“Last night you were unhinged. You were like some desperate, howling demon. You frightened me. Do it again.” — The Addams Family

Halloween is a great time to spend the weekend in Palm Springs. The weather is cooler, but not cold, and the food and entertainment are hot! Also, if you weren’t already aware, Halloween is a HUGE deal here in Palm Springs. Arenas is all about creativity in costumes, music, drinks and reverie — it’s quite the kiki.

Halloween is so big in LGBTQ+ culture that it’s called Gay Christmas. And on Arenas it is FUN, it is FABULOUS, it’s a CELEBRATION, and it is PAGEANTRY! It is a scene, baby!

A writer for The Advocate had some musings about why Halloween is such a big deal in gay culture and hoo boy, they were pretty dark, and not in a spooky way but in a way that sucks all of the gaiety out of fright night. So we’re not going to focus on the hocus pocus and go with another suggestion from him that rings true, “Halloween is the one time of year when everyone is allowed to be whoever they want to be.” That gets a bubbling, piping hot cauldron full of “yes!”

If you’re not gay, who cares? Everyone is welcome everywhere. For those who have an aversion to crowds, and it will be crowded on Arenas, there’s still plenty’o-ween to be had in smaller doses.

(If you’d like to read a detailed history about Halloween and Gay Christmas go here. Or you can come back to it after you read about all the spooktacular ((sorry)) goings on in Palm Springs 2022).

Halloween revelers in Palm Springs. Photo credit: Kay Kudukis

Party in the U.S. Gay:

Oct. 30: Arenas Halloween  — There is SO much to do and see, you’re going to have to click the link and check it out. If you don’t wear a costume, you can still go, but you’ll feel horribly out of place. Here are some shopping spots to find your spooky boo you. Or just find a fun mask.

Oct. 12, 19, and 26: A Classic TV Halloween at Quadz. On Oct. 19th, stop by for 1970’s HORROR FILMS: A Nod to The Classics in Palm Springs, or check out The History of Horror/Scariest Short Films Part 2 on Oct. 26. 

Oct. 20: Hey Boo! at Oscar’s, is described as such: “Heklina, international drag queen extraordinaire, will be ‘HELLina’ with her spooky parody songs and hocus-pocus tales. Heklina’s spine-chilling performance will remind you that this podcaster, actor, emcee and ghost buster is more than just a pretty face. Deven Green & Ned Douglas are the boniest award-winning performers this side of purgatory. Brought back from the dead for one night only, their live music and songs with inscrutable words will make you soil yourself with frightful laughter.”

Families with kids

Oct. 29: Spooktacular Halloween – Rancho Mirage Library — Enjoy an afternoon of trick-or-treating and a costume parade through the library. Christopher T. Magician will also be on hand to perform his Halloween magic show in the Community Room. 1 to 4 p.m.

Oct. 29 and 30: Howl-O-Ween at the Living Desert. Kids are encouraged to dress up in their favorite costumes and enjoy one of the many exciting activities planned for the weekend, including more than 20 trick-or-treat stations, a monster maze, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin decorating, animal encounters, meeting Living Desert zoo mascots, storytelling, face-painting, bounce houses, craft workshops, and more. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event is free with paid park admission.

Oct. 30: Cathedral City Spooktacular — This free event features trick-or-treating with more than 40,000 pieces of candy. Kids will have a spooktacular time participating in activities like Halloween costume contests (two bikes are being given away each hour), police and fire exhibitions, and games. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Charity events

Oct. 8: House Party For A Cause — $100 but well worth it. Debbie Boone (the ’80s), Steve Knill (The Voice), Alix Korey (Broadway) and my favorite, DJ ModGirl.

Oct. 30: Be a Hero For Kids — If you’ve got a little bit deeper pockets, check out this event presented by The Boys and Girls Club of Palm Springs. It’s poolside!

All the rest

Escape Room — Vampire’s Lair, Jack The Ripper, and Merlin’s Magic Room are three of the spooky adventures awaiting you and your besties. The object? Just like Jordan Peele’s scary film: Get Out.

Oct. 16, 20, and 27: Palm Springs Cultural Center — Tim Burton “festival” with Ed Wood, Beetlejuice, and Nightmare Before Christmas. If you didn’t know, PSCC/Camelot Theatre has a 58′ screen, and the finest projection capabilities in the valley. It’s truly an experience to see a film in this theater.

