As weekend one of Coachella wraps, Governor Newsom highlights economic power of Indio’s world-renowned music festivals

What you need to know: The first weekend of the Coachella Music Festival kicked off on Friday, welcoming thousands of fans from around the world. Each year, Coachella and Stagecoach generate a combined $700 million for the local economy, underscoring the Golden State's continued dominance in the creative economy.

SACRAMENTO - Governor Gavin Newsom today highlighted the significant economic impact of the world-renowned music festivals Coachella and Stagecoach, which together generate more than $700 million annually for the state's economy.

California continues to lead the nation as a global hub for creativity and culture, with its live events industry playing a key role in driving economic growth and job creation across the state.

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.

Governor Gavin Newsom

These events attract an audience from around the world. In 2025, Coachella welcomed nearly 250,000 visitors across two consecutive weekends. This influx of concert goers fills hotels, supports local services and strengthens California's identity as a premier destination for arts and culture. The two festivals together also support the regional workforce, each year supporting more than 10,000 temporary jobs each year across industries - from event production and logistics to hospitality and local services.

The cultural reach of these events extends far beyond the desert. In 2025, Coachella generated an estimated $908 million in Media Impact Value, highlighting its global visibility, ability to shape global trends and amplify the Golden State's creative economy on the world stage.

As festival season continues, California remains committed to fostering an environment where creativity thrives and regional communities up and down the state reap the economic benefits.