In 2020, Fourth of July celebrations were canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. Even Southern California’s tribal casinos, which had just opened from their COVID-19 related closures, eschewed their typical fireworks displays.
A year later, festivities will return to some casinos. Expect colorful drinks; music and the return of pyrotechnic shows for casino patrons and nearby residents to enjoy.
Here’s what casinos have planned:
Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage
32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. 888-999-1995, aguacalientecasinos.com.
Outdoors: The Rancho Mirage resort will have a fireworks display at its south parking lot from 9-9:30 p.m. July 4. The lot opens at 7 p.m., and admission and parking are free.
Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
401 E. Amado Road. 888-999-1995, aguacalientecasinos.com.
On the casino floor: DJs will spin tunes throughout the weekend and the Rancho Mirage fireworks show will be shown on TVs at Palm Springs from 9-9:30 p.m. July 4.
Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City
68960 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City. 888-999-1995, aguacalientecasinos.com.
Agave Caliente Terraza: A roller rink will be set up at Agave Caliente Terraza, the newly renamed 12,000-square-foot event center adjacent to the casino’s Agave Caliente bar, from 7 p.m. July 4-midnight July 5. All ages are welcome but children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. ($10; admission includes skates).
Casino floor: Circus performers will roam the casino from 8 p.m. July 4-midnight. July 5.
Harrah’s Resort Southern California
777 Harrah’s Rincon Way, Valley Center. 760-751-3100, harrahssocal.com.
Hotel lobby: The Harrah’s alpaca from the casino’s San Diego Pride Parade float will be decked out in red, white and blue (the alpaca has previously been decorated for the holidays and the beginning of spring). The rest of the lobby will sport red, white and blue decorations that will be up during the holiday weekend.
‘Ritas Cantina: The eatery will have an all-day special on July 4 of smoked pork ribs with guajillo barbecue sauce, grilled pineapple served with corn on the cob and charro beans ($22.99).
Dive: A DJ will play at the casino’s pool complex beginning at noon July 4.
All casino bars: Throughout July, all bars will serve a Red, White and Berry Sangria, which is the casino’s house sangria with berries with a firework garnish ($8).
Pala Casino Spa Resort
11154 Highway 76, Pala. 877-946-7252, palacasino.com.
The northern San Diego County casino, which has been promoting itself as a destination for entertainment, will feature musical performances throughout the holiday weekend.
Pink Floyd tribute Which One’s Pink will play at the Starlight Theater at 8 p.m. Friday, July 2 ($15); The Boogie Knights will play Pala’s Events Center at 8 p.m. Saturday, July 3 ($15); Little River Band will play the Starlight Theater at 8 p.m. July 3 ($49); and The Righteous Brothers with Bill Medley & Bucky Heard will play the Starlight Theater at 6 p.m. Friday, July 4 ($40). More information on tickets and how to purchase them can be found by via Pala’s website.
Pechanga Resort Casino
45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula. 877-711-2946, pechanga.com.
Outdoors: The Temecula resort plans to bring back its free fireworks display this year at dusk (about 8:45 p.m.). The show will run for approximately 20 minutes. The fireworks should be visible from many vantage points in South Temecula, but spectators will also be able to park in designated areas at the resort. Spectators cannot park RVs on Pechanga grounds unless they are in the RV Resort. Camping, grilling, open flames, glass, alcohol and illegal substances are not allowed, according to a news release from Pechanga.
Spotlight 29 Casino
46200 Harrison Place, Coachella. 760-775-5566, spotlight29.com.
Coachella Crossroads: The outdoor venue adjacent to Spotlight 29 Casino will have a free event culminating in fireworks at 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 3. The event will feature games, family activities (corn hole, a photo booth, giveaways and more) and a bar. Barbecue will be served from a food truck in support of the Riverside Sheriff’s Association. A DJ will perform starting at 6 p.m. and attendees will be invited to take rides on hot air balloons on the property at 7 p.m. The 9 p.m. fireworks display will be in sync with a radio broadcast of music. The event ends at 10 p.m. Anyone under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
Tortoise Rock Casino
73829 Baseline Road, Twentynine Palms. 760-367-9759, tortoiserockcasino.com.
Like its sister property, Tortoise Rock Casino will have its own free family-friendly event that ends in fireworks, but this one will begin at 5 p.m. Sunday, July 4. The casino’s outdoor patio feature games and family activities. There will also be a bar available and Mine Train Smokery, Eddies Street Tacos and other vendors will sell food. At 5:30 p.m., there will be music from Lisa Lynn and The Broken Hallelujahs at the Rock Stage. At 7 p.m., the public and casino guests will be able to take rides on hot air balloons. The fireworks begin at 9 p.m. and the event ends at 10 p.m. Anyone under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
Valley View Casino & Hotel
16300 Nyemii Pass Road, Valley Center. 760-291-5500, valleyviewcasino.com.
Event Center: The casino will have a Fourth of July T-shirt giveaway for players club members. Members can pick up their shirts at the Event Center between 10 a.m.-10 p.m., July 4.
