The Desert Oasis Music Festival is coming to the Empire Polo Field this Saturday and Sunday. They two-day festival will include performances by Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Rebelution, The Green, Steel Pulse, Los Lobos, E-40, Reel Big Fish, Warren G, and more. To find out a little more about the desert’s newest festival, Cactus Hugs linked up with Alex Haagen, IV, producer of the festival for Eight Questions.
This Q&A took place before the events in Las Vegas. The festival announced Monday that the event will be taking place as scheduled.
Cactus Hugs: It’s the first year of the Desert Oasis Festival and no one is really sure what to expect. So, my first question is: what should people expect from the first Desert Oasis Festival?
Alex Haagen IV: Fun, fun and more fun.
CH: With the Polo Field also the site of some of the biggest festivals in the world, do you feel any pressure launching another festival at the same location?
AH: If I saId no I would be lying, but we put a lot of thought into the guest experience and we hope that it shows.
CH: If someone wanted, they could attend a music festival almost every weekend of the year in Southern California. What would you say sets Desert Oasis apart from the other music festivals?
AH: Our venue is arguably the most beautiful festival venue in the world.
CH: Let’s talk about the vibe of the event. I see that children under 12 will be admitted free. Do you see this as a family friendly type of festival?
AH: Desert Oasis Music Festival is an all ages event. We have a beautiful venue with immaculate grass fields that provide plenty of room for families to enjoy the music, rest under the shade of the Olympic-peaked tents or dine in multiple food courts. The Flowbox performance troupe is a highlight for kids.
CH: With every big event in the Coachella Valley, there is always a fear of traffic issues. What can those headed to the festival and those who live in the area expect to see on the streets around the venue during the weekend?
AH: We don’t expect to have any significant traffic issues for this event. There won’t be any road closures and we are working with the City of Indio to ensure that traffic flows well into Desert Oasis Music Festival from Monroe and Ave. 50. The event takes place from 1 PM – Midnight over two days, so people will arrive at different times. We also have onsite camping, which opens on Friday, Oct. 6th. All camping guests will be able to walk to the festival and will stay onsite at Empire Polo Club for the duration of the weekend.
CH: Let’s talk food and beverage. What kinds of things can people expect to put in their mouth during the weekend?
AH: If you are a fan of craft beer, be sure and visit the Craft Brew House with more than 24 craft beers on tap, including Firestone Walker’s 805. If you prefer wine, The Dreaming Tree Wines, Charles Smith Wines and Mark West will be poured at the event. If you like rum, be sure and discover the hidden Tiki Bar where rum-based drinks craft cocktails will be served.
There is something for everyone in our food line-up. Festival favorites include Spicy Pie, Ramen Remix and Strictly Vegan. You can also enjoy Jamaican cuisine, Barbecue, chicken and fries along with a local favorite … Jackalope Ranch Burgers and Tacos. Visit our website for a more complete list of food options.
CH: Do you have any tips or hidden gems that people should look out for at the festival?
AH: Look for the Tiki Bar hidden in a tropical garden overlooking a refreshing lagoon. The Tiki Bar will serve rum-based drinks in a lush, tropical garden. There will also be some colorful, larger than life art pieces created by local artists placed through the venue. Around sunset the Flowbox performance troupe will dazzle the crowd with their stilt-walking juggling and LED performance art.
CH: Are you looking to make this an annual event? If so, how do you see the festival growing over the next few years?
AH: I don’t have a crystal ball, but depending on how well the show is received will help us in making a decision regarding it becoming an annual festival.
For more details on the Desert Oasis Music Festival, head over here. And remember, Indio residents get 50% off tickets on Tuesday.
