From a book talk to a dance show, here's 12 things to do in the Coachella Valley this week
The Coachella Valley is home to a number of events and activities to enjoy — even now that season is over. 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:
'The Guncle Abroad' book event with Steven Rowley and Byron Lane
Palm Springs author Steven Rowley’s long-awaited sequel to "The Guncle," "The Guncle Abroad," hits bookshelves May 21. If you'd like to be among a select few who get their copy a whole day early, head to The Best Bookstore in Palm Springs May 20 for a book launch event with Rowley and partner Byron Lane. The special event — which has a strict capacity limit of 100 people — will include an author reading and book signing. No tickets will be sold at the door.
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, May 20
Where: The Best Bookstore in Palm Springs, 180 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs
Cost: $29 (which includes admission and your own copy of the book)
More info: bestbookstore.com
Revolution Stage Company presents 'Baby the Musical'
Revolution Stage Company's latest production, directed by multi Desert Theatre League award-winning director Rebecca McWilliams, "examines how parents-to-be experience the emotional stresses and triumphs, as well as the desperate lows and the comic highs, that accompany the anticipation and arrival of a baby," as its website says. Follow three parents of varying ages on a one-of-a-kind musical journey documenting all the conflicting feelings that come with bringing (or trying to and facing difficulties bringing) a new life into the world.
When: May 22-June 9 (various times, check website for details)
Where: Revolution Stage Company, 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: $35 for students, seniors and veterans/first responders/active military; $45 for general admission
More info: revolutionstagecompany.com
3rd Annual Bash for the Barkees
By choosing to attend the third annual Bash for the Barkees, you're raising funds for senior and hospice dogs rescued from shelters. This year, entertainers and hosts of the event benefiting Barkee LaRoux’s House of Love Animal Sanctuary, Inc. are Siobhan Velarde and Mark Kahny, and the event will also include the second annual Barkee Beloved Awards, which honor two Barkee Best Friends. The recipients will be announced at the event. Enjoy handpassed hors d’oeuvres, champagne and wine, and a silent auction while supporting dogs in need.
When: 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 22
Where: Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge, 849 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: $75
More info: Call 909-964-3187 or visit www.bashforthebarkees.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 Dreamboats, an internationally known group loved for the wild stage antics they employ to capture the iconic look and sound of the biggest '50s and '60s rock and pop pioneers.
When: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, May 23
Where: Civic Center Park Amphitheater, 43-900 San Pablo Ave, Palm Desert
Cost: Free and open to all
More info: discoverpalmdesert.com
Palm Springs VillageFest
Every Thursday night, Palm Canyon Drive is closed to cars so pedestrians can browse the plethora of vendors that take over the space for VillageFest. The mix of merchants include flowers, food, art and jewelry for patrons to shop, as well as live entertainment (most recently, a poetry writer who will write you something on the spot) to enjoy. Bonus: While you're downtown for VillageFest, head to the Palm Springs Art Museum for free admission from 5 to 8 p.m. every Thursday.
When: 6-10 p.m. every Thursday
Where: Palm Canyon Drive between Baristo and Amado Roads, Palm Springs
Cost: Free admission
More info: villagefest.org
Related: ‘American Idol’ finalist Abi Carter visits her old Palm Springs VillageFest street corner
La Quinta Certified Farmers Market
Looking for a family-friendly shopping experience? Browse the freshest locally grown flowers, fruits, eggs, honey, and vegetables — or grab a gourmet chef-prepared food item — at this farmers market in Old Town La Quinta. You might just get to know your local producers and farmers well enough to make a habit of shopping for healthy produce that's grown within about 100 miles of the Coachella Valley.
When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday through the end of May (including May 23)
Where: Old Town La Quinta, 78-100 Main St., La Quinta
Cost: Free admission, with several items available for purchase
More info: cvcfm.org
Coachella Valley Repertory presents 'Edmund Bagnell: This Magic Moment'
Actor, singer and violinist (1st violin for Well Strung) Edmund Bagnell aims to put audiences under a magical spell at this latest event in Coachella Valley Repertory's Summer Cabaret Series. Audiences can expect a "musical celebration of deeply felt moments big and small," as the website describes it. You'll hear a little bit of everything, including standards, pop, Broadway, disco, country, classical mashups and more. Come see why Bagnell was cast as Tobias Ragg during his senior year at NYU in the 1st National Tour of John Doyle’s "Sweeney Todd," and how that opened the door to a star-making career.
