City of Desert Hot Springs Announces Inaugural Spa City Water Festival
DESERT HOT SPRINGS — Get ready to make a splash! The City of Desert Hot Springs is launching its newest signature event this fall with the inaugural Spa City Water Festival, a full day of family-friendly entertainment, exciting competitions, live music, delicious food, and interactive experiences celebrating the community’s most valuable natural resource—water.
The festival will take place on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Mission Springs Park, 14510 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs.
Throughout the day, attendees can enjoy:
- Splash Out firefighter competitions
- Remote-control shark races
- Water balloon tosses and interactive games
- Live music and entertainment on the main stage
- Food trucks and local vendors
- Community booths
- Family-friendly activities
- Educational exhibits
- Giveaways and prizes throughout the day, including two backyard swimming pools
Designed for all ages, the Spa City Water Festival will transform Mission Springs Park into an exciting destination filled with entertainment, hands-on activities, local flavors, and opportunities to discover what makes Desert Hot Springs unlike any other community.
Beyond the fun, the festival celebrates the resource that has shaped Desert Hot Springs for generations.
Known as California’s Spa City, Desert Hot Springs has earned an international reputation for wellness, hospitality, and its naturally occurring mineral waters. The event honors that legacy while creating a new annual tradition that brings together residents, businesses, and visitors from throughout the Coachella Valley and beyond
A cornerstone of the festival is its partnership with Mission Springs Water District, whose drinking water has earned worldwide recognition through the Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting competition—often referred to as the “Olympics of Water.”
In 2020, the District received the Gold Medal for Best Municipal Water in the World. Since first entering the competition in 1997, Mission Springs Water District has earned 11 international medals, including Gold, Silver, and Bronze distinctions, making it the only water agency in the world to achieve all three. This remarkable accomplishment has helped place Desert Hot Springs on the international stage and highlights the exceptional quality of the groundwater that serves the community.
Festival attendees will also have the opportunity to learn about the groundwater basin that supports the region and the vital role water continues to play in the city’s economy, quality of life, tourism industry, and future growth.
“Water has always been part of Desert Hot Springs’ story,” said Mayor Scott Matas. “The Spa City Water Festival is an opportunity to celebrate that legacy while creating a fun, engaging event that brings our community together and introduces visitors to everything Desert Hot Springs has to offer.”
The Spa City Water Festival is made possible through the support of Mission Springs Water District, the City of Desert Hot Springs, Amazon, Cabot’s, and other valued community partners. Together, they are helping establish a new annual tradition that celebrates the City’s heritage, strengthens community connections, and welcomes visitors to experience everything Desert Hot Springs has to offer.
EVENT DETAILS
What: Spa City Water Festival
When: Saturday, October 17, 2026 Time: 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Where: Mission Springs Park 14510 Palm Drive Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
11999 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs, (760) 329-6411, http://www.cityofdhs.org
