High Winds Halt Stagecoach Festival Before Reopening

INDIO, CA — High winds forced a temporary evacuation and suspension of the Stagecoach country music festival Saturday evening before organizers reopened the event less than two hours later.

Festival promoter Goldenvoice alerted attendees shortly before 8 p.m. to leave the grounds and move to vehicles or other protected areas due to safety concerns.

The evacuation order came as strong winds swept through the Empire Polo Club, interrupting performances and halting activity across the site.

Attendees were directed to the nearest exits, with some transported by shuttle buses while others left on foot.

About 30 minutes later, organizers advised patrons to shelter in place and await further instructions.

At approximately 9:37 p.m., officials announced the festival would resume, posting updated set times and extending programming until 1 a.m. Performances by Lainey Wilson and Pitbull were rescheduled, while Journey was no longer set to perform.

Earlier in the evening, Marshmello had been performing when the evacuation notice was issued, with announcements instructing crowds to exit immediately, according to Variety.

The National Weather Service issued a wind advisory in effect until 11 a.m. Sunday, warning of west winds of 25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph and isolated gusts to 65 mph in the Coachella Valley, San Gorgonio Pass, Apple and Lucerne valleys and the San Diego County deserts.

The festival was expected to continue Sunday with scheduled performances by Post Malone, Brooks & Dunn and Hootie & the Blowfish.