Coachella Food Prices: Attendees Outraged Over ‘Diabolical’ Costs
The vibrant atmosphere of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is back in full swing, but if there’s one thing attendees are united in discussing, it’s the shocking prices of food and drinks. The social media spotlight has turned to the festival’s dining options, as festivalgoers react to what many are calling “diabolical prices” for a taste of the culinary offerings on-site.
The Perfect Storm: Music, Art, and Eye-Watering Prices
With the festival unfolding in the scenic California desert, it’s no surprise that the food prices have quickly become a hot topic. Festival attendees took to platforms like TikTok to reveal their meal receipts, leading to both shock and amusement.
A Taste of the Negative Reaction
One TikTok user, Ruth Viveros, made headlines with her viral video, showcasing a jaw-dropping total of $102 for a meal that included three tacos, loaded nachos, and two lemonades — with the lemonades priced at an astounding $17 each. "They’re not good, not good at all," said Viveros, lamenting that the tacos were served on "freezing cold" tortillas.
Such revelations invoked a wave of commentary online, with one user quipping, “Coachella seems like a miserable money trap that everyone falls for.” Another chimed in, stating, “These prices are diabolical.”
What’s Cooking? A Breakdown of Prices
Among the culinary highlights (or lowlights, depending on whom you ask) was a fast-tracked video by another TikToker, @FrugalJimmy, who featured a $13 slice of pepperoni pizza. In contrast to the other shocking food prices, he humorously remarked that he expected much worse for a "big slice." “So good,” he added with an emphatic thumbs-up—undoubtedly a rare positive amidst the grim price tags.
Others joined the fray on Reddit, where festival-goers weighed in on their meal experiences. "Expensive," one user noted, "Most items start at $15-20. ‘Meals’ are like $20-30.” Another reported that Nate’s Nashville hot chicken slider and fries would cost a cool $30. Such revelations leave many questioning if indulging in festival food is worth the extravagant price tags.
The Coachella Food Experience
Coachella’s official website tries to paint a more enticing picture of its food scene, claiming, “Our food program features new and exciting restaurants from Coast to Coast, as well as your favorite staples, offering a wide variety of cuisine that pleases any festival-goer. Vegan & gluten-free options available.” However, the reality of the festival experience often falls short, leaving many attendees feeling disillusioned.
Festival Highlights Amid the Price Shock
Despite the outcry about food costs, countless attendees still feel that the live music experience justifies the expense. This year’s lineup includes titans of the music industry like Lady Gaga, Green Day, Post Malone, and Travis Scott, all of whom promise electrifying performances.
While the music steals the spotlight, the food becomes the foil in a festival drama rife with overpriced items, leading to a mixed bag of attendee sentiments.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
The debate over food prices at events like Coachella brings out strong opinions. Many see it as part and parcel of music festivals and are willing to splurge on a transcendent musical experience. Others, however, feel financially strained by the exorbitant costs associated with this iconic event.
As one festival-goer put it bluntly on TikTok, “Does anyone have a genuinely good time at Coachella?” With so much talk about the organization and pricing, it leaves one wondering if that blissful experience is more about the stars on stage or the dollars spent on the ground.
In an era where sharing experiences is second nature, the reality of Coachella’s food scene ensures that conversations about food prices will echo far beyond the desert landscapes—much like the music that fills the air.
