Local & Community
Coachella Weekend One Wraps With Historic Headliner, Wind Scares and a Few Surprises
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival closed out its first of two weekends Sunday night at the Empire Polo Grounds in Indio, capping three days that ranged from weather scares to milestone moments.
Friday got off to a rough start when strong winds sent a heavy light fixture crashing into the crowd during DJ John Summit's set at the Do LaB Stage, striking one attendee in the head and drawing blood, according to multiple social media reports. The same gusts tore through the campgrounds, destroying tents and sending people chasing their canopies and belongings across the grounds. DJ Anyma's set was also canceled. "Coachella and Anyma have made this decision together with your safety as a priority," read a message projected on the stage screen. Despite the chaos, Friday headliner Sabrina Carpenter's performance went off without a hitch.
Saturday brought its own buzz when Justin Bieber took the headline slot, with some festivalgoers dubbing it "Bieberchella." Saturday also saw a well-received surprise collaboration between Nine Inch Nails and electronic producer Boys Noize, performing together as "Nine Inch Noize."
Sunday closed the weekend with a piece of history. Karol G became the first Latina artist ever to headline the Coachella main stage to close out the festival. A pop-up celebration in her honor was held earlier in the day at College of the Desert. Sunday's lineup also included Young Thug, Wet Leg, Laufey, Foster the People, Iggy Pop and Fatboy Slim.
Pop-up events celebrating the festival were spread throughout the Coachella Valley all weekend. Many of those pop-ups will return for Weekend Two, which runs April 17 through 19. NBC Palm Springs' Alondra Campos has the full breakdown.
Heading out of the valley this morning? You're not alone, and the freeways are going to feel it.
Read our traffic guide here for what to expect on your way out.
By: NBC Palm Springs
April 13, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
New findings reveal what led to the death of Jackie, the beloved bald eagle from Big Bear Valley. A necropsy confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) as the primary cause of her decline. The infection caused a severe stomach ulcer, internal bleeding, anemia and a secondary bacterial infection. Testing also detected rat poison in Jackie’s liver, but officials say it was not identified as the primary cause of her death. Tests were negative for West Nile virus, and lead levels were within acceptable limits. Jackie’s mate, Shadow, remains in Big Bear Valley. Officials say there is no evidence that Shadow or the eaglets are sick. Jackie’s story captured hearts across the country and brought attention to bald eagle conservation. #JackieTheEagle #BigBear #BaldEagles #WildlifeConservation #BirdFlu #NBCPalmSprings
As discussion around flock cameras continues to spark greater conversations about surveillance and security, the Palm Springs Police Department is expected to provide an update on their flock camera program at tonight’s city council meeting. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we bring the latest details on this discussion #flockcameras #palmsprings #citycouncil #coachellavalley #760
A potent cold front will finally bring widespread fall-like temperatures to much of the central and eastern US.
Republican Rep. Mike Collins and Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff clashed over Jeffrey Epstein during a debate in Georgia. Collins challenged Ossoff over campaign donations from LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, who has acknowledged meeting Jeffrey Epstein, while Ossoff countered accusing Collins of voting against releasing Epstein-related records, and helping to "cover up" evidence.
A man and his nephew captured the moment a huge whale slammed into the side of their boat while they were fishing off the coast of Long Island, New York.
Winnie the Pooh turns 100. The popular bear's legacy lives on not only in books but as toys and collectibles too.
🎶 60 ARRESTS, BUT NO $48K FINE? Head Trip Music Festival is over, but the aftermath is making headlines. Indio police made 60 arrests during the two-day festival, nearly half for drug possession. Meanwhile, the city is waiving a potential $48,000 fine after Swedish House Mafia played past the midnight curfew — citing weather disruptions that forced Saturday’s festival to shut down early. #Indio #HeadTripFestival #SwedishHouseMafia #CoachellaValley #BreakingNews
🙏 Prayers pouring in from around the world for Pope Leo XIV. The 71-year-old pontiff is recovering after surgery revealed lung cancer. Doctors say the growth was detected at an early stage — highlighting why early detection can make all the difference. ❤️ #PopeLeoXIV #LungCancer #EarlyDetection #YourHealthToday
🚨 Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco is speaking out after California lawmakers decided to destroy ballots from the 2025 special election, ending his investigation into possible ballot miscount. What do you think the decision means for election transparency, accountability, and the ongoing questions surrounding election integrity? Let us know in the comments. #ChadBianco #RiversideCounty #CaliforniaPolitics #electionnews
Should Palm Springs residents elect their mayor directly? The city is asking residents to weigh in on whether to change its current system, where the mayor rotates annually among the five City Council members. Community meetings are scheduled for Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at ALO Palm Canyon and Monday at Palm Springs High School. Residents can also complete an online survey in English or Spanish. Share your input before next Monday at EngagePalmSprings.com. #PalmSprings #PalmSpringsNews #CoachellaValley #LocalGovernment #CityCouncil CommunityInput NBCPalmSprings