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Indio Tests Unprecedented Street Closure for Head Trip
By @sharedot · · 7 pages
- Culture
- Festivals
- Electronic Music
- Indio
- Coachella Valley
The new Head Trip EDM festival draws 70,000 to Indio's Empire Polo Club as the city trials a Monroe Street closure it may extend to Coachella.
A brand-new festival arrives in festival country
HEAD TRIP, a new electronic dance music festival, takes over the Empire Polo Club in Indio on October 10 and 11, according to KESQ. Indio Community Services Manager Jim Curtis expects roughly 70,000 attendees — smaller than Coachella's typical 125,000, but large enough to significantly affect roads around the venue.
Why this weekend is an experiment, not a repeat
The surprise is that Indio is using Head Trip as a live rehearsal. KESQ reports the city will close Monroe Street between Avenue 50 and Avenue 52 on Saturday and Sunday — a street closure it has never previously used during major festival weekends. Curtis called it a test: 'We are actually going to try something new for this event... And it's kind of a test to see how it might go for April.' SSBCrack News adds that results could shape traffic plans when Coachella and Stagecoach return in the spring.
Police prep for a smaller but still heavy crowd
With 70,000 visitors expected, Indio Police are bracing for congestion. KESQ reports Sgt. Abraham Plata warned residents to expect major delays near the festival grounds and to consider alternate routes, with additional traffic and patrol officers joined by other law enforcement agencies. KESQ also notes Plata's advice for drivers: arrive with enough gas and keep water and snacks in the vehicle, and stay hydrated as temperatures remain warm. Curtis stressed the city's priority that residents and businesses can still reach their homes.
Local businesses bet on a new festival economy
The crowds bring opportunity as well as congestion. KESQ reports that Janet Rocha, co-owner of Saguaro Coffee near the festival grounds, is already seeing familiar festival-season faces and is increasing in-house production of pastries, syrups and other products. 'It has a big significance,' she said, noting the slower summer season makes festival weekends especially important. According to KESQ, Rocha hopes Head Trip introduces the shop to customers who return after the festival ends.
What comes next for Indio's festival playbook
Beyond the weekend, the city is watching how the trial closure affects nearby residents, commuters and businesses, with results possibly informing April traffic plans, KESQ reports. Curtis told KESQ the city communicates with more than 30 nearby homes and communities, works closely with Goldenvoice and Indio Police on traffic and noise, and will run a 24-hour hotline — 760-391-4112 — answered by a real person. SSBCrack News echoes Curtis's closing message: 'We want everybody to be safe. We want everybody to have a good time.'