I’ve been hearing rumblings that wishing someone a “Happy 4th of July Weekend” isn’t apropos this year after the recent Supreme Court rulings and the clouds gathering overhead on LGBTQ+ rights. Let’s remember that our history as a country has been fraught with highs and lows.
Let’s celebrate the January 6th hearings and the fact that an overthrow of the government didn’t occur as planned.
Let’s celebrate the progress our country has made on civil rights, especially LGBTQ+ rights.
Let’s celebrate that our valley weathered the COVID storm well, and our local economy is chugging along. (Now if we could just find more help!)
Let’s celebrate our independence from the “tyranny” of English rule and hope that the tyranny of the Supreme Court can be mollified over time.
Time for a poolside cocktail while listening to KGAY 106.5 and just enjoying the long holiday weekend…
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide & KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Summer Sing-A-Long: Mamma Mia!
The Summer Sing-a-Long series is back at the Palm Springs Cultural Center with returning favorites and new classics. On Saturday, July 2 the series kicks off with Mamma Mia!, starring Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried. This anniversary event also includes a special featurette, Meryl’s Big Number, never-before-seen on the big screen! Come early for the Schmigadoon happy hour at 5 pm upstairs in the VIP Lounge. Head into the theater for the sing-a-long at 7 pm, with songleaders from the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus leading the out-loud voices! The series continues Saturdays through July, with Willy Wonka, South Park, Annie, Little Shop, and Mamma Mia 2! Get tickets
Drone Show & Concert by Petty & the Heartshakers
The City of Palm Springs Parks and Recreation Department presents a free Drone Show and Concert by Petty & The Heartshakers tribute band on Saturday, July 2 at 6:30 pm at the new downtown park. This is the most fun, natural, heart-felt, track-free & closest sounding tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Come celebrate this incredible music. More info
Agua Caliente Casinos 4th of July Weekend Celebration
Agua Caliente Casinos is hosting an array of events across the 4th of July Weekend: First up is the Low Key Comedy Show, starring Trevor Wallace, Pablo Francisco, Annie Ledderman, Matt Rife, and Mo Collins on Friday, July 1 at 8 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage [Get tickets]. On the evenings of Saturday and Sunday, July 2 and 3, Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City will host a Roller Skating Rink from 7 pm–midnight [Get tickets]. Finally, on Monday the 4th of July, it’s the desert’s largest fireworks display, set off from the Agua Caliente Resort Casino in Rancho Mirage. Bring your lawn chair, relax, and enjoy live DJ music, food and beverage specials, and giveaways before the show. Parking opens at 3 pm, Drive-In Special at 5 pm, and fireworks show at 9 pm. More info
July 4th Celebration and Fundraiser for AAP – Food Samaritans
Join supporters of AAP – Food Samaritans at a festive Independence Day Celebration and Fundraiser on Monday, July 4 from 7–10 pm at the historic O’Donnell House. Enjoy traditional American fare catered by Willie Rhine and his team from Eight4Nine, and with the return of the City of Palm Springs’ fireworks display this year, the viewing from the mountainside above the Palm Springs Art Museum will be spectacular. Admission includes open bar, dinner, entertainment by the enchanting Keisha D, and valet parking. Get tickets
City of Palm Springs 4th of July Events
The City’s Parks and Recreation Department presents a variety of ways to celebrate throughout the afternoon and evening on Monday, July 4:
- Family-Friendly Pool Party at the Palm Springs Swim Center, featuring water games, inflatable slide, music, and great food, from 3 pm until the fireworks are over. Watch the City’s “All American Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular” at Palm Springs Stadium from the pool!
- Concert in the Park featuring “Turn the Page, Tribute to Bob Seger” in Sunrise Park at 5:30 pm
- “All Stars Summer Collegiate Game,” with Palm Springs Power Baseball at Palm Springs Stadium at 6 pm.
- “All American Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular” at Palm Springs Stadium, show begins at 9:15 pm…sharp!
- More info
Palm Springs Cultural Center’s July 4th Celebration
The Palm Springs Cultural Center presents a July 4th BBQ with an 80’s nostalgic theme from 3–9:30 pm. Re-live the campy glory of the film Rocky IV at 3 pm in the air-conditioned theatre, then at 6 pm, the party and BBQ start: rock out to all your favorite 80’s hits with DJ Mod Girl, and hang outside in the cool zone with their petite party pools and catch the nearby Palm Springs Fireworks Show at 9:15 pm. All purchased seats include an all-American BBQ meal (hamburgers, hot dogs, and potato chips), with additional food and drink available for purchase. Get tickets
Coachella Fireworks Friday
The City of Coachella will be hosting their annual Independence Day celebration at Bagdouma Park on Friday, July 1 from 6–9 pm. This free family event will feature a handful of carnival rides and games, live music with The Delgado Band, a variety of local food vendors and a fireworks grand finale. More info
Desert Hot Springs Fireworks Saturday
Palm Desert’s Independence Day Celebration
The City of Desert Hot Springs will celebrate Independence Day on Saturday July 2, at Mission Springs Park. The event starts at 6 pm with food and music. At 9:15 pm the Fireworks Spectacular will start. More info
The City of Palm Desert’s Independence Day Celebration takes place on Monday, July 4 from 4–10 pm. A variety of food trucks and vendors will be on hand with tasty treats, set up by 5 pm in the parking lot on the western edge of Civic Center Park. The evening’s events officially kick off at 7:30 pm at the park’s amphitheater with the singing of the National Anthem. Immediately afterward, the Swing Cats Big Band with the Swing Kittens will entertain the crowd. Then, at 9 pm, there will be a 20-minute fireworks extravaganza accompanied by patriotic and contemporary music. More info
For all of the 4th of July weekend events check out the GayDesertGuide.com
