Framework in the Desert
Even if you’re not heavily into music, you probably know there’s a festival happening in Indio this weekend— and there’s a lot more, too. While party promoters, sponsors and producers are quick to remind us that they are not affiliated with the Coachella Arts and Music Festival in any official capacity, the surplus of soirees in the desert are aimed at attracting the youthful demographic and celebrities all in the area for the fest. Many parties offer their own live music alongside DJs that capture the musical spirit, trendy fashion-filled vibes and hedonistic hijinks of festival season. Read on for our look to the best bashes happening during Coachella weekend— and prepare to hit up all your connected pals to score an invite! .
Framework in the Desert — April 11-13
Chris Lake and deadmau5 are set to join Mau P and Alesso (BODY HI) for this dance-driven DJ fest. The fourth edition of the popular afterparty also offers special guests Francis Mercier and Layton Giordani, as well as Max Styler, Interplanetary Criminal, Hills, Erez, and Miluhska. The music and movement takes place Friday-Sunday, near festival grounds. 
James Kennedy
Nightlife legend Brent Bolthouse and Jeffrey Best’s invite-only after-hours event has become the best known of the weekend scene for good reason. It’s like an exclusive rave meets amusement park meets VIP nightclub outside. Patron El Alto is sponsoring this one and DJs set to spin include Charly Jordan, Chase B & Friends and DJ Pee .Wee aka Anderson .Paak rocking an all-vinyl set. Bolthouse says he’s excited to bring back Paak and touts “a few more surprises throughout the night.”
Last year’s hot “festival fits” were all about cowboy chic, but for 2025, who knows? Whatever the hot looks of the moment are, you’ll see ’em at this Desert Mirage mashup. Line-up hasn’t been announced yet but if past performers (21 Savage, Ice Spice, Snoop Dogg, Travis Scott, Post Malone) are any indication, this afternoon soiree is a can’t miss.
Courtesy Sonic Desert
Now in its third year, Sonic Desert takes over a private 20-acre estate just minutes from the Coachella festival grounds. Influencers and celebs flock to this immersive party featuring live music and interactive art installations. Presented by Orange Cream Coca-Cola, the VIP area will offer orange cream floats. Other sponsors include Topo Chico, Roland, SmartWater, Vitaminwater, 21 Seeds Tequila, Bulleit Whiskey, LIXIR of The Gods, Coachella Valley Volkswagen, Empress Gin 1908, Smart Swimsuits, Velvee, STK Steakhouse and Benihana.
Returning to the desert for its fourth year on Friday from 1-6 p.m, Kendall Jenner’s tequila brand celebrates the weekend at this exclusive party presented by L.A.’s The h.wood Group. Other brands will be on hand (lots of Kenny’s sister’s stuff) such as Kylie’s Sprinter Vodka Soda and Kourtney’s Lemme wellness. Rhode (Hailey Bieber’s line), Celsius Live Fit, Quay, Liquid I.V., and more will be there too, and the desert will be blessed with more DJ Pee .Wee (Anderson .Paak) doing a special set. Check 818’s Instagram for your chance to attend.
Ulta Beauty presents the return of the enduringly hip mag’s rager, featuring a performance by Dove Cameron and DJ Set by James Hype. This year’s theme: an oceanic deep dive inviting guests to “plunge into the depths of self-discovery and ignite vibrant worlds waiting to be uncovered.”
Paradise at the V Hotel — April 12-13
Kiss-n-Grind and SeeYouSoon come together for this musical interlude from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. spotlighting the sounds of deep house, soul classics and new grooves. Expect good vibes and lots of booty shaking. Zenyara Desert Nights— April 11-13
The invite only series at the Zenyara Estate returns with a packed 2025 lineup. Bob Moses, Vintage Culture, Mau P, WhoMadeWho and Anyma (who just finished a run at the Las Vegas Sphere) perform.
Musick at Ace Hotel — April 12
The Ace Hotel always has a heightened social scene during Coachella so we’d hit it regardless, but this Billboard and Reggie Watts hosted event looks promising. Free and open to the public in partnership with Amazon, it should be all about the DJ selections courtesy Watts and Neil Frances.
