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Runs / Hiking / Fitness

LA Events

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March 28, 2025

Runs / Hiking / Fitness

SoCal Run, Hiking & Fitness Events

Runs

April 26 | 7:00 am 2nd annual Steps for Vets – Run, Walk, Roll at Hollywood Park (Run)
5K fundraising event in support of our mission to prevent and end veteran homelessness in the United States! We invite you, your colleagues, family, and friends to join us in taking steps for homeless veterans.

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Whittier Narrows Spring Running Festival 1st Annual Whittier Narrows Spring Running Festival! Join us for a 5K, 10K, or a 15K on a course that winds around the scenic Legg Lake.

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2025 Memorial Day 1M 5K 10K 13.1 26.2 Memorial Day is May 26, 2025. Join us on our fifth annual Memorial Day 1M 5K 10K 13.1 26.2.

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Hikes

FREE WOMEN’S HIKE w/ Soundbath, Meditation, Breathwork, Reiki & more FREE COMMUNITY WOMEN’S HIKE Includes: Sacred Hike, Meditation, Soundhealing, Breathwork, & more!

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Speed Dating & Hiking Adventure | Ages 30-45 (wiggle room allowed on ages) Join our group hike where we will rotate hikers through a series of 1:1 speed dates on the trail!

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Catholic Singles Hike Join us for a fun hike with fellow Catholic singles to enjoy nature, meet new people, and maybe even find a special connection!

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Women’s Mother’s Day Hike to Sturtevant Falls Sturtevant Falls Hike – May 3 | 5am

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Family Hike (May) Let’s create a grounded community on this family-friendly hike! We will move at a toddler pace, and all ages are welcome.

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Nature Hike at Ken Malloy Regional Park Join Jr. Urban Ecologist, Ryan Kinzel for a nature hike. Bring sunblock, hiking shoes, and the whole family!

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Other Fitness Events

April 20 | 11:00 am – 1 pm Baby Goat Yoga, Bunnies & Egg Hunt at the Castle Green in Pasadena (Run)
Make this Easter unforGOATable! Experience Yoga with Nigerian Dwarf Goats and bunnies, on the majestic grounds of Pasadena Historic Treasure, Castle Green.

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April 26 | 8:00 am – 6 pm YOGANANDA FEST 2025 in Torrance, CA (Run)
Yogananda Fest is an inspiring day-long festival celebrating and sharing the teachings of the great Master, Paramhansa Yogananda, who brought Yoga and Meditation to the West.

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Bringing Serenity to SoCal: The Story Behind Intomesea

LA Events

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March 3, 2025

Bringing Serenity to SoCal: The Story Behind Intomesea

_{Story by: Kevin O.}

Founded with the vision to create a space where people can reconnect with themselves and the natural world, Jen Miller is a passionate ocean lover whose journey has been shaped by a lifelong connection to water, an insatiable curiosity about the unknown, and a deep-rooted commitment to holistic well-being. We dive into the inspirations, personal experiences, and mission that have made Intomesea a beacon of healing in Southern California.

Interview with Jen Miller, Owner of INTOMESEA in Santa Monica, California

INTERVIEWER: Hey there Jen, can you tell our SoCal readers a bit about yourself and how you came to start INTOMESEA?

JEN MILLER: Sure! My name is Jen Miller, and I was born and raised in San Diego. Over the years, I’ve lived in different places, including Los Angeles, Seattle, Santa Barbara, New York, and London. My journey has taken me through various artistic and healing disciplines. I initially studied art in Seattle before switching to photography and enrolling at Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, which was one of the top photography schools in the country at the time.

Later, while working in Los Angeles, I began experiencing health issues that led me to see a neurologist. At 31, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. That diagnosis made me reflect on my life and the things I wanted to experience. I decided to travel, visiting places like Thailand, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, India, and Nepal.

INTERVIEWER: Were those trips for leisure, or were you exploring alternative healing practices?

