Coachella party preview

The Coachella Valley will be abloom with celebrities and their acolytes at this weekend’s annual music and arts festival. Acts like Kanye West, Sleigh Bells, Cold War Kids and Cee Lo Green are going to attract enormous entourages and also-inviteds, decked out for performances in their casual wear. And what would such a constellation of stars do without a weekend of exclusive parties? Here’s a list of this year’s high-profile fetes; because they’re strictly invite-only, we’re sworn to semi-secrecy about their locations.

A|X Armani Exchange & 944 magazine’s Neon Carnival: Returning for its second year, the carnival sits 8 miles away from the festival site — though, by nightfall, the neon shindig might just be visible from space. A massive Ferris wheel serves as centerpiece for classic carnival fare like bumper cars and cotton candy, laced with plenty of libations and famous faces. Los Angeles nightlife guru Brent Bolthouse produces the Saturday evening affair once again. Last year drew Paris and Nicky Hilton, Brittany Snow, Josh Hartnett, Camilla Belle. This year has RSVPs from “Glee” guy Mark Salling, Nina Dobrev and many more.

Lacoste Live and HTC: Fashion’s favorite crocodile returns once again to the festival for two days of desert lounging. The relaxed but well-attended day program, co-sponsored by HTC phones, drew the likes of Kristen Stewart, Lake Bell and Emile Hirsch last year. This time around, a dunk tank, tequila popsicles and taco trucks will pepper the event on Saturday and Sunday. “Glee” star Lea Michele, Ashlee Simpson, Kellan Lutz and Adrian Grenier are slated to attend. Elijah Wood will offer a DJ set with the help of Nigel Godrich of Radiohead and DJ Cassidy.

The Trousdale Estate: Flaunt magazine hosts three days of decadence on a 36-acre property, jam-packed with day and night programs and activities befitting a Coachella playboy. Canoe racing on the estate’s lake, ping-pong, volleyball, ATV rides and even a slip-and-slide come standard on the sprawl. A pop-up tattoo parlor by Black Banditz will offer ink, while Paul & Andre Hollywood will provide bold names.

Oasis Beach Club: This exclusive pop-up just minutes from festival grounds sits on 8 acres of party-ready space. Celebs and VIPs will enjoy the G by Guess artist retreat by day — think pool parties with DJ Vice and live acts like Fool’s Gold. By night, BlackBerry and New Zealand brand VnC Cocktails will host music programming from Dipdive, promising performances from Switch, Apl.de.ap, DJ Ammo and Kid Sister. Expected celebs include Emma Roberts, Ryan Phillippe, Zac Efron and Alexander Skarsgard. Rumor has it Lindsay Lohan will come through.

matt.donnelly@latimes.com