Get ready to celebrate one of the desert’s most anticipated annual events! The 61st Annual Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade returns to El Paseo on Sunday, October 26, 2025, bringing together the entire community for a day filled with creativity, color, and fun in the sun.
What began over six decades ago as a small neighborhood gathering has blossomed into one of the Coachella Valley’s most cherished traditions, a joyful showcase of the desert’s vibrant spirit and community pride.
Parade Details
📍 Where: El Paseo, Palm Desert
📅 When: Sunday, October 26, 2025
🕗 Schedule of Events:
-
8:00 a.m. – Rotary Club Pancake Breakfast (corner of El Paseo & San Luis Rey)
-
9:00 a.m. – Vendor booths, Kids’ Zone, and classic car show open
-
12:00 p.m. – Parade begins with a spectacular flyover and parachute drop
-
2:00 p.m. – After-party at Hotel Paseo
What to Expect
Each year, the Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade dazzles spectators with a whimsical lineup of decorated golf carts, themed floats, marching bands, dancers, classic cars, and local groups showing off their creativity and community pride. More than 100 entries make their way down El Paseo, transforming the city’s famed shopping avenue into a rolling festival of music, laughter, and desert sunshine.
The event kicks off with the Rotary Club’s hearty pancake breakfast — a local favorite that fuels parade-goers before the festivities begin. Visitors can stroll along El Paseo to explore vendor booths, food trucks, and family activities before finding their perfect viewing spot for the noon parade.
This year’s parade will feature Grand Marshal Grant Fuhr, the legendary Hockey Hall of Famer and five-time Stanley Cup champion, bringing an extra touch of star power to the celebration. Expect skydivers, live music, and plenty of surprises as Palm Desert celebrates its creative spirit once again.
A Family-Friendly Tradition
The Golf Cart Parade is all about community connection. It’s a chance for families, friends, and visitors to gather under the clear desert sky and enjoy a day of lighthearted fun. Kids love the colorful carts and candy tosses, while adults can appreciate the craftsmanship and humor behind the creative entries.
From local schools and nonprofits to small businesses and clubs, the participants pour heart and imagination into every detail — proving that Palm Desert truly knows how to celebrate together.
Tips for the Best Experience
-
Arrive early! El Paseo gets busy fast, and the best seats go quickly.
-
Bring chairs or blankets if you plan to watch from the curbside.
-
Wear sunscreen and stay hydrated — even October can bring warm desert sunshine.
-
Plan to stay after the parade for food, entertainment, and community fun at the Hotel Paseo after-party.
-
Parking: Public lots and side-street parking will be available throughout the downtown area, but carpooling is encouraged.
Celebrate the Desert’s Spirit
The Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade isn’t just a parade — it’s a living tradition that captures the essence of life in the desert: creative, welcoming, and full of joy. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong resident, this annual event reminds us all why Palm Desert is such a special place to call home.
So grab your sunscreen, your friends, and your sense of fun — and join us on October 26 as we roll down El Paseo for the 61st Annual Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade!