JEN MILLER: It was more about personal growth—a spiritual, emotional, and psychological quest. You could say it was a bit like “Eat, Pray, Love.” I wanted to see the world beyond just working long hours in photography and film. Some of my travels were also about my own photography and artistic exploration. During my time abroad, I made friends from London and decided to move there. I applied for an art program and lived in London for a year, where I also met my ex-husband. We moved to New York in 2007, got married, had a son, and lived there for six years before splitting up in 2013. After that, I decided to return to Los Angeles with my son.

INTERVIEWER: How did you transition into the wellness industry?

JEN MILLER: Around 2008, I was working for a high-profile photographer, and my health began to decline again due to the demanding schedule. I realized I needed a change, so I did a complete 180 and enrolled in a massage therapy program at the Swedish Institute of Health Sciences in New York. I became a licensed massage therapist, and during that time, I also got married, had my son, and went through a divorce—all within two years. It was a whirlwind.

When I moved back to Los Angeles, I started working as a massage therapist at Burke Williams, but I constantly felt exhausted. That’s when I discovered floatation therapy. I first heard about it through Joe Rogan’s podcast—he’s a huge advocate for floating. I found a float center in The Valley and tried it out. It was life-changing. The combination of weightlessness, Epsom salts, and sensory deprivation helped alleviate my physical pain and provided profound mental clarity. I knew right then that I wanted to bring this experience to others.

INTERVIEWER: When did you decide to open INTOMESEA?

JEN MILLER: My son was diagnosed with autism at four and a half, so in 2016, I put everything on hold to focus on him. About a year later, once he was more stable and receiving the support he needed, I revisited the idea of opening my own space. I had been marinating on this concept for years, so in 2017, I officially set up the LLC, found a location, and things started to come together.

I attended the FLOW Conference, where I discovered the Lucia No. 3 light—a hypnagogic flashing light that stimulates the visual cortex and pineal gland, creating an incredible sensory experience. I knew I wanted that as part of INTOMESEA, alongside float tanks, infrared saunas, crystal tubs, and a salt chamber. What started as a simple float center evolved into something much larger.

INTERVIEWER: What is the origin of floating therapy?

JEN MILLER: Floating was developed by Dr. John C. Lilly, a scientist who initially worked with sensory deprivation as part of government research, including the controversial MK-Ultra project in the 1950s and ’60s. Eventually, he branched off from that, and his studies led to the development of what we now call REST therapy—Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy. Research has since shown that floating reduces stress, alleviates chronic pain, and enhances mental clarity by allowing the brain to enter deep relaxation states associated with delta waves.

INTERVIEWER: Do you see a connection between your travels and your business?

JEN MILLER: Absolutely. Many of the elements at INTOMESEA, like sound baths, gongs, crystal bowls, and meditation practices, have roots in ancient traditions. My co-creator, Martha Lockey, joined me in 2019, just before we opened. She has extensively studied under Baba Muktananda and has been instrumental in bringing the finer nuances of meditation and energy work into the space.

INTERVIEWER: Looking back, do you see connections between your childhood and your journey into this industry?

JEN MILLER: Definitely. I have always had a profound love for the ocean. I started scuba diving when I was 14, and the ocean has always been central to my life. Growing up in San Diego in the ’70s, surf culture was a huge influence. My dad, who was a pilot and later a cattle rancher, was also a surfer back in the ’40s and ’50s. We shared a deep love for the ocean, and that shaped me.

INTERVIEWER: What made you want to transition from simply loving the ocean to scuba diving?

JEN MILLER: The ocean’s vastness, beauty, and mystery always fascinated me. It’s a world that feels infinite and unknown, and I wanted to explore it.

INTERVIEWER: What does being near the ocean give you that the city doesn’t?

JEN MILLER: Serenity, peace, and a sense of being able to breathe. When I scuba dive, I feel weightless—it’s the same sensation I get in the float tanks. Floating is like a deep reconnection with nature, a way to reset and recharge, even when I can’t physically get to the ocean.

INTERVIEWER: Was it important for you to create a space where others could experience that?

