Some of the parade participants include football legend and Palm Springs resident Fred “The Hammer” Williamson, Super Model and local resident Beverly Johnson, the first African American woman to appear on the cover of American Vogue, local philanthropist Harold Matzner, Chairman of the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Charlie Pasarell, founder of the BNP Paribas Open, Tim Esser, founder of Tour de Palm Springs, Lisa Vossler Smith, CEO of Modernism Week, globally renowned Palm Springs artist Phillip K. Smith, local resident Nelda Linsk, immortalized in the famed 1970 Slim Aarons photograph “Poolside Gossip”, acclaimed local architect Hugh Kaptur, Evernell Black, the City’s 86-year-old Senior Inspiration honoree, several former Palm Springs mayors including Ron Oden, Rob Moon and Will Kleindienst, along with Emmy Award-winning journalist Hank Plante, local KESQ News Channel 3 anchors John White, Haley Clawson and members of the news team, Mike Mozingo and Kris Long from the KNEWS Morning Show as well as a host of other local media figures and well known residents who have made an impact on the Palm Springs destination. Free bleachers will be set up near Jackie Lee Houston Plaza for residents to view the parade on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

This year’s exclusive media partners are KESQ News Channel 3, The Palm Springs Post, Alpha Media, KGAY 106.5 FM, MeTV Music 103.1 FM, Gay Desert Guide and Palm Springs Life.

Following the parade, the vintage cars will be displayed around the Forever Marilyn sculpture for all to enjoy. Everyone is invited to get a selfie in front of the car from the year they were born!

“Our 85th Anniversary Classic Car Parade & Show is sure to go down in the history books!” said organizer and long-time resident Keith McCormick, founder of Palm Springs Exotic Car Auctions.

“No other City that I know of has ever had 85 cars representing 85 years all in one place,” said McCormick, who added that the Guinness Book of World Records will be on hand to record this historic happening in Palm Springs.

12:30 p.m. Opening Ceremony in the Downtown Park. Following the parade, Dave Karger, host of Turner Classic Movies, will emcee a brief opening ceremony at Forever Marilyn with Mayor Grace Garner, members of the City Council, and community leaders. 

• Throughout the day residents are invited to check out a curated exhibit of historic photos chronicling Palm Springs through the years, presented by the Palm Springs Historical Society and Palm Springs Life.
• Palm Springs Parks and Recreation will be on hand in the park offering free and fun activities for youngsters, including face-painting, arts and crafts, interactive games, and much more.
• The Palm Springs Art Museum, who is also celebrating its 85th anniversary this year, will host family activities in front of the museum, including color sheet drawings of the museum created by local artist Danny Heller. Families who present their completed color drawings will receive discounted museum admission for $8.50. Once inside, families will have the opportunity to explore the exhibition Phillip K. Smith: Light + CHANGE with a guided activity book and then go on a scavenger hunt to learn about the permanent collection.

1 p.m. Car Show and DJ set by Joe Kay. Kay, the founder of Soulection, a globally recognized platform for music is the host of the critically acclaimed Soulection Radio show on Apple Music and will curate a special DJ set for the 85th Anniversary Car Show & Dance Party, featuring Souldies, Lovers Rock, Reggae and more. A go-to worldwide musical tastemaker, Joe Kay has received praise from the BBC, Billboard, Forbes, LA Times, Low End Theory, Red Bull Music Academy, Rolling Stone and more.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Joe Kay to 85th Anniversary,” said Palm Springs native Tyler McLean, founder of Splash House. “Joe is a pioneer in the world of music curating the sounds of tomorrow. His love for the desert and soulful musical taste will make for a perfect complement in our celebration of Palm Springs.”

6 p.m. Canine Celebrity Costume Contest. Bring your pup to the Downtown Park! Residents are invited to dress their pooch as their favorite Palm Springs celebrity for a star-studded Canine Costume Contest, presented by the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. Is your pup a dead ringer for Liberace, Elvis Presley, Sonny Bono, Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Lucille Ball or Bella daBall…let our judges decide and win a prize!

7 p.m. FINALE: Elton John Tribute Concert in the Downtown Park. The birthday bash concludes with a rockin’ Elton John Tribute Concert, presented by the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce. The Rocket Man will play all his greatest hits!

“Over the past 85 years, Palm Springs has become world famous for our year-round sunshine, relaxed desert lifestyle and incredible history,” said Mayor Grace Garner, a local native and graduate of Palm Springs High School. “I invite everyone in the Coachella Valley to join us downtown on April 8 as we cruise through the years celebrating 85 years of the magic that makes Palm Springs like no place else.”