Cool Things to Do In the Coachella Valley This July

Now that summer is officially under way, there are still plenty of cool things to check out around the desert and beyond. From Independence Day celebrations to hot deals on cool meals, and so much more, here are some ideas for ways to get out and explore this July.

Idyllwild Jazz in the Pines

July 3^rd – 16^th

Jazz in the Pines returns to charming Idyllwild, an idyllic community in the San Jacinto mountains, July 3^rd through the 16^th. Just a 45-minute drive from the Coachella Valley floor, Idyllwild buzzes with the vibrant sounds of live jazz and blues music during Jazz in the Pines. The revamped, 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 iteration promises to be a grand time for all, with live public performances, open master classes, and even a live taping of the “One World. One Idyllwild. The Series” podcast where guests are invited to join the conversation. The atmosphere will be even more energetic this year as Jazz in the Pines has been put on hold for the past couple of years due to the global pandemic.

For more information on Jazz in the Pines, including the schedule and to 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 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 on July 4^th, 1776, with a variety of events and displays. Go city-by-city in alphabetical order to learn more.

Coachella (July 3^rd from 5-10pm) – Coachella Crossroads (46605 Dillon Road) – This free celebration (children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult) includes games and family activities, food, live music courtesy of Chayce Beckham and DJ Chase, attractions, and a fireworks simulcast at 9pm. Visit the Coachella Crossroads website for more information.

Desert Hot Springs (July 2^nd from 6-10pm) – Mission Springs Park (14510 Palm Drive) – Kick off your Independence Day weekend 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.

Indio (June 30^th at 9pm) – Eagle Falls Golf Course (84245 Indio Springs Parkway) – Head to Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and celebrate the Fourth of July 5 days early! 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.

Palm Desert (July 4^th from 7:30-9:30pm) – Palm Desert Civic Center Park (43900 San Pablo Avenue) – Come celebrate Independence Day in Palm Desert with an epic fireworks display, food trucks and vendors, 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.

Palm Springs (Events running July 1^st through the 4^th) – There are plenty of awesome things to do all weekend in Palm Springs to celebrate the Fourth of July.

On Friday, July 1^st, head to the Palm Springs Swim Center for a dive-in movie screening of Disney’s Jungle Cruise. The screening is free, and starts at 7:30pm.

Enjoy a drone show and concert at Downtown Park (off of Museum Way and Belardo Road) on Saturday, July 2^nd. Petty and the Heartbreakers will kick things off at 6:30pm, followed by an impressive display of coordinated drones taking to the sky over Palm Springs.

Bring your friends and family to Ruth Hardy Park on Sunday, July 3^rd, for a showing of the cult classic The Goonies. Relive one of the 80’s most treasured films under the desert stars, with the movie starting at 7:30pm.

The Fourth of July (Monday, 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 family-friendly pool party, featuring music, water games, and more, starting at 3pm.

Hang with the Palm Springs Cultural Center at Camelot Theatre and listen to 80’s classic hits spun by DJ Mod Girl, check out a screening of Rocky IV, and enjoy games and prizes outside in the “cool zone,” featuring petite party pools, and an All-American barbecue with hot dogs, hamburgers, and more. Stick around to watch the fireworks display later in the evening.

At 5:30pm, kick back and relax at Sunrise Park to the tunes of “Turn the Page, Tribute to Bob Seger.”

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.

Rancho Mirage (July 4^th from 5-9pm) – 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 5pm, with fireworks slated to go off at 9pm. Pack up the cooler, blankets, and snacks, and get there early to get a good spot!

Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage

July 11^th – August 12^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 11^th through August 12^th. All proceeds go to local charities so your dollars support a plethora of excellent causes.

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

The 18^th Annual Lavender Festival

 Through July 31

The 18^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. Open to the public each spring, this annual event showcases and celebrates all things lavender at historic 123 Farm. The celebration has been extended this year and concludes on Sunday, July 31^st. You can visit the farm each day except Tuesdays.

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 18^th Annual Lavender Festival is a treasured event that has grown in popularity since it started in 2004, and is a must-attend affaire for anyone looking to spend a weekend doing something unique and immersive. For more information on the festival, check out the 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 August 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 more information about the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, be sure to visit their website.

Rancho Mirage Observatory

Dates Throughout the Month

Escape the heat, and our planet, by exploring “the final frontier” and all its wonders at the Rancho Mirage Observatory! There are few better ways to spend an evening than gazing at the stars or participating in one of the many events taking place throughout the month. Swoon at the Moon is held during the first quarter phase of the moon cycle at 8:30pm, showcasing a variety of exciting and fascinating sights, including craters, volcanoes, and more. The July installment of this celebrated event will be Wednesday, July 6^th.

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.

Summer Eats Pass

Through September 4, 2022

Please your palate and your wallet with the Summer Eats Pass. This smokin’ hot 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. The best part about all of this? 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. Learn more on the Summer Eats Pass website.

Certified Farmers’ Markets

Saturdays through September in Palm Springs

Thursdays through September in Indian Wells

Enjoy fresh produce and a variety of locally sourced treats, crafts, and goods this summer at Coachella Valley farmers’ markets, open indoors at locations in Palm Springs and Indian Wells. 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.

Below are the details on each market by city:

The Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ market is held indoors June to September, open Saturdays from 8:30am-1:30pm inside the Palm Springs Pavilion (401 S. Pavilion Way).

The Indian Wells Certified Farmers’ Market will be open June through September inside the former grocery store building at The Village shopping center along Highway 111 (74-895 Highway 111) every Thursday from 8am-1pm.

Palm Springs VillageFest

Thursday Nights

Palm Springs Village Fest takes to the streets of downtown Palm Springs ever Thursday evening, from 7pm to 10pm. Stretching from Indian Canyon Drive to Belardo Road, Palm Springs VillageFest showcases all that Palm Springs has to offer in a lively, community-oriented atmosphere. It is an excellent way to enjoy a summer evening in the desert.

This street festival boasts a variety of vendors, from artisans and artists showcasing their wares and talents, to culinary curators serving up tasty treats, as well as live entertainment and a unique buzz from all in attendance.

For the full list of vendors and additional information on Palm Springs Village Fest, check out the website.

Splash House

August 12-14^th & August 19-21^st

Splash House returns to Palm Springs for more fun under the sun this August, so 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 12^th, through Sunday, August 14^th, and then again the following weekend running Friday, August 19^th through Sunday, August 21^st. In addition to the daytime excitement poolside, Splash House After Hours takes flight at the Palm Springs Air Museum, creating a unique environment to enjoy DJ sets and a lively evening under the desert night sky.

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.