The Coachella count down is on and as our Instagram feeds fill with beautiful people prancing around in denim hot pants next to a background of baron cacti, we give you the low-down on the hottest Weekend 1 desert parties of the year (because we’re still not too sure who goes to weekend 2?!)

A plethora of celebrity soaked pre, after and survival parties will be taking place across Palm Springs and the Coachella valley in the upcoming weeks, so expect a lot of crochet, camera rolls stuffed with selfies and of course, the obligatory flamingo pool float.

How do we get in?

You don’t need to impersonate Kylie Jenner to sneak into PLT’s pre-party nor do you need to fork over fistfuls of dollars bribing the doormen at the Neon Carnival, just exaggerate your accent and talk loudly about what you’re wearing to Meg and Hazza’s wedding.

Kidding, sort of.

Most of these parties take place in ranches hidden somewhere in the Coachella valley, so finding out the exact location in key. Thankfully Instagram geo-tagging feature will lead your right to the burly-bouncer covered door. Once you’re there flash a winning smile and name-drop someone from the flyer you picked up at your hotel. Fake mock surprise when you’re told you’re not on the list claiming there must be some mistake. You flew all the way out here from London/Birmingham/Bangkok to be reunited with your buddy from pottery summer camp. The doormen will undoubtedly know you’re lying, but you’ve managed to get them to crack a smile in the blistering desert heat so they’ll give you a pass.

In the unlikelihood that this foolproof method fails, take you and your girl gang to one of the many hotel pool parties that are littered around Palm Springs. They have slightly less intimidating doormen.

Revolve Festival 2018

Beautiful blogger babes galore, celebrity-studded and a few models you’ll recognise from Calvin Klein campaigns attend this ultimate Coachella pre-party. Bring sunglasses because between paparazzi flashes, the desert sun and the glare from beauty influencers popping highlight you’ll soon be blinded.

Emily Ratajkwoski, Shay Mitchell, Winnier Harlow and Nicole Ritchie have already RSVP so you know it’ll be high calibre event. Guests will have use of an open-bar by CÎROC, including oh-so-Instagrammable boozy Revolve coconut cocktails and glam makeovers by the party’s sponsor Benefit.

Expect a heavy hip-hop influenced line up (last year Migos, Rick Ross and D.R.A.M performed) whereas this year A$AP Rocky, 21 Savage and our favourite gangster pooch Snoop Dogg will be hitting the stage.

How easy is it to bag an invite? You know we mentioned you don’t need to impersonate a Kardashian? Well maybe this is the one time (and one time only) you should dig out a turquoise blue wig. Or just stream the whole thing from the barrage of Instastories coming through to your phone.

Foray Oasis x Hyde Sunset

West Hollywood hot spot Hyde Sunset have partnered up with fashion-brand Foray to bring you a party that is set to steal Revolve’s flower crown. Taking over a sprawling ranch in the desert, the party will have TRESemme and Charlotte Tilbury providing guests with their festival glam squad. Brody Jenner (remember him? He was in the hills and was quite hot) is spinning tropical house. We’re not too sure what that is beyond frozen cocktails with umbrellas, but with formers guests such as Emma Roberts sure to turn up it’s bound to be a trend-heavy crowd.

How easy is it to bag an invite? The guestlist has been closed for weeks now and filled with VIP Influencers, so we’d suggest ditching the flower crown and dressing to kill.

Desert Gold at the Ace

The Ace hotel in Palm Springs is an eclectic collection of mid-century modernism and laid-back California cool. This year the former motel has collaborated with late-night entertainers Adult Swim, so you know it’ll be a ‘for your eyes only’ affair.

As with all other Ace hotel outposts expect the crowd to be achingly cool and the DJ’s to spin dirty beats poolside. Friends of Ace Havaianas have set up a pop-up shop to customise your own flip flops, Rudy’s Barbershop will be offering free shape ups and Sailor Jerry’s cocktails will be on tap.

How easy is it to bag an invite? Guests of the hotel are already granted access, whereas everyone else just needs to arrive early.

Rhonda Queen of the Desert

LA’s in-the-know late night hotspot A Club Called Rhonda will see Jamie Jones and Black Coffee put on an energetic set for those who want to shuffle until the sun comes up. Location is always kept top-secret, last year it took place in Palm Springs Airport Hanger but this year the cool-kids club heady late night event could land anywhere. It’s Ibiza level production so expect lots of strobe lights, laser shows and a heavy, thumping sound system.

How easy is it to bag an invite? It’s easier to snag an invite here than it is to the Royal Wedding, pretend to be an upcoming East London DJ and you’ll be fine.

Neon Carnival

An industry favourite that boasts a reputation that threatens to overshadows the festival itself. Now in its 9th year the dizzying spectacle of carnival rides, open-air dance floor and free-flowing margaritas (tequila brand Don Julio join Levi’s as the sponsors) takeover a new, bigger location – the HITS Desert Horse Park.

Jay-Z and Beyonce will almost certainly make an experience after she closes out Saturday’s main stage show, as will the Kardashians, Jenners and the Hadids. Drake will also probably be there holding someone’s hand on the illuminated ferris wheel.

How easy is it to bag an invite? Despite reaching legendary Coachella status it’s surprising easy. If you haven’t already met someone in LA that swears they can get you in, then there are always a few wristbands floating around the festival site.

Day Club Palm Springs

Day Club at The Hilton Palm Springs events roll in from the start of April to the end, so if you’re hard core enough to stick it out or unlucky enough to have not got an official Coachella ticket then these parties have your name all over the guestlist.

Party poolside with Justin Martin, AC Slater and other rowdy millennials as the thumping EDM reigns out across the hotel. You’ll get serious Vegas vibes as hands fist pump in the air and bottles pop in the surrounding day bed cabanas.

How easy is it to bag an invite? Probably better to buy tickets beforehand, but if you turn up to the pool party with an inflatable unicorn you’re almost always led to the front of the queue.

Author

Northern girl Laura is the epitome of a true entrepreneur. Laura’s spirit for adventure and passion for people blaze through House of Coco. She founded House of Coco in 2014 and has grown it in to an internationally recognised brand whilst having a lot of fun along the way. Travel is in her DNA and she is a true visionary and a global citizen.

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