Coachella 2018 will forever be known as the year Beyonce took over Coachella. It’s not a contest, but if it were, Bey would win everything.
But like all good things, Beyonce’s history-making performance came to an end.
For a lucky few thousand invite-only guests, however, the desert night was just getting started.
On Saturday night, about 20 miles from Coachella, celeb-filled limousines and the SUVs that carried their producers, agents and managers, made their way down a one lane desert highway to party at Levi’s Brand Presents Neon Carnival with Tequila Don Julio.
The brainchild of LA nightlife maven, Brent Bolthouse, Neon Carnival has become the hottest ticket during the Coachella festival. So hot, that Bolthouse has designed a wristband pick-up process specifically designed to keep party crashers out.
Neon Carnival is exactly what it sounds like. A carnival so lit up with rides, games, and fun that you can spot its location at the HITS Desert Park from miles away. Bumper cars? Yes. Giant slide? Of course. Neon Carnival also boasts a massive dance floor with big name DJs like DJ Rukus and DJ Politik. And this year, hit producer Timbaland surprised the crowd with a guest DJ set.
But what the party lacks in actual performances, it more than makes up for with sightings of Leonardo DiCaprio and his model girlfriend du jour.
Cassidy Sparrow | WireImag
No, really. Leo was there. He hasn’t missed a Neon Carnival since its inception 9 years ago.
Also spotted were Kourtney Kardashian with boyfriend Younes Bendjima, Chance the Rapper, French Montana, Get Out’s Daniel Kaluuya, Jamie Foxx, Shay Mitchell, Victoria’s Secret model Shanina Shaik and Diddy.
Guests took in multiple interactive photo booths by both Levi’s Brand and Wynn Nightlife. BatisteTM Dry Shampoo had a pop up for hair touch-ups – you know, in case your flower crown fell out while dancing during Destiny Child’s mini-reunion.
Don Julio 1942 served up specialty Palomas cocktails at the many bars throughout the outdoor space. No waiting in line for this invite-only crowd.
For those not into tequila, LA staple Golden Road Brewery was on hand serving up cold beer on tap. When the tap ran out, they brought in cans – now that’s what we call good hospitality.
So if Beyonce is the queen of Coachella, Neon Carnival is the Meghan Markle.
