Everything You Need For a Coachella Themed Party
Lauren Miolene
Editor
If you want great music, Instagram-worthy food, and good vibes to be the pillars of your next event, get inspired by one of the trendiest music festivals on the scene: Coachella. There’s no need to go to the Californian desert when you can bring the sunshine and good vibes to you with a Coachella themed party.
Transform your next celebration into this dreamy art and music festival party. With epic musical entertainment, Coachella themed outfits, and a cozy area with bohemian vibes, you’re sure to blow this Coachella themed party out of the water! A Coachella theme is perfect for a birthday party, bridal or baby shower, or an over the top summer party.
Here’s everything you need to host a Coachella themed party:
Coachella Themed Party Entertainment
DJ
Music should be the focal point for a Coachella theme party. The Coachella lineup is always an eclectic mix of rap, alternative bands, EDM artists, and much more. A DJ can spin all the hits from different artists and genres so you can listen to a little bit of everything.
Live Band
Another option is to hire a local band to perform hits you would hear at Coachella. Go with a lively, energetic band or a more laid-back acoustic set. Incorporating live music is the way to make your Coachella themed party feel authentic.
If you choose not to go the DJ or musician route, you’re going to want to make sure you have a jammin’ playlist and a good sound system. Make your own playlists or browse Spotify for Coachella-inspired mixes including past performers like Lana Del Rey, Kendrick Lamar, and MGMT. You can also ask your guests to queue up their favorite tunes to ensure everyone gets in the mood to dance.
Body Painting Artist
Self expression of personal style is just as important as music. Hire a body painter to capture the free-spirited nature of this festival theme with designs for everyone.
Photographer
You already know everyone is going to look their best in their Coachella outfits, so be sure to get it all on film. Hire a local photographer to capture all your special moments as you and your best friends dance and laugh the day away.
After your party, you’ll be so glad you have photos to remember this day forever. Not to mention, your Instagram feed is going to look incredible. Don’t forget to create a unique Coachella themed #hashtag for your event.
Tarot Card Reader
Elevate your Coachella party theme by booking tarot card readers to enchant your guests with insights and intrigue! With the vibrant energy of the festivities, a skilled tarot card reader will transport guests into a world of wonder and curiosity. This will create an immersive experience, inviting guests to explore the mysteries of the universe and take a glimpse into their future.
Bartender
Keep the good vibes going and the drinks flowing at the Coachella themed party! Consider booking a professional bartender to mix up the latest viral drinks, classic cocktails, and other fun non-alcoholic beverages for everyone to enjoy.
Coachella Themed Party Venues
Warehouse
Warehouses have “party” written all over them. The vaulted ceilings and massive windows create a naturally-lit, nature-adjacent atmosphere for this festival theme. The space also has plenty of room for Coachella themed activities like hoola hooping and dancing.
Backyard
Why stay indoors when you can host your own Coachella themed party right in your backyard? Set up an assortment of mix-matched pillows, blankets, and even some hammocks where your guests can lounge around and sip cocktails. You can also set up a tented area or two for some shade. And don’t forget to make plenty of room for dancing!
If you don’t have outdoor space of your own, you can always head over to your local park, waterfront area, or beach to claim your own party spot.
Coachella Themed Party Food
Waffle Pops
If you’ve ever been to Coachella, you know the vibe is bohemian, bold, and creative. Waffle pops (or waffles on a stick) combine these three characteristics into a delicious and Instagrammable dessert. Guests can top their own with frosting, sprinkles, crushed cereal, cookies, and more—the possibilities are endless. Check out My Modern Met for more inspiration.
Sushi Burrito
While walking around the classic music festival, most food is made to eat with one hand (so you can take pictures of it, obviously!). The sushi burrito is a modern spin on a crowd favorite that allows you to enjoy your favorite roll without the mess of chopsticks and sauces.
Street Tacos
Set up a DIY taco bar with a variety of fillings such as grilled chicken, carne asada, fish, or vegetarian options like roasted vegetables or tofu. Provide an assortment of toppings including salsa, guacamole, cilantro, onions, and lime wedges for a refreshing touch.
Churros
Serve freshly fried churros dusted with cinnamon sugar and accompanied by chocolate or caramel dipping sauce at your Coachella themed party. This sweet and crunchy dessert is a perfect option to channel festival vines.
