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Indio was once a simple railroad stop. It now boasts of a population of more than 50,000 residents and it one of the fastest growing communities in the Coachella Valley.Like most of the settlements in the Coachella Valley, Indio became a route for those looking to make a fortune in California´s gold mines.
In 1884, as work was progressing on the construction of the Southern Pacific Railroad, construction boss, A. G. Tingmanchose the site as a railroad stop primarily because it was halfway point between Los Angeles and Yuma, Arizona. Tingman went on to bring civilization to the area by becoming the settlement´s first postmaster and shopkeeper.
Over the next 100 years, progress and substantial growthhas all but eliminated much of the original structures of Indio. Even the original Main Street mapped out by Tingman and later named in his honor was removed to accommodate the construction of a highway overpass. One thing that remains the same, though, is the railroad. Indio is still on line to the main railroad corridor from Los Angeles to New Orleans, Louisiana.
INDIO TODAY
Today, Indio is known for its festivals and agriculture. In fact, Indio is responsible for the large majority of California´s date crop. Indio produces an estimated 95% of the date crop for the
United States.
Indio is known as the "City of Festivals". Every year, the city is the hot to many popular events, fairs and festivals attended by residents and visitors from all over the Coachella Valley and Southern California. Some of the festivals that are observed each year in Indio include the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, The Riverside County Fair, the National Date Festival, and the Indio International Tamale Festival which is the largest festival of its kind in the United States. All of these festivals have earned Indio the name: "The City of Festivals."
ACTIVITIES
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
A two days art and music festival. This festival showcases many types of music and contemporary art. Previous musical performers include Madonna, Depeche Mode and more. This annual festival is held at the end of April
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Riverside County Fair with Date Festival
The "City of Festivals" has been home to the National Date Festival & County Fair over a half of a century. This Fair and Festival is each February and it lasts for a week. Each day is filled with live entertainment and other entertainment like camel and ostrich races. Just like any other fair you need to sample some of it's full of food and shopping opportunities. |
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| Salsa Festival
Do you like to dance salsa? Eat salsa? If you answered yes, this festival is for you!!!Everything salsa! Salsa music, salsa dance and lots of salsa tasting. Enjoy the samples of new and different salsas and much more. |
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| Southwest Arts Festival
Art lovers take notice. Any serious art collector will love this outdoor art show featuring renowned artists in the beautiful Palm Springs area city of Indio. |
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Red, White and Blue Polo and Balloon Festival
Spend a weekend in early January with Celebrities, Hot Air Balloons and watching polo. The admission is free with a donation to benefit and support our armed service men and women. Indio is proud to host this special festival to assist our american heroes. |
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Tamale Festival
Ranked as one of the top 10 "All-American Food Festivals" by Food Network. Thousands and thousands of people enjoy samples of all kinds of tamales in a very festive holiday atmosphere. A parade and carnival will entertainment all visitors of any age.
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Even though Indio has not gained the notoriety for luxury and golf that other communities in the area have, Indio remains a great tourist attraction primarily because of the festivals. Indio is also a great place to stay if you want to see the attractions but want to avoid the tourist scene.
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