The Coachella Valley is home to a number of events and activities to take part in this winter. If you’re interested in filling your calendar, we’ve put together a list of 20 things happening this week.
To submit an event for consideration, send an email to [email protected] with the time, date, location and price of admission, as well as a brief event description. Photos are not required but 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.)
Check out the following events this week:
Friends of the Desert Mountains Birding Walk-About
Join a volunteer docent who will share interesting facts about native and migratory birds that call the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument home. Check out the new observation area, then to the Ed Hastey Garden Walk (paved), tortoise habitat areas and the Randall Henderson Trail. Bring water, binoculars, a hat and sunscreen.No dogs allowed. RSVP is required, and you must bring your ticket with you for check-in 15 minutes prior to start time.
When: 8 a.m. Monday, March 11
Where: Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51-500 California 74, Palm Desert
Cost: Free but $5 donation suggested;
More info: desertmountains.org
Pink Martini Featuring China Forbes with Special Guest Meow Meow
This McCallum Theatre favorite returns for six cross-genre concerts featuring classical, tango, folk, jazz, old-fashioned pop and more this month. Bandleader/pianist Thomas Lauderdale has said “If the United Nations had a house band in 1962, Pink Martini would be that band.” Pink Martini’s diverse repertoire is a blend influenced by Cole Porter and Duke Ellington, Tito Puente and Xavier Cugat, as well as Asian and Hollywood musicals of the 1940s and ’50s.
When: March 13-17
Where: McCallum Theatre, 73-000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert
Cost: $55-$95
More info: mccallumtheatre.org
8th Annual Taste of Indio
The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce will host this event in collaboration with the City of Indio to honor the area’s culinary offerings. Guests can except an evening of entertainment, food samples, a museum tour and a cash bar. This year’s food vendors include Cork & Fork, Experimental Concepts, Heirloom Craft Kitchen, Jackalope Ranch, Victoria’s Cafe, Que Mango Fruit & Juice Bar, Taco Shop 760, Thai Hot, TKB, Uncle D’s Smokehouse BBQ & Grill and more.
When: 4 p.m. Thursday, March 14
Where: Coachella Valley History Museum, 82-616 Miles Ave., Indio
Cost: From $25
More info: gcvcc.org
Fashion Week El Paseo
Fashion Week El Paseo, which calls itself the “largest consumer fashion week on the West Coast,” is a series of eight shows held in Palm Desert every March. Participating brands and designers include Max Mara, LeonLeon, Cynthia Rowley, Simon Ungless, Scooter LaForge and more. It all ends March 21 with a presentation of luxury fashion institution Saks Fifth Avenue’s curated collection of spring/summer 2024 menswear and womenswear. Each show benefits a different nonprofit.
When: March 15-21
Where: Various locations on El Paseo in Palm Desert
Cost: From $95
More info: fashionweekelpaseo.com
Dave Damiani with the Coachella Valley Symphony
The Coachella Valley Symphony and the City of Rancho Mirage present this free concert featuring Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter and producer Dave Damiani. The program will include pop and jazz classics such as “Come Fly With Me,” “Lucky Be a Lady,” “Sunny Side Of The Street” and more. Seating is first come, first served. Food and libations will be available for purchase.
When: Doors at 6 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. March 16
Where: Rancho Mirage Amphitheater, 71-560 San Jacinto Drive, Rancho Mirage
Cost: Free
More info: cvsymphony.com
Q+ Art Launch
The Palm Springs Art Museum is launching Q+ Art, a major new initiative that centers on the work of artists who identify as LGBTQ+, and everyone’s invited. This kickoff celebration will include an LGBTQ+ Art History lecture led by Stamatina Gregory; a Q Word panel featuring artists Deborah Bright, Troy Montes Michie, and Young Joon Kwak; the presentation of the Distinguished Keynote Award; a soundscape performance by artist Jeshua; and the grand opening of the exhibit “To Move Towards the Limits of Living.” This day of programming aims to give locals and visitors alike a taste of the types of exhibitions, public programs and more that Q+A aims to foster.
When: 1-7 p.m. Saturday, March 16
Where: Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 Museum Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: Free for members, $16 for nonmembers
More info:psmuseum.org
International Classical Concerts of the Desert Presents Dover String Quartet
Named one of the “greatest string quartets of the last hundred years” by BBC Music Magazine, the twice Grammy-nominated Dover String Quartet is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary with the release of its complete Beethoven String Quartets recording. Among their awards is a sweep of all prizes at the 2013 Banff international String Quartet Competition. Come see for yourself why the group is so lauded when the musicians perform this weekend in Palm Desert.
