Free Activities And Memorial Day Events In Palm Springs 2017

Memorial Day weekend 2017 in Palm Springs offered several free activities and special events for visitors and residents alike. While traditional product samples and promotional freebies were not prominently featured in available documentation, the area provided numerous opportunities for no-cost entertainment and access to attractions, particularly for military personnel and families. The desert community organized ceremonies, air shows, and family-friendly events that served as unofficial kickoff to summer before the extreme temperatures arrived.

Free Admission Opportunities

The Palm Springs Air Museum offered free admission to active duty military personnel during their Memorial Day Ceremony and Air Fair on May 29, 2017. This special recognition for service members provided complimentary access to the museum's exhibits and activities, which included a flyover, B-25 bomber rides, and a carnation drop ceremony honoring those killed in combat. The museum, located at 745 N. Gene Autry Trail in Palm Springs, typically charges admission fees, but made this exception specifically for active duty military as part of their Memorial Day observance.

Children under six years old also received free admission to the Palm Springs Air Museum during this event, making it an accessible outing for families with young children. For older children, reduced admission rates were available, with kids aged 6-12 paying $9.50 and those aged 13-17 paying $14.50, which was the same rate offered to seniors and retired military personnel.

Memorial Day Ceremony and Air Fair

The centerpiece of Memorial Day 2017 observances in Palm Springs was the Memorial Day Ceremony and Air Fair held at the Palm Springs Air Museum. This event ran from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 29 and featured several activities designed to honor military service members and provide entertainment for attendees.

The ceremony included a carnation drop, a solemn tradition where flowers are dropped from above to honor those killed in combat. This visual tribute created a meaningful moment for families and veterans in attendance. Additionally, the event featured a flyover by military aircraft, providing a spectacular aerial demonstration that highlighted the capabilities and history of the nation's air forces.

For aviation enthusiasts, the event offered rides in a B-25 bomber, allowing visitors to experience a piece of living history. While specific pricing for these rides was not detailed in the available sources, they were part of the overall Air Fair experience. The event also included live music performances, creating a festive atmosphere alongside the more solemn commemorative elements.

Food vendors and a beer garden were available on-site, providing refreshments for attendees. While these were not free offerings, they contributed to the overall experience of the event. The combination of educational exhibits, entertainment, and commemorative activities made the Palm Springs Air Museum's Memorial Day event a comprehensive observance of the holiday.

Family-Friendly Activities

Families visiting Palm Springs during Memorial Day weekend 2017 had several options for free or low-cost entertainment. While specific details about free samples or promotional items for children were not documented, the area offered attractions suitable for families with various interests.

The Children's Museum of the Desert, though not explicitly mentioned as free in the 2017 sources, was noted in later documentation as a family-friendly destination that could be enjoyed for several hours. The museum typically offers interactive exhibits that engage children in hands-on learning activities, making it a worthwhile stop for families with young children.

For those interested in local culture and shopping, the College of the Desert farmer's market provided an opportunity to explore local goods and produce. While not specifically a Memorial Day event, the market offered a casual atmosphere where families could browse vendors and potentially sample local products, though specific details about free samples were not available in the sources.

Food establishments like Lappert's Coffee and Ice Cream, with locations in both Palm Desert and downtown Palm Springs, offered treats that could be enjoyed during a Memorial Day outing. While not free, these establishments provided options for families seeking refreshments during their holiday weekend activities.

Memorial Day Weekend Entertainment

Beyond the ceremonial events, Palm Springs and surrounding areas offered several entertainment options during Memorial Day weekend 2017. These performances, while not free, contributed to the festive atmosphere of the holiday weekend.

Ziggy Marley, son of music legend Bob Marley, performed at the Spotlight Showroom in Spotlight 29 Casino on Friday evening of Memorial Day weekend. Tickets for this performance ranged from $46 to $76, with a noteworthy philanthropic component: $1 from every ticket sale was donated to the U.R.G.E. Foundation, which supports children in Jamaica, Africa, and worldwide. This reggae performance offered concert-goers the opportunity to enjoy live music while contributing to a charitable cause.

On Saturday evening, the Rock Yard at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino hosted Purple Reign, a Prince tribute show. This performance celebrated the life and music of Prince Rogers Nelson, offering fans an opportunity to experience his hits performed by tribute artists. While ticket prices were not specified in the available sources, this event provided another entertainment option for visitors during the holiday weekend.

Military Appreciation Beyond Memorial Day

While Memorial Day 2017 specifically offered free admission to active duty military at the Palm Springs Air Museum, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway has a longer-standing tradition of military appreciation. Though not specifically tied to Memorial Day, the tramway's Military Days program offers free admission to all military personnel with valid identification—including active, former, and retired service members—throughout the month of July.

During Military Days, spouses of deployed military members and widows of service members also qualify for free admission. Additionally, up to six guests accompanying military personnel receive 25% off regular tramway fares. This promotion includes a special gift for qualifying military visitors and has been in place for over a decade as of the available documentation.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers visitors numerous activities beyond the tram ride itself, including hiking in Mount San Jacinto State Park, picnicking in a pine forest, guided nature walks (free on weekends through Labor Day), and dining options at Peaks Restaurant or Pines Café. While these activities are not free, the military discount program makes the attraction more accessible to service members and their families during the summer months.

Conclusion

Memorial Day 2017 in Palm Springs provided several opportunities for free activities and special recognition, particularly for military personnel and families. The Palm Springs Air Museum's free admission for active duty service members and complimentary entry for young children made their Memorial Day Ceremony and Air Fair an accessible option for many. While traditional product samples and promotional freebies were not prominently documented in the available sources, the community offered meaningful observances of the holiday alongside family-friendly entertainment options.

The combination of commemorative ceremonies, aviation demonstrations, and musical performances created a comprehensive Memorial Day experience in the Palm Springs area. For those planning to visit during future Memorial Day weekends, the available information suggests that military recognition and family-oriented activities remain key components of the holiday observance in this desert community.

Sources

1. Memorial Day Ceremony and Air Fair Information
2. Memorial Day Weekend Events in Palm Springs
3. Family Experience in Palm Springs
4. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Military Days
5. Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park Information
6. Desertopia Palm Springs Memorial Weekend