Strict Coachella alcohol rule that was only recently scrapped following backlash

The Coachella Music and Arts Festival once had strict drink rules in place, rendering it impossible to enjoy your favourite artists with an alcoholic drink in hand.

On April 10, the sold-out, 25th-anniversary edition of Coachella kicks off in California, with Sabrina Carpenter, Ethel Cain, Sexyy Red and Katseye lined up for the first day of proceedings.

Saturday belongs to Justin Bieber and the Strokes, while Karol G, Young Thug, FKA Twigs, and Iggy Pop will bring the first weekend to a close on April 12 before the event repeats on April 17 to 19.

This year, revellers can head to the Aperol Spritz Piazza, Golden Hour and The Cabin for top-class cocktails; Dark Horse Wine and Frosé Bar for icy alcoholic treats; The New Bar at the Empire Polo Ground for 0 percent ABV delights, and the Slurpee Truck, which is offering the Kerplunk! Kandy Grape, a ‘cosmic collaboration’ between Pink Bunny and rock icons Green Day.

In 2024, Coachella lifted its strict alcohol rule, allowing music fans to drink anywhere at the event (Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty Images)

In previous years, drinkers were not allowed to wander Coachella or enjoy any live action with alcoholic beverages.

Instead, they would be forced to sup in fenced-off ‘beer gardens’ and unique cocktail spaces which were restricted to guests who were 21-years and older.

Understandably, the alcohol policy drew some ire, with attendees inconvenienced by having to choose between Mai Tais and music.

However, in 2024, Coachella scrapped the controversial rule for good by closing down alcohol-only areas.

Now, you can wander around with a margarita in one hand and a speciality IPA in the other.

“Forgot about this. Super annoying,” one social media user said regarding the once austere drink regime, as per Tyla.

Another replied: "I liked the beer garden, gave me an excuse to chill and slam some beers real quick lol.”

Alcohol is likely to be on the cards for many Coachella visitors this month; if drinkers aren’t careful with their consumption, they could face ejection if they show signs of intoxication or impairment related to excessive consumption, as per the festival's FAQs.

You could be ejected from Coachella if you take your drinking too far (Lexie Moreland/WWD via Getty Images)

Alongside drinking, music fans have the option to sit down for a $360 meal with Outstanding in the Field.

The extravagant experience, founded by Jim Denevan in 1999, sees a rotating roster of celebrity chefs serving up a family-style meal for hundreds of guests simultaneously.

Outstanding in the Field is set to operate across both weekends and requires guests to sit down for dinner at 6pm sharp.

Many social media have taken issue with this start time, considering it scheduled in the middle of ‘primetime music hours’.

“I wish it was a brunch rather than a dinner. The timing is terrible if you have music you want to see,” someone else said.

Another said: “I’ve always been tempted to do this, but hate that it’s during peak evening sets. Cannot imagine missing something like Khruangbin or Jungle to have dinner!”

The New York Times reported that last year’s meal lasted 2.5 hours. If this timeframe is accurate for 2026, then Coachella guests are likley to miss parts or full sets from Addison Rae, Laufey, Teddy Swims, and more.