CA, US & World
Desert Rodeo Returns to Thermal: Organizers Highlight 'Festival Fusion' and Animal Athlete Care
The dust is ready to kick up in Thermal as the second annual Desert Rodeo returns to the Desert International Horse Park starting tomorrow. Described by organizers as a "festival fusion," the three-day event aims to blend the grit of traditional professional rodeo with a trendy, modern atmosphere unique to the Coachella Valley.
NBC Palm Springs' Caitlyn Kelley visited the grounds today, where she spoke with Reno Rosser of the Flying U Rodeo Company. Rosser noted that the Desert Rodeo is currently setting trends across the country by offering an experience rarely seen in the sport—including luxury amenities like bottle service alongside world-class livestock.
A major focus of this year's event is education regarding the "animal athletes" that compete in the ring. Rosser, whose company has been breeding bucking stock for 70 years, sought to dispel common misconceptions about animal care. He explained that these animals only work about 64 seconds a year, spending the vast majority of their time running pastures in Marysville, California.
Rosser also addressed popular myths, clarifying that bulls are colorblind and that it is physically impossible to strap animals in a way that causes them pain to make them buck. He emphasized that these animals are born and bred to buck and only do so if they choose to. Organizers invited the public to come behind the scenes to see how well the livestock is treated.
Beyond the competition, co-founder Cassie Dilaura describes the event as a full-scale festival. Attendees can expect an entire festival environment featuring branded activations, bars, the Tractor Supply Kids Corral, the Purina Petting Zoo, and even camel riding. A dedicated vendor row will also highlight local Coachella Valley businesses showcasing Western goods and services.
The Desert Rodeo runs from Friday through Sunday. On Friday, doors open at 11:00 AM, with the rodeo action taking place from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM. The grounds will remain open for a post-rodeo party until 6:00 PM. General admission tickets are still available at DesertRodeo.com, and organizers are offering a free children's pass for those aged 10 and under with the purchase of a general admission ticket.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
April 23, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Former Silvercrest CEO, William Rodriguez is expected back in court today in connection with the deadly 2024 Cathedral City hit and run that killed a woman. The murder charge was dismissed, but Rodriguez still faces felony hit and run and suspended license charges.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
Murder suspect Vicky Kim has once again not been cleared to appear in court. Kim is accused of killing her husband at their Palm Desert condominium complex. Her arraignment has now been delayed three times. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we track the latest developments in this case. #VickyKim #PalmDesert #CoachellaValley #BreakingNews #CourtUpdate NBCPalmSprings
Palm Springs is mourning the loss of beloved entertainer James “Gypsy” Haake, who has died at 94. Haake began his entertainment career at just 19 years old as a Broadway chorus dancer. After retiring from the stage, he returned to performing at 82, becoming the host of Carnival Cabaret at Oscars in downtown Palm Springs. A longtime friend of our station, Haake was a familiar and beloved figure in the Palm Springs entertainment community — and his contributions were recognized with a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. His career spanned more than seven decades, proving that the spotlight never truly left him. ❤️ Rest in peace, James “Gypsy” Haake. Your legacy will live on in Palm Springs. #JamesGypsyHaake #PalmSprings #PalmSpringsWalkOfStars #CarnivalCabaret #PalmSpringsEntertainment #OscarsPalmSprings #PalmSpringsHistory
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Sterling Conley with the rushing TD, 2) Marcus Kennedy with the touchdown catch, 3) Cade Pinon with the big time sack, 4) Kingston Pellum with the pick-6, or 5) Caleb Hartwell with the saving throw #fypage #fridaynightlights #football #hondaofthedesert #highschoolfootball
James Nellis from @dsrt_club_lq and @rd_rnnr_lq makes us one of his signature dishes, his Maine scallops with hibiscus puree. His creativity and skill lead to unique bold flavors and scrumptious dishes. We chat about his love of trying new things in the kitchen, what being a chef means to him, and how food can different, flavorful, and fun. This is James Nellis on a plate. See it now on nbcpalmsprings.com
At the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, first responders, families and community members came together to honor the lives lost—and the heroes who answered the call 25 years ago on September 11, 2001. Two first responders who responded to opposite sides of the World Trade Center met for the first time at the event, sharing a powerful moment of remembrance and connection. 26 flights. Three times. One enduring message: Never Forget. #NeverForget #September11 #911Memorial #MemorialStairClimb #FirstResponders HonorAndRemember 911
Palm Desert’s future takes center stage next week. The Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 2026 State of the City Address & Luncheon on Friday, September 18, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort. The event brings together local business leaders, community members and city stakeholders for an inside look at the priorities, opportunities and future of Palm Desert. Friday, September 18 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort Palm Desert Individual tickets are $85 for Chamber members and $95 for non-members. Get the details and registration information from the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce. #PalmDesert #StateOfTheCity #CoachellaValley #PalmDesertBusiness #GreaterPalmSprings #PalmDesertChamber
25 years later, the memories of 9/11 remain vivid for the firefighters who witnessed the tragedy firsthand. A longtime FDNY firefighter reflects on the trauma, loss and moments that have stayed with him a quarter-century after the attacks. #911 #September11 #NeverForget #FDNY #Firefighter #911Anniversary #25YearsLater #NewYorkCity #Remembering911 #NBCTPalmSprings