Nearly 100 Arrests Made at Coachella's First Weekend

Police report a range of charges, from drug possession to property crimes, at the popular music festival.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:35am

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A striking abstract illustration using bold, geometric black shapes against a bright red background, conceptually representing the high-energy atmosphere and potential for disorder at a large music festival.The annual Coachella Music and Arts Festival draws hundreds of thousands, but also requires a significant law enforcement presence to maintain order and public safety.Coachella Today

The Indio Police Department announced that 97 people were arrested during the first three days of the 2026 Coachella Music and Arts Festival, with the majority of charges related to drug possession. Other arrests included issues with false identification, intoxication, and property crimes.

Why it matters

Coachella is one of the largest and most high-profile music festivals in the world, drawing hundreds of thousands of attendees each year. The arrests highlight the challenges event organizers and local law enforcement face in maintaining safety and security at such a massive gathering.

The details

According to the police report, the 97 arrests included 59 for drug possession, 14 for false identification, 3 for drug or alcohol intoxication, and 1 for property crime. An additional 20 arrests were categorized as 'other.' Police also issued 32 citations for the unlawful use of disabled person placards.

  • The first weekend of the 2026 Coachella Music and Arts Festival took place from April 12-14.
  • The second and final weekend of Coachella 2026 is scheduled for April 17-19.

The players

Indio Police Department

The local law enforcement agency responsible for policing the Coachella Music and Arts Festival, which takes place in the city of Indio, California.

Coachella Music and Arts Festival

An annual music and arts festival held in Indio, California, known for featuring some of the biggest names in the music industry. The festival typically takes place over two weekends in April.

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California, who commented on the economic impact of Coachella and its sister event, Stagecoach Festival.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California

What’s next

The second and final weekend of the 2026 Coachella Music and Arts Festival is scheduled to take place from April 17-19.

The takeaway

The arrests at the first weekend of Coachella 2026 highlight the ongoing challenges of maintaining safety and security at large-scale music festivals, even as these events continue to be major economic drivers for the state of California and the local Coachella Valley region.