10 things to do in the Coachella Valley this week, Oct. 2-8
The Coachella Valley is home to a number of events and activities to take part in during the last days of summer and early fall. In anticipation for these events, we've put together a list of things happening this week.
To submit an event for consideration, send an email to niki.kottmann@desertsun.com with a brief description.
Below are 10 things to do this week:
Backstreet Art District 'First Wednesday Art Walk'
Art lives here — "here" meaning the Backstreet Art District — the first Wednesday of every month. Come and enjoy an evening of fine art, live entertainment, food offerings and beverages while strolling through the area's 13 unique galleries and art studios. Support the local art community by viewing the latest work from talented creatives. Added bonus: The area's road construction is finally finished, so all galleries are fully accessible.
When: 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4
Where: Backstreet Art District, corner of South Cherokee Way and Matthew Drive (behind Estate Sale), Palm Springs
Tickets: Free admission
More Info: Email info@stephenbaumbachgallery.com or info@artizegallery.com
Indian Wells Certified Farmers Market
It's that time of year again to browse certified produce, chef-prepared foods and artisan crafts. Head to the parking lot of Southwest Church every Thursday to shop the locally made items this market provides while enjoying entertainment, relaxation and a family-friendly atmosphere.
When: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. every Thursday
Where: 44-175 Washington St., Indian Wells
Tickets: Free admission
More Info: cvcfm.org
The Rock Show featuring HWY 111
Fantasy Springs Resort Casino's weekly Rock Show featuring the local band HWY 111 is moving to Thursdays on the Twelfth Floor Lounge. Fans can expect the same high-energy live music experience that has become synonymous with the band. Performances will start at 8 p.m., giving rock enthusiasts a chance to dance and sing along to all their favorite hits from bands such as Foreigner, AC/DC, The Black Crows, Van Halen, Pat Benatar and more.
When: 8-11 p.m. every Thursday starting Oct. 5
Where: Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio
Tickets: Free admission, with drink specials available by purchase
More Info: fantasyspringsresort.com/rock-show
Naathan Phan Magic Show
Looking for a performance that combines comedy, magic and a dash of opera? This week you can experience all three when magician Naathan Phan takes the stage at Marvyn’s Magic Theater. Phan is known for his lively shows where he performs illusions along with comedic antics. He performs regularly at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, and he’s appeared in movies such as "Superbad," as well as on TV networks such as NBC, The CW and Comedy Central.
When: 6 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 5-7
Where: Marvyn’s Magic Theater, 46-630 Washington St., La Quinta
Tickets: $75
More info: marvynsmagictheater.com/events.html
Concerts in the Park
Don't stop believing, because Palm Desert's fall concert series returns on Thursday with Classic Journey, a Journey tribute band featuring the legendary Franky Dee playing the iconic anthems and ballads that made the group famous. These live music events feature a diverse range of talented musicians and tribute bands for music lovers of all ages.
When: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5
Where: Civic Center Park, 43-900 San Pablo Ave., Palm Desert
Tickets: Free
More info: discoverpalmdesert.com/events
Desert Art Center Presents: 'Catching the Light: Terry Masters Retrospective'
The late plein air painter Terry Masters was known for his "bold sense of design, abstraction and hypnotic rendering of our desert light," as Marilyn Froggatt and Bruce Weber wrote in a recent email to The Desert Sun. The Desert Art Center will honor the artist — whom many knew as a local radio personality — this month with the first retrospective exhibit of his work, a gathering of over 50 pieces titled "Catching the Light." Most paintings are on loan and some will be for sale. Come see for yourself how Masters, who co-founded the Palm Springs Desert chapter of the California Art Club and held the honor of California Art Club Signature Artist, was always able to capture "a little bit of drama in the lighting," as he used to say.
When: Show runs Oct. 6-15, including a public reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7
Where: Desert Art Center, 550 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs (reception will be held on the property's back lawn)
Tickets: Free admission. If you are a fan of Terry's, you can make a donation to rename our Studio Gallery in his honor at: desertartcenter.org/donate/
More info: desertartcenter.org
Riverside County Scare & Pumpkin Festival
Ready to celebrate spooky season? The Riverside County Fairgrounds have been transformed into the town of Plaza Fantazma for this month-long festival, which is the perfect stop for family fun this fall. Enjoy a pumpkin patch, photo ops, a community ofrenda, and friendly encounters with the town's spectral residents. Those brave enough to face a real fright can pay extra to head inside the Carnival Carnivore Haunted House.
When: 5-11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6; 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8; and various other times through Oct. 31
Where: Riverside County Fairgrounds, 46-350 Arabia St., Indio
Tickets: $8 for general admission, and an additional $20 for admission to the Carnival Carnivore Haunted House (save 50% on opening day "scare admission" with promo code LABORDAY)
More info: datefest.org
The Rocky Horror Picture Show 48th Anniversary Spectacular Tour
Whether you’re a seasoned fan of this cult classic film and live production or a first-time visitor to Transylvania, this event promises a thrilling experience for anyone open to a good time. Come watch a special screening of the unedited movie, hosted by none other than the original Brad Majors himself, Barry Bostwick. If this isn't your first RHPS rodeo, dress up as your favorite character. No props? No problem, the merch booth has you covered.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6
Where: Agua Caliente Casino, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage
Tickets: $45-$100
More info: aguacalientecasinos.com/agua-event/the-rocky-horror-picture-show/
Palm Canyon Theatre Presents: 'Steel Magnolias'
Palm Canyon Theatre's latest production is a Southern classic: the 1987 play "Steel Magnolias." The show, which became a hit movie in 1989, follows the endearing women who frequent Truvy’s Salon for hairdos, laughter and sage advice. Like many small towns, Chinquapin, Louisiana, is populated by an entertaining cast of characters who come together when an event makes them all suddenly more aware of their mortality. Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge will host an opening night reception following the show on Friday. The opening night audience can head to the reception to mingle with the cast and enjoy wine, crudite and desserts.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6 (show runs through Oct. 15, and opening night reception begins right after the show and goes until midnight)
Where: Palm Canyon Theatre, 538 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Tickets: $32 for adults; $17 for students (group discounts are available)
More info: palmcanyontheatre.org
Idyllwild Arts Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration
Celebrate Native American culture at this two-day event featuring an array of free and educational programming from famed Indigenous performers and scholars. Idyllwild Arts is the only residential arts high school in the country to offer a Native American Arts Center led by a Native American, Executive Director Shaliyah Ben (Diné). On Sunday, the festivities will kick off at 2 p.m. with a welcome reception featuring light appetizers and beverages, followed by a concert from Native American Music Award-winning Navajo pianist and composer Connor Chee at 3 p.m. The fun continues on Monday with performances by Cahuilla Bird Singers, Indigenous R&B singer and TikToker Tia Woodan, Native folk & blues rocker Keith Secola (Ojibwe), and Derrick Suwaima Davis (Hopi/Choctaw) and Ryon Polequaptewa (Hopit) in a theatrical work titled “DANCING WITH THE UNIVERSE | Native Style.”
When: 2 p.m. Sunday and 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday
Where: Idyllwild Arts campus, 52-500 Temecula Road, Idyllwild
Tickets: Free admission
More info: idyllwildarts.org/nativeamericanarts
Niki Kottmann is the features editor for The Desert Sun. She oversees the paper's arts and entertainment, education, health and business coverage, and loves to write the occasional arts & entertainment story. You can connect with her on Twitter @niki_mariee.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: 10 things to do in the greater Palm Springs area this week
