Desert Fun Heats Up In July

With summer officially under way, there are plenty of cool things to check out around the desert and beyond. From Independence Day celebrations to hot deals on dining out, and so much more, here are some of our favorite ways to get out and explore this July.

Idyllwild Jazz in the Pines

July 3^rd – 15^th

The popular Jazz in the Pines Festival and Student Clinic returns to charming Idyllwild, an idyllic community in the San Jacinto mountains, July 3^rd through the 15^th. Just a short scenic drive from the Coachella Valley floor, Idyllwild blooms with the vibrant sounds of live jazz and blues music during Jazz in the Pines. This 2-week format is put on by Idyllwild Arts, a non-profit organization dedicated to changing lives through the transformative power of the arts, celebrating creativity and expression in a one-of-a-kind setting.

This year’s Jazz in the Pines will deliver an unforgettable experience for all, with live public performances and a focus on carrying on the legacy of jazz music through the next generation of students. Performances will feature a mixture of professional and student musicians, giving the audience a glimpse at the genre’s future players.

For more information on Jazz in the Pines, including the schedule and to sponsor or make a donation, please check out the event’s website.

Fourth of July Celebrations

July 1^st – 4^th

Fourth of July Celebrations are ready to patriotically light up the night sky and your social calendar throughout Independence Day weekend. The Coachella Valley will have several opportunities to celebrate the founding of our nation with a variety of events and displays. Below is a rundown of what’s happening across the valley, starting in the west, and working east.

Palm Springs (Events running July 1^st through the 4^th) – The City of Palm Springs puts on a Fourth of July celebration like no other, with plenty of awesome celebrations leading up to the Fourth of July.

On Saturday, July 1^st, enjoy the classic hits of The Eagles, with The Long Run Tribute to the Eagles performing at Downtown Park (adjacent to the Forever Marilyn Statue). The concert runs from 7-8:30pm.

On Sunday, July 2^nd, head to the Palm Springs Swim Center (405 Pavilion Way) for a dive-in movie screening of In the Heights, starting at 7pm.

Bring your friends and family to Ruth Hardy Park on Monday, July 3^rd, for a showing of the classic A League of Their Own. Enjoy a magical evening under the desert stars, with the movie starting at 7:30pm.

The Fourth of July (Tuesday, July 4^th) has a fun-filled day of opportunities to enjoy the holiday, including a pool party, barbecue, concert, Palm Springs Power Baseball, and of course – fireworks.

The Palm Springs Swim Center will host a pool party, featuring music, water games, and more, starting at 3pm and staying open until the conclusion of the fireworks show later in the evening.

At 5:30pm, head to Sunrise Park to enjoy the tunes of Led Zepagain, a Led Zeppelin tribute band.

If you prefer your entertainment on the diamond, head to Palm Springs Stadium to catch “All Stars Summer Collegiate Game” with Palm Springs Power Baseball. First pitch is at 6pm. After the game, stick around for fireworks at Palm Springs Stadium, with the display set to start at 9:15pm.

Check out this dedicated web page for more details.

Desert Hot Springs (July 1^st from 6-10pm) – Mission Springs Park (14510 Palm Drive) – Enjoy an Independence Day celebration at Mission Springs Park with food trucks, fireworks, and more fun. Fireworks start at 9:15pm. Check out the city’s website for full details.

Cathedral City (July 1^st and 2^nd) – Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City (68960 E. Palm Canyon Drive) – Kickoff your Fourth of July celebration with some All-American fun! On Saturday, July 1^st, and Sunday, July 2^nd, head to Agua Caliente Casino in Cathedral City to rip up a roller skating rink. In addition to skating check out a hot dog eating contest on July 2^nd. The roller skating rink is open both days from 7-9pm for all ages, and from 9pm-12am for skaters 21 and older. Advanced tickets are required for the roller skating rink. Visit the event’s page for more info.

Rancho Mirage (July 4^th 7pm) – Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa (32250 Bob Hope Drive) – Get a prime view of a live fireworks display from the south parking lot of the casino. The lot opens at 3pm, with fireworks slated to go off at 9pm. Pack up the cooler, blankets, and snacks, and get there early to get a good spot! Head to the event page on the Agua Caliente website for more info.

Palm Desert (July 4^th from 7:30-9:30pm) – Palm Desert Civic Center Park (73510 Fred Waring Drive) – Come celebrate Independence Day in Palm Desert with an impressive fireworks display, food trucks, and live music. Be sure to bring blankets and chairs so you can comfortably watch the fireworks, scheduled to shoot off at 9pm. Visit the city’s website for more info.

