Coachella 2025 has once again taken over the California desert with its signature mix of headlining artists, pop culture spectacle, and Instagram-worthy moments. But this year, the main headline isn’t just the music—it’s the skyrocketing prices inside the festival.
Across TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), festivalgoers are sharing viral posts showing shocking food and drink prices at Coachella, with many calling the costs outrageous, even exploitative.
Why Is Everyone Talking About Coachella Prices?
Coachella has always been a pricey experience. But in 2025, the cost of food, beverages, water, and amenities has reached a new high—sparking widespread online backlash.
Photos of $28 cocktails, $25 chicken tender baskets, $16 smoothies, and $12 bottled waters are flooding social media feeds. A locker rental? That’ll be $85. Need parking? Expect to pay $40.
One festivalgoer shared a now-viral TikTok showing a $64 lunch consisting of one veggie wrap and two lemonades. The caption: “This isn’t gourmet. It’s daylight robbery.”
Trending Hashtags Expose the Coachella Cost Crisis
The controversy has given rise to hashtags like:
- #CoachellaPrices
- #Coachella2025
- #FestivalGouging
- #DesertTax
Creators are gaining millions of views simply by posting what their money gets them inside the Empire Polo Club grounds. The content ranges from humorous memes to genuine critiques, with many questioning whether the festival has lost touch with its original, more accessible identity.
What’s Causing the High Coachella Prices?
Several factors are at play behind these inflated festival prices:
- Post-pandemic inflation and increased labor costs
- Vendor licensing fees and high cost of operating in Indio
- Surging demand for VIP and luxury experiences
- Partnerships with big brands and influencers that shift focus from everyday attendees
Still, many argue that Coachella, backed by promoter Goldenvoice and parent company AEG, should be able to offer better value—especially for basic items like food and water.
Social Media Reacts: “It’s Like Fyre Festival With Better Branding”
Across Reddit and Twitter, longtime fans are voicing disappointment:
“I’ve been going since 2012, and this is the first time I felt ripped off. $12 for water is just wrong.”
Others are comparing the situation to Fyre Festival, joking that Coachella is now “Fyre with headliners and a budget.”
Even influencers—who often receive perks and freebies—are calling attention to the lack of value and accessibility at this year’s event.
Festivalgoers Share Tips to Save Money
With prices trending on social media, many are now offering tips on how to save money at Coachella, such as:
- Bringing refillable water bottles (for free refills at hydration stations)
- Packing snacks in line with festival policy
- Leaving the festival grounds for more affordable meals in Palm Springs
- Skipping overpriced cocktails and sticking to beer or mocktails
The Bigger Picture: Is Coachella Losing Its Core Audience?
While the Coachella 2025 lineup has received praise for its diversity and energy, the experience on the ground is leaving a bad taste—literally and financially.
Festival culture has shifted in recent years. What was once a counterculture celebration of music and art has now become a luxury lifestyle event, heavily monetized through brand activations and influencer marketing.
The question many are asking: Is Coachella still for the fans, or only for those who can afford the markup?
Will Coachella Respond?
So far, Goldenvoice has not issued a statement about the pricing backlash. Vendors have noted that while they set prices, they operate under strict guidelines and face hefty fees themselves.
Still, with this much public pressure and negative sentiment online, some are predicting future changes—possibly capped pricing on essentials, more affordable food options, or better transparency around costs.
Final Thoughts: Music vs. Markup
Coachella 2025 is still delivering world-class music and unforgettable performances—but the steep price of basic necessities has sparked a cultural reckoning.
With the festival experience becoming increasingly expensive, fans are left wondering if the magic of Coachella is being overshadowed by the money grab.
Coachella 2025 Lineup Highlights
Despite the pricing backlash, the Coachella 2025 lineup continues to impress with one of the most diverse and genre-spanning rosters in years. From global icons to rising stars, here are just some of the artists lighting up the desert this April:
🔥 Headliners
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Doja Cat
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Tyler, The Creator
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Lana Del Rey
🎤 Notable Performers
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SZA
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Peso Pluma
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Blur
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No Doubt (Reunion Set)
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Ice Spice
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J Balvin
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Grimes
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Sabrina Carpenter
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Tinashe
-
Bleachers
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Jhené Aiko
-
Justice
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Lil Yachty
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Deftones
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Tyla
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Ken Carson
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Reneé Rapp
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Chappell Roan
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Dom Dolla
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Peggy Gou
🌍 International & Indie Standouts
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Burna Boy
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RAYE
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The Japanese House
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Faye Webster
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Skin on Skin
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Kevin Abstract
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Barry Can’t Swim
Whether you’re there for the music, the fashion, or the once-in-a-year spectacle, there’s no denying Coachella continues to set the tone for festival culture—even if the prices are giving fans more than a little heartburn.
For more stories covering Coachella, festival trends, and what’s buzzing across Phoenix and beyond, follow The Upper Middle and sign up for our weekly newsletter. And, if you want to attend an awesome party without traveling to the California desert – experience the Ultimate Kentucky Derby Party in Arizona on May 3rd!
