Memorial Day Weekend 2017 in Palm Springs: Free Events, Discounts, and Activities for Service Members and Families

Memorial Day weekend in Palm Springs offers a variety of events and activities catering to both veterans and families. In 2017, several venues provided special offers and free admission for service members, alongside community-focused ceremonies and family-friendly attractions. The Palm Springs Air Museum hosted a Memorial Day Ceremony and Air Fair featuring a flyover, rides in a B-25 bomber, and a carnation drop to honor those killed in combat. While admission was charged for the general public, active duty military personnel received free entry. Additionally, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offered free admission to all military personnel—active, former, and retired—as well as spouses of deployed military members and widows during the entire month of July 2017, accompanied by a special gift and discounted rates for guests.

For families, the Children’s Museum of the Desert provided a venue for interactive activities, and the Westin Desert Willow Villas offered amenities suitable for children. Dining options such as Billy Q’s in Palm Desert included gluten-free choices. Entertainment options during the weekend included a performance by Ziggy Marley at Spotlight 29 Casino and a Prince tribute show at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. These offerings reflect a blend of patriotic observance and recreational opportunities available in the Palm Springs area during the Memorial Day period.

Memorial Day Ceremony and Air Fair at Palm Springs Air Museum

The Palm Springs Air Museum organized a Memorial Day Ceremony and Air Fair on May 29, 2017, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event included activities for children, food vendors, a beer garden, live music, a flyover, rides in a B-25 bomber, and a carnation drop to honor those killed in combat. Admission prices were $16.50 for adults, $14.50 for seniors, retired military, and kids aged 13 to 17, and $9.50 for children aged 6 to 12. Children under six and active duty military personnel received free admission.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Military Days

During July 2017, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offered free admission to all military personnel with valid identification, including active, former, and retired members. Spouses of deployed military members and widows also qualified for free admission. Up to six guests of military personnel received a 25% discount on regular Tramway fares. In addition to free admission, military personnel received a special gift. The Tramway provided access to hiking trails, picnic areas, guided nature walks on weekends, a natural history museum, documentary films, and dining options at Peaks Restaurant and Pines Café.

Family Activities and Dining

The Children’s Museum of the Desert reopened after the COVID-19 pandemic, offering a variety of interactive activities for young children. The museum encouraged early arrival to avoid crowds. The Westin Desert Willow Villas provided family-friendly amenities. For dining, Billy Q’s in Palm Desert offered gluten-free options, including gluten-free pizza. Lappert’s Coffee and Ice Cream had locations in Palm Desert and downtown Palm Springs.

Entertainment and Nightlife

Spotlight 29 Casino featured Ziggy Marley performing in the Spotlight Showroom on Friday at 8 p.m., with ticket prices ranging from $46 to $76. One dollar from each ticket sale was donated to the U.R.G.E. Foundation. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino hosted a Prince tribute show, Purple Reign, at the Rock Yard on Saturday night.

Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park

Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park offered free admission to service members for Memorial Day in 2021. This information is included as a reference to ongoing offers for service members in the Palm Springs area.

Desertopia Memorial Weekend Event

Desertopia was scheduled to take over Palm Springs for a Memorial weekend event in 2026, featuring parties and a desert vibe. The event included accommodations at nearby hotels such as The Palm Springs Hotel, Arrive Palm Springs, and Fleur Noire Hotel.

Conclusion

The Palm Springs area provided a range of free and discounted activities for service members and families during Memorial Day weekend in 2017. Highlights included free admission for military personnel at the Palm Springs Air Museum and Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, family-friendly attractions such as the Children’s Museum of the Desert, and entertainment options including concerts and tribute shows. These offerings reflect the community’s commitment to honoring service members while providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.