10 things to do in the Coachella Valley this week April 22-28
The Coachella Valley is home to a number of events and activities to enjoy — especially this time of year. If you're interested in filling your calendar, we've put together a list of 10 things happening this week in the valley and nearby communities.
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Check out the following events this week:
Last Chance: 26th annual McCallum Theatre Open Call Talent Project
The last performance of the McCallum Theatre Open Call Talent Project is today, and if you're looking for entertainment outside of the nearby music festival, this is for you. The Coachella Valley-wide talent competition invites residents of all ages to showcase their gifts, and audience members then get to vote for their favorite performers. This year's show includes 19 acts, consisting of 42 community members between the ages of 8 and 79.
When: 3 p.m. Sunday, April 21
Where: McCallum Theatre, 73-000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert
Cost: Range $28-$63
More info: mccallumtheatre.org/productions/open-call/
More: Coachella Valley artists aged 8-79 to showcase talents at annual Open Call competition
Coachella Valley Repertory presents 'Nice Work If You Can Get It'
Are you ready for one of the largest productions the Coachella Valley has ever seen? Get the “Sweet and Lowdown” of this “Lady Be Good” musical that will hit the CVRep stage with Gershwin songs that are sure to stay in your head the rest of the night. This brand-new take on the classic 1920s musical farce is a screwball comedy that features romance, high-spirited production numbers, and a Tony Award winning script that pokes fun at class snobbery in the prohibition era.
When: Wednesdays-Sundays now through April 28 (all shows start at 2 or 7 p.m., check website for specifics)
Where: Coachella Valley Repertory, 68-510 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City
Cost: From $87
More info: cvrep.org
'The Barbie Music Festival Exhibition'
Looking for a family-friendly activity this weekend that doesn't require a Coachella wristband, but still leans into the festival spirit? The Body Deli on El Paseo invites you to experience its unique exhibit of vintage Barbie dolls on display amidst a colorful festive atmosphere. The exhibit includes a giant Ferris wheel (like the one at Empire Polo Club during the festivals), a rainbow tower (just like "Spectra" on the festival grounds), and even a stage with a Taylor Swift doll singing as this festival’s headliner (something we've yet to see at the festival in real life, but you never know). With 32 Barbie and Ken dolls, the dazzling display was orchestrated by Margaret Clark, co-founder of The Body Deli, from her 60+ years of collecting Barbie dolls.
When: On view during store hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday now until April 28
Where: The Body Deli, 73-560 El Paseo, Suite B, Palm Desert (across the street from The Gardens)
Cost: Free to view
More info: Email christineamartello@gmail.com
Desert Theatreworks presents 'To Kill a Mockingbird'
Harper Lee's beloved Pulitzer Prize-winning book "To Kill a Mockingbird" comes to life in this play, which opens on a sleepy Alabama town in the midst of the Great Depression. Main character Scout and her brother, Jem, live here with their widowed father, Atticus Finch. The facade of the seemingly peaceful town begins to crack when a young Black man is accused of a terrible crime. Driven by an unshakeable moral conviction, local lawyer Atticus defends the man in a trial that sends violent waves through the community. All these years later, this work remains a powerful tale about racism, compassion and the difference between right and wrong.
When: Now through April 28 (all shows at 2 or 7:30 p.m., check website for specific dates and times)
Where: The Indio Performing Arts Center, 45-175 Fargo St., Indio
Cost: From $38
More info: dtworks.org
Friday Nights on Pierson
The Friday Nights on Pierson event series in Desert Hot Springs returned in November, and continues throughout the spring. Peruse a variety of food trucks — from tacos to pulled pork sandwiches — as well as pop-up shops, live music offerings and crafts for purchase by local artisans.
