Coachella’s first weekend opened with frustration as festivalgoers attempting to enter the car camping grounds on Thursday faced wait times stretching up to 12 hours. Attendees reported being stuck in long lines in Indio, California, with limited access to food, water, or restrooms while enduring intense heat. Some had arrived as early as 2 a.m. and were still waiting hours later, according to numerous posts on social media.

@asantemadrigal I honestly can’t imagine waiting 12 hours in a car 😭 #coachella #coachella2025 #campground #popculture #festivals ♬ Suspenseful and tense orchestra(1318015) – SoLaTiDo

Several users advised others to avoid car camping entirely, while one TikToker warned future arrivals to use the bathroom and stock up on snacks before getting in line. Another attendee went so far as to compare the chaos to the notorious Fyre Festival.

Hundreds of cars sat in winding lines Thursday in Indio, California, as drivers waited to pass through security before reaching Coachella’s car camping grounds.

Though lines had eased by Friday, concerns linger about how organizers will handle next weekend’s influx. Coachella, which continues over two weekends, features a high-profile lineup that includes Lady Gaga, Green Day, Post Malone, Charli XCX, and Megan Thee Stallion. Festival organizers have not yet responded to complaints.