When: 6 p.m. social hour, 7 p.m. show Thursday, May 23
Where: Coachella Valley Repertory, 68-510 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City
Cost: $50
More info: cvrep.com
Script2Stage2Screen Presents ‘Southlake’
Just in time for Memorial Day, honor our country's military members past and present by attending this play by Mike Byham. Jump between the early 1970s and 2022 to follow main character Randall Scott, a Vietnam War veteran with a pregnant wife who's settled down in the quiet, rural town of Southlake, Texas in the '70s. Prepare for a story of love, regret, redemption — and event a ghost.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 24 and Saturday, May 25
Where: Unitarian Universalist Church of the Desert, 72-425 Via Vail, Rancho Mirage
Cost: Tickets are $15 cash or check at the door, or they may be purchased via PayPal on the website
More info: script2stage2screen.com
The Street Fair at College of the Desert
Come celebrate 40 years of this weekly event on the College of the Desert main campus. The Street Fair is where locals and visitors alike can spend their day browsing vendors in an open-air, shaded shopping space. With merchandise and services for customers of all walks of life, the Street Fair offers everything from art and home goods to a farmer’s market with live entertainment.
When: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday through the end of May (with special summer events June-September)
Where: College of the Desert, corner of Monterey Avenue and Magnesia Falls Drive, Palm Desert
Cost: Free admission
More info: codaastreetfair.com
Memorial Day Weekend DADDYPOP: A Saturday Afternoon Tea
Looking for a fun 21-and-up party this holiday weekend? Come dance the afternoon away at DADDYPOP!: A Monthly Saturday Afternoon Disco Tea Dance (formerly Dirty Disco Afternoon Tea). Expect to hear the most exhilarating beats set to today's hottest hits as well as classic remixed disco and tea dance anthems. Enjoy drink specials, retro Go-Gos, flaggers and fan dancers led by Palm Springs’ own James Scott Geras.
When: 3-7 p.m. Saturday, May 25
Where: Reforma, 333 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Unit 2, Palm Springs
Cost: Locals pay $5 from 3-4 p.m. with a valid ID showing a Coachella Valley address
More info: reformaps.com
CK Dance Company presents 'The Classical Celebration'
Looking for a family friendly performing arts event? Consider grabbing tickets to award-winning, Palm Springs-based CK Dance Company's spring production of "The Classical Celebration" this weekend. Act I features ballet dances to the music of Chopin, Stravinsky, and Tchaikovsky with original choreography by CK Dance faculty. Act II will be comprised of new dances performed by the company's contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop classes, plus the CK Dance Senior Competition team.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, May 25 and 1 p.m. Sunday, May 26
Where: Annenberg Theater at the Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 Museum Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: $30-$50
More info: ckdanceps.com
Annual Kéwet Celebrating Malki Museum’s 60th Anniversary
Come honor the 60th anniversary of the Malki Museum with this free event celebrating Southern California Native American culture. The annual Kéwet — the Cahuilla word for fiesta — will feature traditional Native American dancing, drums, bird singing, native arts and crafts, fresh-cooked Indian Fry Bread and a traditional lunch of pit-roasted barbecued beef, corn, beans, and homemade tortillas. The event will also feature a new temporary exhibit about the Cahuilla's fiesta traditions and will feature Ramada booths constructed from wood and palm fronds collected in local desert canyons.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 26
Where: Malki Museum, 11-795 Malki Road on the Morongo Indian Reservation (a valid driver’s license and/or state identification is required to enter the reservation through its gated entries)
Cost: Free admission, with a suggested donation of $15 for lunch
More info: malkimuseum.org
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: 12 things to do in the Coachella Valley this week May 20-26
