Thousands Expected This Weekend At Desert's 'Power Trip Festival'

INDIO, CA — A heavy metal music festival scheduled this weekend at Indio's Empire Polo Club is expected to draw upward of 50,000 fans — and traffic could be grueling.

The Power Trip Festival produced by Goldenvoice runs Oct. 6-8 and features rockers Metallica, Iron Maiden, Guns N' Roses, Tool, AC/DC, and Judas Priest.

The polo grounds at 81800 51st Ave. will open at 4 p.m. Friday; the show closes late Sunday night. (Find ticket information here; see the weekend lineups here.)

As a result of the anticipated high turnout for the event, the city of Indio has announced road closures and traffic information:

Avenue 50 between Monroe Street and Madison Avenue remains closed through Friday, October 13, to protect the safety of venue workers, as well as residents and commuters, the city said. Alternate routes include Highway 111, Dr. Carreon Boulevard, Avenue 48 and Avenue 52.

The following streets will be primary access routes for the festival, but significant traffic is expected Oct. 5-8:
—Jefferson Street, southbound, from Interstate 10 to Avenue 52
—Washington Street, southbound, from I-10 to Avenue 52
—Monroe Street, southbound, from I-10 to Avenue 52
—Avenue 48 between Jefferson and Jackson streets
—Highway 111 at Jefferson Street
—Highway 111 at Monroe Street
—I-10 exit eastbound at Jefferson Street
—I-10 exit eastbound at Monroe Street
—I-10 exit eastbound at Washington Street

On Friday of the festival through Monday, the following roads will be closed:
—Avenue 49 between Hjorth Street and Monroe Street
—Avenue 50 between Madison Street and Jackson Street
—Hjorth Street between Avenue 49 and Avenue 50
—Madison Street between Avenue 49 and Avenue 52

Expect the following additional delays:
—On Monday following the festival, streets surrounding the polo grounds and Interstate 10 will be busy with more than 8,000 campers leaving the area. Consider the following alternate routes:

—North and south travel, use Washington Street, Jackson Street, Calhoun Street and Golf Center Parkway

—East and west travel, use Highway 111, Fred Waring Drive, Miles Avenue, Dr. Carreon Boulevard and Avenue 54

Uber location:
—Avenue 49 and Monroe Street on the southwest corner

Friends & family/taxi drop off & pick up:
—Avenue 52 and Madison Street on the northeast corner

NO pedestrian or pedestrian festival access:
—Monroe Street between Avenue 49 and Avenue 52
—Madison Street between Avenue 50 and Avenue 52

Approved pedestrian access:
—Corner of Avenue 49 and Monroe Street
—Corner of Avenue 52 and Madison Street
—Corner of Avenue 52 and Monroe Street
—Corner of Avenue 50 and Madison Street

Additional notes:
Golf carts are not permitted on any of the above-listed streets. Approximately 18,000 guests will be shuttled into and out of the concert venue from various locations throughout the Coachella Valley to help ease traffic conditions. Noise from the festival site could begin prior to the festival dates, due to sound checks.

For concert logistics, questions or issues, call 760-391-4112 or email concertinfo@indio.org.

The Power Trip Festival runs in tandem with the Joshua Tree Music Festival scheduled Oct. 5-8. Read more: Joshua Tree Music Festival Begins This Week