Top 6 Things to Do in Palm Springs This Fourth of July Weekend: Stars, Stripes & Poolside Vibes

If there were ever a weekend to text the group chat, "Pack the swimsuits. We're leaving," this is it.

Palm Springs is celebrating America's 250th birthday the only way it knows how—with pool parties, drag queens, disco beats, champagne, vintage treasures, and enough SPF to survive the desert sun. Forget backyard barbecues. This is your hot-girl history lesson.

1. Sip, Splash & Serve at Bubbles & Burgers

Kick off the long weekend on Friday, July 3, at The Colony Palms Hotel where champagne meets poolside perfection. This isn't your average cookout. Think luxe loungers, sunshine, and the debut of the secret off-menu 1936 Burger, paired with Royal Reserve Champagne. It's giving old Hollywood with a side of fries, and honestly... we're obsessed.

2. Start Your Engines... Again

When the sun goes down, head over to One Eleven Bar for RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars viewing party with the fabulous Norma Lee High. Expect laughs, legendary looks, and enough charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent to fuel the rest of your weekend.

3. Camp Never Takes a Holiday

If Broadway had a desert vacation, it would look exactly like Amy Armstrong's "Heaven, Hell and Back Again" at Oscar's Palm Springs. Joined by pianist Mark Hartman, Amy delivers hilarious storytelling, powerhouse vocals, and campy chaos that's basically Palm Springs in show form. Dinner, drinks, and a show? Say less.

4. Disco Is Alive, Babe

Saturday belongs to The Hustle 70's Disco Pool Party at The Saguaro. Grab your brightest swimsuit, oversized sunglasses, and prepare to dance like your parents did in 1978—but way cuter. Glitter is optional. Confidence is not.

5. Sunday Funday Is Calling

Keep the party rolling at ARRIVE Palm Springs for the First Sunday Pool Party featuring DJ Ryan Demond. Between the beats, $10 spritzes, and sunshine, you'll swear Monday doesn't exist. (Manifest it.)

6. Vintage Finds > Souvenirs

Before heading home, wander through the Palm Springs Vintage Market on Sunday morning. Whether you're hunting for retro sunglasses, funky home décor, or that one perfectly chaotic outfit your suitcase definitely doesn't have room for, this market is pure treasure-hunting bliss.

This Fourth of July weekend, skip the ordinary. Palm Springs is serving sparkle, sunshine, cocktails, and unforgettable memories—all wrapped in red, white, and pool blue. Charge your camera, hydrate like it's your full-time job, and prepare for a weekend that's absolutely fireworks-worthy.

See you poolside, SQUAD.

About the Author

Born and bronzed under the Palm Springs sun, Indi LaRoux is the desert’s ultimate vibe curator and Squad’s go-to events writer. A Gen Z nepo baby with a flair for vintage glam and chaotic good energy, she’s been skipping red carpets in favor of underground DJ sets since high school. Whether it’s a poolside art pop-up or a moonlit cactus rave, Indie’s got the guest list—and the gossip—before anyone else.