Music lovers enjoy alternatives to Coachella Festival

You may have heard about the exclusive invite-only Coachella Music and Arts Festival parties. But many hotels in the desert are offering some alternatives if you didn’t make the list.

Hacienda Cantina and Beach Club in Palm Springs has been throwing pool parties both Coachella weekends.

“A lot of people are still going to Coachella, so they have that Coachella ticket but they’re looking for something before they go there. But there’s a lot of people who just don’t have that ticket and they come for the ‘no chella’ parties, which is what we’re providing,” Golden Voice promoter Tyler McLean said.

It’s also a cheaper alternative to the festival.

“I came for Annie Mac who’s playing at Coachella, but we didn’t want to buy tickets for a three-day festival when we can come to a pool party, relax and be at normal hours from 12 to 6,” pool party attendee Alex Knutson said.

Some said being able to cool off at the pool is almost better than being at the festival itself.

“It’s hot. I have experienced events out in the heat and it’s not fun. I mean you can have the pool here and they don’t have that at Coachella,” pool party attendee Rene Arbolaeo said.

Travis Rivera, floor manager at the Hard Rock Hotel, said their pool party is a great option for locals.

“I think this gives locals a lot more opportunities. Coachella definitely caters to people outside the valley. We want to do something here for people inside the valley,” Rivera said.

Whether you’re local or from out of town, these parties are attracting thousands of music lovers.

Especially those looking to avoid the crowds.

“Way more chill, way more relaxed, people are just here to have fun. Everybody’s hanging out, going in the pool, having drinks. It’s early so it’s nice, and hopefully it will go off and get crazy,” pool party attendee Tori Sanchez said.

If you would like to attend any of these parties both will continue Sunday.

Haciendays runs from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and tickets are $40.

The party at the Hard Rock is free and runs throughout the day.