October’s Head Trip festival could bring lighter parking, traffic footprint to Indio

The city of Indio is preparing a parking and traffic plan for the upcoming Head Trip music festival that officials say will require far less space than Coachella and Stagecoach.

Community Services Manager Jim Curtis told the Indio Community Services Commission at their last meeting that Head Trip organizers expect about 4,500 cars, representing roughly 10,000 people traveling by vehicle and camping onsite.

That is a fraction of the approximately 40,000 campers typically accommodated during Coachella and Stagecoach, Curtis said.

Because of the lower camping demand, most of the areas normally used for camping during Coachella and Stagecoach will instead be converted to parking for Head Trip, according to Curtis.

The change will also allow for more parking lot entrances than the minimal number used during Coachella and Stagecoach, which Curtis said should move vehicles into lots more quickly.

“We’re hoping to get cars off the street, away from the neighborhoods, not blocking driveways on apartment buildings and apartment complexes or other community complexes as well,” Curtis said.

Curtis said the city has been holding community meetings with residents to discuss the plans, and that most attendees have responded favorably. He told the commission he would provide an updated report in September.

Head Trip, presented by Goldenvoice, is scheduled for Oct. 10-11 at Empire Polo Club, the same Indio venue that hosts Coachella and Stagecoach. The two-day event will feature one stage with no overlapping sets.

Saturday’s lineup includes Calvin Harris, Fisher and Chris Lake presenting “Under Construction,” Peggy Gou b2b Four Tet, and Seth Troxler b2b Ben Sterling. Sunday’s lineup includes Swedish House Mafia, Skrillex, Dom Dolla b2b Kettama, The Blessed Madonna and DJ Harvey.

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