Celebrate 90 Years of Pioneer Days in Twentynine Palms
Some traditions bring a whole town together. In Twentynine Palms, Pioneer Days has been doing just that for generations, with parades, music, playful competitions, and plenty of hometown pride! The 90th Annual Pioneer Days, presented by Bowladium Family Fun Center, returns October 15–18, 2026. Join residents and visitors for four days celebrating the history, people, and community spirit of 29 Palms.
A Century in the Making
This year’s theme, “A Century in the Making: Celebrating 100 Years of the Old Schoolhouse,” honors a building that has helped generations connect with Twentynine Palms’ past. Built in 1927, the town’s original one-room schoolhouse now houses the Old Schoolhouse Museum. Operated by the Twentynine Palms Historical Society, it preserves local history through photographs, artifacts, archival collections, and a restored 1920s-era classroom.
The celebration begins Thursday, October 15, with the A Century in the Making Community Mixer at the museum, an evening bringing community members, local leaders, and history enthusiasts together to celebrate its approaching centennial.
Meet the Official Judge & Sheriffs
A favorite Pioneer Days tradition is recognizing community members as the celebration’s Official Judge and Sheriffs. This year’s honorees bring connections spanning local history, family traditions, and community building.
Official Judge: Dana Bowden
A lifelong Twentynine Palms resident, Dana Bowden has spent decades contributing to the community she calls home. She owned Bowden Frame Shop for 19 years and has volunteered with the Old Schoolhouse Museum for approximately 30 years, recently completing three and a half years as Historical Society president. Her dedication to preserving and sharing local history makes her a fitting Judge for this year’s celebration.
Official Sheriff: Lance Bowden
For Lance Bowden, Dana’s grandson, Pioneer Days has always been a family tradition. He has attended events and volunteered at the Old Schoolhouse Museum throughout his life, often joining Dana on Historical Society Weed Show parade floats. Now working at 29 Palms Family Fitness and learning construction from his grandfather, Lance carries that family connection into another generation.
Official Sheriff: Jimmy Brower
Jimmy Brower helps create gathering places and experiences that bring people together. He co-owns Sun of the Desert General Stores with his partner, Damien, and helped found Friends of The Historic Plaza in 2024. Through its free community events—and his service as Vice President of Rediscover 29—Jimmy supports local businesses and a lively, connected community.
Parades, Music & Desert Traditions
On Friday, October 16, Oasis Lights fills downtown with music, food, art, vendors, and interactive activities. The evening also brings the return of the Outhouse Races, a spirited competition with unmistakable Pioneer Days personality.
Saturday, October 17, begins with the beloved Pioneer Days Parade, featuring marching bands, classic cars, floats, and community groups. Continue the fun at Let’s Play! KidsFest at the Community Center, then enjoy free Levitt AMP concerts at Freedom Plaza that evening.
On Sunday, October 18, start at Luckie Park with the 5K Walk/Run and Pet Parade. From noon–5 PM, head to The Historic Plaza for the 3rd Annual Pioneer Days Classic Car & Motorcycle Show, featuring classic rides, Los Poncho Tones, food and drinks, carnival games, and more. Public admission is free.
Make a Weekend of It
Make 29 Palms your home base for a weekend of celebration. Find your perfect place to stay, enjoy a meal at our local restaurants, and explore shops full of desert character between festivities. Browse our events calendar for even more to see and do, and stay for the weekend and become part of a tradition 90 years in the making!
Explore the full Pioneer Days schedule and participation details on the City’s website.