Local & Community
La Quinta's Fritz Burns Pool Kicks Off Packed Summer Schedule of Free Movies and Swim Events
LA QUINTA, California — Families looking to beat the desert heat have a full lineup of activities to look forward to as the City of La Quinta officially launches its seasonal community programming at the Fritz Burns Pool. In partnership with the Desert Recreation District, the municipal facility is rolling out a packed schedule of specialized family-friendly events, free community swim nights, and interactive poolside entertainment designed to run throughout the peak summer months. The festivities begin immediately with the return of the facility's highly anticipated "Dive-In Movie" series, which allows families to enjoy hit films on a large outdoor screen from the comfort of the water or while lounging on the pool deck. Gates open in the evening, with films commencing at sundown.
The city has finalized three distinct movie nights stretching across the summer season. The series kicks off tonight, Friday, June 19, with an opening-night screening of the animated feature Zootopia 2, which is open to all ages. The cinematic lineup continues on Friday, July 17, with Pixar's sun-drenched coastal adventure Luca, a selection perfect for the open-air pool setting. The film series wraps up late in the summer season on Friday, August 7, with a screening of the classic Disney favorite Aladdin.
Beyond Hollywood entertainment, Fritz Burns Pool is serving as an official host site for major civic and educational milestones. On Thursday, June 25, 2026, the facility will participate in the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson. This localized event is part of a massive global initiative that unites tens of thousands of individuals from hundreds of communities on six continents on the exact same day to raise vital operational awareness about drowning prevention and teach children fundamental water safety skills. The summer lineup also features a dedicated patriotic celebration on Saturday, July 4, when the city hosts its signature Free Veterans Swim. The Independence Day event offers complimentary pool admission and recreational access for military veterans and active service members, providing a cool, community-focused environment to celebrate the holiday with family and friends.
Residents interested in registering for swim lessons, checking public lap swim hours, or reviewing local pool safety requirements can access complete details by navigating to the newsroom tab on our website, NBCPalmSprings.com.
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By: NBC Palm Springs
June 19, 2026
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