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MON: Best of ShortFest 2026
The Palm Springs International ShortFest 2026 at Festival Theaters brings a full day of screenings on Monday, June 29 from 9 am–9 pm, wrapping up its weeklong celebration of more than 300 short films from around the world. This final day is Best of the Fest, offering a curated lineup of the highest‑rated, award‑winning, and audience‑favorite films from the 2026 edition. With staggered showtimes and access through the Best of Fest Pass, attendees can immerse themselves in standout storytelling without purchasing individual tickets. More info
THU: Where Were You in 1976? A Look Back at Bicentennial Cinema: Nashville (1975)
The Nashville (1975) screening at Palm Springs Cultural Center takes place on Thursday, July 2 at 6 pm. This special presentation features a curated pre‑show of Bicentennial‑era ephemera at 6 pm, followed by Robert Altman’s iconic ensemble film at 6:30 pm. As part of a series reflecting on America’s 1976 Bicentennial, the program includes archival footage and cultural artifacts that illuminate the themes and anxieties of the era. More info
STARTS THU: Fourth of July Celebrations
THURSDAY, JULY 2
Coachella kicks off the holiday weekend early with its Independence Day Celebration from 6:30–10 pm at Bagdouma Park, featuring food vendors, games, a community pool, and a 9 pm fireworks show. • Palm Springs hosts the VillageFest Kick-Off from 7–10 pm downtown, offering live music, games, and complimentary snow cones while supplies last.
FRIDAY, JULY 3
Palm Springs continues the fun with Dive-In Movie Night at the Palm Springs Swim Center, offering open swim at 6 pm followed by a free 7 pm screening of The Sandlot. • Agua Caliente Casinos in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, and Rancho Mirage locations begin their America 250 weekend celebrations, running July 3–5 with DJs, entertainment, and dining specials.
SATURDAY, JULY 4
Rancho Mirage presents the massive Agua Caliente Fireworks & Drone Show Spectacular at 9 pm, with a drive‑in experience opening at 3 pm featuring giveaways, games and free Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. • Indio hosts its Independence Day Bash at the Empire Polo Grounds from 6–10 pm, ending with a 9:30 pm drone show. • Palm Desert celebrates with its America250 Celebration at Civic Center Park beginning at 4 pm, followed by food trucks at 5 pm, live entertainment with The Swing Cats Big Band at 7 pm on the Civic Center Park main stage, a Sensory Safe Space from 8–9:30 pm, and a 9 pm fireworks display. • Palm Springs activates Sunrise Park at 5 pm with face painting, arts and crafts, photo ops, and an All‑American History Wall, leading into the Fireworks Spectacular at 9:15 pm. • Palm Springs also offers two aquatic celebrations: the All‑American Pool Party at the Swim Center from 3–10 pm, and the 21+ Hustle: 70’s Disco Pool Party at The Saguaro from 1–7 pm.
SUNDAY, JULY 5
Desert Hot Springs closes out the long weekend with its Semiquincentennial Celebration at Mission Springs Park from 6–10 pm, featuring live music, food, family activities, and a 9:15 pm fireworks finale.
THU–FRI: RAW DOG Naked Comedy Festival / Prism Theater
The RAW DOG Naked Comedy Festival at Prism Theater runs Thursday & Friday, July 2 & 3 at 8 pm, delivering a bold, adults‑only lineup of LGBTQ+ and ally comedians performing fully unclothed. This three‑day festival promises outrageous stand‑up, uncensored storytelling, and unexpected surprises, making it one of the summer’s most daring live events. More info
FRI: The Commodores
The Commodores bring their legendary Motown, R&B, and funk sound to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa on Friday, July 3 at 8 pm. As one of music’s most influential vocal groups, they continue to energize audiences with timeless hits performed with the passion and precision that defined their global success. Their Greatest Hits Tour – Live! is an unforgettable night of classic grooves. More info
