In case you’re living under a rock, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival brings some of the biggest music acts to multiple stages every year. The first weekend of the 2025 event saw thousands of ticketholders sharing $15 lemonades, cooling off under misting fans, and creating content at various hotspots on festival grounds. Performances from the likes of Missy Elliott, GloRilla, Megan Thee Stallion, Lady Gaga, and more kept the attention on the numerous stages, from the afternoon well into the night.
With hundreds of eye-catching acts, branded happy hours, unique pop-ups, and more, attending Coachella is not for the indecisive, as much of the fun happens outside of the main stage. The massive event provides the space for activations, after parties, and additional special engagements that make the trek to Indio, Calif., that much more worth it.
Read below for VIBE’s unranked favorite moments off stage during week one of Coachella 2025.
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The Heineken House
Image Credit: Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Heineken
From Friday until Sunday, Heineken House opened its doors for Hip-Hop at Coachella 2025. Weekend one included performances from The Pharcyde, DJ Premier, Pusha T, Southside, Murda Beatz, and more. In its return to the desert, Heineken House provided everyone captivated by its signature green glow to not only enjoy the aforementioned performances but also experience interactions curated for music lovers and, of course, multiple bars providing Heineken Original, Heineken Silver, and its alcohol free Heineken 0.0. -
Party In My Living Room
Image Credit: Mo’ Staxx @mostaxxla Coachella is the last place a homegrown house party is probably expected, but Party In My Living Room provided just that. All who entered were transported into the familiar turnt-up vibes of a neighborhood kick-it spot, complete with cozy couches and intimate spacing. A recording studio for entrants to explore their rap skills also added a layer of fun to the weekend gathering. Over the three-day period, the Inglewood, Calif.-founded traveling concert series hosted a variety of DJs and musicians, including R-Tistic, Zyah Belle, G Perico, Kenyon Dixon, Westside Boogie, and more. PIMLR stands out as one of the best Coachella side quests for its nonstop energy and dedication to empowering culture with GV Black.
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Aperol Spritz
Image Credit: Photo Credit: Lex Gallegos for Aperol The Aperol Spritz pop-up was the perfect space to relax without being removed from the lively energy of the festival. Guests at the Aperol Spritz Piazza were able to enjoy a variety of activities over three days, including beauty freebies and online trivia for the prize of a surprise meet and greet with Charli XCX. The cool Aperol zone provided comfortable seating, friendly bartenders pouring the signature drink, and an eye-catching photo moment, made unique by reflective orange panels.
Actress Ryan Destiny with an Aperol Spritz at Coachella
Photo Credit: Lex Gallegos for Aperol
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Neon Carnival
Image Credit: Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images The exclusive, invite-only Neon Carnival welcomed thousands of guests to continue their 2025 Coachella weekend one festivities through Saturday night into the early Sunday morning. The event, founded by Brent Bolthouse and produced by Jeffrey Best of Best Events, featured Patrón El Alto as a sponsor, with the brand’s soon-to-launch mini bottles served to VIP guests. On stage, Anderson .Paak performed as DJ Pee .Wee, bringing out special guests including The Pharcyde and Too $hort. Carnival rides and prizes, open bars, and the special vampire fang activation promoting the Sinners film made getting home at sunrise worth it.
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Pizzaslime x Revolve Afterparty Powered By Casamigos
Image Credit: Natasha Campos/Getty Images for Casamigos On Saturday night (April 12) at the Revolve House, Casamigos and Pizza Slime took over for a star-studded affair after the Coachella 2025 gates closed for the night. Guests, including Cardi B., Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz, Tyga, Ty Dolla $ign, Chris Brown, Jhene Aiko, and more enjoyed Casamigos-spirited cocktails paired with appetizers provided by Prince St. Pizza x Yeastie Boys, who created the “margs & margs” concept with margaritas and margherita pizza.
Ty Dolla $ign
Saul Lopez for Casamigos
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