Crime Numbers At Coachella, Stagecoach Music Fests Pale In Comparison To Economic Gains

INDIO, CA — More people were arrested at the 2026 Stagecoach Country Music Festival compared to last year's event, while the number of arrests at the 2026 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival dropped.

However, both events, held this month at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, were largely peaceful, given that the combined attendance was reported at several hundred thousand.

And the festivals aren't going anywhere if state and local officials can help it: A report released this month by Governor Gavin Newsom finds that massive events generate a combined $700 million in economic activity for the state.

"California’s creative economy is an economic engine. Events like Coachella and Stagecoach don’t just showcase incredible talent — they power local economies, support small businesses and reinforce California’s position as the entertainment capital of the world," Newsom said.

All considered, the events' 2026 crime numbers were low, as they usually are.

A total of 119 people were arrested during the 2026 Stagecoach Country Music Festival in Indio, police said Tuesday. The event took place April 24-26.

The largest number of Stagecoach arrests, 66, were categorized as "other," with 58 of those for possession of alcohol under 21 years of age, according to the Indio Police Department.

The second largest number of arrests, 41, were for false identification, while seven people were arrested for alleged possession of drugs, and another five for alleged drug and/ or alcohol intoxication.

Police cited 48 people this year for unlawful use of a disabled person placard and an additional person under the "other" category.

Last year's Stagecoach Festival saw 151 arrests.

The 2026 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival took place over two weekends, April 10–12 and April 17–19.

The first weekend of Coachella saw 97 arrests. The largest number, 59, were for drug possession, while 14 people were arrested for false identification and another three for drug or alcohol intoxication. There was one person arrested for property crime, and another 20 individuals arrested were categorized solely as "other," according to Indio police.

Police said 32 citations were issued for the unlawful use of a disabled person placard.

A total of 106 people were arrested during Coachella's final week. The largest number, 52, were for alleged drug possession, while 13 people were arrested for allegedly possessing false identification, and eight more for alleged drug or alcohol intoxication. The Indio Police Department said 33 other arrests were categorized as "other."

Police said 85 citations were issued for unlawful use of a disabled placard, and another two in the "other" category over Coachella's second weekend.