty good walk" (from car to shows, I imagine)?

The earlier you arrive, the better your spot typically. If you want to get in to Lot 8, it sounds like you need to be there by 4-5pm-ish to be at the back of Lot 8. We arrived around 11ish (I think) and were not too far from Lot 10 entrance. Our walk was about 10 minutes straight down main street to the security checkpoint. 20 minutes total to get from tent to a stage. I know some poeople have 20-30 minute walks from the back camping lots to the security check point.

[Jemima]

We get the party started early Wednesday night at the 24 Hr Walmart parking lot.

really?? where is this? - other than wall mart?

[syrrus101]

Got to hear Black Keys play "Lonely Boy" during a sound check on thursday while setting up camp. Thursday is fucking rad.

[claytron]

The earlier the better! We got a pickup soccer game going once our lane of cars was all parked last year.

[Zafocaine]

^So fun when that was going on. People setting up, walking around with Paul coming in from the Polo Fields. After every song the camp grounds applauded and even got a "thanks". One of those major Coachella memories for me.

I was pulling into the campgrounds for this. My dad said, "Maybe it's Paul McCartney." I said it probably wasn't (haha), and had to admit I was wrong on Monday.

[Zafocaine]

The earlier you arrive, the better your spot typically. If you want to get in to Lot 8, it sounds like you need to be there by 4-5pm-ish to be at the back of Lot 8. We arrived around 11ish (I think) and were not too far from Lot 10 entrance. Our walk was about 10 minutes straight down main street to the security checkpoint. 20 minutes total to get from tent to a stage. I know some poeople have 20-30 minute walks from the back camping lots to the security check point.

Going to have to try this weekend two. I've been tent camping every year since 09, and last year was a pain in the ass going back and forth each day. A spot closer to the entrance might be pretty cool, though you're going to be dealing with a lot more traffic up front with people entering the fest and returning to their tents. If you want to walk less, get there early and grab an up-front spot. If you want a more chilling environment, come a little bit later, or go for tent only camping. Hopefully the tent campers get good spots this year!

[billtino]

It is HIGHLY recommended that you arrive Thursday. Friday arrival will guarantee you will have a longer walk from your tent to the festival & back at the end of each night. There are always Thursday Camping activities you won't want to miss. Live DJ, live bands, giveaways, rides etc...It also helps to get to know your neighbors too & share your goodies. It's an extra day of partying!

[billtino]

We get the party started early Wednesday night at the 24 Hr Walmart parking lot.

really?? where is this? - other than wall mart?

There's a 24 Hour Walmart Supercenter at 79295 California 111, La Quinta, CA that some of the REALLY EARLY campers chill (and do last minute supply shopping) at before queueing up at the Inspection lot. If you show up at Ralphs (on Jefferson & 50th) too early, you may get harassed by the local PD since they are not open 24hrs.