Stagecoach 2026: Festival temporarily evacuated because of high winds – Press Enterprise
The Stagecoach Country Music Festival was abruptly postponed and evacuated on Saturday, April 25, after high winds disrupted the festival.
An evacuation notice went out at 7:48 p.m. Because of the severe weather alert, festival goers were notified to leave the event site at the Empire Polo Club and “move to your vehicles or protected areas outside of the event site for safety.”
At 8:37 p.m., Stagecoach organizers sent out an alert that the festival would be restarted.
“The show will resume momentarily. We are working to open doors and prep the site for your safety. Stay tuned for updates,” the alert said.
The wind advisory was put in place by the National Weather Service and remained in effect until Sunday, April 26 until 11 a.m. According to the National Weather Service, winds are expected to be from 25 to 35 mph with gusts of wind expected to be up to 50 mph with additional isolated gusts of up to 65 mph through the passes.
Wind significantly picked up in the early evening Saturday at the Stagecoach Country Music Festival.
As bands fought to continue performing, fans began to run for it. Cowboy hats flew through the air along with dust and debris.
Shortly before 8 p.m. the screens flashed red and a voice over the loud speaker notified festival-goers to immediately evacuate the area due to safety concerns.
“Emergency evacuation. The festival has been postponed until further notice. Please move quickly and calmly to the nearest exit,” the screens read.
Security officers around the grounds began ushering people as quickly as they could away from equipment and structures in case they fell in the wind, directing people to leave the area.
Attendees evacuate the Stagecoach Country Music Festival in Indio on April 25, 2026. (Photo by Sarah Batcha, SCNG)
Attendees were confused and unsure of what to do. Many desperately called friends they had been with trying to find each other in the storm of people.
As crowds made their way through exits, people began to hope fences and shove trying to get out.
Once into the parking lot, crowds began disperse and find their vehicles. Many dodging vehicles as they attempted to leave the parking lot.
A notification from the Stagecoach app announced within the hour that they were hoping to reopen doors and continue the festival once everything was made safe. Festival goers in the parking lots changed course and began walking back to the festival.
Cars crowded into the streets around the festival with police officers attempted to maintain traffic safety. Many cars were attempting to turn around and get back into the parking lots.
Some people yelled from their windows trying to let others know the show was still on.
Festivalgoers posted online about the situation, many expressing their disappointment with the weather conditions that “ruined their Stagecoach experience.”
We’re trying to enjoy Stagecoach but the wind decided to turn it in to Burning Man.
This wind is crazy!! https://t.co/iEDWIdR6YN pic.twitter.com/2l2sTJJ33R
— Richie Rich (@gofishh77) April 26, 2026
We’re currently being evacuated from Stagecoach due to wind pic.twitter.com/bZUBwn7bmE
— Olivia Garvey (@OliviaNBCLA) April 26, 2026
And we’re evacuated!! Thanks a lot wind for ruining our Stagecoach experience. pic.twitter.com/0d5lvXh89e
— Richie Rich (@gofishh77) April 26, 2026
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
