PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — Festivities across the city kick into high gear this week as Palm Springs celebrates Independence Day and the nation’s 250th birthday with a lineup of free, family-friendly events.

The week’s celebrations begin Thursday, July 2, with a VillageFest Kick-Off party in downtown Palm Springs. The free event, running from 7 to 10 p.m. along Palm Canyon Drive, will feature live music, games and complimentary snow cones while supplies last.

On Friday, July 3, the Palm Springs Swim Center hosts a Dive-In Movie Night. Open swim begins at 6 p.m., followed by a 7 p.m. screening of “The Sandlot.” Admission is free, and families are encouraged to bring swimsuits, towels and lawn chairs for the outdoor screening.

The celebration culminates Saturday, July 4, with a full day of activities. The Palm Springs Swim Center will host an All-American Pool Party from 3 to 10 p.m., offering free admission alongside patriotic games and entertainment for all ages, with food and drinks available for purchase.

That evening, Sunrise Park will host a free Concert in the Park at 7 p.m., featuring Turn The Page, a Bob Seger tribute band. The night concludes with the city’s signature Palm Springs Fireworks Spectacular at Sunrise Park, set to launch at 9:15 p.m., with an additional fireworks display planned near the nearby baseball stadium shortly after 9 p.m.

City officials are encouraging residents and visitors to arrive early, as parking and viewing areas are expected to fill quickly given the scale of this year’s Semiquincentennial celebrations.

More information on the week’s events is available through the City of Palm Springs Recreation Division at (760) 323-8272 or PalmSpringsCA.gov/Recreation.