Local & Community
Stagecoach 2026 Evacuated: High Winds Force Emergency Shutdown at Empire Polo Club
Severe weather conditions prompted an "emergency evacuation" at the Stagecoach Country Music Festival on Saturday night, temporarily halting the desert's largest country music celebration. Just before 8:00 p.m., large screens across the Empire Polo Club displayed a red alert message reading: "The festival has been postponed until further notice. Please move quickly and calmly to the nearest exit."
The evacuation order was triggered by powerful wind gusts that swept through the Coachella Valley, leading festival promoter Goldenvoice to prioritize attendee safety. Festivalgoers received notifications via the Stagecoach mobile app advising them to leave the event site and seek shelter in their vehicles or protected areas to avoid potential flying debris. Video shared on social media showed massive crowds exiting the grounds in Indio as dust and sand picked up across the venue.
The weather-related stoppage comes during a weekend already under a Wind Advisory from the National Weather Service, which remains in effect through Sunday morning. Earlier this month, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at the same venue faced similar challenges, including the cancellation of a high-profile set due to unsafe wind conditions.
Despite the initial alarm, the shutdown was brief. By 8:42 p.m., the festival issued a follow-up alert via its app stating, "the show will resume momentarily," and that staff were preparing the site for a safe return. As of 9:00 p.m., gates had officially reopened, allowing fans to return for scheduled Saturday night performances by headliners including Lainey Wilson, Journey, and Pitbull.
By: NBC Palm Springs
April 25, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
What do you think is really going on here? Drop your thoughts below 👇 #therogginreport #coachella #coachellavalley #localnews #nbcpalmsprings
During the 2025-2026 school year, PEN America reported there were nearly 12,000 book bans in public schools nationwide, the largest number of book bans in a single year since the group started tracking numbers in 2021.
Delta Airlines overhauled its frequent flyer program in 2024. CNN’s Randi Kaye asks Delta CEO Ed Bastian if the airline has made it more difficult for flyers to earn status and if any further changes to the loyalty program are on the horizon.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Favorite Festival?
‘The Hayden’ is back @babysmarche !! John Hayden himself took a trip to the Indian Wells staple for lunch and to chat with @chefjustinsnyder on how it became the most popular item on the menu! #TheHayden
🛑A bike ride ended in tragedy Monday night in Palm Springs. A bicyclist died after being struck by a car around 8:30 PM on E. Palm Canyon Dr. The driver stayed at the scene and police say there’s no indication of foul play or impairment. ❓Saw the crash or have video from the area? Call Palm Springs police at (760) 327–1441.
Social Time: Jerry sings the end! 🎶🎵
CALIFORNIA IS AGING FAST... BUT WHERE WILL THE WORKFORCE LIVE? #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #agingpopulation #nbcpalmsprings
119 jobs on the line and DRD’s General Manager won’t answer questions … Drop a comment 👇: Would you vote YES or NO on giving a district more money if they refuse to answer transparency questions? #therogginreport #drd #coachellavalley #localnews #nbcpalmsprings