Indio (July 3^rd at 9pm) – Eagle Falls Golf Course (84245 Indio Springs Parkway) – Celebrate the Fourth of July a day early at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino! Gather in the parking lots surrounding the property, bring blankets and chairs, and enjoy the bursting bright fireworks display, starting at 9pm. Visit the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino website for more information.

Coachella (July 1^st 6-9pm) – Bagdouma Park (51-723 Douma Street) – Pop over to Bagdouma Park for fireworks, games, food vendors, live music, and more fun for everyone. Check out the City of Coachella website for more information.

Palm Desert Aquatic Center Dive-In Movies

July 14

Cool off at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center with Dive-in Movies taking place monthly through August. Admission to this splashy event is $5, with doors opening at 7:30PM and the movie starting at 8PM. In addition to family-friendly flicks, there will be food available from unique, local vendors.

This month, enjoy everyone’s favorite blue video game hero Sonic the Hedgehog on Friday, July 14^th. The series wraps up with a screening of Surf’s Up on Friday, August 11^th.

To register, visit the Family YMCA of the Desert website.

Broadway to the Big Screen…And Back

Saturdays July Through September

Get your fix of classic musicals that were turned into movies every Saturday this summer at the historical Camelot Theatre at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. From Grease, Evita, Hair!, and Mamma Mia!, to Little Shop of Horrors, Moulin Rouge, and West Side Story, all your favorite musical flicks will be screened. The series starts Saturday, July 1^st, when Grease brings its classic high-octane love story to the big screen.

For more information and to purchase tickets, check out the Palm Springs Cultural Center’s Eventbrite page.

Flick N Float in Palm Springs

July 15

Head to the Palm Springs Swim Center select dates throughout summer for Flick N Float. This free event screens popular family movies, with open swim starting at 7pm and the movie starting at dusk.

Soak up some fun and catch the Pixar classic Finding Nemo on July 15^th. Future dates and movies include the Mario Bros. Movie on August 19^th, and Luca on September 16^th.

More information can be found at the City of Palm Springs website.

Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage

July 17^th – August 13^th

Dine out for a cause by purchasing a Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage wristband. For $10, you get to enjoy cool savings and specials at participating restaurants across Rancho Mirage from July 17^th through August 13^th. All proceeds go to local charities, so your dollars support a buffet of excellent causes.

For up-to-date information, including to purchase a wrist band, please check out the Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage website.

Acrisure Arena Events

Dates Throughout the month

Acrisure Arena, a state-of-the-art entertainment facility and home to the Coachella Valley Firebirds of the American Hockey League (AHL), offers another month with star-laden events. Each month, the arena draws massive crowds for blockbuster entertainment. There is something for everyone, from concerts and shows featuring internationally acclaimed artists and talents to the fast-paced thrills of professional ice hockey during the AHL season, which just concluded last month with the Firebirds making it all the way to the Calder Cup Finals.

This month, the arena will host performances by Peso Pluma (July 8^th), Paramore (July 15^th), Pepe Aguilar (July 21^st), and Bryan Adams (July 28^th). Next month, Santa Fe Klan, Marco Antonio Solis, Dierks Bentley, Christian Nodal, and Cirque du Soleil will all make stops through the desert.

For the full host of events, as well as to purchase tickets, check out the Acrisure Arena website.

The 19^th Annual Lavender Festival

Through July 23

The 19^th Annual Lavender Festival at Highland Springs Ranch, the largest organic lavender farm in Southern California, welcomes the lavender harvest in Cherry Valley each year. This annual event showcases and celebrates all things lavender at historic 123 Farm. The celebration has been extended again this year and runs through Sunday, July 23^rd. There are new hours this year, taking advantage of the gorgeous summer climate. You can visit the farm from 5-10pm each evening, with plenty of entertainment and fun taking place throughout the night.

Visitors to this magical experience may stroll meandering pathways through lush lavender fields, enjoy a formal farm tour on a horse-drawn carriage, and other exceptional sights. Delight in delectable dishes with lavender-infused ingredients and shop the wares at the organic marketplace, featuring lavender essential oils, infused balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and lavender-stuffed animals.

The Lavender Festival is a treasured regional event that has grown in popularity since it started in 2004 and is a must-see for anyone looking to spend a weekend doing something unique and immersive. For more information on the festival, check out the website.

Rancho Mirage Observatory

Dates Throughout the Month

Gain a new perspective on space, the final frontier, and all its grandeur at the Rancho Mirage Observatory. It’s hard to beat an evening of stargazing on a warm desert evening. Check out one of the Observatory Public Exploration Nights, taking place Thursday and Saturday nights at 9:30pm. This open house style, drop-in event offers a glimpse beyond our world with stellar insight offered by astronomers and volunteer docents.