When: 3 p.m. Saturday, March 16
Where: Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church, 47-321 Highway 74 (free parking, handicap accessible)
Cost: $40 available at the door
More info: internationalclassicalconcerts.com
Glow in the Park
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens will shine bright every night this spring for Glow in the Park, an evening event featuring grand displays of hand-crafted animal lanterns. This is a family friendly affair, and organizers offer combo tickets that include admission to the zoo during the day. The gift shop will be open each night of Glow in the Park, and if you’re lucky, you’ll still be able to spot some animals.
When: Select nights March 16-April 28
Where: The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, 47-900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert
Cost: From $28.95
More info: livingdesert.org
Desert Hot Springs Classical Concerts Presents Molly Gebrian and Danny Holt
Watch violist Molly Gebrian and pianist Danny Holt play works from the album “Trailblazers,” which highlights music from the late 19th and early 20th centuries by Henriëtte Bosmans, Ethel Smyth and Dora Pejačević — women who defied the social expectations of their time against the backdrop of world wars and a global pandemic. Dr. Molly Gebrian is a professional violist and scholar with a background in cognitive neuroscience, and Danny Holt is a professional pianist who’s been hailed as one of the “local heroes” of the Los Angeles music scene by LAcitybeat.com)
When: 4 p.m. Sunday, March 17
Where: Grace Church, 17-400 Bubbling Wells Road, Desert Hot Springs
Cost: Free admission, but cash donations accepted on-site
More info: dhsclassicalconcerts.org
Professional Bull Riders (PBR): Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour
This adrenalie-charged spectacle will feature rising rodeo stars and legendary riders alike facing off against tough animal athletes. Headquartered in Pueblo, Colorado, PBR was founded in 1992 by a group of 20 bull riders seeking mainstream attention, and who believed bull riding deserved a spot as a standalone sport outside traditional rodoes. For every rider, the ultimate goal is to qualify for the PBR World Finals, the richest bull riding event on the planet, with the season champion receiving the golden World Championship buckle and a $1 million bonus.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, March 15 and 7 p.m. Saturday, March 16
Where: Acrisure Arena, 75-702 Varner Road, Palm Desert
Cost: From $26
More info: acrisurearena.com
Desert Film Society Screening of ‘The Film-Make-Her, the Lisa Azuelos Story’
This documentary follows Lisa Azuelos (“L.O.L,” “Comme t’y es belle,” “Dalida”) is the subject of a new documentary by David Serero. Audiences are encouraged to come along on this ride retracing her journey from the beginning of her career to what life looks like today. The film features François Cluzet, Michèle Laroque, Alexandra Lamy, Sveva Alviti, and Djanis Bouzyani, among others. This screening will be followed by the screenings of two short films: “Ganef” and “Nowhere.”
When: 10 a.m. Saturday, March 16
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center’s Historic Camelot Theatre, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: Free to Desert Film Society members, $15 to everyone else
More info: desertfilmsociety.org
Killer Queen Concert
Looking for an excuse to sing “We Will Rock You” or “Another One Bites the Dust” at the top of your lungs? I’ve got the event for you. Celebrate some of the band Queen’s most iconic hits at this Friday night tribute band performance. Named 2019 Concert of the Year by the Digital Journal, this live music experience will transport you back to the heyday of one of the most iconic British rock bands to ever grace the music industry.
When: Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. Friday, March 15
Where: Spotlight Showroom, Spotlight 29 Casino, 46-200 Harrison Place, Coachella
Cost: From $20
More info: spotlight29.com/entertainment
Desert Ensemble Theatre presents ‘Ellie’
Desert Ensemble Theatre’s latest production follows Brothers Richard and Warren, who are grieving the death of one of their wives. Their mourning sparks a confrontation that lays bare their lifelong love/hate relationship and changes their lives forever. Bruce Bonafede, an award-winning, Desert-based playwright, wrote this riveting drama for DET company member Richard Marlow, who will star alongside Abe Daniels.
