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Coachella Event Recap - The Festival Isn't The Only Ticket You Want

The Atmosphere of The Retreat at Sparrows Lodge. Photo Credit: Getty Images

No ticket to the festival, no problem! These parties ensured you were treated like royalty and rest assure thats the one hot ticket you ever wanted! Celebrities, media, tastemakers,and industry insiders went to the desert to ring in Coachella but also to attend many of the hottest parties and retreats to prep for the long haul of the weekend. 

Kicking off the weekend was The Retreat. Held at the 20-room Sparrows Lodge, The Retreat served as an oasis with a rustic twist. Guests were able to enjoy healthy delectable bites catered by The Fat Radish of New York. Beverages and cocktails from Whispering Angel, Rekorderlig Cider, Lucky Buddha, Clover Juice, Perrier, Harmless Harvest Coconut Water, and Health-Ade Kombucha. The whole property was supplied by Kiehl’s, who had an on-site barber shop for guests to receive haircuts, beard trims, skincare and more.

In addition to the decadent fare and atmosphere, guests were also able to take advantage of getting massages by Soothe, Vanity Projects with Dior offered manicures, and various other beauty treatments such as Oxygen Facials by Intraceuticals along with foot massages provided by celeb renowned reflexologist, Joanne Scorcia. Taylor and Taylor provided plush décor. Artist Alia Penner created beautiful art pieces and paintings on-site throughout the weekend. A portrait studio was set-up at The Retreat where photographer Brantley Gutierez captured stunning photos of attendees withLeica, which will run on Vanityfair.com. before jumping in the chilling pool. 
“It's where you want to go to just relax, unwind,” said Mehta, who is also working on the Sparrows event. “It's supposed to feel like an escape, almost like a backyard pool party with intimate friends, versus a massive marketed huge event." 

Attendees enjoyed musical performances from various artists and musicians including jazz pianist Lea Chisholmas well as sounds curated by PsychemagikIsaac FerryDaisy O’Dell and SoSuperSam  powered by Caeden HeadphonesAmoeba Music hosted the Vinyl listening room, with support from Marshall Speakers. Decorations were kindly donated by HEDGEHOUSE USA.

Kiehl's Gifted its Luxurious Skin Care Products! Photo Credit: Getty Images

After a long day at the festival everyone, literally EVERYONE headed to the famous Landmark Aviation at Desert Resorts Airport to ring in the 6th Annual Neon Carnival. Paper Magazine presented this year’s event along with partners Pac Sun, “Dope” the movie, and Tequila Don Julio.In addition to the traditional Neon Carnival games and activities guests enjoy each year, PacSun created a custom game specifically for the event and will be offered guests the chance to win prizes from some of PacSun’s top brands. Tequila Don Julio will be served up specialty cocktails from the Airstream Speakeasy. 

Needing no introduction Neon Carnival has year after year served as a getaway to where attendees can let lose and dance on the dance floor, ride your favorite carnival rides, or win your sweetheart some prizes. 

This year¹s event was presented by Paper Magazine along with partners Pac Sun, ³Dope² the movie, and Tequila Don JulioThis year Neon Carnival was hotter than ever with some of Hollywoods biggest name attending followed by a line full of hopefuls. Leonardo Dicaprio, Justin Bieber, Chris Brown and Scott Eastwood.  Aaron Paul was one of the first to arrive and made a b-line to the VIP area with wife Lauren Parsekian, where it then became a celeb fueled dance party with Kellan Lutz, Josh Henderson and Scott Eastwood.

Other notable attendees included: Alessandra Ambrosio, Jamie Chung,  Bryan Greenberg. Jared Followill of Kings of Leon and wife Martha Patterson,  Patrick Schwarzenegger, MUSE, Julianne Hough, Joe Jonas, Sarah Hyland and many more!

DJ Sets by DJ PolitikJesse MarcoKayper and DJ Ruckus were on deck for the evening. DJ Ruckus hyped up the crowd and brought out surprise guest A-Trak who closed out the night with his hip-hop inspired set. Not wrapping till about 4:30 AM this party somehow gets bigger and better each and every year. It's not an understatement when I say I can not WAIT till next years' parties!