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“City of Festivals” is more than a nickname in Indio - it’s a fact. Nearly 1.4 million visit Indio every year because of a wide variety of events such as the Indio International Tamale Festival held the first full weekend in December every year in downtown Indio.

The Indio Special Events staff serves as liaison between the City and the organizations that present these events.Special event permits are required and must be submitted at least 90 days in advance to receive proper review from various City departments such as City Manager's Office, Community Services, Development Services, Fire and Police.

In June 2016, the City of Indio passed an ordinance that prohibits live entertainment events and other large temporary uses that involve substantial numbers of participants, require public services, or involve flammable materials, within 1,000 feet of a major music festival event. These types of events and uses strain public services and add traffic congestion during a major festival. Any events held beyond this 1,000-foot radius requires submission of a special events permit.

The Kennel Club of Palm Springs annually hosts one of the most prestigious dog shows in the world and is considered the opening event of the dog show year in the west coast. The AKC Licensed All Breed Dog Show, Obedience and Rally Trials are held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio.

For more information click here to visit the Kennel Club of Palm Springs website.

Eldorado Polo Club’s Polo Sunday Polo kicks off in January. Sunday Polo is one of the must do activities.

For more information visit the Eldorado Polo Club website or call (760) 342-2223.

The FMCA annual rally is one of the world's largest gathering of motorhome owners. The event is an opportunity for members to socialize, view exhibits, attend seminars and enjoy quality entertainment. This 5-day event is held at the Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival fairground and brings nearly 20,000 visitors to Indio. With approximately 109,000 members, the FMCA is the world’s largest motorhome owners group.

For more information visit the FMCA website.

The Southwest Arts Festival Indio is held at the Empire Polo Club and features over 200 artists from around the world. Includes interactive art displays and live music, with pottery, glass blowing and fine art painting. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of food and beverage options while casually walking the grounds.

For more information visit the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce website.

This annual community event is open to the public and focuses on the health & wellness of those 50 years and older, and their families. The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Indio Senior Center, which is dedicated to enhancing the dignity and quality of the culturally diverse and aging population of the Coachella Valley.

For more information call the Indio Senior Center at (760) 391-4175.

The Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival takes place in Indio, California. Since 1947 the annual festival has been held to celebrate the Date Palm harvest in the Coachella Valley. The event is held in February on the Riverside County Fairgrounds.

For more information visit the Date Festival website.

Nearly 250,000 visitors from around the world converge at the Empire Polo Club in Indio to experience the event simply known as “Coachella.” This world-wide phenomenon features the most famous and cutting-edge musical artists, as well as a dazzling array of visual arts for the eyes to feast. See why Indio is known as the #1 City in the USA for live music!

For more information visit the Coachella Music Festival website.

Stagecoach is the premier country music concert event held at the Empire Polo Club. This three-day event celebrates country music and culture, and features the latest Nashville stars and legends. Enjoy the best of country, alternative country, bluegrass and folk. Yee haw!

For more information visit the Stagecoach Festival website.

The Big Rock Pub & Indian Springs Golf Course hosts a car show & live auction, live music. We invite you to be a part of the celebration. Ticket purchase required.

The Coachella Valley History Museum hosts the annual Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Celebration and Fundraiser with a dinner, silent auction, art, tequila tasting and live entertainment. Experience this long-standing Mexican tradition with deep roots in Indio and Coachella Valley history. Advanced ticket purchase required.

For more information visit the Coachella Valley History Museum website.

Golf Course to showcase their mouthwatering BBQ and compete for the title of best BBQ!

Admission is FREE! Bring your family and friends to try delicious BBQ, beer garden, kids zone and explore fun for the whole family! Parking is $10.

If you are interested in becoming a vendor please fill out the vendor application and submit. 

The Indio Powwow takes place on the Cabazon Indian Reservation located in Indio, California. Included in the celebration are Native American dance competitions for contestants of all ages, bird singing, and drum contests. There are also opportunities for visitors to join dancers in the arena during non-competitive, inter-tribal dancing.

The City of Indio plans to kick off the holiday season with a tree lighting ceremony. The event is free and open to the public. There will be carolers from local schools, holiday story time, and of course a visit from Santa! Located in Downtown Indio at Towne St. and Bliss Ave.

The Indio International Tamale Festival is loaded with excitement. Visitors delight in scrumptious tamales, endless alternative food options, shopping, and all-day entertainment. Festival fans like to relax while enjoying a variety of live entertainment including live music from local and regional bands, traditional Folklorico dancing, vintage car show, and a community parade. Admission is free.

For more information visit the Indio International Tamale Festival website.