When: 5-9 p.m. every Friday (including April 26)
Where: 11-940 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs
Cost: Free
More info: cityofdhs.org
Revolution Stage Company presents 'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee'
Head to Revolution Stage Company to hear this beloved tale about an eclectic group of sixth-graders at the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, each eager to win for very different reasons. This hysterical and catchy musical follows each speller as they reveal their hopes, struggles and passions throughout the competition. With an engaging score by William Finn and a sweet book by Rachel Sheinkin, "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" causes audiences to fall in love with this group of young people.
When: Now through April 28 (check website for times)
Where: Revolution Stage Company, 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: $35.88
More info: revolutionstagecompany.com
More: Revolution Stage Company brings '25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee' to Palm Springs
Food Truck Fridays
Enjoy a weeky tradition in the heart of Indio. Food Truck Fridays is back, and the vendor lineup changes regularly, so it'll never be the same experience twice. Expect returning favorites and new eateries at this family and pet-friendly event. Whether you're craving sweet treats or a full meal, there's plenty of options, and live music and themed days to boot.
When: 5-10 p.m. every Friday (including Friday, April 26)
Where: The corner of Towne Street and Bliss Avenue in Downtown Indio
Cost: Free admission, various items available for purchase
More info: indio.org
The Bent presents 'The Lincoln Debate'
"The Lincoln Debate," the popular play by local theater artist Terry Ray that launched The Bent theater last year, is back. The world premiere garnered rave reviews, and was nominated for seven Desert Theater League Awards, including Best Comedy and Best Director. Only seen by Palm Springs audiences, this show explores the four years that Abraham Lincoln shared a bed with a man that history records as his “best friend.” Was it more than just a friendship? After hearing the facts, you decide for yourself. Jason Reale and Alex Price return to their award-winning roles as Lincoln and his bedmate, and the show also stars Ray, Angela Landis and Amber Lux Archer. Steve Rosenbaum once again directs.
When: April 26-May 12 (check website for times)
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: $40
More info: thebent.org
The River Spring Music Series
The spring concert series presented by the City of Rancho Mirage Cultural Commission ends this Saturday, so prepare to kick your night off with live music. This week, Radio Ready is back to groove to the exhilarating tunes of yesterday and today. The set will also feature guest singers as well as the High Hopes Dance Troupe (all disabilities dance troupe). Guests also have the chance to win prizes from local businesses such as The Ritz Carlton, The Omni Rancho Mirage, Acrisure Arena (VIP tickets to a Firebirds game) and more by entering our raffle. All of the proceeds from the raffle, hosted by the Rotary Club of Palm Desert, go to Fenixia Foundation, a local nonprofit supporting autism and disability acceptance. A check presentation to Fenixia Foundation will follow the raffle winners announcement.
When: 6-8 p.m. Saturday, April 27
Where: The River Amphitheatre, 71-800 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage
Cost: Admission to the concert is free, but raffle tickets will be sold during the band performances, and all guests are encouraged to purchase one. Each ticket is $5, or you can purchase five tickets for $20. Tickets can be purchased until 7:30 p.m. April 29.
More info: Email joann@theriveratranchomirage.com or call 310-386-5509
Molly Haskell book talk and "The Palm Beach Story" presentation
Legendary film critic and author Molly Haskell will be making a rare West Coast appearance in Palm Springs this weekend to speak on classic films and sign her books. Haskell is the author of six books, including "From Reverence To Rape, the Treatment of Women in the Movies," cited by The Hollywood Reporter as one of the most influential film books of all time. She's written for The New York Times, The Guardian UK, Esquire, The Village Voice, New York Magazine, Vogue and many more publications. She has also served as an associate professor of film at Barnard, and as adjunct professor of film at Columbia University. Haskell will speak and sign books at the April 27 screening of "The Palm Beach Story" starring Claudette Colbert, and the April 28 screening of "Design for Living" starring Gary Cooper at the Camelot Theater.
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, April 27 and 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 28
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: $1
More info: psculturalcenter.org
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: 10 things to do in the Palm Springs area this week
