COACHELLA revellers have been left out of pocket for more reasons than the price ticket – with staggering food and drink costs branded ‘diabolical’.
This weekend saw thousands descend on the California desert for the annual music festival, with Lady Gaga, Green Day and Post Malone all headlining across the past three days.
But on arrival, raging fans revealed they had to fork out more than $100 on food and drink across a single day as they struggled to keep hydrated.
In one TikTok video, user Ruth Viveros shared she spent $17 on a single glass of lemonade packed to the brim with ice.
Chronicling her expenses for one meal between her and a friend, Ruth revealed the price came to a stomach-churning $102 for steak tacos and a plate of nachos, plus the drinks.
To top it off, she complained the tortilla snacks were “freezing cold”; when she finally got them.
“I’m not going to lie, they are not good. They are not good at all,”; she told the camera, rating the meal a 5/10 overall.
Another meal – Asada loaded Fries – cost $22, and was another 5/10, while a portion of chicken tenders and fries came to $26.10, which she said she would “have again as they were filling”;, marking them 6.7/10.
“the fact that GENERAL ADMISSION is $600 and you still have to pay that much for mid food is making me irrationally angry,”; one viewer wrote
“I will starve for the day before I spend 102 on some lemonade and tacos,”; said another.
“This is making me mad and it’s not even my money,”; noted a third.
While a fourth said: “Yes festivals are expensive, yes the food is overpriced, but $120 for that mid food is CRIMINAL, it’s out of control”;
The full list of options for both food and drink is available on Coachella’s website with the site statement reading: “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.”;
But Ruth was not the only person noting the high prices, with others sharing videos revealing $25 for two chicken tenders and fries, $24 for banh mi sandwich that was “kind of stale”;, while another had a $21 paella but noted: “Yes $21 is a lot but this filled me up for HOURS and was actually tasty!!”;
When it comes to drinks, a Vodka and Red Bull mixer comes at $23, other liquor including whisky and rum will set you back $17, while a White Claw costs $16.
A beer is slightly cheaper at $15. while soft drinks cost $7.
Even water would set you back $2.
This comes on top of the $649 tickets for general admission for the first weekend.
The second weekend, which will have the same line-up, is currently slightly cheaper at $599.
Neither includes shuttle bus tickets, VIP passes, car parking or camping.
