Painting the Desert Brown and Black: An Ethnographic Study on People of Color at Coachella

• In Event: 20420 - Section on Sociology of Culture Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (90 minute): Table 11: Ethnography

Abstract

This ethnographic study examines the racialized experiences of attendees at Coachella, one of the most globally recognized music festivals. While Coachella presents itself as a multicultural space, its racial dynamics are shaped by economic accessibility, cultural consumption, and the nuanced ways people of color navigate festival spaces. Drawing from theories of the civil sphere, liminality, and cultural consumption, this research investigates how Coachella reproduces or challenges racial hierarchies in temporary leisure spaces. Through participant observation conducted from April 19-21, 2024, across various festival areas—including VIP sections, general admission lounges, and community gathering spots—this study highlights the presence and experiences of Black and Brown attendees. This study finds that people of color engaged in unique cultural expressions, such as matching outfits and flag-waving, fostering collective identity within the festival. However, racialized divisions in social interactions persisted, with attendees of color frequently clustering together. This research contributes to the broader discourse on race, leisure, and space by illustrating how Coachella functions as a site of cultural participation and reflects existing racial hierarchies within entertainment spaces.

Authors

• Brianna Jones-Williams, University of Cincinnati

• Martha Karinna Ramirez, University of Cincinnati