America has a big birthday coming up.
Whether you’re looking for a large fireworks bash or you want to see what else is going on this Fourth of July week in the desert, we’ve compiled a list with something for everyone.
From the end of a summer film festival to patriotic events, these are The Desert Sun’s top events to check out this week in the Coachella Valley.
Your Hometown Zoo Days at The Living Desert
Coachella Valley locals have been familiar with The Living Desert for a long time, but how many of you have fully explored what the zoo and gardens have to offer? The Palm Desert attraction wants to celebrate locals this month, so before June is over, you have a couple days left to enjoy a special locals-only discount for people with proof of residency in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, Coachella, Mecca, Thermal, Thousand Palms, Bermuda Dunes, and Desert Hot Springs.
When: Through June 30
Where: The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, 47-900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert
Cost: Reduced admission rate for up to two adult admissions ($29.75 each) and two child admissions ($19.75 each), per household, per day
More info: livingdesert.org/events/
Palm Springs International ShortFest Best of Fest
The 2026 Palm Springs International ShortFest brought another year of creative, whacky and insanely entertaining short films to the desert, and it all comes to a head this Monday with the festival’s “Best of Fest” screenings, aka a lineup of all of the audience’s favorite shorts. Because the lineup has yet to be announced at the time of this writing, we don’t know exactly what’s in store for you yet, but it could be coming-of-age short film “Chop Cheese” featuring “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” star Christopher Meloni, “Kiloran Bay” starring Alan Cumming or even one of the several shorts with a Coachella Valley connection. Check desertsun.com when you read this for the latest schedule.
When: Various times Monday, June 29 (check website below)
Where: Festival Theaters, 789 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs
Cost: General admission tickets $20, PSIFS member tickets $18, Best of Fest pass to all Monday screenings $75
More info: psfilmfest.org/shortfest
History Hunters at Coachella Valley History Museum
Calling all history lovers, this is your chance to get free admission to the Coachella Valley History Museum for an afternoon peek into the museum’s archives. You never know what staffers might bring out to share, but what’s certain is you’ll get to mingle with others who appreciate local history as much as you do. Note: This is the latest in a series of monthly gatherings of the History Hunters, aka history fans, at the museum
When: 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 30
Where: Coachella Valley History Museum, 82-616 Miles Ave., Indio
Cost: Free admission
More info: cvhm.org/events-calendar
Palm Springs Power Baseball Promo Nights
Summer baseball season is winding down in Palm Springs. That means you’re running out of time to take advantage of the Palm Springs Power’s special weekly game promotions: $3 Draft Tuesdays, $6 Margarita Wednesdays, and free admission for kids 12 and under on Saturdays. If you don’t have plans for the Fourth of July yet, the team is also hosting its annual special July Fourth home game followed by the city’s official fireworks show.
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 30; 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 1; 7 p.m. Friday, July 3; and 6 p.m. Saturday, July 4
Where: Palm Springs Stadium, 1901 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: $10 regular admission, $8 seniors, $5 youth, $16 Power ticket admission (includes a hot dog, chips and soda), $100 season ticket
More info: palmspringspowerbaseball.com
First Wednesday Art Walk
Head to the Backstreet Art District on Wednesday for its monthly Art Walk. This year-round tradition gives visitors the opportunity to meet local artists, learn more about their work and see what various galleries have to offer. Check with galleries’ individual websites to find out about their hours of operation and special events.
When: 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 1
Where: Backstreet Art District, 2600 S. Cherokee Way, Palm Springs
Cost: Free admission
More info: backstreetartdistrict.com/art-walk-and-district-events
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.
When: 6:30-10 p.m. Thursday, July 2 (fireworks show at 9 p.m., pool open until 10 p.m.)
Where: Bagdouma Park, 51-723 Douma St., Coachella
Cost: 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
More info: instagram.com
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.
When: 1 p.m. Saturday, July 4
Where: The Saguaro Palm Springs, 1800 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: $25.67
More info: eventbrite.com
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).”
When: 3 p.m. lot opens, 6 p.m. drive-in experience, 9 p.m. fireworks Saturday, July 4
Where: Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage
Cost: Free admission
More info: aguacalientecasinos.com/casino/fourth-of-july/
Palm Springs weekend movie screening of ‘Jaws’
The Palm Springs Plaza Theatre is not slowing down this summer. Although there are fewer live shows, there’s still plenty going on at the theater, and next up is a screening of the beloved classic “Jaws.” As the theater’s website describes in (in case you’ve been living under a rock and have never seen it): “When the seaside community of Amity finds itself under attack by a dangerous great white shark, the town’s chief of police, a young marine biologist, and a grizzled shark hunter embark on a desperate quest to kill the beast before it strikes again.”
When: 2 p.m. Sunday, July 5
Where: Plaza Theatre, 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: $20
More info: palmspringsplazatheatre.com/events/
Palm Springs Cultural Center presents Musical Matinees: ‘Paint Your Wagon’
If you love Westerns and/or musicals, this special film screening is for you. As the Palm Springs Cultural Center’s event description says, “In this musical based on the Broadway show, Ben Rumson (Lee Marvin) happens upon a wrecked wagon containing a dead man and his surviving brother, Pardner (Clint Eastwood), in the wilds of California during the Gold Rush. At the burial, they discover gold dust and stake a claim. Soon a mining camp dubbed ‘No Name City’ emerges, rife with lonely men starved for female companionship.”
When: 3 p.m. Sunday, July 5
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: $13.64
More info: eventbrite.com
To submit an event for The Desert Sun’s consideration in future 10 things to do stories, send an email to niki.kottmann@desertsun.com with the time, date, location and price of admission for your event, as well as a brief event description. Photos are not required, but are highly encouraged as part of the submission.
Tip: Send your submission as early as possible to make sure we have it in time, and to make sure your event jumps out in our inbox, put “10 things to do submission” in the email subject line.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: 10 things to do in the Coachella Valley this week, June 29-July 5
Reporting by Niki Kottmann and Ema Sasic, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Niki Kottmann and Ema Sasic, Palm Springs Desert Sun | USA TODAY Network
