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:
THURSDAY, JULY 2
Coachella kicks off the holiday weekend early with its Independence Day Celebration from 6:30–10 pm at Bagdouma Park, featuring food vendors, games, a community pool, and a 9 pm fireworks show. • Palm Springs hosts the VillageFest Kick-Off from 7–10 pm downtown, offering live music, games, and complimentary snow cones while supplies last.
FRIDAY, JULY 3
Palm Springs continues the fun with Dive-In Movie Night at the Palm Springs Swim Center, offering open swim at 6 pm followed by a free 7 pm screening of The Sandlot. • Agua Caliente Casinos in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, and Rancho Mirage locations begin their America 250 weekend celebrations, running July 3–5 with DJs, entertainment, and dining specials.
SATURDAY, JULY 4
Rancho Mirage presents the massive Agua Caliente Fireworks & Drone Show Spectacular at 9 pm, with a drive‑in experience opening at 3 pm featuring giveaways, games and free Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. • Indio hosts its Independence Day Bash at the Empire Polo Grounds from 6–10 pm, ending with a 9:30 pm drone show. • Palm Desert celebrates with its America250 Celebration at Civic Center Park beginning at 4 pm, followed by food trucks at 5 pm, live entertainment with The Swing Cats Big Band at 7 pm on the Civic Center Park main stage, a Sensory Safe Space from 8–9:30 pm, and a 9 pm fireworks display. • Palm Springs activates Sunrise Park at 5 pm with face painting, arts and crafts, photo ops, and an All‑American History Wall, leading into the Fireworks Spectacular at 9:15 pm. • Palm Springs also offers two aquatic celebrations: the All‑American Pool Party at the Swim Center from 3–10 pm, and the 21+ Hustle: 70’s Disco Pool Party at The Saguaro from 1–7 pm.
SUNDAY, JULY 5
Desert Hot Springs closes out the long weekend with its Semiquincentennial Celebration at Mission Springs Park from 6–10 pm, featuring live music, food, family activities, and a 9:15 pm fireworks finale.
