Expanded fair saw positive results; city ramping up for festival season

Indio is buzzing with activity as it wraps up an extended fair and prepares for its upcoming music festivals, Community Services Commission members were told during a brief regular meeting Tuesday evening.

The Indio Fair just finished its first-ever three-weekend run, moving away from its usual 10-day stretch. “The fair did really well with the new format,” Community Services Manager Jim Curtis said. “We saw great turnout across all three weekends.”

Now, the city’s focus shifts to its music festivals. Coachella is set for April 11-13 and April 18-20, with Stagecoach following from April 25-27.

To manage the influx of visitors, Indio is closing Avenue 50 between Madison and Monroe from March 24 to May 5. The city is also reaching out to residents and HOAs near Empire to discuss how the festivals will affect the community.

“We’re making sure everyone’s in the loop about what’s happening and how the festivals might impact them,” Curtis said.

The city is also bringing back “Chella,” a local music event on April 16, bridging the gap between Coachella weekends. Golden Voice is once again involved in organizing the event, previously known as “Sonitos.”

Additionally, the city is launching a new Asada festival on May 4, showcasing various asada dishes. It’ll be held at the city’s Center Stage alongside regular Second Saturday activities.

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