Real-life photos of Coachella show the difference between Instagram and reality



Entertainment

Real-life photos of Coachella show the difference between Instagram and reality


Callie Ahlgrim

Updated
2024-04-12T15:48:04Z


Read in app

coachella 2023

Angle down icon
An icon in the shape of an angle pointing down.

Fans take photos at the 2023 Coachella Music and Arts Festival.

Callie Ahlgrim



  • Coachella is one of the biggest and most famous music festivals in the world.
  • It’s also billed as a can’t-miss event for people interested in art, fashion, and pop culture.
  • However, our real-life photos from 2023 prove it’s not always as glamorous as it appears on social media.

Advertisement

Coachella’s famous Ferris wheel is a staple in photos.

coachella 2023

image

Coachella’s most recognizable attraction is billed as “the world’s largest transportable Ferris wheel.”

Callie Ahlgrim



But to actually ride the attraction, you need to wait in a long line and pay an extra ticket fee.

coachella 2023

image

Fans wait in line to ride the Ferris wheel at Coachella.

Callie Ahlgrim



Advertisement

Indeed, doing anything during peak hours can take ages, from using a locker to getting a cocktail.

coachella 2023

image

Fans wait in line to access a storage locker at Coachella.

Callie Ahlgrim



Spectra is another piece of Coachella eye candy that’s cool to experience during the daytime.

coachella 2023

image

Spectra is a large-scale art installation designed by NEWSUBSTANCE.

Callie Ahlgrim



Advertisement

But if you try to enjoy the art installation at night, it’s a complete let-down.

coachella 2023

image

Festivalgoers inside the Spectra installation at Coachella.

Callie Ahlgrim



Festivalgoers often use Coachella’s sculptures as photo backdrops.

coachella 2023

image

A fan poses in front of Holoflux by Guvenc Ozel.

Callie Ahlgrim



Advertisement

Behind the scenes, the art is used more often to take refuge from the cruel heat.

coachella 2023

image

People seek refuge in the shade of Eden, an art installation by Maggie West.

Callie Ahlgrim



In fact, much of the day is spent searching for a slice of shade.

coachella 2023

image

Fans sometimes prioritize shade over being close to the stage.

Callie Ahlgrim



Advertisement

Fans love to share up-close photos of their favorite performers.

coachella charli xcx 2023

image

Charli XCX performs at Coachella on Saturday.

Callie Ahlgrim



But if you want to actually get close to the A-list stars and headliners, you’ll be waiting for hours in the sun.

coachella main stage 2023

image

Fans camping at the main stage on Saturday to see Frank Ocean perform.

Callie Ahlgrim



Advertisement

Most Instagram photos are taken on day one or two. By day three, the picturesque field has turned brown and dusty.

coachella 2023

image

Coachella’s festival grounds become tattered over time.

Callie Ahlgrim



At the end of each day, the festival grounds are littered with trash.

coachella 2023

image

Festivalgoers leave trash everywhere.

Callie Ahlgrim



Advertisement

Whatever method of transportation you choose — shuttle, Uber, or your own car — it’s a long and sweaty walk to get back and forth.

coachella 2023

image

Coachella attendees walk from the Uber drop-off point to the festival entrance.

Callie Ahlgrim



Read more of Business Insider’s on-the-ground 2023 Coachella coverage here.

Advertisement

This post was originally published on Insider

Share your love

Related Posts