FESTIVAL FEARS: Women Reveal Their Biggest Nightmares – From Bathroom Disasters to Sweat Struggles
WOMEN have revealed their biggest festival fears – with bathroom, sweat and period-related scares featuring in the top 10.
As the first weekend of Coachella kicks off, a poll of 2,000 US women have uncovered what they really worry about when going to a festival.
Of the women surveyed – all of who have attended a music festival – 35 per cent said they found excess sweating from being too hot ranked among the top challenges.
While body odor (24 per cent) and being on their period or getting it unexpectedly also featured highly (19 per cent).
Not being able to look or feel fresh throughout the day (17 per cent) also stood out, with a further 13 per cent sharing having to change a pad or tampon on-site as something they don’t look forward to.
But above all, access to a clean and sanitary restroom ranked as the top priority, according to more than half (56 per cent) of female festival-goers.
The research was commissioned by Always and Secret, who in response have partnered with Coachella to introduce The Refresh Room – a reimagined, 30×30 restroom experience that transforms the standard porta-potty into a VIP-like, confidence-first “Porta-Party”.
Designed in collaboration with the festival, The Refresh Room is grounded in real insights from women, bringing their top priorities for the festival bathroom experience to life – while also helping them stay protected from period leaks, sweat and odor across both festival weekends.
The elevated space will feature the amenities women say matter most, including air conditioning (52 per cent), hand sanitizer (51per cent), as well as hand towels and access to water or a beverage fountain (37 per cent) – all topping the list.
Additional sought-after features that have been added to create the dream festival restroom for women include complimentary deodorant (35 per cent), period products (25 per cent), phone charging stations (28 per cent), and bag hooks (25 per cent).
Even more elevated touches have been granted, with women highlighting a desire for a perfume bar (19 per cent), mood lighting with music (8 per cent), and a restroom attendant (7 per cent).
Ultimately, the research highlights that beyond functionality, the bathroom remains an important cultural space for women at festivals.
It’s where moments of connection, confidence resets, and shared rituals happen – a space that, even in the middle of a high-energy event, continues to hold a unique place in girlhood.
A spokeswoman for Always and Secret said: “We know that when women feel comfortable and confident, they’re able to fully enjoy and be present in those unforgettable festival moments.
“That’s why we’ve partnered with Coachella to create The Refresh Room – a space designed to support women in those small but meaningful ways throughout the day.
“By prioritizing comfort, cleanliness, and thoughtful details, we have an opportunity to elevate the festival experience even further.
“Creating spaces where women can reset, reconnect, and step back out feeling refreshed and their best, no matter where they are in their cycle or how long they’ve been dancing.”
The research also highlighted the everyday rituals or products women pack to help them stay fresh and prepared throughout festival season, with more than half saying they prioritize wet wipes (58 per cent) and deodorant (51 per cent).
And likely because more than two thirds (64 per cent) said their experience can be impacted when they have their period at a festival or event, it’s no wonder a further 62 per cent would pack extra personal care items when attending an outdoor event during their period.
While 55 per cent would ensure they have extra underwear.
And of those who took part in the study, 55 per cent said they would plan their outfits accordingly if they anticipated being on their period at a music festival, such as covering up more or not wearing white.
