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Events and Activities

Yucca Valley Celebrates 35 Years of Community, Culture and Progress

Throughout 2026, the Town of Yucca Valley is celebrating 35 years of community, history and progress by highlighting the people, places and stories that have built this High Desert town and make it unique.

As part of the celebration, the Town has shared “35 Facts About Yucca Valley”, inviting residents to explore fun and meaningful highlights that reflect the Town’s history, natural beauty and community traditions. The full list of facts is available on the Town's website.

Residents are encouraged to follow along and explore all 35 facts and learn more about Yucca Valley’s unique history, culture and the people who continue to shape the town's evolving legacy.

Yucca Valley Celebrates Successful Launch of Weekly Certified Farmers Market

The Yucca Valley community gathered on April 22 to celebrate the Grand Opening of the Certified Farmers Market at Founders Plaza. The event marked a new weekly tradition that brings fresh, farm-to-table produce directly to the community every Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m at 55762 Twentynine Palms Hwy.

The inaugural event welcomed eight different farmers, eight artisan vendors and many eager attendees. In celebration of the 35th Anniversary, the Town hosted a commemorative booth that proved to be a major highlight, and treated the first 50 visitors to exclusive 35th-anniversary tote bags and $10 gift certificates to be spent at the booths.

The market is operated by Lori Herbel, an industry leader with over 20 years of experience in the regional agricultural scene. Her expertise was on full display as residents browsed a vibrant selection of [Insert Number] local vendors offering everything from seasonal fruits and vegetables to unique artisanal goods.

Residents are encouraged to make the market a part of your weekly routine and support local growers while connecting with the community.

Explore the Yucca Valley Spring & Summer Activity Guide!

This season’s Activity & Event Guide features a full calendar of the Town's most anticipated community traditions including the Summer Music Festival, Movies in the Courtyard and a full range of aquatics programs to stay cool. The Hi-Desert Nature Museum also curated a selection of educational exhibits and special events perfect for those looking to explore local history and desert ecology.

For those looking to stay active, the Recreation and Community Services Departments have organized a wide range of programs led by highly qualified instructors. Adults include Barre Fusion Pilates, Adult Ballet, the Slow Poke Hiking Club, Basketball Drop-In sessions and Pickleball clinics. The youth lineup is equally diverse, featuring the Triple Play Kids’ Academy for early sports skills, Tumblin’ Tots for motor development and a variety of dance classes like Kids’ Rhythm & Bop and Dance Fundamentals.

The Town remains committed to providing enriching programs that promote health, wellness and community connection. Residents are encouraged to review the guide and register early to secure their spot. 

Town of Yucca Valley Celebrates Grand Reopening of Desert Willow Center for Seniors

On April 14 the community gathered to celebrate the grand reopening of the Town’s senior center, now named the Desert Willow Center for Seniors. Following the successful completion of a $3 million modernization project, the facility at 57088 Twentynine Palms Highway has been transformed into a state-of-the-art hub of connection, wellness and activity for the Morongo Basin’s senior population.

The renovation, funded through Town Capital Project funds, the San Bernardino County American Rescue Plan Act and Federal Community Block Grants, included extensive interior and exterior upgrades. 

The reopening served as a celebration of community heritage. Attendees participated in a letter-writing activity, sharing personal memories of Yucca Valley to be displayed throughout the center. The event concluded with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony, live band entertainment and a community luncheon, with over 150 atendees.

Moving forward, the Desert Willow Center for Seniors will continue to offer a variety of social gatherings, wellness classes and educational programs. 

In addition to serving as a daily hub for seniors, the facility is now available for the public to rent, providing a flexible venue for local meetings and celebrations. For more information on upcoming programs or facility rentals, residents are encouraged to contact the Town of Yucca Valley Community Services Office.

35th Annual Grubstakes Run to Take Place on May 24

The Town of Yucca Valley invites runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts of all ages to participate in the 35th Annual Grubstakes Run, on Sunday, May 24, beginning at 8 a.m. at Yucca Valley High School Stadium. 

