The Coachella Valley is home to a number of events and activities to enjoy — even in the heat. 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.
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 13 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, Oct. 2
Where: Backstreet Art District, Corner of South Cherokee Way and Matthew Drive (behind Estate Sale), Palm Springs
Cost: Free
More info: backstreetartdistrict.com
Free Art Event: Opening Reception for 'Highway Hypnosis'
Celebrate the latest exhibit to go on display at College of the Desert's Walter N. Marks Center for the Arts this week. "Highway Hypnosis” explores the "cultural lineage of 3B Collective, a group of native (and immigrant) Angeleno multidisciplinary artists ... and features bronze castings, textiles, ceramics, masks, and an altar installation that serve as vital expressions of a culture forced to migrate and adapt," as its press release states. This free event includes bites to eat, live music by Black Market Jazz and the chance to meet the artists and curators behind the exhibit. College of the Desert students will also be showcasing and selling their artwork at the art market outside the gallery. Free parking is available.
When: 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3 (exhibit on display 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, now through Oct. 24)
Where: Walter N. Marks Center for the Arts at College of the Desert, 43-500 Monterey Ave., Palm Desert
Cost: Free admission
More info: collegeofthedesert.edu/community/gallery/
Fall Concerts in the Park: Gypsy Dreams
Head to Civic Center Park every Thursday this month for a different live performance. The fall lineup features a wide variety of local favorites to entertain audiences of all ages and musical tastes, along with a special Halloween performance the entire family can enjoy! The fun starts on Oct. 3 with Gypsy Dreams, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band. The group's high-energy stage presence, authentic costumes and perfect harmonies will take you back to the heyday of "The Mac," so don't be afraid to sing along.
When: Food trucks and garden opens at 5 p.m., and the concert will start at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3
Where: Civic Center Park, 43-900 San Pablo Ave., Palm Desert
Cost: Free admission
More info: discoverpalmdesert.com
Special Season Opening Reception
The Desert Art Center will host a season kick-off reception with new art in the main gallery on the back lawn. You won't want to miss this reception as they will be unveiling their special commemorative video from 1950 to present and kick off their 75th Anniversary season. Come and enjoy drinks and nibbles while viewing new artwork in their beautiful gallery. The show then continues through October and November.
When: 5-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4
Where: Desert Art Center, 550 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: Free admission
More info: desertartcenter.org
The Desert Jazz Festival
Head to the Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa this weekend to see an impressive lineup of jazz artists — and a few comedians — perform live. If you buy a Friday ticket, you'll be able to see saxophonist Jessy J, comedian Alonzo Bodden, singer-songwriter/guitarist Jonathan Butler and saxophonist/songwriter Kirk Whalum. If you go on Saturday, the lineup includes singer Lindsey Webster, saxophonist Gerald Albright and singer-songwriter Ray Parker Jr. See the full lineup at the link below.
When: Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and event starts at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 and Saturday, Oct. 5
Where: The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa, 71-333 Dinah Shore Drive, Rancho Mirage
Cost: From $149 (Friday and Saturday concert tickets still available, VIP packages sold out)
More info: desertjazzfestival.com
'Hokus Pokus Live!'
Kick off spooky season at this 90-minute parody of Disney's 1993 Halloween classic "Hocus Pocus." This hilarious live show was written and directed by Ginger Minj of "RuPaul's Drag Race" and "Hocus Pocus 2." Set in 2024, this musical adventure follows the Sanderson Sisters, having returned from the dead yet again, as they search for ways to stay alive and young in the new millennium. Join drag queens Ginger Minj, Gidget Galore and Aria Hard for this laugh-out-loud evening.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4; 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6
Where: Hotel Zoso, 150 S. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: From $49
More info: rainboweg.com/gallery
Rancho Mirage Certified Farmers Market
It's that time of year again to browse locally grown, raised or made flowers, produce, meats, baked goods, sauces and unique artisan goods. Head to Rancho Mirage Community Park this Friday (and every Friday this season) for the return of the Rancho Mirage Certified Farmers Market to shop these items and more — such as handcrafted jewelry and natural health products — in this family-friendly atmosphere.
When: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. every Friday
Where: Rancho Mirage Community Park, 71-560 San Jacinto Drive, Rancho Mirage
Cost: Free admission, with various items available for purchase
More info: cvcfm.org or (951) 551-6233
HWY 62 Open Studio Art Tours 2024
A one-of-a-kind experience for art lovers and art buyers to create a free customized self-guided tour of artist studios. Enjoy the beauty of the high desert, immerse yourself in its vibrant creative community, and acquire art directly from local artists and makers.
When: Saturday, Oct. 5 and Sunday, Oct. 6 (the first of three consecutive weekends)
Where: Various locations in the Joshua Tree area, check map at website below
Cost: Free admission
More info: mbcac.org
Palm Springs Car Show & Festival
The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Flying Deuces will present the Palm Springs Car Show and Festival this weekend. This event is free to the public and promises a fun-filled day for all attendees. Participants will enjoy hundreds of classic cars, exotics, street rods, trucks, muscle cars, sports cars, and antique vehicles. In addition to the impressive lineup of vehicles, the event will also include a Marilyn Monroe look-alike contest, inviting participants to showcase their best Marilyn-inspired looks. Attendees can also look forward to the cutest dog contest, where furry companions will take center stage to compete for the title of cutest dressed pup in Palm Springs. To end the festivities, we are excited to welcome The DreamBoats to our downtown stage starting at 6:30 p.m. featuring music from the 50s and 60s.
When: Car show is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., entertainment begins at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 5
Where: "The heart of downtown Palm Springs"
Cost: Free admission
More info: pschamber.org or call (760) 325-1577
The return of The Street Fair at College of the Desert
Come kick off the 41st season 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 now through the end of June
Where: College of the Desert, corner of Monterey Avenue and Magnesia Falls Drive, Palm Desert
Cost: Free admission, with several items available for purchase
More info: codaastreetfair.com
Return of the Old Town La Quinta Certified Farmers Market
It's finally fall, so that means it's time to head back to Old Town La Quinta for the return of the seasonal Certified Farmers Market. Come enjoy some of the freshest locally sourced produce and handmade goods around. You can expect fresh flowers, fruits, eggs, honey, vegetables and gourmet chef-prepared foods, so come with your grocery list and have fun at this family friendly event.
When: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. every Sunday
Where: Old Town La Quinta Main St.
Cost: Free admission, with various items available for purchase
More info: cvcfm.org/la-quinta/
(This story was updated to add an event submission that came in right after deadline.)
Inclusion in The Desert Sun's weekly community calendar is solely at the editors' discretion. Priority is given to free and community-oriented events.
To submit an event for The Desert Sun's consideration in future 10 things to do stories, send an email to niki.kottmann@desertsun.com with the time, date, location and price of admission for your event, as well as a brief event description. Photos are not required, but are highly encouraged as part of the submission. (Tip: Send your submission as early as possible to make sure we have it in time, and to make sure your event jumps out in our inbox, put "10 things to do submission" in the email subject line.)
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: 10 things to do in the Coachella Valley this week, Sept. 30-Oct. 6
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