Festivals might just be the happiest places on Earth...right after Disneyland. You can't keep me away from a festival - I've probably been to 100 in my lifetime (so far). I've been to almost every festival there is in Melbourne, and have been to festivals around Australia and the world. Personally, I would rather a festival any day over a bar or nightclub, you simply can't beat the atmosphere....anyone who's been to a festival will know what I'm talking about.
But we're not here just to listen to how much I love festivals, we're here to answer the big question in life, and that is; which festival is better - Tomorrowland or Coachella? Tomorrowland and Coachella are two of the biggest festivals in the world, and comparing them is like comparing apples and oranges. I literally dreamed about going to each of these festivals since learning what they were aged about 15 or 16, and stepping through those gates was nothing short of surreal. So, before we get into it, let me just say, I don't even think it's possible to have a universal answer for which is "better". They are both so different that what works better for me might not be the best for you. If you have the chance to attend BOTH of these festivals, you will learn that for yourself.
TOMORROWLAND
Let's start with Tomorrowland. Reminiscing almost brings a tear to the eye, in the same way as walking out of the grounds on the last day did. Tomorrowland can literally be compared to Disneyland. The exuberant theming makes the festival grounds feel like another planet, and from the moment you receive your ticket you are entering into it. My favourite part about Tomorrowland is that it's not just an experience at the stage, but every single thing you could think of is themed and thought about. My friends and I had a Global Journey package (the easiest type of ticket to obtain as an Aussie), which meant that we had a few days planned for us in the local city of Brussels before the festival commencement. Even this was themed! Thousands of people from all over the world were gathered in the city centre with their flags, celebrating and partying in the lead up to the event. It honestly felt like we were preparing for the Olympics or World Cup, not just a music festival. Then of course, when we entered the actual festival a day or two later, it was 20 times more crazy than this. Tomorrowland felt like a little community. Everyday you were delivered a newspaper, there were local stores including a Lidl supermarket that you could purchase food and drinks from, there were restaurants, hairdressers, clothing stores, camping supply stores, oxygen bars...you name it, it was there! I realised I forgot to bring a mirror with me on day one to do my make up (ladies, you'll understand the stress), but never fear, the general store sold mirrors. I was in awe.
Then we head to the actual stages and nothing can prepare you for just how big it is and how many people there are. I don't think I had ever seen that many people in a space together anywhere. There were at least 14 stages from memory, but the great part about the layout was that everything was in a big circular track, with bridges and crossings that you could use to shortcut. It was incredibly easy to find what you needed...and did I mention they even sell Tomorrowland SIM cards for your phone so that you can always find your friends?? The music is mostly house, EDM, techno, and other variations of electronic music - there is a stage for any electro genre you can think of. We partied until all hours of the morning, and then each night endured the brutally long walk back to our tents to get some rest for another day of the same magic all over again.
COACHELLA
Let's give Coachella a moment in the spotlight now. I went to Coachella shortly after Tomorrowland, with a lot less of a drama trying to get my hands on tickets. Similar to Tomorrowland, my friends and I purchased packaged tickets to Coachella which included accommodation in the Hilton Palm Springs (no camping whewww!). The first issue here however was, Coachella is in fact a LONG drive from Palm Springs. My research lead me to believe that the hotel we selected was the most popular of all the packages, but looking back I definitely wouldn't choose this again, as it was at least a 30-60 minute bus ride from the festival grounds, with limited options to travel there and back. I don't mind camping at a festival, and being at Coachella made me realise this. I would have much preferred to be camping at the grounds or at least staying in one of the hotels nearer by.
As soon as we arrived at the grounds though it really hit us that we were at Coachella, one of the most famous festivals in the world! We saw the famous ferris wheel in front of us and sparkly outfits here there and everywhere. Now, Coachella is a very different vibe to Tomorrowland. In terms of theming it is much more laid back, and has a boho dress style. I always go all out for my outfits, there's no question about that, but looking around there were many people dressed quite casual...until you spot the odd celebrity of course.
A few more random things about Coachella were that the stages were scattered quite a lot, so the amount of walking and being lost was astronomical compared to Tomorrowland. The festival grounds were both comparative in size, but by the end of Coachella, I literally wanted feet transplants. Also, being that the legal drinking age is 21 in America, you're actually not allowed to drink at the stages. There are allocated bars which are sectioned off and you need to show your age identifying bracelet to get in, and you must finish your drink before leaving these zones. Oh - and finding your friends via texting or calling is absolutely out of the question. I was meeting a friend there who was staying at a different hotel and it took us until the 3rd day to even find each other!
Now, I don't want to only mention negative things, because overall the festival was still epic! You're literally partying with some of the biggest celebrities in the world after all, and the acts that are playing would be a once in a lifetime to see in Australia. Coachella also caters to a lot more music tastes, with a range of bands, DJ's, singers, etc. I tend to go for the dance type music at festivals, but being able to sit and listen to some chill artists while having lunch or just building up to the day was really amazing.
THE COMPARISON
So, let's see which festival is the winner at a few different categories:
Easiest to get tickets: Coachella
Most elaborate theming: Tomorrowland
Easiest to navigate: Tomorrowland
More unique experience: Tomorrowland
More chance of meeting a celebrity: Coachella
Crazier fashion sense: Tomorrowland
Better music: This one can't really be compared, because they were so different! Coachella for variety, Tomorrowland for insane electronic music
Best accomodation arrangement: Tomorrowland (but this may be swayed by my personal experience of Coachella which I wouldn't say was the best choice)
Which one I would go back to first........Tomorrowland!!
I think by now you might be getting the vibe that I preferred Tomorrowland over Coachella. Well, it's true. I'm not going to deny that it was definitely my preferred festival, and I would race back there in a heart beat. Tomorrowland is not to be missed, and once you get there, you'll see what I mean. Coachella is one of those bucket list festivals too though, so I would still encourage you to give it a try.
If you're interested in more facts about each of these festivals and what to expect, please feel free to let me know! I love sharing my knowledge about festivals, because after all, it's always better to know what you're in for and be prepared.
Happy partying!
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