The Sky’s the Limit: Palm Springs Drone Fest Lifts Off at Palm Springs High School

The Palm Springs Drone Fest officially takes flight this afternoon, transforming Palm Springs High School into a hub for cutting-edge aerial technology and high-stakes competition. The two-day event, running from Friday, May 1, through Saturday, May 2, is open to the public starting at 3:00 p.m. today.

The festival brings together student teams from across the Coachella Valley—and around the world—to compete in a variety of drone-based sports. Highlights include the FIDA USA Grand Nationals Drone Soccer Tournament, where teams from as far as Canada and Kazakhstan will battle for a qualifying spot in the upcoming Drone World Championships in South Korea.

Friday: Opening Night Spectacle

The opening ceremony is set for 7:00 p.m. tonight at the Palm Springs High School football stadium. Attendees can expect a keynote address from motivational speaker and combat veteran Evangelo “Vann” Morris, followed by a coordinated drone light show presented by Electric Sky Drone Shows and UVIFY.

Before the ceremony, the public can explore the Trade Show and Drone Film Festival, which open at 4:00 p.m. Interactive "Try-it" zones will also be available for those who want to get their hands on a controller for the first time.

Saturday: High-Stakes Competition

Saturday shifts the focus to pure sport. Starting at 8:00 a.m., the stadium and gymnasiums will host:

- FPV Drone Racing: Pilots using "First Person View" headsets will navigate an illuminated 3D obstacle course at speeds exceeding 80 mph.

- USA Drone Soccer Nationals: A fast-paced, full-contact team sport where caged drones attempt to fly through opposing goal rings.

- STEM Workshops: Hands-on sessions led by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University focusing on careers in aviation and robotics.

"It’s not just about the racing; it’s about showing these kids that there are massive career opportunities in agriculture, public safety, and film through drone technology," said one event organizer.

Tickets are affordably priced, with one-day passes starting at approximately $30 for adults and $25 for students. Free parking is available in the main lot off Baristo Road.

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