JEN MILLER: Yes, that was a huge part of my mission with INTOMESEA. I wanted to build a space where people could heal, connect with their deeper selves, and feel safe in their exploration. It’s about creating an environment where authenticity and transformation can flourish, and where people can take those experiences back into their daily lives.

INTERVIEWER: What experiences have you heard from clients that let you know you were on the right path with your business?

JEN: Every time someone walks in and just looks around in awe, saying, “Thank you so much for creating this space,” it validates that I’m doing something positive in the community. Whether it’s someone coming in for a salt chamber session or experiencing the Monday Night Cure sound baths with Dr. Chucky Lopez or Bucky Lover, hearing their comments—how they feel transformed or at peace—reaffirms my mission. People often say, “This place is amazing. Thank you for building it.” That means everything to me.

INTERVIEWER: If you’re talking to people who may not be so metaphysical in their connection, how do you describe your business to them?

JEN: I describe Intomesea as a place where people come to find connection—a deep connection with themselves. It’s a space for self-work, so they can then go out and connect more authentically with the world.

INTERVIEWER: Are there any organizations that you’re part of?

JEN: Yes, there are a couple of nonprofits I actively support. One is Shark Allies, founded by Stephanie Brendl. She does crucial conservation work, influencing policy changes to protect sharks. Sharks are essential to our planet’s survival because they regulate ocean ecosystems. Some shark populations have declined by 90%, and if they disappear, it will disrupt the ocean’s balance—affecting everything, even the air we breathe. I support her work as much as I can.

Another nonprofit close to my heart is Life Rolls On, founded by Jesse Billauer, a three-time world adaptive surfing champion. He was paralyzed in a surfing accident at 17 and created this organization to get people with mobility challenges back into the water. Whether it’s someone paralyzed from a car accident, spinal cord issues, or conditions like multiple sclerosis, we get them back on surfboards and into the waves. It’s one of the most incredible experiences to be part of.

INTERVIEWER: Most people fear sharks, but you seem fascinated by them. When did sharks become so important to you?

JEN: It started when I was a very young child. I used to have a recurring dream where I was a Polynesian man swimming far offshore near an island in the Pacific. In the dream, a shark came and took my legs, and then I’d wake up with my legs numb and tingling. As I grew older, the dream went from black and white to color. I truly believe it was a past life experience. Since then, I’ve always been drawn to sharks. Any chance I got—whether in school or college—if I had to write a report, it was always about sharks.

INTERVIEWER: A dream like that would make most people run from sharks. How did it draw you to them?

JEN: I’ve always felt a deep spiritual connection to them. It’s like they’re my spirit animal. Instead of fear, I feel a sense of understanding and connection.

INTERVIEWER: When did you first get the nerve to dive with them like you do?

JEN: I started diving when I was 14, but I didn’t actually see a shark in a diving situation until my 40s. Every time I dove, I searched for them but never saw one. Finally, in my 40s, I decided, “I’m going to see a shark.” I went to Guadalupe to dive with great whites. While that was more of a cage dive, I was determined to eventually swim freely with a shark—just me and the shark in the water.

INTERVIEWER: Is there a connection between your multiple sclerosis (MS) and floating? Did you find relief when you first tried it?

JEN: Absolutely. One 90-minute float session is equivalent to about four hours of restorative sleep. When I experience MS fatigue—which is my most prominent symptom—it can feel like I’ve been hit by a truck. Floating has been one of the most restorative therapies for me.

INTERVIEWER: If someone has a big medical event coming up and they’re feeling anxious, how could floating help them?

JEN: Studies show that even just one float session dramatically reduces cortisol levels. The effects can last several days. Compared to something like a massage—where the benefits typically last about a day—floating can have lasting effects for three to five days, or even a week. It’s like hitting a reset button for the nervous system.

