Kevin Bronson on October 13th, 2016

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Desert Trip was introduced back in May with three words: “Just this once.” And even though that distinction was tarnished when promoters Goldenvoice later added a second weekend, the three-day, six-headliner festival felt every bit the once-in-a-lifetime experience last weekend.

||| See: Our reviews and galleries from Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3.

Some things to know if you’re headed out for Weekend 2:

The sets, ranked

Because somebody asked me to do this: 1) Paul McCartney’s emotionally ranging tour de force Saturday, by a whisker over 2) Roger Waters’ audio-visual spectacle and heavy messages on Sunday. 3) Neil Young’s cross-generational (he’s backed by the youngsters in The Promise of Real) rager on Saturday, by nose over Friday night’s ageless wonders 4) the Rolling Stones, ever the Rolling Stones but not exactly a bundle of surprises. 5) The Who, who were delightfully the punk band in the context of this festival. And 6) Bob Dylan, who despite the strength of his performance (especially as compared to recent solo outings) came off as the diffident intellectual in this context. It’s the first time Dylan has finished last in anything, I’m pretty sure, but I stress: in the context of Desert Trip.

Getting there

If you’re driving to and from Los Angeles, allow yourself plenty of time. (File under: CalTrans DGAF.) Construction narrowed the I-10 through the Yucaipa area on Friday on the drive to Desert Trip; it was worse Sunday night coming home. Road work narrowed the I-10 west to one lane. Ended up turning around and circling back to the 60, which was smooth sailing.

Parking there

Unlike Coachella, when attendees tend to depart in waves, the Desert Trip crowd left all at once. We’re pretty sure we spotted people in luxury vehicles calling their lawyers on Friday night, when we were imprisoned in dust-choked Lot 14B for 1 hour 55 minutes after the show before cars even started to move. On Saturday night in a different lot, it was one hour of idling before we got out. Best bet: Use a ride-sharing service. (Shuttles are sold out.)

Eating there

The “Culinary Experience,” it turns out, is a good deal. If you’re eating and drinking from the stands, the shortest lines (and best vibe) could be found in the Twelve Palms area at the far west end of the festival (where the main VIP area is located at Coachella). It’s where folks spread blankets and lawn chairs on the terraced area to view the fest from afar. Oh, and unlike Coachella, you can take your drinks anywhere on the festival grounds: No beer gardens.

Take in the photo exhibition

Arrive early at least one day to give yourself time to take in the Desert Trip Photography Experience. It is, as advertised, “a one-of-a-kind, 36,000-square-foot exhibit with over 200 classic and rarely seen images from rock’s glorious heyday.” Plus, the monstrous tent housing the exhibition is air-conditioned. It’s a great place to spend an hour-plus. But be advised: Lines got gnarly as the afternoon progressed.

Don’t be in a hurry

Yes, the crowds are older, and therefore not as ambulatory as the flower kids who rush to the dance tents at Coachella. The crowds were also unfailingly polite.

Make some international friends

We talked to people from at least eight different countries during the course of the weekend — none of whom had ever been to Coachella. By and large, they were reveling in the experience. Especially if you’re a festival veteran, it’s a delight to get their perspective.

Enjoy the bathrooms

The grounds are replete with luxury (and air-conditioned) bathroom trailers — not rows and rows of porta-potties that end up rather rank by the end of the night. Or, as one fellow said when exiting the men’s room, “That’s nicer than my apartment.”

Photos courtesy of Goldenvoice (and as credited)