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Coachella Food Costs Spark Outcry: Festivalgoers Decry “Money Trap” Prices for Concessions
Attendees at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival are expressing discontent over the exorbitant prices and perceived low quality of food and beverage offerings. As hundreds of thousands converged on the Southern California desert for the renowned music festival, criticism has mounted regarding the cost of concessions, with many labeling the event a “money trap.”
Influencer Details $100+ Meal
One social media influencer reported spending over $100 for a single meal on the festival’s opening night, Friday. The meal, consisting of tacos and lemonade, was consumed as pop icon Lady Gaga headlined the main stage, highlighting the high cost even during premier performances.
Ruth Viveros, who has been documenting her Coachella experience, provided a glimpse into the food options and pricing at the widely popular music festival through her social media channels.
$17 Lemonade Criticized
In a video posted on TikTok, Viveros commented on the lemonade, acknowledging its refreshing taste but questioning the $17 price, especially as it was primarily ice.
She further disclosed that she purchased a second lemonade, bringing her total spend on the beverage to $34 for the day.
Tacos and Nachos Add to Expensive Food Bill
Viveros and a companion also ordered tacos – described as five tortillas filled with steak, onions, and salsa – alongside a plate of nachos, adding to their considerable food expenses.
The combination of two taco orders, nachos, and the two lemonades resulted in a total bill of $102 for Viveros, illustrating the steep prices within the festival grounds.
Quality Concerns Raised
Adding to the price complaints, Viveros expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of the nachos.
“They’re not good, not good at all,” she stated in her video, criticizing the dish. “The tortillas are like freezing cold.”
Social Media Reacts to Coachella Food Prices
TikTok users echoed Viveros’ sentiments regarding the festival food, widely condemning the high costs.
- “These prices are diabolical,” one user commented, reflecting the general shock at the expense.
- Another user remarked, “Coachella seems like a miserable money trap that everyone falls for,” indicating a broader perception of the festival’s pricing strategy.
- “It’s literally the worst festival ever. Omg,” added a third person, expressing strong negative feelings towards the experience.
General Admission Ticket Holders Express Frustration
Other festival attendees joined the chorus of complaints, voicing their irritation over concession prices, especially after paying substantial fees for entry and parking.
“The fact that GENERAL ADMISSION is $600 and you still have to pay that much for mediocre food is making me irrationally angry,” one comment highlighted, underlining the perceived poor value for money.
Coachella ticket prices vary by weekend, with general admission passes costing $649 for the first weekend and $599 for the second weekend.
VIP Tent Drink Prices Revealed
Further insights into festival pricing came from a Reddit user who shared a menu from a VIP tent, detailing the premium costs of alcoholic beverages.
The menu listed a $23 charge for a Red Bull Vodka and $17 for standard liquors like Absolut Vodka, Jameson Irish Whiskey, and Malibu Rum, indicating escalated prices in VIP areas.
Hard seltzers, such as White Claw, were priced at $16, while beer was listed at $15, demonstrating consistently high prices across drink selections.
Even basic refreshments like sodas were $7, though bottled water remained a relatively accessible $2, consistent with recent Coachella practices.
One user summarized Coachella food as “expensive,” noting that even lower-priced items hovered around $15, with full “meals” averaging $20 to $30, emphasizing the substantial cost for festival fare.
Traffic Woes Compound Festival Frustrations
Beyond food and beverage prices, attendees faced additional challenges at this year’s Coachella.
On the opening day, significant traffic congestion turned roadways into lengthy parking lots, causing delays up to 12 hours in near-record heat, adding to the overall negative experience.
“This is the worst organization I have ever seen at a festival and this is Coachella for god sakes [sic],” expressed one Reddit user, criticizing the festival’s logistical aspects.
Past Incidents of High Concession Costs
Prior instances of high concession prices at Coachella have surfaced, with one festival-goer from the previous year gaining attention after spending $64 on just cucumber water and two breakfast burritos.
“Capitalism is crazy and I am part of the problem,” TikTok user Jackie Tanti commented at the time, reflecting on the high cost of festival concessions in previous years.