Loaded French Fries
French fries are always a crowd pleaser, especially when you can add bacon, cheese, sour cream, and pretty much any other topping you can imagine. Set up a DIY french fry bar and guests can decorate their french fries with different toppings to their own liking.
Food Trucks
Coachella is all about trendy food trucks. Instead of spending all day cooking, leave it to the professionals to keep guests happy and their stomachs full. Hire a local food truck to serve a variety of tasty snacks to your guests during the festival party. It’s easy, convenient and most importantly, delicious.
Coachella Themed Party Drinks
Matcha
Matcha drinks have been everywhere lately! A matcha latte is made with matcha powder, your choice of milk, and maybe a flavor or sweetener. You can also add a scoop of matcha to lemonade to amp of the flavor. Not only are matcha drinks simple to make and delicious, but they’re also packed with caffeine that will give guests energy to dance the night away.
Kombucha
This fermented tea drink provides a countless amount of health benefits and is also refreshing on a beautiful day. Made with green or black tea, this popular beverage can be customized with different flavors to create a unique drink. Incorporate flavors like lemon, pineapple, or sage for the ultimate Coachella party theme beverage.
Shandy
A shandy is a perfectly refreshing cocktail for a Coachella themed party. All you need to do is mix your favorite beer with lemonade, ginger ale, or juice.
Cotton Candy Cocktails
To master your Coachella theme, kick your cocktails up a notch by adding a whimsical element to them. Pour sparkling wine into a champagne glass and top it off with a puff of cotton candy. As the cotton candy melts, it’ll bring a pop of color to your cocktail.
Popsicle Punch
Another fun option is to place a frozen popsicle upside down into a glass of white or sparkling wine, giving your drink fruity and colorful flair. And the best part? They make the perfect props for your Instagram photos!
Coachella Themed Party Creative Details
Flower Crown Bar
This floral party favor became widely popularized because of music festivals, so it’s only fitting to have them at this event. Have pre-made crowns or set up a DIY station where guests can customize their own look. A flower crown is the ultimate way to top off your Coachella themed outfit.
Festival Attire
Half the fun of attending Coachella is planning your outfit. So when it comes to nailing the Coachella theme, you’re going to want your guests to dress the part. On your invitations, request that everyone shows up in their best boho-inspired Coachella themed outfits. Think bohemian, flowy outfits, and plenty of fringe.
Whimsical Accents
The best Coachella themed parties feature light, airy and whimsical decorations. String twinkle lights around your venue and dream catchers for an ultra-dreamy feel. You can even hang macrame wall hangings from the ceilings or walls to embellish the bohemian aesthetic.
Karaoke Station
Set up a karaoke station where guests can sing their favorite festival anthems. Easily bring this Coachella themed party detail to life by booking a karaoke DJ. These professionals will bring all of the necessary equipment like speakers, microphones, and screens so your guests will be able to perform just like their favorite artists.
Tents
Add cozy seating areas throughout your event space with luxury tents, bean bag chairs, and colorful blankets. Transport guests to the California desert with a comfortable lounging area that matches the bohemian theme perfectly.
Since Coachella is famous for its outrageous food options, (the kind of food you thought only existed on social media) set up your food stations in a tented area or use a low maintenance canopy for a faux tent setup to recreate this Californian desert experience.
Desert Vibes
The famed music and arts festival takes place in the desert, so add some desert elements to make it feel like you’ve been transported into Coachella Valley. Pick up some real cacti and succulents as party decorations and then give them to your guests as party favors at the end of the night.
Photo Booth Selfie Station
Coachella is one of the most popular events on the internet. Snap some new pics for your feed by booking a photo booth and setting up a designated selfie area. Decorate the backdrop with different desert decor or classic ferris wheel, include festive props, and guests will enjoy taking pictures and making memories.
Tattoo Bar
Immerse your guests in the vibrant spirit of Coachella by booking a temporary tattoo artist for your themed party. Set up a station where your guests can get tatted with intricate designs and bohemian patterns that will wash off within a few days. This temporary body art will add an extra layer of excitement and self expression to the Coachella party theme.
Find a Temporary Tattoo Artist
Lawn Games
Since the majority of your Coachella theme party will be outside, you’ll want to make sure there are plenty of activities for guests to enjoy while they’re listening to live music. Set up classic outdoor games like Cornhole and giant Jenga to ensure guests are always entertained.
Find more themed party ideas here on The Bash.
