12 things to do in the Coachella Valley this week May 13-19
The Coachella Valley is home to a number of events and activities to enjoy — even after the high season ends. If you're interested in filling your calendar, we've put together a list of 12 things happening this week in the valley and nearby communities.
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Check out the following events this week:
Saloon Salon presents 'With Water'
Local residents Timothy and Judy Hearsum are the curators of Morongo Valley restaurant Spaghetti Western's gallery space, Saloon Salon, and the exhibit they currently have on view features watercolor works by Timothy himself (former curator of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art) along with abstract paintings (in oil, acrylic and watercolor) by Joanna Fodczuk-Garcia.
When: On view now through June 23
Where: Spaghetti Western, 50-048 29 Palms Highway, Morongo Valley
Cost: Free to view, with food and drink available for purchase
More info: spaghettiwesternsaloon.com
John J. Benoit Behavioral Health Arts Festival
Enjoy this free community event showcasing original work by Coachella Valley artists living with mental health diagnoses and other artists who support them.
When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday, May 14
Where: Riverside County Fairgrounds, 46-350 Arabia St., Indio
Cost: Free admission
More info: datefest.org
Abi Carter 'American Idol' Hometown Parade and Concert
Indio native Abi Carter officially made it to the Top 3 of "American Idol" season 22 on Sunday, which means she — and the camera crews — are headed to Indio Tuesday to film her hometown visit, which will be featured on the "American Idol" finale airing Sunday, May 19. The public is invited to a free parade Tuesday celebrating the hometown star, which will be followed by a performance by Carter in downtown Indio.
When: 6 p.m. parade, 7 p.m. concert Tuesday, May 14
Where: Parade starts at Miles Avenue Park in Indio (intersection of Deglet Noor Street and Miles Avenue) and goes along Miles Avenue until Smurr Street; and concert takes place at the new Center Stage outdoor performing arts venue, 82-881 Miles Ave., Indio
Cost: Free admission
More info: indio.org
Palm Desert Concerts in the Park
Head to Civic Center Park in Palm Desert every Thursday night in May for the return of the city's free Concerts in the Park series. The musical fun continues this week at the amphitheater with the The Reflexx, a synth-based, alternative 80s group "delivering the sounds of classic KROQ, 91X, and LIVE 105." Expect to hear songs from beloved bands like Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, INXS, and more.
When: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, May 16
Where: Civic Center Park Amphitheater, 43-900 San Pablo Ave, Palm Desert
Cost: Free and open to all
More info: discoverpalmdesert.com
Free Night/Thursday Night Sessions at the Palm Springs Art Museum
Feeling creative? Thursday nights at the Palm Springs Art Museum are free to the public, so prepare to enjoy the valley's largest public collection of contemporary art. This May, the guest resident DJ is Palm Springs-based MILLIONSWORLD, who will play DJ sets curated from an array of musical genres every Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Meyerman Garden. Bonus: Every Thursday night, the museum's hotel partner, Drift Palm Springs, invites the public to an informal after party featuring free swims and a late-night happy hour menu from 8 to 10 p.m.
When: 5-8 p.m. every Thursday (including May 16)
Where: Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 Museum Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: Free
More info: psmuseum.org; (760) 322-4800
Indian Wells Certified Farmers Market
Find some fresh ingredients for dinner this week at the Indian Wells Farmers Market. Browse a large assortment of items from local artisans, chefs, food vendors and farmers selling fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, farm-raised meats, freshly baked bread and so much more. Not able to make it to Indian Wells? The Palm Desert Certified Farmers Market is held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday, the Rancho Mirage Certified Farmers Market is held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Friday, and the La Quinta Certified Farmers Market is held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday.
When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Thursday (including May 16)
Where: Southwest Church Parking Lot, 44-175 Washington St., Indian Wells
Cost: Free admission
More info: cvcfm.org
2024 CV Rep Summer Series - Faith Prince
For the past four decades, Faith Prince has dazzled audiences on both stage and screen in a variety of memorable comedic and dramatic roles. She quickly rose to Broadway fame after winning a Tony Award, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Award for her performance as Miss Adelaide in the classic musical "Guys and Dolls," directed by Jerry Zaks, and has remained one of the most prolific leading ladies working in the American musical theater. Come see her perform live this week at Coachella Valley Repertory.
When: 6 p.m. social hour, 7 p.m. show Thursday, May 16
Where: Coachella Valley Repertory, 68-510 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City
Cost: $50
More info: cvrep.my.salesforce-sites.com
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 May 17)
Where: 11-940 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs
Cost: Free
More info: cityofdhs.org
Sunnylands’ Films in the Gardens
The free outdoor film screening series Films in the Garden has returned to Sunnylands Center and Gardens this month, now with three weeks of films with particularly impressive set design. This week, guests will get to watch the renowned 2002 musical movie "Chicago" following the story of two women imprisoned on death-row who develop a fierce rivalry while competing for publicity, celebrity and a sleazy lawyer's attention, as IMDb describes it. (Rated: PG-13. Run time: 1 hour 53 minutes.) Filmgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and small picnics. Large coolers, alcohol, smoking, and pets are not permitted.
When: Gates open at 6 p.m., film begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 17
Where: Sunnylands Center & Gardens, 37977 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage
Cost: Free
More info: sunnylands.org
'Music Ocean Odyssey': A Big Screen Immersive Concert Experience
Join fellow music fans at the Historic Camelot Theatre inside the Palm Springs Cultural Center for an evening of music under the sea (figuratively speaking, of course). Experience an immersive concert unlike any other as Leanna and The Free Agents blend the smooth sounds of jazz and pop against a cinematic ocean backdrop on the Coachella Valley's largest screen.
When: Doors open at 5:30 p.m., show starts at 6 p.m. Friday, May 17
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: $20
More info: eventbrite.com
The Psychedelic Furs
Post-punk band The Psychedelic Furs will bring their renowned sound to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage on Friday. Known for their influential music and captivating live performances, The Psychedelic Furs rose to fame in the late 1970s and early 1980s with their unique blend of punk rock and new wave sounds. With hits like “Love My Way,” “Pretty in Pink,” and “Heaven,” the band will play a set for both seasoned fans and new fans alike.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, May 17
Where: The Show at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage
Cost: $25-$100
More info: aguacalientecasinos.com; (800) 514-3849
Palm Springs Dance Project presents 'Communities' Finest Dance Showcase 2024'
This collaboration between the Palm Springs Dance Project and the Palm Springs Cultural Center is a "live and multi-media dance showcase filled with joy, passion, skill and fascinating cultural and contemporary community dance groups, youth and adult," as the website states. Featuring more than 50 dancers from the greater Coachella Valley region, audiences will get a taste of several dance styles during this dynamic program.
When: 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: $20 for adults, $17 for seniors (65+), $9 for students/youth (7-18) and free for children (6 and under); discounts available for groups of 10 or more
More info: palmspringsdance.org
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: 12 things to do in the Palm Springs area this week May 13-19
