Coachella Weekend 2 Is Here! Will The Traffic Be Better?

Indio, CA – As the second weekend of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival kicks off tomorrow, campers are already beginning to arrive at the Empire Polo Grounds in Indio, with many setting up as early as Thursday morning to secure prime camping spots.

The early arrival comes after a rocky start during the festival's first weekend, when some attendees said they faced wait times of up to 12 hours just to enter the campgrounds. The massive delays sparked frustration among festivalgoers and prompted a formal apology from event organizers Goldenvoice at a La Quinta City Council meeting earlier this week.

In response, Goldenvoice has announced several measures aimed at improving the experience for weekend two. Among the changes: the addition of more toll booths at security checkpoints to streamline the entry process and reduce congestion.

The company is also working closely with the City of Indio to enhance overall festival operations. Indio Mayor Glenn Miller acknowledged the concerns raised by residents and visitors after last weekend's gridlock, especially in areas surrounding the festival grounds.

To help festivalgoers avoid the worst of the traffic, local traffic analyst Kris Gunterson recommends steering clear of Monroe, Washington, and Jefferson Streets—hotspots for heavy congestion. Gunterson urges attendees to plan ahead and consult traffic maps before heading out.

With tens of thousands expected to descend on the desert once again, all eyes are on this weekend’s rollout to see if the changes make a noticeable difference.