Where:

Palm Springs High School - 2401 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262.

The entrance and exit to the Palm Springs Drone Fest is at the front of the main entrance of the school. Once you show your ticket or pass and enter, you will be able to find directions to all event sites. East Campus to the left after entry is the football stadium, which hosts the opening ceremonies, drone racing, ORB40 Racing, and Class 40 International drone soccer, along with a few breakout sessions. The West Campus to the right after you enter leads to vendors, breakout sessions, speakers, trade show, Class 20 drone soccer tournament, and Drone film festival areas. Once you leave the designated area, you will have to show your ticket or pass to re-enter.

Free Parking:

A large number of parking spaces will be available off of the Baristo Road entrance.

VIP Parking:

Will be in the teachers’ parking lot on the East side of campus.

When:

Friday, March 21st – Sunday, March 23rd. Tickets may be purchased for each day or a three-day All Access pass at Eventbrite.

Festivities Guide:

Friday, March 21st

4:00 PM - Doors open to public. Trade Show opens (WC Main Gym). Drone Soccer Practice Area open (WC Main Gym) - Everyone is welcome to play! Some of the best drone pilots will be there to help, sign autographs, and take pictures with you. Food Trucks open - Various locations throughout the venue. Drone Store open. ELOP opens (Auxiliary Gym). Speakers & Breakouts begin.

6:00 PM - Opening Ceremony Info. Stadium Doors Open. General Admission and VIP Section seating. Everyone must be seated before the ceremony begins. PS Drone Film Fest entries will play on our stage screens from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

7:45 PM - Opening Ceremony Begins. Spectacular Drone Light Show by Skyworx, accompanied by the music of world-renowned violinist Esther Anaya.

9:15 PM - Close.

Saturday, March 22

8:00 AM - Doors open.

9:00 AM - Class 20 Drone Soccer Tournament Begins (WC Main Gym). Class 40 Drone Soccer Tournament Begins (Stadium). ORB40 Racing begins (Stadium). Drone Racing begins (Stadium). Trade Show Opens (Gym). Practice Area Open (Gym). Drone Store Open. Food Trucks Open. FPV Racing Begins. PS Drone Film Festival Opens. ELOP Opens (Auxiliary Gym). Speakers and Breakout sessions begin.

6:30 PM - Close.

Sunday, March 23

8:30 AM - Doors Open.

9:30 AM - Class 20 Playoffs, International teams (WC Main Gym).

11:00 AM - Class 40 Playoffs (Stadium).

11:30 AM - FPV Finals (Stadium).

12:00 PM - Class 40 Finals.

12:00 PM - ORB40 Finals.

1:00 PM - PSIDFF Winners Announced.

1:30 PM - Awards and Closing Ceremony.

2:00 PM - Close.

What live music will be at the festival?

Esther Anaya has created and composed some of the most incredible musical experiences ever and she will be playing with the Drone Light Show filling the sky as part of the Opening Ceremony.

What is Drone Soccer?

Drone Soccer is a team sport that combines flying drones with soccer. It's played in a netted arena and involves scoring goals by flying a caged drone through an opposing goal ring., 3 minute periods combining skill and technology, some describe it as a live video game. FIDA is the governing body Worldwide and FIDAUSA.com is the governing body in the USA.

What do I have to bring to play?

Included in your team's registration is the use of official FIDA EVO drones and batteries. So just bring your team, you can even practice your skills on friday with the top drone pilots from around the globe.

Can we just come for the tournament?

Yes, the class 20 tournament starts and ends on Saturday March 22. Except for the International division. Amazing events happen all weekend but if your team can only come in for a day we would love to have you!

We are a part of a different drone organization, can we still join the fun?

Yes, all drone players are welcomed to join us, however you will be playing with official FIDA equipment and rules so all players are playing with an even playing field. No need to bring your drones and if you are invited to Korea for the World Cup you will have to be representing FIDA USA drone soccer only.

What if we want to put a team together but have little experience?

We have coaches and lessons on Friday afternoon for you to get your feet wet. We also will place your team in the Newbie division with other new players. After all it's about having fun, learning and making new friends. There is lots of help for you in this division.

What is the Drone Soccer World Cup?

There are already 2000 teams competing for the Drone Soccer World Cup in Seoul in 2025 – Is drone soccer going to be the next major international sport? It is already popular in the USA and Korea, but other countries are aiming to establish themselves fast, including perennial soccer powers . By playing in The Palm Springs Drone Fest you may receive an official invitation to the World Cup in South Korea this September. We will be playing in the Worlds first made for drone soccer $25million dollar stadium and there is even prize money to be had.

What is FPV (First Person View) Drone Racing?

Drone racing is a sport where pilots race radio-controlled drones through a 3D course as fast as possible. Pilots wear special headsets that connect to the drones, giving them a first-person view of the race.

What is a Drone Light Show?

A Drone Light Show is a performance where drones fly in formation to create patterns and images in the night sky. The drones are equipped with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and are computer controlled for perfect synchronization.

What can I expect to see at the Trade Show?

Multiple vendors and other groups who are in the Drone Industry will be there to show you what they do and answer your questions.

Food Trucks

Multiple food trucks will be on site to quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger!

What is the Drone Film Festival?

The Film Festival is a great opportunity to compete with others in your category for medals and notoriety! 12 Film Categories & 5 Photography Categories. From action-packed aerial sports to breathtaking cinematic landscapes, every style and creative aerial production has its place here. Whatever your passion, there’s a category for you.
All submissions must be loaded up to the Film Freeway website.

What Speakers and breakout sessions will be at the PS Drone Festival and are there additional costs?

Speakers and breakout sessions are all included at no extra cost. The speakers and breakouts as well as their times and locations will be listed on the Breakout page of the website.

Do you have discounts for Hotels?

There are many great hotels in and around Palm Springs and the High School and they vary in costs. We presently have two hotels that are offering significant discounts for a limited number of rooms booked before March 14th:

Miracle Springs Resort and Spa, 10625 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs, CA Code only works when you call them at (760) 251-6000 and use code 456723 or online, Use Group Rate GPSD0321

Aqua Soleil Resort & Spa, 14500 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs, CA Call them or book online: (760) 329-4481 and use GROUP CODE b062149

What can we see and do besides the event in Palm Springs?

There is so much to see and do in Palm Springs so please get acquainted with everything Coachella Valley by checking out www.visitpalmsprings.com