A total of 95 people were arrested during the first weekend of the 2025 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, a 17% jump from the event’s opening weekend last year, police said Wednesday.
The largest number of arrests, 29, were for drug possession, while 22 people were arrested for drug or alcohol intoxication and 22 more for possessing false identification. There was one “property crime” arrest, while 21 other arrests were categorized solely as “other,” according to the Indio Police Department.
The first weekend of the 2024 Coachella fest saw 81 total arrests, police said.
Police said 82 citations were issued for handicapped parking violations — a 75% increase from 47 during the first weekend of Coachella last year.
The opening of this year’s festival was plagued by complaints of long lines and wait times up to 10 to 12 hours for vehicles trying to get to the camping area. According to Indio police, “Our neighboring cities and local law enforcement partners assisted with traffic during camping arrivals. However, because campers arrived earlier than expected, the flow of cars never let up and created delays.”
A representative for festival producer Goldenvoice, speaking to the La Quinta City Council this week, apologized for the chaos and said changes will be implemented this weekend when the event continues. Additional toll plazas will be added, creating additional entry points for vehicles.