Local & Community
Coachella 2026 Traffic Plan: Road Closures, Alternate Routes and Drone Ban Announced in Indio
As festival season kicks off in the Coachella Valley, the City of Indio is outlining a comprehensive traffic plan ahead of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and Stagecoach.
Coachella will take place April 10–12 and April 17–19, followed by Stagecoach April 24–26, all at the Empire Polo Club. With tens of thousands of visitors expected, officials say drivers should prepare for major traffic impacts across the city.
A key long-term closure is already in place. Avenue 50 between Monroe Street and Madison Avenue has been closed since March 23 and will remain closed through May 4. Drivers are encouraged to use Highway 111, Dr. Carreon Boulevard, Avenue 48, and Avenue 52 as alternate routes.
Primary traffic corridors expected to see heavy congestion during festival weekends include Jefferson, Washington, and Monroe streets heading south from Interstate 10, as well as Avenue 48 and key intersections along Highway 111 and I-10 exits.
Additional road closures will be in effect each Friday through Monday of the festival weekends, including portions of Avenue 49, Avenue 50, Hjorth Street, and Madison Street near the venue.
Officials are also warning of significant delays on Mondays following each festival, as more than 40,000 campers are expected to leave the area.
Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes such as Washington, Jackson, Calhoun, and Golf Center Parkway for north-south travel, and Highway 111, Fred Waring Drive, Miles Avenue, Dr. Carreon Boulevard, and Avenue 54 for east-west travel.
Designated rideshare and drop-off locations have also been established. Uber pickups will be located at Avenue 49 and Monroe Street, while taxi and family drop-offs will be at Avenue 52 and Madison Street.
Pedestrian access will be restricted in certain areas near the venue, with designated crossing points at key intersections including Avenue 49 and Monroe, and Avenue 52 at both Madison and Monroe.
Officials note that golf carts will not be permitted on major streets, and about 40,000 attendees will be transported via shuttle systems throughout the valley to help reduce congestion.
In addition, a Temporary Flight Restriction will be in effect April 9 through April 13, prohibiting drones and other unmanned aircraft systems over the festival grounds to ensure public safety.
Residents may also notice increased noise beginning Thursdays before each festival weekend due to sound checks and early arrivals at campgrounds.
City officials are urging everyone to plan ahead, follow posted signage, and allow extra time when traveling through Indio during festival season.
For questions or concerns related to festival logistics, residents can contact the City of Indio directly.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
April 7, 2026
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