The event features a 10K, 5K and 2K Walk, offering options for all fitness levels. Participants can register online at yucca-valley.org or in person at the Community Center. Early registration is available through May 3 at a reduced rate of $30 per person and includes a special keepsake giveaway. Regular registration from May 4 through race day will be $35 per person. Early registrants will also benefit from express check-in on race day. On-site registration will be available from 6:45 to 7:30 a.m. via QR code and electronic payment only (no cash accepted). Souvenir shirts will be available while supplies last.

This event is organized by the Town of Yucca Valley Community Services Department, with generous support from media partners Hi-Desert Publishing Company and Z107.7 FM Radio. Alliance Race Timing will provide professional timing services. We can’t wait to see you out there!

Department Updates

Turtle Travels at the Hi-Desert Nature Museum 

Coming soon to the Hi-Desert Nature Museum, Turtle Travels invites visitors to see life from a completely different point of view. This immersive exhibit, on display from May 23 - Sept. 5, transforms the gallery into a giant game board where guests navigate the incredible journeys and challenges faced by these resilient reptiles.

By stepping onto the board and spinning for a tortoise game piece, visitors begin a hands-on trek through diverse turtle terrains. Before reaching the finish line, participants visit interactive stations that highlight the hazards turtles face in the modern world. Through these engaging activities, visitors can even step into the shoes of a "turtle tracker" to see how real-life field biologists monitor animals in the wild.

While you prepare to trek along this turtle terrain, don’t miss your last chance to view Wondrous Waste, our 20th annual recycled art exhibition, on display through May 9. This fan-favorite showcase highlights how creative minds turn everyday trash into extraordinary art, offering a perfect companion to the museum’s ongoing message of environmental stewardship.

The Turtle Travels exhibition is produced and toured by ExhibitsUSA, a program of Mid-America Arts Alliance. We look forward to seeing you there as these amazing animals begin their journey through the museum this May!

Passport Services at Yucca Valley

For residents planning international travel, the Town Clerk’s Office serves as a Federal Passport Acceptance Agency. 

Scheduling Requirements

All passport services are conducted by appointment only. The office accommodates applicants Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.



To schedule a session, applicants must contact the Town Clerk’s Office directly at (760) 369-7207 or via email at TownClerk@yucca-valley.org.

Preparation and Documentation

Federal regulations require strict adherence to documentation standards. Before your appointment, visit travel.state.gov/passport to print the necessary forms and review the current fee schedule.

At the time of your appointment, you must present:

• Completed Forms: All application sections filled out (but not signed until instructed).
• Primary Identification: A valid government-issued photo ID.
• Citizenship Evidence: Original or certified proof of U.S. citizenship

The applications are processed and approved by the U.S. Department of State. Yucca Valley recommends beginning your application process several months before your passport is needed.

Public Works Department Hits a Home Run for Tri-Valley With New Ballfield Dugout Shade Structures

The Tri-Valley ballfield dugout shade structures have been fully renovated, addressing long-standing concerns about their age and condition. The structures have been replaced with a modern design focused on durability and player comfort.

The $184,000 project was funded through the Town’s Capital Projects Reserve. The Public Works department coordinated the effort to ensure the facility meets the standards expected by both local teams and visiting athletes.

The new dugout shade structures, manufactured and installed by Zoom Recreation, feature a cantilevered shade sail system that provides sun protection while maintaining an open-air environment. By eliminating front support posts, the design allows players and coaches a clear view of the field and creates a more open, functional space within the dugout area.



With construction complete, the Tri-Valley fields are fully reopened and ready for the upcoming season!

Staff Updates

The Town of Yucca Valley is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Brooke Dudra as Town Clerk. In her new role, Dudra will oversee the Town Clerk’s Office, which maintains official Town records and ensures public access to government information.

Dudra began working for Yucca Valley in 2018 as an Administrative Assistant II. Through her commitment and professionalism, she was promoted to Administrative Assistant III in 2021 and later designated to serve as Deputy Town Clerk. Over the past five years, she has continued to support the Town Clerk’s Office by coordinating elections, responding to public records requests and supporting Town Council agenda preparation, helping ensure transparent and efficient government operations.

Dudra is a lifelong Morongo Basin resident who developed an interest in local government at an early age. She served on the Town’s Youth Commission throughout junior high and high school and later stepped into a leadership role as Youth Commission Secretary, where she discovered her passion for community service and volunteering.

The Town congratulates Dudra on her new role serving the Yucca Valley community.