The Coachella Valley is home to a number of events and activities to enjoy — even as we get into the dog days of summer. If you’re interested in filling your calendar with events, 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:
Backstreet Art District’s First Wednesday Art Walk
Palm Springs Backstreet Art District invites the public to come and enjoy an evening of fine art, live entertainment, food offerings and beverages while strolling through the area’s many unique galleries and art studios. Support the Coachella Valley art community while viewing the latest works by talented creatives. Come see why Backstreet Art District was voted a “Best of Coachella Valley, 2023”!
When: 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7
Where: Backstreet Art District, Corner of South Cherokee Way and Matthew Drive (behind Estate Sale) in Palm Springs
Cost: Free
More info: backstreetartdistrict.com
An Evening Of Comedy, Stories and Song
Come out and support two communities at one event this Wednesday with live music, storytelling, comedy and cocktails at Revolution State Company. This event benefits the LGBTQ Community Center of the Coachella Valley (The Center), plus the Bayard Rustin LGBTQ+ Resource Center in Akron, Ohio. Bayard Rustin was the proud-and-out civil rights leader who was close to Martin Luther King, Jr. His remarkable life was depicted in the award-winning film, “Rustin.”
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7
Where: Revolution State Company, 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive #15, Palm Springs
Cost: $25 pre-sale or $30 at the door
More Info: revolutionstagecompany.com/upcomingshows
Alanis Morissette in Concert
“You Oughta Know” that Grammy-Award winning singer Alanis Morissette is bringing her Triple Moon Tour to Acrisure Arena this week. Rolling Stone has called her “Queen of Alt-Rock Angst” for a reason: her powerful, rough-around-the-edges, alt-rock sound has made her a global sensation. Morissette has sold more than 85 million albums, and her most famous album, “Jagged Little Pill,” is one of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 200 Definitive Albums. Morissette will rock the stage with Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and “Wilder Days” singer Morgan Wade, so if you’re ready to rock out, head to Acrisure Arena this Thursday.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8
Where: Acrisure Arena, 75-702 Varner Road, Palm Desert
Cost: From $63.70
More info: acrisurearena.com/event/alanis-morissette/
Los Temerarios in Concert
Brothers Adolfo Angel and Gustavo Angel have come a long way from Fresnillo, Zacatecas, Mexico. The brothers started the band Los Temerarios in 1977. Since then, their heartfelt grupera music has won them multiple Grammy nominations, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Latin Billboard Music Awards. After a near 50-year-long career, the duo announced in 2023 that they were ending their partnership once their farewell tour is completed. One of the last stops is Acrisure Arena. Don’t miss this final concert this Friday as they perform hits like “Sé Que Te Amo” and “Ven Porque Te Necesito.”
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9
Where: Acrisure Arena, 75-702 Varner Road, Palm Desert
Cost: From $121
More info: acrisurearena.com/event/los-temerarios/
Dive-In Movie Nights presents ‘Emperor’s New Groove’
School’s about to start (and for students in the western portion of the valley, it’s already started), so don’t miss one of the last dive-in movies of the summer. With palm trees and the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains as your backdrop, what better way to cool off near sunset than at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center? These are two activities to stay comfortable and refreshed: a dip in the pool and a movie. The whole family can enjoy an evening swimming alongside an outdoor screening of the Disney film “The Emperor’s New Groove.” Note: Some pools/parts of the center may be closed for this event.
When: 4:30-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9
Where: Palm Desert Aquatic Center, 73-751 Magnesia Falls Drive, Palm Desert
Cost: $8 per person, no charge for children under 2 years old
More info: pdpool.com/special-events/
Splash House 2024
Splash House draws thousands to the desert (despite the temperatures) for its beloved poolside DJ sets and nonstop party atmosphere. Where’s the party at? At three luxury Palm Springs resorts: the Margaritaville, Saguaro, and Renaissance hotels. Enjoy the atmosphere and pools, plus the unique personality and decor of each resort, while listening to DJs like The Blessed Madonna, Body Hi by Alesso and NITTI. These performers bring life to the party with club and electronic music. Once you’ve dried off, head to the Palm Springs Air Museum to enjoy some late-night festivities and cocktails. Note: This is a 21-and-up event, and limited tickets for Weekend 1 remain.
When: Noon sundown for daytime performances, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. for After Hours performances, Aug. 9-1
Cost: Starting at $269, after hours starting at $96
More info: splashhouse.com
Observatory Public Exploration Nights
How is a nebulae different from a star cluster? When is the North Star brightest? Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast or visitor to the valley, all are welcome to ask these questions and explore the stars two nights this week at the Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory. This is an ongoing program where the public has the rare opportunity to see our galaxy and beyond through sophisticated instruments like a PlaneWave CDK 700 telescope, allowing you to see billions of stars, millions of light years away. This is a drop-in event, but weather permitting.
When: 9-10:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10
Where: Rancho Mirage Library, 71-100 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage
Cost: Free
More info: ranchomiragelibrary.libcal.com/event
More:Gazing at the night sky — and millions of years into the past — from Rancho Mirage Observatory
Lance Burton Live
Have you ever seen someone turn a pair of gloves into a dove? Or piece together a burning newspaper together from chards? Come see magician extraordinaire Lance Burton do all this and more Friday at The Show. The magician has dazzled and perplexed audiences since his first appearance on the “The Tonight Show” in 1981. Since then, 15 million audience members have seen him during his career, including his residency in Las Vegas, one of the longest-running shows in Vegas history. This Saturday, he will dazzle his audience at Agua Caliente Casino.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, August 10
Where: The Show at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage
Cost: From $25
More info: aguacalientecasinos.com/agua-event/
Grand Funk Railroad in Concert
It’s always “Some Kind of Wonderful” when Grand Funk Railroad is in concert. The band’s hit song, “Some Kind of Wonderful,” was released 50 years ago in 1974 and is still played on the airwaves. This classic rock group has been pulling in audiences since the 1960s with hits like “Locomotion” and “Walk Like A Man.” Their anthem “We’re An American Band” was recently played by the group Sixwire at the 2024 RNC Convention. Over the years, they’ve disbanded, gotten back together, and have been going strong for the past 30 years. Catch them this Saturday at Morongo Casino Resort and Spa.
When: 8 p.m., Aug. 10
Where: Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, 49-500 Seminole Drive, Cabazon
Cost: $39.00 and up
More info: morongocasinoresort.com/calendar-of-events
‘Star Wars: Episode V’ Screening
The Palm Springs Cultural Center invites you to experience the full “Star Wars” saga on the silver screen. Every Saturday will feature a screening of the next episode in this famous saga. This Saturday, audiences will witness the return of the malevolent Galactic Empire in “Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back.” There will be a pre-show reception with cocktails at 5 p.m. before the screening begins at 6 p.m.
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
When: 5 p.m. cocktail hour, 6 p.m. screening Sunday, July 14
Cost: $12 per person