Grab your sunscreen and your red, white, and blue—it’s time for a semiquincentennial celebration that proves Greater Palm Springs how to party like it’s 1776 (but with much better music and a lot more pool time). Here’s a roundup of what’s going on from July 2–5:
Aerial Spectaculars (Fireworks and Drones)
- Agua Caliente Fireworks & Drone Show Spectacular (July 4): Located in Rancho Mirage, this dual display begins at 9:00 PM. A drive-in experience at the South Lot opens at 3:00 PM, featuring giveaways, games, free Ben & Jerry’s ice cream (while supplies last).
- Indio Drone Show (July 4): The Independence Day Bash concludes with a “spectacular” drone show at the Empire Polo Grounds starting at 9:30 PM.
- Palm Desert Fireworks (July 4): A 20-minute display begins at 9:00 PM at Civic Center Park.
- Palm Springs Fireworks Spectacular (July 4): The city’s main display at Sunrise Park begins at 9:15 PM sharp. A “firework extravaganza” will also take place at the nearby baseball stadium shortly after 9:00 PM.
- Desert Hot Springs Fireworks (July 5): The weekend’s final major display lights up the sky at 9:15 PM from Mission Springs Park.
Community Festivals and Major Bashes
- City of Coachella Independence Day Celebration (July 2): The holiday weekend begins early at 51723 Douma Street from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM. This free event features local food vendors, games, a community pool, and a fireworks display at 9:00 PM.
- Palm Desert America250 Celebration (July 4): Civic Center Park, located at 73510 Fred Waring Dr, hosts a full evening of festivities starting at 4:00 PM with family-friendly activities behind the Family YMCA of the Desert. Food trucks and vendors open at 5:00 PM. A Sensory Safe Space will be available at the Portola Community Center from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM, and a free air-conditioned shuttle will run from The Gardens on El Paseo to the park from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
- City of Indio Independence Day Bash (July 4): Held at the Empire Polo Grounds (81800 Avenue 51) from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, this free celebration includes live entertainment, food, a beer garden, giveaways, and activities for children.
- Sunrise Park All-American Activations (July 4): Palm Springs will activate Sunrise Park starting at 5:00 PM with face painting, arts and crafts, interactive photo opportunities, and an “All-American History Wall”.
- Desert Hot Springs Semiquincentennial Celebration (July 5): The festivities continue Sunday at Mission Springs Park (14510 Palm Drive) from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. This free event includes live music, food, and family-friendly fun to celebrate 250 years of independence.
Pool Parties and Aquatic Events
- The Hustle: 70’s Disco Pool Party (July 4): For those 21 and over, The Saguaro Palm Springs (1800 E Palm Canyon Drive) hosts an all-day disco party from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Headlined by pioneer disco house DJ Alex Harrington, the event features 70s-inspired music from artists like Chic and Donna Summer. RSVPs are free before 2:00 PM, while guaranteed entry tickets are $25.
- Palm Springs All-American Pool Party (July 4): The Palm Springs Swim Center offers free admission from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Families can enjoy swimming alongside patriotic games and activities, with food and drinks available for purchase.
- Coachella Community Pool (July 2): As part of Coachella’s Thursday celebration, the community pool will be open to the public during the event starting at 6:30 PM.
Sports and Live Entertainment
- 4th of July at the Ballpark (July 4): The Palm Springs POWER baseball team plays at 1901 E Baristo Road. The first pitch is at 6:00 PM, and the stadium typically packs out early. This is a ticketed event with prices ranging from $5 to $60.
- Concert in the Park (July 4): At 7:00 PM, Sunrise Park in Palm Springs will host a free concert featuring Turn The Page, a high-energy Bob Seger tribute band.
- The Swing Cats Big Band (July 4): Performing at 7:00 PM on the main stage at Palm Desert’s Civic Center Park, this band will play American classics and swing favorites.
- VillageFest Kick-Off (July 2): Downtown Palm Springs hosts a kick-off party from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM featuring live music, games, and complimentary snow cones while supplies last.
- Dive-In Movie Night (July 3): The Palm Springs Swim Center hosts an open swim at 6:00 PM followed by a 7:00 PM screening of The Sandlot. Admission is free.
Casino Celebrations
- Agua Caliente Casinos (July 3–5): All Agua Caliente Casino locations will celebrate the weekend with nonstop entertainment, DJs, and dining specials to honor America’s 250th birthday.
