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1. The Parties
Special parties will be going on all over the desert for the next two weeks, with pool parties from noon to 8 p.m. and after parties from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Most are free and RSVP only, but anyone can go if they're on the list (Hint: google search).The Neon Carvival hosted by T Mobil and Armani Exchange looks to be the king of parties this weekend, with carnival rides and special guest performances from Google Magnified Artists. Lacoste, Hard Rock Hotel, Belvedre, HTC, Foam Magazine, Adidas, Saguaro Hotel and ACE Hotel are among other top parties to be at. Instead of fighting with hundreds of thousands of people for a glimpse of your favorite artist and spending mucho moolah on drinks and food each day, just go to one of the featured parties. You will see intimate performances by artists at each location, and the Black Keys just one act that are rumored to crash a party. Belvedere Vodka, Peligroso Tequila, Kanon Vodka and Miller are all just a few liquor companies to sponsor and host open bars to wet your whistle.
2. Celebrities
Nicole Richie, Katy Perry, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Greene, Kate Bosworth, Jamie Chung are just a few of a long list of celebs to grace Coachella parties last year. Instead of mingling with the masses in general admission, the people you seek are closer than you think. If you find the right party, you may just get lucky and find yourself drinking with Ms. Richie or singing with Katy Perry by the pool.
3. Free Swag
Hipsters, high fashionistas and just plain festival goers, there will plenty of free swag in gift bags from Hugo Boss, Adidas, Armani Exchange, Lacoste, Vestal and more. At tonight's Filter Magazine party, American Eagle's intimate brand aerie will be unveiling their idea of the “perfect concert bra” as a gift to all in attendance. If you are not into that type of thing, watch out for all the free sunglasses, towels, T-shirts, hats and more festival wear your little heart desires.
4. The Anti Coachella Festival: Desert Daze
Be apart of the first annual anti Coachella festival. Desert Daze is a free, 11-day festival sponsored by various magazines, liquor companies, blogs, clothing companies, record labels. During the weekend, you can experience diverse music from up and coming artists from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. and nightly during the week.
