This Land of Liberty has a big birthday coming up.
The 250th anniversary of the United States will be recognized on July 4, marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
That means that every fireworks show, barbecue and other community celebration carries a little extra weight this year. Read on to learn about the celebrations happening across the Coachella Valley to mark this special occasion, and don’t forget to tell your family and friends so they can join in the fun.
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What makes this July 4th different in the Coachella Valley?
In true Palm Springs fashion, one of the most unique Fourth of July celebrations is a fabulous themed dinner party. PS Underground, the city’s self-described “one-of-a-kind culinary and musical experience,” is celebrating with a special event called American Harmony that will feature a multiple-course meal, live entertainment and “free flowing beer, wine, specialty cocktails and mocktails,” as its website says. Get all the details below.
Where to celebrate America’s 250 birthday in the Palm Springs area?
Nearly every city in the Coachella Valley has a planned fireworks show or another special celebration to mark America’s 250th birthday.
A complete guide can be found here:
Palm Springs
American Harmony
PS Underground presents this tasty — and boozy — Fourth of July dinner party. The “spirited celebration of independence, freedom, and the songs that have shaped the American experience,” as the website says, promises an experience centered around a four-course dinner featuring “elevated comfort foods, smoky backyard favorites and playful twists on regional classics, all thoughtfully crafted by Chef Dave and paired with flowing cocktails and signature spiked lemonade.”
If you go: 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, July 3; PS Underground, 1700 S. Camino Real, Suite 2, Palm Springs; $149; psunderground.com/calendar/
The Hustle: 4th Of July Disco Pool Party
Whether you’re looking to simply beat the heat in The Saguaro’s famous pool or you want to dance the night away poolside to the sounds of Donna Summer, ABBA, Bee Gees and other 70s icons, this pool party/disco is for you.
If you go: 1 p.m. Saturday, July 4; The Saguaro Palm Springs, 1800 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs; $25.67; eventbrite.com
Fourth of July with the Palm Springs Power
Come celebrate America’s birthday by enjoying America’s favorite pastime. The Palm Springs Power take on the PSCL All-Stars at 6 p.m., followed by a firework extravaganza at 9:15 p.m. As usual, the stadium will be packed, so come early to get the best seat.
If you go: Gates open at 4:30 p.m., game at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 4; Palm Springs Stadium, 1901 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs, $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 kids; palmspringspowerbaseball.com/july4th/
July Fourth Weekend BBQ
One of Palm Springs’ most beloved boutique hotels, Holiday House, wants you to enjoy its in-house restaurant this holiday weekend. Chef Oleg Olexin is bringing out the bar-be-que for a special menu of festive lunches “perfect to enjoy poolside or under the cool cabanas in the garden,” as the website says. From classic hamburgers, hot dogs and grilled lobster, there’s something for everyone. Make a reservation at 760-320-8866. 21+ only.
If you go: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, July 5; Holiday House, 200 W. Arenas Road, Palm Springs; prices vary by item; visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/event
Palm Desert
Fourth of July Zoo Celebration
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens “invites you to discover your wild side,” as their website states, and celebrate the Fourth of July alongside the valley’s most interesting (four-legged, or no-legged) residents. Stop by the zoo’s summer Keeper Connections and watch as the animals — giraffes, rhinos, patas monkeys, etc. — interact with “festive, red, white, and blue-inspired enriching experiences designed to engage both animals and guests.”
If you go: 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4; one-day-only discounted admission of $25 for adults and $17.76 for kids; livingdesert.org/events/4th-of-july-zoo-celebration
City of Palm Desert Independence Day Celebration
The City of Palm Desert is getting in on the Fourth of July fun with their own fireworks show and celebration at Civic Center Park. Everything kicks off at 7:30 p.m. at the park’s amphitheater with a free concert of pop favorites, then, at, 9 p.m. the sky will light up with a 20-minute fireworks display synchronized to patriotic-themed songs simulcast on two local radio stations. A variety of food trucks and vendors will be on hand to offer items for purchase, and attendees may also bring picnic dinners. However, alcoholic beverages, smoking, and portable barbeques are prohibited.
If you go: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4; Civic Center Park, 43-900 San Pablo Ave., Palm Desert; free admission; discoverpalmdesert.com/event/
Rancho Mirage
America’s 250th Birthday Fireworks and Drone Show
This Fourth of July, celebrate at Agua Caliente Casino with fireworks, drones and a patriotic party honoring America’s 250th birthday. As the casino’s website says, “Step outside the casino for optimal viewing or grab a spot in the South Lot for the drive-in experience including music with the BULL 98.5, giveaways, games and free Ben and Jerry’s ice cream (while supplies last).”
If you go: 3 p.m. lot opens, 6 p.m. drive-in experience, 9 p.m. fireworks Saturday, July 4; Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage; free; aguacalientecasinos.com/casino/fourth-of-july/
Indio
Independence Day Bash
The 3rd Annual Independence Day Bash returns to the Empire Polo Club this Fourth of July for a family friendly evening of live entertainment, food trucks, a beer garden, free kids’ activities, giveaways, and more. To top off the evening, stick around for the 9:30 p.m. drone show.
If you go: Parking lot opens at 5:30 p.m., event 6-10 p.m., drone show at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4; Empire Polo Club, 81-800 51st Ave., Indio; free admission; indio.org/Home/
Coachella
Independence Day Celebration Coachella
Celebrate Independence Day with a bang at Bagdouma Park. Whether you and your loved ones are interested in the free fireworks show or just want to honor the holiday a few days early with a dip in the community pool, there’s plenty to do at this City of Coachella July Fourth celebration. Note: Several food trucks will be in attendance, with items available for purchase.
If you go: 6:30-10 p.m. Thursday, July 2 (fireworks show at 9 p.m., pool open until 10 p.m.); Bagdouma Park, 51-723 Douma St., Coachella; free fireworks show, and admission to the pool is as follows: $4 for adults, $3 for children age 3 and older and free for infants under 3.
America 250: Better Together at Coachella Lakes RV Resort
Coachella Lakes RV Resort is hosting a huge three-day weekend full of July Fourth celebrations, but on Independence Day itself, the festivities kick off at 11 a.m. with a Kids Craft Station where kids can design and build their own patriotic keepsakes. At 12:30 p.m., there will be lawn games by the pool, and at 1:30 p.m., everyone can join in on a patriotic tie-dye activity. At 3 p.m., there will be a spirited water balloon toss/water truck splash, and to top it all off at 8 p.m., there will be a boozy social hour to watch the fireworks together.
If you go: Various events starting at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 4; Coachella Lakes RV Resort, 44-790 Dillon Road, Coachella; coachellalakesrvresort.com/america-250/. Note: All America 250 activities are exclusive to registered guests of Coachella Lakes RV Resort.
Only here
Why celebrate July Fourth in the Coachella Valley? The nine cities of our valley offer a beautiful blend of Mexican and American culture, offering a constant reminder of why our country is known as a nation of immigrants.
Plan your day
Looking for a place to eat while you’re out and about? Or just need a drink? Here’s where we recommend:
This is a developing story and will be updated as we learn of more celebrations.
Desert Sun reporters Ema Sasic and Brian Blueskye contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: How the Coachella Valley will celebrate America’s 250th birthday
Reporting by Niki Kottmann, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Niki Kottmann, Palm Springs Desert Sun | USA TODAY Network
