This Saturday: International Festival Comes to Life at Freedom Plaza

It’s almost here! This Saturday, April 11, Freedom Plaza transforms into the high desert’s most exciting evening of the spring when the 2026 International Festival kicks off at 5PM. The event is completely free; no tickets are needed and it runs until 9PM at 73551 Twentynine Palms Highway.

Presented by the City of Twentynine Palms in partnership with Twentynine Palms High School and the Levitt AMP 29 Palms Music Series, this year’s lineup is the strongest yet — blending hometown pride with nationally recognized talent.

“This event embodies the spirit of Twentynine Palms — diverse, creative, and full of heart,” said Community Events Coordinator Scott Clinkscales. “There’s no better place to experience the magic of this community than under the open desert sky with live music, local talent, and neighbors all around you.”

The evening opens with student performers from Twentynine Palms High School clubs — a showcase of the remarkable local talent developed right here in our community. From music to movement, these young performers are ready for their moment. Attendees will be treated to performances showcasing Filipino, Vietnamese, African American, Korean, and Polynesian cultures and more.

Born Mauricio Jimenez in Mexico City and raised between two cultures, LA-based MAUMAUMAU trades polished pop for something bolder — a left-of-center Mexican rock sound that is equal parts fun, raw, and deeply personal. After swapping an engineering degree for a guitar, he built a buzz with his debut EP Meow Meow Meow (praised by Atwood Magazine and Bizzarre UK), a VEVO-streaming music video, and his latest single Macho Macho. Expect a set unlike anything else on the bill.

Berklee-trained singer, songwriter, and dancer Stewart Taylor brings an irresistible funk-R&B energy to close out the night. His debut single landed on Logo’s NewNowNext and Queerty’s Top 10 Songs of the Summer; since then, he’s worked with Grammy-nominated producers, earned MTV rotation, danced alongside Justin Timberlake, and signed with Billboard chart-topping Sapphire Records. A proud LGBTQ+ advocate whose story appears in the New York Times bestseller It Gets Better, Taylor is an artist with something to say — and a sound you won’t forget.

EVENT DETAILS
Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026
Time: 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Freedom Plaza, 73551 Twentynine Palms Highway, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Admission: Free and open to the public — no tickets or reservations required

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Supporting Sponsors: 29 Palms Creative Center | Libby’s Realty
Contributing Sponsors: 29 O’Clock | Bowladium Family Fun Center