“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.

• Submit an Event on City Calendar
• City Ordinance Restricting Certain Temporary Uses During Major Music Festival Events
• Ticket Distribution Policy and Form 802