Ultimate guide to 4th of July in the Coachella Valley and surrounding communities

Laine Henry, Palm Springs Desert Sun
·6 min read

Coachella Valley cities are preparing to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday, which falls on a Monday this year, with a fun range of celebrations over the long weekend that range from public fireworks displays to parades to pool parties and even an indoor roller rink.

But are private fireworks allowed? Short answer: Only in four Riverside County cities.

Safe and sane fireworks — those that don't shoot into the air, such as sparklers, snappers and fountains — are allowed in Coachella, Desert Hot Springs and Indio by local ordinance. They are also allowed in Blythe.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department warns that everywhere else, "all fireworks, including sparklers, are illegal in Riverside County ... because they cause serious injuries and very often, cause fires."

Drought conditions are also prevalent across the region, and the sheriff's department warns that the risk for brush fires is high.

"Individuals who cause fires by using illegal fireworks will be held responsible for all suppression costs. These costs can run into the millions of dollars," the sheriff's department warns.

A wooden cactus sculpture that's been on the side of Hwy 111 for some time has been redocorated in a patriotic theme near San Rafael Rd. in Palm Springs, Calif., June 28, 2022.
A wooden cactus sculpture that's been on the side of Hwy 111 for some time has been redocorated in a patriotic theme near San Rafael Rd. in Palm Springs, Calif., June 28, 2022.

Fourth of July events across the desert

Cities and towns across the Coachella Valley, high desert, mountain communities and Inland Empire are planning a wide range of events for the holiday weekend, for both residents and visitors.

Cathedral City

Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City will host an all-ages roller skating party featuring DJs, games, raffles and prizes. The party runs 7 p.m. to midnight Saturday and Sunday, Agua Caliente Cathedral City, 68-960 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City. $10 without skates, $15 with skates. 888-999-1995. For more information, go to aguacalientecasinos.com

Coachella

The City of Coachella will host its Fourth of July celebration at Bagdouma Park (51-723 Douma St.) on July 1 from 7 to 9 p.m. The free celebration fill feature carnival rides, games, food vendors and fireworks. For more information, go to coachella.org.

Desert Hot Springs

The City of Desert Hot Springs will host its 4th of July Fireworks Celebration on July 2 at Mission Springs Park (14-510 Palm Drive). The free celebration will begin at 6 p.m. with music, food and a fireworks show at 9:15 p.m. For more information, go to cityofdhs.org/event/fireworks-spectacular.

Indio

Fantasy Springs Resort Casino (84-245 Indio Springs Parkway) will host a free fireworks show on June 30 at 8:45 p.m. For more information, go to fantasyspringsresort.com/fantasy-fireworks/

Palm Desert

The Civic Center Park (73-510 Fred Waring Drive) will have a free Independence Day Celebration on July 4 with music, food, drink and fireworks viewing from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. For more information, go to cityofpalmdesert.org.

Palm Springs

A laser show was staged in Ruth Hardy Park as part of the City of Palm Springs' Independence Day celebrations on July 4, 2021.
A laser show was staged in Ruth Hardy Park as part of the City of Palm Springs' Independence Day celebrations on July 4, 2021.

The Palm Springs Swim Center (405 S. Pavilion Way) will host a free family pool party on July 4 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, go to palmspringsca.gov.

The Palm Springs Cultural Center (2300 E. Baristo Road) will host a free screening of "Rocky IV" on July 4 at 4 p.m., followed by an ’80s Nostalgic BBQ with dancing and fireworks viewing at 6 p.m. The BBQ and fireworks viewing requires tickets, which can be purchased at bit.ly/4thofJulyPSCC.

Sunrise Park (480 S. Sunrise Way) will have a free concert on July 4 featuring "Turn the Page, Tribute to Bob Seger" at 5:30 p.m. For more information, go to palmspringsca.gov.

The Palm Springs Stadium (1901 E. Baristo Road) will have the Palm Springs Power Baseball "All Stars Summer Collegiate Game" at 6 p.m. on July 4 followed by an "All American Fourth of July Spectacular" at 9:15 p.m. Tickets are required to attend the game and view the fireworks. Tickets can be purchased online at palmspringspowerbaseball.com, or at the gates.

Food Samaritans (AAP) will host an Independence Day Celebration and fundraiser on July 4 at the historic O'Donnell House (412 W. Tahquitz Canyon Way). The event will begin at 7 p.m. with traditional American fare catered by Willie Rhine and his team from Eight4Nine. The City of Palm Springs fireworks display will commence at 9:15 p.m. Tickets are $175, which includes an open bar, dinner, entertainment by Keisha D and valet parking. Tickets can be purchased at aidsassistance.org

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (1 Tram Way) will have extended hours on July 4. The first car up will be at 8 a.m., the last car up will be at 8 p.m. and the last car down will be at 9:30 p.m.

Rancho Mirage

People watch the Fourth of July fireworks celebration at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage in Rancho Mirage, Calif., on Saturday, July 4, 2020. Vehicles were arranged to allow safe distances to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
People watch the Fourth of July fireworks celebration at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage in Rancho Mirage, Calif., on Saturday, July 4, 2020. Vehicles were arranged to allow safe distances to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage (32-250 Bob Hope Drive) will have a free Independence Day celebration at 7 p.m. on July 4. There will be a live DJ, food and beverage specials, festive photo backdrops, giveaways and a firework display starting at 9 p.m. For more information, go to aguacalientecasinos.com/casino/4th-of-july-celebration.

Fourth of July events in high desert, mountain towns

Hoping to head toward some cooler climates during the weekend? Check out what's planned in the high desert, mountain communities and in the nearby Inland Empire.

Banning

The City of Banning will have free swimming at the Repplier Park Aquatic Center on July 4 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1-3 p.m. At 6 p.m., the City of Banning will have Independence Day festivities at Nicolet Middle School Stadium (101 E. Nicolet St.). The free celebration will include music, food, inflatable interactives, crafts, vendors and fireworks at 9 p.m. For more information, go to bit.ly/Banning4thofJuly.

Beaumont

The City of Beaumont will have a Fourth of July Freedom Festival at Stewart Park (985 Maple Ave.) on July 4. The free festival begins at 4 p.m. and will have food trucks, a beer garden, concerts at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9 p.m. For more information, go to beaumontpd.org/1019/Freedom-Festival.

Idyllwild

The Idyllwild Rotary Club will host a free Independence Day Parade on July 4 along N. Circle Drive, which will step off from the 4 Corners area at 10 a.m. For more information, go to bit.ly/Idyllwild4thofJuly.

Twentynine Palms

The City of Twentynine Palms will host its annual 4th of July Celebration at 5 p.m. on July 4 at Knott's Sky Park (6701 El Sol Ave.). The free celebration includes waterslides, an inflatable obstacle course, face painting, free throw contest, cornhole tournament, Bizuri ice cream, food, music and a fireworks show at 9 p.m. For more information, go to visit29.org/event/4th-of-july-celebration/.

Yucca Valley

Brehm Park (56-620 Little League Drive) will have a free concert by the Blue Breeze Band at 6:30 p.m. on July 4, followed by fireworks at 9 p.m. There will be face painting, food vendors and giveaways. For more information, go to yucca-valley.org.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: 4th of July events in the Palm Springs area