INDIO, Calif. (KABC) – It’s that time of year again as tens of thousands of concert-goers have descended on Indio for the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
This weekend is the first of two weekends for the festival. The first weekend will feature a number of big music acts including Bad Bunny, Frank Ocean and BLACKPINK.
Festival-goers arrived on Thursday to set up camp for the upcoming three days of non-stop partying and music. People from all over the country, from DC to San Diego, have come to the famous party in the desert.
“On day zero we always meet here and unpack our things and drive in together. And then the party can begin,” said one participant.
More than 40,000 people are expected each day of the festival and only a select number of tickets are still available for the second week, priced at US$549. The first week is completely sold out.
Although the festival can cause excitement and additional traffic on the 210, 10, and 60 freeways, the festival is also a major economic boon for the Coachella Valley. A 2016 study by the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership found that the festival generates $106 million for the Indian economy and $600 million for the entire Coachella Valley.
“We see vendors from out of town. We see people working at the festival, people going to the festival. They are all already passing through,” said one Indio resident.
Many who attend the festival also bring business to local businesses such as grocery stores as they need to purchase items for the three-day event.
“Well, we drove here from Los Angeles just yesterday. We are here for 3 fun days for the festival. So we have plenty of fluids and sunscreen,” said Edd Benda, a Coachella attendee.
Festival-goers say the money they spend at Coachella is well worth it thanks to the party and the memories they make from attending the weekend’s concert.
And the reminders can also be made from home. The entire Coachella festival will be streamed live on YouTube for those who want to enjoy the concert from the comfort of their own home.
Weekend two takes place this coming weekend, April 21-23.