Desert Cities Gear Up for Fourth of July Weekend

This Fourth of July weekend, cities across the Coachella Valley are throwing multi-day celebrations for America's 250th birthday, with free festivals, concerts, and fireworks planned from Thursday through Saturday.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs kicks off its All-American Fourth of July Celebration Thursday with a free kickoff party at VillageFest, featuring games, crafts, live music, and snow cones while supplies last. Friday brings a free Dive-In Movie Night at the Palm Springs Swim Center, with open swim starting at 6 p.m. and "The Sandlot" playing at 7 p.m.

The celebration moves to Sunrise Park on Saturday for a pool party, family activities, and a Palm Springs POWER baseball game, followed by a free Concert in the Park featuring Turn The Page, a Bob Seger tribute band. Fireworks light up the sky at 9:15 p.m. sharp. Most activities are free. More details are available at PalmSpringsCA.gov/Recreation.

Indio

Indio is hosting its third annual Independence Day Bash on Saturday at the Empire Polo Grounds, free and open to all ages from 6 to 10 p.m. The event includes a beer garden, live performances, a kids' zone, and food and drinks. This year's drone show, starting at 9:30 p.m., will feature twice as many drones as last year's display. Parking opens at 5:30 p.m., and organizers recommend bringing blankets and chairs.

Agua Caliente Casinos

Agua Caliente Casinos are celebrating America's 250th birthday with events at all three of their valley locations, and NBC Palm Springs is partnering with them for the weekend. If you want to join us, the main event is in Rancho Mirage on Saturday, where a fireworks and drone show spectacular begins at 9 p.m. A drive-in experience opens earlier in the South Lot at 6 p.m., with music, games, and free Ben & Jerry's ice cream while supplies last.

All three properties, in Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, and Cathedral City, will have live entertainment throughout the weekend, including a performance from The Commodores and tribute shows honoring ZZ Top and Stevie Nicks, along with food and drink specials at each location. Casino officials note that no RVs or trailers will be allowed in any of the lots on the Fourth of July.