Ready to ride the wave of excitement at Coachella with the top Coachella brand activations in 2024? 🎉🎶

Even with Coachella attendance dropping by 14%, compared to last year’s 250,000 attendees, brands still went all out.

They turned the festival into a playground of unforgettable experiences.

Whether you’re looking to amp up your marketing game or just curious about the creative twists on influencer collaborations, my insights into the top activations will have you feeling like you were right there in the action! 

I’ll be looking at:

👉 Rhode Booth at Coachella

👉 Poppi and their ‘coachEARLEa’

👉 The popular 818 Outpost

👉 And even Poosh at Coachella!

So, what are you waiting for?

Let’s roll. 👇

Have you ever imagined a photo booth that does more than just snap your picture?

Well, Rhode transformed this fantasy into reality at Coachella with their adorable photo booth activation.

Picture this: you step into a booth, insert a Rhode-branded coin, strike a pose or two, and voila! 

Not only do you get a fun photo memory, but you also walk away with a free lip tint. 

It’s like a mini-adventure wrapped in a pink bow!

Rhode took it one step further and invited influencer Taylor Hill to join in the fun!

Rhode’s activation was a clever engagement tactic. 

Why?

This activation turned every participant into a mini-ambassador. 

With every click, guests created User Generated Content (UGC) that they were eager to share across social platforms, giving Rhode massive online visibility.

Isn’t it brilliant how a simple activity can turn into an online sensation?

The magic of Rhode’s booth lies in its simplicity and entertainment value. 

Remember, when you’re planning an activation, the goal is to create an experience that’s enjoyable and effortless for participants but also aligns with your brand’s identity. 

A tip from the legendary David Ogilvy comes to mind: “Big ideas are usually simple ideas.” 

So, why not consider simplifying your next big marketing concept while maximising the fun factor?

Influencer marketing at Coachella is changing.

Ever thought about focusing all your marketing efforts on just one influencer? 

Sounds risky, right? 

But Poppi, the innovative soda company, did exactly that, and the results were nothing short of spectacular. 

For the launch of their new product, Poppi chose influencer Alix Earle, a social media sensation with over 10M followers, to be the face of their campaign.

Dubbing it ‘coachEARLEa’, they created an unforgettable experience by flying Alix and her friends out to California for Coachella, complete with a house fully stocked with Poppi drinks and branded merchandise.

This partnership was far from a simple endorsement deal. 

It was a fully immersive brand experience tailored to resonate with Alix and, by extension, her vast audience. 

The organic and authentic interactions Alix shared throughout the event, from enjoying Poppi drinks with her friends to showcasing the branded swag, amplified the brand’s presence across various social media platforms.

This approach capitalised on Alix’s influence and her ability to authentically integrate Poppi into her Coachella experience, making it relatable to her followers.

Poppi’s strategy highlights a key marketing insight: sometimes, less is more. 

By concentrating their efforts on one influential figure, they created a personalised and customised experience that felt genuine and unique. 

The lesson here is clear—focusing on quality interactions with a smaller, targeted group can often yield more significant results than casting a wide net. 

So, why not consider giving your next big campaign a personal touch?

It could be the key to unlocking a new level of brand loyalty and visibility.

Imagine stepping into the scorching desert heat and finding yourself in a full-blown Western-themed oasis. 

That’s the 818 Outpost at Coachella, back for its third year and better than ever.

With a full-service saloon at its heart, the outpost offered event-goers a delightful escape with complimentary 818 Tequila cocktails, refreshing Sprinter Vodka Soda, and much more. 

It was like walking into an old Western movie but with a modern twist!

The 818 Outpost was a hub of activity where guests could dive into a range of personal experiences. 

Want to jazz up your festival look? 

Head over to Bumble’s station for custom cowboy hat customisation.

Fancy a unique souvenir? 

Tezza’s custom photo experiences have you covered. 

And if the desert sun has you feeling less than fresh, Anastasia Beverly Hills offers a makeup touch-up station to keep you looking flawless. 

These hands-on activities enhance the visitor experience and create meaningful connections between brands and their consumers.

This activation teaches us the power of effective brand partnerships. 

Each collaborator at the 818 Outpost—from Bumble to Anastasia Beverly Hills—brings something unique to the table, yet all share a common thread that ties back to the interests of the festival crowd. 

By aligning with brands that resonate with the same target audience, 818 Tequila maximises its exposure and reinforces its brand image in a context that feels both natural and engaging. 

For your next marketing strategy, consider partnering with brands that align with your audience’s lifestyle and preferences.

It’s a smart way to expand your reach and build stronger connections, making your brand a memorable part of their experience.

Let’s dive into Poosh’s unforgettable brand activation at Coachella. 

Have you ever dreamed of a wellness retreat right in the middle of a music festival? 

Poosh turned that dream into a reality with a serene camping haven sprawled across a 40-acre estate. 

They brought together a group of influencers with a jaw-dropping combined reach of 9.8M to immerse in a bespoke experience that screams wellness from every corner. 

From cold plunges and lymphatic drainage sessions to yoga classes and, surprisingly, even tattoo sessions—Poosh covered all bases in making sure wellness was front and centre.

Back at the festival grounds, Poosh didn’t just stop at wellness; they went all out with brand collaborations that kept the camp vibes high and health-centric. 

Imagine refuelling with healthy snacks from Erewhon’s camp canteen or boosting your energy with Lemme products. 

And let’s not forget about customising your festival look at Levi’s Store denim workshop, staying hydrated with Califia Farms, or getting your hair festival-ready with Wella Company. 

To top it off, Adidas gifted comfy sambas to keep everyone moving in style. 

Poosh’s approach was a masterclass in blending lifestyle with festival fun, creating a memorable and engaging experience for everyone.

This activation is a prime example of how to stay true to your brand’s core values while creating an engaging and immersive experience. 

Poosh maintained its wellness ethos throughout the event, ensuring every element aligned with being the “best version” of oneself. 

For your next event, think about how you can integrate your brand’s values into every detail of the experience. 

By doing so, you not only enhance your brand’s authenticity but also create deeper connections with your audience.

And isn’t that what memorable marketing is all about? 

So, next time you plan an event, remember: aligning with your core values is not just good marketing; it’s smart business.

Here’s something I noticed. Many brands splurge on sending influencers to Coachella, complete with luxurious accommodations and all the frills.

Yet, I saw a Coachella experience that’s often overlooked.

Take @ysabellewallace on TikTok, for instance. 

Her Coachella videos raked in over 50M views without any big sponsorships.

Her content included get-ready-with-me sessions in her car, live updates from the festival, and pure, unfiltered fun with her friends.

If I were advising brands on festival marketing strategies for 2025, I’d definitely suggest they take note. Imagine this:

Swap the usual brand-exclusive areas for something more grounded—sponsor a creator and their crew with a well-equipped campsite and car. 

Cover the costs of tickets and camping gear, and add some branded touches like vinyl stickers or goodie bags.

In return, let the creators freely produce content. Ditch the stringent content approval processes and creative briefs. 

Perhaps, organise a content takeover day on the brand’s social media.

While the specifics might need fine-tuning, content creators like Ysabelle are redefining ‘Coachella-tok’ with their genuine and enjoyable content. 

This shows a clear audience preference for authenticity and fun in what they watch.

As the dust settles on Coachella 2024, it’s clear that brands have masterfully harnessed the power of influencer marketing to create not just buzz but lasting impressions. 

These brand activations, rich in creativity and deeply in sync with the lifestyle of their audiences, show that the future of marketing lies in experiences that are both authentic and immersive.