Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 5.A
Meeting Date: July 9, 2025
From: Ryan Hunt, Communications & Events Manager
Title: Special Use Permit for Palm Springs Friends of Philharmonic - Sinfonica de Mineria
RECOMMENDATION:
To approve the Special Use Permit for Palm Springs Friends of Philharmonic to conduct a free day of music and festival including Sinfonica de Mineria from Mexico City, Mexico at the Community Amphitheater on January 25, 2026.
BACKGROUND:
The Palm Springs Friends of Philharmonic have applied for a Special Use Permit to host a free public festival featuring the Sinfonica de Mineria orchestra from Mexico City, Mexico.
This cultural event would take place on January 25, 2026, at the Community Amphitheater.
The event is designed to provide free access to world-class symphonic music and Mexican cultural programming, with expected attendance of 1,000-1,500 people during the morning session and 2,500 people during the afternoon session. The festival will feature performances by the renowned Sinfonica de Mineria orchestra, Cathedral City High School ballet folkloric dancers, Mexican art exhibits, food trucks, and bars.
The applicant has indicated they will provide necessary vendors, security, portable toilets, and other event infrastructure. They have also confirmed they will serve alcohol and will obtain all required permits and insurance coverage.
DISCUSSION:
The proposed event aligns with several of the City's strategic priorities and community values. The free festival would bring high-quality cultural programming to Cathedral City residents and visitors, showcasing international talent while celebrating Latin culture and music.
Event Details:
Date: January 25, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Expected Attendance: 1,000 – 1,500 (morning), 2,500 (afternoon) Venue: Community Amphitheater
Setup: January 24, 2026, at 8:00 AM
Teardown: January 25, 2026, at 6:30 PM
Key Event Components:
Sinfonica de Mineria performances
Latin Mariachi and folkloric dance presentations
Cultural exhibits and activities
Food and beverage vendors
Family-friendly programming
The applicant has confirmed they will handle all logistics including security through local companies working with Cathedral City Police Department, portable toilet facilities (8 regular, 2 ADA accessible), alcohol service through volunteers from local non-profits, and comprehensive event infrastructure.
The Palm Springs Friends of Philharmonic will pay the full amphitheater nonprofit rental fee of $2,500 for use of the venue. All required permits, licenses, and insurance documentation will be submitted prior to the event as outlined in the Special Use Permit requirements.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The approval of this Special Use Permit will generate revenue for the City through the Special Use Permit application fee of $618 and the amphitheater nonprofit rental fee of $2,500, for a total of $3,118. The applicant has also submitted the required $1,000 refundable deposit fee, which will be returned upon satisfactory event cleanup.
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
Goal F – Embracing, Inclusive Community
F-3: Promote additional community events and celebrations This event directly supports the City's strategic goal of promoting community events and celebrations while embracing cultural diversity. The free festival featuring international artists celebrates the City's commitment to inclusivity and cultural appreciation, particularly highlighting Latin heritage which represents a significant portion of Cathedral City's diverse population.
The event also supports the City's vision of being "a vibrant, progressive, enterprising, and visually attractive community" that attracts "residents and visitors who choose Cathedral City for its culture, arts, special events, and natural resources." ATTACHMENTS:
1. Special Use Permit Application - Palm Springs Friends of Philharmonic
2. CC Amphitheater Event Layout No Seating Option
3. Palm Springs Friends of Philharmonic Liability Insurance Notice