Twentynine Palms International Festival Draws Community Together in Celebration of Global Culture
The City of Twentynine Palms Parks & Recreation Department is proud to announce the successful completion of the 3rd Annual Twentynine Palms International Festival, held Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Freedom Plaza. The free community celebration brought together residents, families, and visitors from across the region for an afternoon of live music, cultural performances, artisan vendors, and hands-on activities honoring the rich diversity of the Twentynine Palms community.
From the opening notes of the first live performance to the final stamp on a child’s passport activity booklet, the festival embodied the spirit of global unity and local pride. Attendees of all ages explored vendor booths representing cultures from around the world, sampled international fare, and engaged with performers representing a wide variety of musical and artistic traditions.
“The International Festival is one of our favorite events of the year,” said Scott Clinkscales, Community Events Coordinator. “It reminds us of what makes Twentynine Palms so special — a welcoming, vibrant community that celebrates every culture that calls this desert home.”
A highlight for families was the World Traveler Passport activity, which invited young attendees to visit all of the booths, collect stamps from around the world, and learn about international traditions in an interactive and engaging way. The activity proved incredibly popular, with children — passport in hand — eagerly moving from booth to booth throughout the evening to earn a special international treat once they collected all of the stamps.
The festival’s entertainment lineup delivered memorable performances across a range of styles and backgrounds. Students from Twentynine Palms High School took the stage for the first two hours to open the event, bringing hometown pride and youthful energy to Freedom Plaza and drawing enthusiastic cheers from family members and fellow community members in the crowd. With performances drawing from Polynesian, Vietnamese, Filipino, Korean, and African American cultures, these students transformed the Freedom Plaza stage into a vibrant showcase of the very diversity that defines Twentynine Palms.
Los Angeles-based alt-pop artist MAUMAUMAU —the project of Mexican singer-songwriter and performer Mauricio Jimenez — brought his signature high-energy stage presence to the festival, captivating attendees with a set rooted in funk, rock, and Latin influences. Known for his electrifying live shows and music that champions the underdog, MAUMAUMAU proved a natural fit for the celebration of cultural diversity and community spirit.
LA-based pop artist and multi-hyphenate performer Stewart Taylor rounded out the musical lineup with a dynamic set drawing on his funk and R&B-inspired sound. A Berklee College of Music graduate and collaborator with Grammy-nominated artists, Taylor’s performance brought polished, joyful pop energy to Freedom Plaza — a fitting note for a day built on connection and celebration.
Cultural vendors offered a curated mix of artisan goods, international cuisine, and handcrafted items, giving attendees a unique opportunity to explore global cultures without leaving the Mojave Desert.
The 3rd Annual Twentynine Palms International Festival is presented annually by the City of Twentynine Palms Parks & Recreation Department as part of its ongoing commitment to building a connected, inclusive, and thriving community. The department extends its sincere gratitude to all participating vendors, performers, and volunteers whose contributions made the event possible. Special thanks to partners Twentynine Palms High School, especially Lisa Soliz and Charles Pouono Jr., and the Levitt AMP 29 Palms Music Series. Thank you to our sponsors 29 Palms Creative Center, Libby’s Realty, 29 O’Clock, and Bowladium Family Fun Center.
For information about upcoming Parks & Recreation events and programs in Twentynine Palms, visit the City’s official website or contact the Parks & Recreation Department directly.