Jen Miller has created more than just a wellness center—it’s a bridge between science and spirituality, a place where people can escape the chaos of daily life and reconnect with their inner selves. Whether it’s the sensation of weightlessness in a float tank, the power of meditation, or the energy of a community coming together, Intomesea provides a space for transformation and self-discovery. As they continue to support local conservation efforts and bring people closer to nature—both physically and metaphysically—their journey serves as a reminder that healing is not just about the body but also about the mind and spirit.

Stay connected with Jen and her story at: www.intomesea.com

See & Meet Celebrities in Los Angeles

Things To Do

LA Events

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February 28, 2025

See & Meet Celebrities in Los Angeles

Upcoming Celebrity Events:

April 10 | 8pm Maria Shriver in Conversation with Simon Sinek (Book Release Event)
at Ann and Jerry Moss Theatre in Santa Monica
Discussing her new book, “I Am Maria: My Reflections and Poems on Heartbreak, Healing, and Finding Your Way Home”

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April 21 | 7:30 pm Writers Bloc Presents Carol Leifer in Conversation With Henry Winkler (Speaking Event)
in Santa Monica
Carol Leifer and Henry Winkler along with standup writer Rick Mitchell provide speaking/writing tips that’ll serve any writer, speaker or performer in just about anything.

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April 23 | 8pm Matt Groening in Conversation with Robert Crumb & Dan Nadel (Book Release Event)
at Aratani Theatre in Los Angeles
Matt Groening, the creator of ‘the Simpsons’ chops it up with Robert Crumb & Dan Nadel discussing the release of the book: “Crumb: A Cartoonist’s Life”

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May 5 | 8pm Christy Brinkley (Book Release Event)
at Glorya Kaufman Performing Arts Center in Vista Del Mar
Discussing her memoir, “Uptown Girl”

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May 6 | 8pm Ed Helm (Book Release Event)
at Glorya Kaufman Performing Arts Center in Vista Del Mar
Discussing the book, “SNAFU: The Definitive Guide to History’s Greatest Screwups”

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May 15 | 7pm Erik Estrada (Book Discussion)
at The Grove in Los Angeles
Discussing his new book, “Officer Erik and the Very Special Dad”

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Additional (Unconfirmed) Red Carpet Film Premiere Dates:

April 2025

28th April – The Last Battleship

29th April – Thunderbolts

May 2025

12th May – A Guardian’s Heart

13th May – The Lost Locket

13th May – Flowervale Street

14th May – The Crypto (Beyond)

14th May – 90’s Babiez

19th May – Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two

26th May – Karate Kid

June 2025

02nd June – Ballerina

03rd June – Dirty Dancing 2

04th June – Crawlers

09th June – How to Train Your Dragon

10th June – Elio

16th June – Becoming the Night: A Nightwing Story

17th June – 28 Years Later

23rd June – M3GAN 2.0

24th June – Lost Weekend

25th June – Untitled Sony/Marvel Live Action

25th June – Naya Legend of the Golden Dolphin

30th June – Jurassic World 4

30th June – Untitled Universal Event Film

June 2025

01st July – Touch

01st July – Reparations in America

07th July – Superman: Legacy

14th July – The Naked Gun

14th July – I Know What You Did Last Summer

Pasadena’s Hidden Gem: The Bakery That’s as Sweet as Its Mission

LA Events

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February 27, 2025

Pasadena’s Hidden Gem: The Bakery That’s as Sweet as Its Mission

Story by: Kevin O.

When the world shut down in 2020, Marianna Vardanyan found solace in baking. The lockdown at the beginning of Covid-19 pandemic stirred childhood memories of food shortages and hardship, reminding her of the power of food to bring comfort in difficult times. Wanting to lift the spirits of her friends, she began making and delivering homemade tea cakes—without expecting anything in return. What started as a small act of kindness quickly grew into a full-fledged business, Valentine Sweets, a specialty bakery in Pasadena known for its organic ingredients, unique flavors, and deep-rooted mission of giving back to the community.

Marianna’s Journey with Valentine Sweets

“I started my business with just $400. The lockdown really reminded me of my childhood, growing up during the war when there were food shortages. I remember standing in line with my grandmother just to get bread. Each household member was only allowed a single slice, and I would watch people fight over food. I used to think, One day, I’m going to become a baker. But I never revisited that dream—until the lockdown”.

