LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. — Extravagant outfits, scorching heat waves, glowing stage lights and lazily swaying palm trees imply one thing: Coachella. Coachella, which is short for the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, is an exclusive California concert where distinguished music artists perform. Its popularity on social media and spirited community has encouraged new events like Quadchella, a promising event inspired by Coachella’s unique social and creative aspects. 

“Quadchella is an annual event which aims to bring together high school campuses for a festival-like event inspired by the popular desert festival Coachella, which happens every April in Indio, Calif.,” said Pacific Times journalist Isabella Bravo in “Quadchella takes the stage on friday.“

Quadchella is thriving in various California high schools and universities, including Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep High School, Sunny Hills High School, Laguna Beach High School, Manhattan College and Fullerton College. Held in the center of campus, Quadchella allows students to get dressed up, listen to music and socialize.

Inspired by the spirit and community this unique event brings, Los Alamitos High School ASB decided to jump on this idea. 

“We got the idea from ASB camp. There’s this activity at camp where other schools share their unique ideas, and we enjoyed the idea of Quadchella because the school had never done anything like it before,” said the head ASB assembly commissioner, LAHS senior Marlee Gilkenson. 

This event, planned and run by Gilkenson and ASB vice president Jillian Muller, will occur in spring 2025. According to Gilkenson, it will be held outside at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 11 in the quad. Students can enjoy the warm weather, live music, carnival games, food trucks and face painting. Students can wander around, play games or sit on a blanket to enjoy the beautiful weather and music. 

However, Quadchella at LAHS has an unusual twist, making it unique from previous ASB student-run events; it is the first event that allows students to be the primary musical entertainment. Five bands of unique genres and electrifying vocals have already tried out to participate in this event and are looking forward to showcasing their talents. According to @losalofficial on Instagram, there will be an information meeting at the ASB Room on Wednesday, Oct. 30 for interested students. 

Both students and staff are eagerly anticipating this special festival. 

“It’s exciting because our school has never held this type of event before. I am interested to see what it will turn out like,” said Jordin Jackson, ASB’s technology commissioner.

Hopefully, Quadchella will exceed students’ high expectations in the spring.