When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; and 2 p.m. Sundays March 15–17
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: $37.50
More info:desertensembletheatre.org
Revolution Stage Company presents ‘The Woman In The Mirror’
Enjoy this dark (yet also uplifting) comedy making its West Coast premiere this week. In Dayna Steele’s one-woman tour de force, “The Woman in the Mirror,” the audience is invited to laugh, cry, and nod with recognition and hope at an issue that has become all-to-real in the lives of many Americans: Alzheimer’s. Based on Steele’s critically acclaimed best-selling book “Surviving Alzheimer’s with Friends, Facebook, and a Really Big Glass of Wine,” the play is “a love letter to an often-unsung group of people: caregivers,” as the Houston Press said.
When: Now through March 31 (check website for times)
Where: Revolution Stage Company, 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: $20
More info: revolutionstagecompany.com/events
Palm Canyon Theatre presents ‘Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street’
Palm Canyon Theatre’s production of this dark, gruesome musical showcases 25 local performers ranging in age from 13 to 75, including Paul Grant as Sweeney Todd, Se Layne as Mrs. Lovett, Christian Quevedo as Anthony, Nicole Kennedy as Johanna, Joshua Rach as Tobias, and many others. This classic musical tells the tale of Sweeney Todd, an unjustly exiled barber who returns to 19th century London seeking revenge against the judge who framed him many years ago. The now-mad man vows revenge against all who wronged him, applying his razor to unlucky customers and shuttling the bodies down to Mrs. Lovett’s pie shop for meat pie filling.
When: 7 p.m. on Thursdays, 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays now through March 24
Where: Palm Canyon Theatre, 538 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: $17-$38
More info: Call (760) 323-5123 or visit PalmCanyonTheatre.org
Green Room Theatre Co. Presents ‘Maggie Magalita’
Green Room Theatre Co.’s first show of 2024 is a traveling production that centers on Maggie, a girl who lives in a tiny studio apartment in a big city with her working mother. Maggie used to be bullied by other kids because she could only speak Spanish. Now, as a high school teen, Maggie refuses to speak Spanish at all. When her grandmother comes to live with them, Maggie is re-awakened to her Hispanic roots.
When: Now through March 19
Where: Touring show, so various locations from Desert Hot Springs to Coachella (check website)
Cost: $5-$18
More info:grtccv.org
Coachella Valley Repertory presents ‘POTUS’
“POTUS, or Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive” by the award-winning playwright Selina Fillinger, is a comedic and uplifting Tony and Drama League Award-nominated play that celebrates the women who somehow manage to keep things running in — and out of — the Oval Office.
When: Now through March 17
Where: Coachella Valley Repertory, 68-510 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City
Cost: $50-$88
More info: cvrep.org
Desert Theatreworks Presents ‘Beautiful: The Carole King Musical’
“Beautiful,” the Tony and Grammy Award-winning Carole King musical sharing the true story of one woman’s journey from teenage songwriter to Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, ran on Broadway for six years. Now, “Beautiful” will take desert audiences back to where it all began with more than two dozen pop classics, including “You’ve Got a Friend,” “One Fine Day” and “Up on the Roof.”
When: Now through March 24
Where: The Indio Performing Arts Center, 45-175 Fargo St., Indio
Cost: From $38
More info: dtworks.org
Tastes & Sounds of Cathedral City
Looking for something fun to do on Tuesday evenings this season? Cathedral City recently unveiled a new weekly food and music event held every Tuesday at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater. Every week features a new theme and will be headlined by a local artist that will perform while a local restaurant provides dinner. So far, the lineup is as follows: March 12: CCHS Choir; March 19: Coachella Valley Repertory Night; March 26: Leanna & Miguel; April 2: The Dreamboats; April 9: Giselle Woo & The Night Owls.
When: 5-7 p.m. every Tuesday this spring
Where: Cathedral City Community Amphitheater, 68-526 Ave. Lalo Guerrero, Cathedral City
Cost: Free admission
More info: cathedralcityamp.com
Family Financial Wellness Fair
The Cal State San Bernardino Office of Pre-College Programs invites all members of the community to its Family Financial Wellness Fair to learn how to fill out applications such as the FAFSA, California Dream Act and paperwork for the CalKIDS Program. The free event is designed to empower families with essential information to enhance their financial well-being and will feature assistance with financial aid applications, special guests, activities for kids and opportunity drawings. There will also be free food for the first 500 attendees, a resource fair and opportunities to participate in financial wellness workshops. Individuals who attend said workshops will be entered to win one of four $500 scholarships.
When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, March 16
Where: California State University, San Bernardino Palm Desert Campus, 37-500 Cook St., Palm Desert
Cost: Free admission, and registration is encouraged online at the below link
More info: csusb.edu/pdc