In addition to nighttime observation fun, you can tour the Observatory Monday through Friday at 3pm each day. This is free and open to the public, with no advance registration necessary. Located adjacent to the Rancho Mirage Public Library, the Rancho Mirage Observatory is a must-explore attraction and a great way to journey beyond our world.

For more information on the Rancho Mirage Observatory, including a calendar of upcoming events and ongoing programs, check out its section on the Rancho Mirage Library website.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Open Throughout the Month

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, one of the most iconic attractions in Palm Springs, is your ticket to the top. Rotating tramcars travel over 2.5 miles, transporting riders from the floor of the Coachella Valley in Palm Springs to the top of the San Jacinto Mountains.

The world at the top of the tram is often drastically different than the warmer confines of Palm Springs, with snow a frequent attraction during the fall, winter, and sometimes spring, months. In the summer, the tram offers a refreshing reprieve from the sizzle on the valley floor, often with a temperature differential of 30-to-40-degrees.

Beyond the breathtaking views offered by the 10-minute ride up the tram, this attraction draws major crowds due to its connection to popular trailheads that link up to some of the best hiking in Southern California, meandering through Mount San Jacinto State Park and into Idyllwild, a romantic and art-centric mountain town. In addition to hiking trails, tram riders may enjoy two restaurants, a cocktail lounge, theaters screening a history of the State Park and tram construction videos, and observation decks featuring panoramic views of the entire Coachella Valley and beyond.

If you want to get the most out of your summer, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers a Summer Pass. Running now through July 31, this pass is your ticket to high altitude at a low price. For only $85 for adults and seniors, and $45 for children ages 3-10, you receive unlimited rides and discounts at the restaurants, plus unlimited free parking. Talk about a hot deal! For a year-round discount, annual passes are available for $165 for adults and seniors and $95 for children ages 3-10.

For more information about the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, be sure to visit their website.

Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market

Saturdays June through September in Palm Springs

Enjoy fresh produce and a variety of locally sourced treats, crafts, and goods this summer at the Palm Springs farmers’ market. The Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ market is held indoors June to September, open Saturdays from 8am-1pm inside the Palm Springs Pavilion (401 S. Pavilion Way). In addition to fresh fare, vendors with a variety of items for sale are on-hand, including clothing, flowers, handmade crafts and gifts, and more.

Palm Springs VillageFest

Thursday Nights

Experience the best of the desert at Palm Springs VillageFest, taking place in downtown Palm Springs every Thursday from 7pm to 10pm during the months of June through September. This delightful event is an incredible way to enjoy a world-famous desert evening. Stretching from Indian Canyon Drive to Belardo Road, Palm Springs VillageFest delivers a vibrant, community-oriented atmosphere with a variety of vendors, from artists and artisans to diverse and delicious food offerings, as well as live entertainment and a unique vibe for all in attendance to enjoy.

For the full list of vendors and additional information on Palm Springs VillageFest, check out the event’s website.

Summer Eats Pass

Through September 4, 2022

Please your palate and your wallet with the Summer Eats Pass. This sizzling deal lets you enjoy your favorite local restaurants for less, delivering special discounts, prix fixe menus, and more, all summer long. In addition to discounts and goodies, there will be a weekly drawing for a $50 gift card to a Greater Palm Springs restaurant. By using the pass every time you dine out, you will also help locals in need of food supplies as Visit Greater Palm Springs will donate $1 to FIND Food Bank. And is if it couldn’t get any better, access to this mobile pass is free!

To get started, simply download the Summer Eats Pass and present is at participating restaurants to enjoy the benefit through September 4^th. Learn more on the Summer Eats Pass website.

Splash House

August 11-13^th & August 18-20^th

Splash House comes back for more fun under the sun in Palm Springs this August. Be sure to grab your ticket early as this event sells out quickly. This time around Splash House music festival hits the pools of Palm Springs Friday, August 11^th, through Sunday, August 13^th, and then again the following weekend running Friday, August 18^th through Sunday, August 20^th. Experience the excitement of the daytime pool party all night long when Splash House After Hours takes flight at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Enjoy DJ sets and an energetic evening outside in this unique locale, sure to take your weekend adventures to new heights.

Splash House is an annual desert music festival that feels more like a giant pool party, featuring live DJ sets paired with some of the finest pools in Palm Springs. Splash House brings a party like no other to the SoCal desert. Hotels hosting this wet and wild time include The Renaissance, the recently renamed Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs, and The Saguaro. After hour parties will be held at the Palm Springs Air Museum.

For more information on Splash House, including the lineup, head over to the festival website.