During that time, I noticed the mental health of my friends declining. I was talking to a few of them, and I could see they were really struggling. So I started baking my childhood favorite tea cakes—Russian-Polish gingerbread. At first, I made them just for fun and began dropping them off for friends without even telling them. But then I noticed something unexpected: baking lifted my own spirits too. It pulled me out of depression and anxiety, and at the same time, it brought joy to the people around me.

One day, a friend offered to pay for the tea cakes because she wanted to support my baking. That’s how it started—I baked and delivered 2,000 tea cakes using organic ingredients. I charged her $25 for them, and the next day, she posted about them on Instagram. She had just had a baby, and the tea cakes had her baby’s name on them. After that, more friends began placing orders.

One of my first customers was a doula, and she introduced my tea cakes to her clients. That connection led to more orders, and soon I found myself baking for a growing community. As I kept baking, I started donating tea cakes to support different causes. I contributed to Be a Lemon, and a friend of mine co-founded a nonprofit called Amplified Empathy, which was based near the freeway in Burbank. I couldn’t physically attend protests because I had a small child at home, but this was my way of supporting the movement.

Then, when the explosion happened in Beirut, I felt compelled to help. I created a special edition of tea cakes inspired by Lebanese flavors, spelling out “Beirut” with heart-shaped designs. I sold them to raise money, donating the proceeds to support those affected by the tragedy. I documented everything on Instagram—I can share the link with you if you’d like.

Giving Back and Finding a Home for Valentine Sweets

My third annual toy drive was really special. I’ve always been inspired by my uncle—he was the president of the Red Cross in our region when I was growing up. He would give so much of himself, even taking things from his own home to help others in need. That left a lasting impression on me.

When I was eight years old, I joined the Red Cross as a volunteer. I stayed with them for eight years, and eventually, they hired me. I worked there for two years before moving here. Giving back has always been a part of who I am—it makes me happy. I truly believe my purpose in life is to spread love and joy. That’s why our business isn’t just about profit. We use organic ingredients, we’re transparent about what we bake with, and we never take shortcuts. Even selling our products brings people comfort because they know they can trust us to use the healthiest ingredients.

As the business grew, I knew I needed a dedicated space to bake. I started looking for a rental kitchen, but everything was booked—so many small businesses had launched during the lockdown. One day, I was driving around Pasadena, and I saw this bakery space. I thought to myself, I wish this was mine. Then I wouldn’t have to worry anymore.

The very next day, my husband saw an ad for a business offering their commercial kitchen for lease. We reached out, and the owner looked at my Instagram. She hadn’t thought about renting out her space before, but after seeing my work, she told me, I don’t know if my husband will agree, but do you want to take over? She and her husband owned multiple locations and didn’t have time to manage this one. They lived by the beach and rarely came to Pasadena. The next day, she offered me the space. I was in shock—I just started crying.

Taking the space was terrifying because we were on a tight budget, but we decided to go for it. Our bakery is named Valentine Sweets after my daughter—her name is Emily Valentine. When we moved in, I started taking down an old Vanilla Bake Shop poster that was still up in the space. As I peeled it away, I saw something underneath. There, printed on the wall, were the words Valentine Sweets.

I took a picture and sent it to the previous owner, asking, What is this? She told me it was an old promotion they had done for Valentine’s Day—five years ago. I couldn’t believe it. That was already our business name! I sent the photo to my friends, and they all said, This was meant to be.

Now, here we are. Running a business isn’t easy—it never just falls into place. Every business owner learns that. It takes footwork, persistence, and a lot of heart. Pasadena is such a special place—it feels like its own little piece of L.A. People can come here, enjoy an evening, and experience something truly unique. I love it. I love baking. And I love sharing this story.

