A view of several shelves of sparkling water. – The Image Party // Shutterstock
Good vibes, tequila, and sore feet: What Instacart orders reveal about music festivals in the Coachella Valley
Every April, the Coachella Valley transforms into a bustling hub for music aficionados. The area’s two major festivals—the popular pop and electronic music festival and the vibrant country music festival—attract massive crowds and a multitude of unique behaviors. It’s a time when Instacart data reveals interesting insights into how festivalgoers prepare, party, and recover from long days of music and celebration.
The 2025 spring festival season exhibited an impressive surge in orders, with a staggering 25% increase compared to normal activity. For the towns surrounding the festival grounds—think Indio, Palm Desert, and La Quinta—this period stands out as one of the busiest of the year. The spike in orders suggests that festivalgoers are not only preparing for the fun but also strategically anticipating their needs for recovery once the music subsides.
Tequila Fever Takes Over
Topping the charts for alcohol sales during both festivals was none other than tequila. The beverage registered an incredible increase of 1,200% above the national average at the pop and electronic music festival, and an even higher spike of 1,500% at the country music festival. What’s more intriguing is that orders combining tequila with limes shot up by over 5,500%, hinting at the popularity of spicy margaritas among festivalgoers. The fun doesn’t stop there; incorporating chili peppers into the order further led to an almost 4,900% increase, confirming that festival spirits are as vibrant as the music.
Survival Essentials: Oops, I Forgot!
As the sun beats down on the festival grounds, a clear theme emerges: “oops, I forgot” items spiking in sales reveals a frantic search for essentials. Body sunscreen saw a remarkable increase of 1,033% at the pop and electronic festival, while bandages increased by 405%. The rush to pack last-minute necessities speaks volumes about the sometimes chaotic preparation that festival life entails.
Foot care also emerged as a pressing concern. Products like foot insoles and inserts surged over 3,900% during the pop and electronic festival, and an astounding 6,000% at the country music festival. It seems that comfort takes precedence for attendees navigating long hours of dancing and standing.
Hydration, the Unsung Hero
If there’s one hero that deserves recognition this festival season, it’s sparkling water. As temperatures soared and hydration became a priority, sparkling water topped the beverage charts, outperforming all other drink categories. Among the bubbly contenders, LaCroix, San Pellegrino, and Sparkling Ice took the lead, providing a refreshing alternative to sugary sodas while keeping festivalgoers hydrated.
Energy Drinks and Snack Attacks
Maintaining energy levels is crucial during multi-day events like these, and it’s no surprise that energy drinks experienced a significant boost in orders. At the pop and electronic festival, sales of energy drinks surged by 67%, while sports drinks rose by 58%. The culinary focus leaned heavily toward convenient, shareable snacks like tortilla chips, paired perfectly with dips—evidently a go-to food group among festival attendees.
Comparative Insights: Weekend One vs. Weekend Two
The festival weekends displayed intriguing contrasts in purchasing behavior. Weekend one revelers seemed more focused on sustaining energy, buying up energy drinks and electrolyte supplements at notable rates. For weekend two, however, the festive energy shifted noticeably: Pinot Grigio sales jumped by 75%, alongside a rise in margarita mixes and even beauty items like false eyelashes, suggesting a more relaxed vibe post-set changes and performances.
A Festival’s Unique Flavor
Even though both festivals take place at the same venue and share a calendar slot, the shopping carts reveal distinct preferences reflective of each festival’s unique spirit. The pop and electronic festival leaned heavily toward items designed for hydration and recovery—think electrolyte supplements and body sunscreen. In contrast, the country music festival saw festival-goers gravitating toward homey snacks like veggie trays and fruit—perhaps driven by the comforting, communal vibe typical of country music gatherings.
The increase in foot insoles at the country music festival reinforces a difference in attendee attire and preferences. Cowboy boots may look fashionable, but their comfort (or lack thereof) informs post-festival recovery strategies. Thankfully, the option to bring camping chairs also appears to be a lifesaver for those seeking relief, receiving a boost in orders too.
In the glamorous chaos of Coachella Valley, where fun, preparation, and unexpected needs collide, these shopping cart insights provide a window into the collective behaviors of festival attendees, giving us all a glimpse into what truly makes the music festival experience unforgettable. From tequila to sparkling water, and foot comfort to vital supplies, it is clear that every item in the cart is carefully selected to support the spirit of celebration and the essence of the festival life.
