Indio’s Sky-High Fourth

Indio is preparing to light up the desert sky in spectacular fashion as the City of Indio brings back its 3rd Annual Independence Day Bash on Saturday, July 4, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the iconic Empire Polo Grounds.

The free community celebration is expected to draw families, friends and visitors from across the Coachella Valley for a night of patriotic energy, live entertainment and one of the most anticipated aerial displays of the holiday weekend. Admission is free for all ages.

This year’s biggest attraction will come at 9:30 p.m., when Indio launches its expanded patriotic drone show over the polo fields. The show is being billed as Indio’s most spectacular drone presentation yet, with the celebration also featuring live music, food and beverage vendors, a bar for adults, and a dedicated free kids’ zone.

The event marks the return of a fast-growing Indio tradition at one of the region’s most recognizable venues. The Empire Polo Grounds, located at 81-800 51st Avenue in Indio, will open parking at 5:30 p.m., giving attendees time to settle in before the evening festivities begin. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to enjoy the live entertainment and drone show in comfort.

“Indio's Independence Day Bash has quickly become a tradition that brings our community together,” said Mayor Elaine Holmes. “From families enjoying the kids' zone to friends gathering for live entertainment, this event offers something for everyone. We're especially excited to share our expanded drone show this year, filling the Indio sky with an unforgettable display and creating lasting memories for families, friends, and neighbors to enjoy together.”

Unlike traditional fireworks, the choreographed drone show offers a modern, visually dramatic way to celebrate Independence Day while lighting up the night without the same explosive noise impact. The city’s celebration will also include food and drink vendors, live entertainment and family-friendly activities, making the event a full evening destination for residents and visitors.

With free admission, expanded entertainment and a larger patriotic drone show, Indio’s Independence Day Bash is set to turn the Empire Polo Grounds into one of the desert’s biggest Fourth of July gathering places.