Growing Valentine Sweets and Giving Back

Marketing is always a work in progress, but getting an article out there is a great way to boost visibility. When people search for keywords like Valentine Sweets or Pasadena bakery, it helps us show up more. The more people click on and share the article, the higher we’ll rank in search engines. It’s a free way to get exposure, and I definitely want to share it with my audience.

As for the future of the business, my dream is to have enough customers that I don’t have to stress about daily sales. I believe in my product, I believe in the quality of our ingredients, and I know my employees believe in it too. It’s just a matter of time and making it through the tough months—especially in January and February, which are slower for bakeries.

Ideally, I’d love to open at least one more location. I’ve thought about expanding to Orange County, but location is everything. It’s not just about finding a nice space—it needs to be in an area with strong foot traffic, where people naturally stop by as part of their daily routine. Those impulse visits make up a big percentage of sales. At the same time, we’re using high-quality organic ingredients, which means our prices are a little higher than a typical bakery. Some people come in just to check us out but don’t always buy something, even though they love the concept and eventually return. That’s why we need to be in a location that attracts the right audience—people who appreciate and prioritize quality ingredients.

Beyond growth, I also want to continue giving back. Right now, I’m struggling a bit because we’re short-staffed, and I’m juggling everything myself. I’d love for the business to run smoothly enough that I can focus more on the creative side—like our annual toy drive, which is something that brings me so much joy. It’s our fourth year doing it, and I know my team enjoys it as well. We usually set it up online, so people can purchase toys, drop them off here, and then we box everything up and send it to the right center.

This year, I’m considering donating to an orphanage in Altadena. I recently saw a missing child alert and started looking into it. It turns out there are a lot of missing kids in Altadena, and unfortunately, many of them are from orphanages. A friend told me that kids in those centers often run away, which is heartbreaking. I might also do something for Santa Clarita later this year.

At the end of the day, I just want Valentine Sweets to be a place that brings people joy—whether that’s through the desserts we make or the ways we give back to the community.

Today, Valentine Sweets is more than just a bakery—it’s a passion project fueled by love, resilience, and generosity. Marianna’s journey from baking in her home kitchen to running a thriving storefront is a testament to her dedication to quality and community. Whether through her carefully crafted desserts or her philanthropic efforts—such as annual toy drives and supporting underprivileged children—she continues to spread joy one sweet bite at a time. As she looks toward the future, her dream is simple: to grow Valentine Sweets into a sustainable business that not only delights customers but also serves as a platform for giving back.

Continue to follow Marianna and her jouney at: www.Valentinesweets.com

Coachella Music Festival | April 11 – 20

LA Events

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February 27, 2025

Coachella Music Festival | April 11 – 20

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Artist Lineup:

An Experience Like No Other!

There’s Only One Coachella Music Festival…Don’t Miss it.

Simply put…the Coachella Valley Music Festival is a cultural phenomenon! And it’s reputation as a leading music festival is valid for many reasons.

One: It’s Iconic Lineups!

Coachella consistently delivers a diverse and high-profile lineup, featuring major headliners and emerging artists across various music genres. From rock, pop, hip-hop, electronic and more. The avalanche of talent all in one venue draws music enthusiasts from around the world. It’s known for having many acts at the peak of their careers, then rounding out the line-up with classic artist that fit beautifully into that years collection of talent.

Two: Fashion and Celebrity Culture

Coachella has long become a major fashion event, where you can showcase your own unique style among other fashionistas, and it’s a hotspot for celebrity sightings which only adds to the festival’s allure.

Three: The Art Installations

Coachella’s many large-scale, interactive art installations create a visually stunning, memorable and immersive experience and contribute to the festival’s unique, unforgettable atmosphere.

The festivals cultural impact is notorious for influencing new trends in music, fashion, and art. It’s a place where trends are set and observed. And it’s this combo of atmosphere and experience in a desert setting with high-energy “peak of career” performances, that create an excitement and satisfaction that can only be had at Coachella.

So Kick off festival season at the biggest, best-est 🙂 event to be had and experience in-person why Coachella is one of the most highly anticipated and talked-about music festivals in the world.

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