Top 10 things to do in the greater Palm Springs area this week
There are always plenty of things to do in the Coachella Valley (and in nearby communities). We’ve put together a list of events and entertainment happening this week.
To submit an event for consideration, send an email to [email protected] with a brief description.
Here are 10 things to do this week:
29th Palm Springs International Shortfest Opening Night
Cinephiles rejoice, because the Palm Springs International ShortFest is back, and it all kicks off Tuesday. Join organizers for an evening celebration featuring screenings of “Help Me Understand,” “Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó” (Grandma & Grandma), “Parker,” “The Old Young Crow,” “AirHostess-737” and “Sisters of the Rotation.” If you want to keep the party going after the last film ends, your ticket also grants you access to the after party at the Palm Springs Air Museum.
When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 20 (with an after party from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.)
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs (and after party is at the Palm Springs Air Museum, 745 N. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs)
Tickets: $75
More info:psfilmfest.org
Summer Cabaret Series at CV Rep
Need to scratch your musical theater itch? Broadway star Christiane Noll will perform at Coachella Valley Repertory this week as part of its Summer Cabaret Series. Noll is a seasoned artist who’s received the Helen Hayes Award for Mother in the revival of “Ragtime,” along with receiving a FANY award for her role as Emma in the Broadway show “Jekyll & Hyde.”
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, June 22
Where: Coachella Valley Repertory, 68-510 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City
Tickets: $40-$45
More info:cvrep.org
IW Live at Indian Wells Resort
The arena isn’t the only local venue featuring live music this summer. If you’re looking for a more intimate concert experience, the Indian Wells Resort Hotel presents weekly live music with Patrice Morris on Wednesdays, Christine Love on Thursdays and Marc Antonelli on Fridays and Saturdays.
When: 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays
Where: Indian Wells Resort Hotel, 76-661 Highway 111, Indian Wells
Tickets: Show is included with dinner
More info:indianwellsresort.com
Food Truck Fridays
Those willing to brave the summer heat in search of good food will be rewarded this month. And they don’t have to search long, because the City of Indio presents Food Truck Fridays this summer with a variety of food trucks for any type of craving.
When: 5-10 p.m. Fridays
Where: Bliss Avenue and Towne Street, Indio
Tickets: Free entry; food prices vary
More info:indio.org
Southwest Food Fest
Calling all foodies, Christiana Green’s Southwest Food Fest, the Coachella Valley’s latest mid-valley food truck event, is coming to the desert Friday (and every Friday night after.) This family-friendly experience includes a variety of games, activities, music and gourmet food all summer long.
When: 5-9 p.m. Fridays
Where: Southwest Church, 44-175 Washington St., Indian Wells
Tickets: Free entry; food prices vary
More info:cvcfm.org
Rock Yard
Listen to various tribute bands at The Rock Yard outdoor concert stage each weekend. This week features Weezerton, a tribute to Weezer, on Friday, and Total Distortion, a tribute to Social Distortion, on Saturday. Food and drinks are available for purchase. Ages 18-plus.
When: 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays
Where: Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio
Tickets: Free admission
More info: fantasyspringsresort.com
Big Gay BBQ
The Arenas District doesn’t host its official LGBTQ Pride celebration until November, but while the rest of the world celebrates Pride Month, organizers had to find some way to celebrate. This summer BBQ will feature live music and picnic games such as pin the tail. VIP passes are available and include access to the gourmet BBQ dinner served between 5 and 9 p.m. Proceeds from the VIP fundraiser will assist with keeping the November Palm Springs Pride Festival free to the public. DJ MODgirl and DJ Galaxy will be joined by hosts John Taylor and Bella de Ball.
When: 5-11 p.m. Saturday, June 24
Where: East Arenas Road, Palm Springs
Tickets: Free entry; VIP ticket $100
More info:pspride.org/biggaybbq
Grand Opening of Nékter Juice Bar
Celebrate the opening of the Palm Desert Nékter Juice Bar location, featuring free 16-ounce juices and smoothies. The first 50 visitors will receive free goodie bags including coupons and customized tumblers. There will be hourly raffles, free Nékter cooler bags for the first 100 guests at noon, $35 cleanses for purchase all day, face painting, baloon twisting, free photo booth, music and more.
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, June 24
Where: Palm Desert Nékter, 73-555 Highway 111, Palm Desert
Tickets: Free
More info:eventbrite.com
Sunday Soiree
In need of an excuse to enjoy some visual art in a creative (and air-conditioned) space? The South Palm Canyon Art Collective and seven guest artists will show their latest work at this monthly open art studio.
When: Noon-3 p.m. Sunday, June 25
Where: 1500 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Tickets: Free
More info:eventbrite.com
Film Screening: ‘Taylor Mac’s 24-Decade History of Popular Music’
Palm Springs Art Museum will host this special advance screening of the upcoming HBO documentary by filmmakers Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman. The documentary follows MacArthur Genius Award winner Taylor Mac’s unique 24-hour performance reimagining American history. The film will be followed by a Q&A with Mac and the filmmaker, moderated by social activist Marc Huestis.
When: 2-4:30 p.m. Sunday, June 25
Where: Palm Springs Art Museum’s Annenberg Theater, 101 Museum Drive, Palm Springs
Tickets: Free with museum admission or membership
More info:psmuseum.org