Oct. 28: The Hilton’s Palm Springs Halloween Comedy Mashup.

Oct. 28, 29, and 31: PS Underground “Bite: Vampire Circus” — Always a frightful night in the best possible way. It changes every year, but it’s always wonderful. From the top-notch entertainment to the fantastic food to complement the evening. Expect the unexpected.

Oct. 29:  Mogo Silent Disco Monster Mash — Dance like nobody’s watching (even though they all are, because you’re dancing down the street to curated music with a bunch of people wearing headphone). Always fun.

Stay safe, buddy up, take rideshares, and don’t forget to hydrate. Love, A Witchy Woman

Creative Halloween costumes abound in Palm Springs. Photo credit: Kay Kudukis

The stone front of Del Marcos Hotel with orange doors

Did you know that Palm Springs is internationally famous? Well, it is. Since 2006, people from all over the planet have been coming to Palm Springs during the month of February for the banging party we call Modernism Week. It’s like the United Nations all up in here.  

Before the big event, Modernism Week holds a four-day preview in October called Modernism Fall Preview (a.k.a. Mini-Mod Week), running from October 14 through 17. It’s jam-packed with loads to do — over 50 events!  

Modernism Week and Mini-Mod Week are so popular the best events sell out the same day they go on sale. So unless some fabulous bit of wizardry transpires (it might, Palm Springs is magical), forget about Sunnylands and Frank Sinatra’s Twin Palms Estate Tour. There’s plenty left to see though, from significant mid-century modern home tours to architectural double decker bus tours. 

You can dress as you like, but a lot of people choose to pull out their pedal pushers and fedoras — whatever it takes to achieve that retro look. During Mini-Mod Week, the town takes on that old-timey feel of the ’50s and ’60s.

There are some cool cocktail-style events, but those sell out pretty fast. One of my very favorite supper clubs, PS Underground, has a brand new show for this year called Beatnik. Hurry and book, their shows are always outstanding. 

Even if you miss out on your favorite events, there’s still the main event at the Palm Springs Convention Center where you can browse everything mid-century modern, including art, furniture, and lighting. You can find a list of exhibitors here. 

If you’re the curious type like me, or a little iffy on modernism, this article breaks down mid-century modern art for you. The same with architecture here. 

Friday night is the big opening night party for the Modernism Show and Sale. Tickets are $75 in advance and $85 at the door. A purchase to the opening night party gives you access to the show on Saturday and Sunday. 

Skipping the party? (You’re gonna say “no” to a party?!) You can still buy a ticket for Saturday and Sunday that will cost you one Jackson (soon to be Tubman!) and gets you in both days so you can shop ‘til you bop later on that evening. 

Whether you do or don’t plan on going to the Modernism Week preview, but love the vibe of the mid-mod experience, we have mid-century modern hotels for the complete experience. There are 25 of them, all with great amenities — learn more about these fabulous spots here. 


The Purple Room, a Rat Pack-inspired supper club, has some of the finest entertainment in town. Here are the weekend shows during Modernism Preview:  

October 14: Sharon Sills (every Thursday) 

October 15: Branden and James — vocals and cello performing the Lady Gaga songbook 

October 16: Branden and James  — vocals and cello performing the Lady Gaga songbook 

October 17: The Judy Show (my favorite show in town! Every Sunday.) 

Also, check out V Wine Lounge, where the vibe is so retro you’ll squee. 

By the way, the bus tours are hella fun. I am a tour guide assistant and even from my view (I sit in the bottom of the bus, you’ll be on top — bring sunscreen and hold onto your hats!) it’s a fun and informative 2-and-a-half hour ride. 

Hope to see you there, and let’s go retro! 

A sign that reads "Welcome to Palm Springs"

I hope you all made it through 2022 as unscathed as possible. No matter the reason, you absolutely deserve a getaway vacation to Palm Springs. The late night temps are in the low 50s, while it’s in the mid-70s by noon and the sun is warm on your skin. Perfect tanning weather, and a heated pool will bring all of the aaahhhs.

Whether you want to keep the party going, or you’re looking to unwind from party season, Palm Springs is a cure. Have a look at our boutique resorts to find your particular jam. There are A LOT to choose from, each one unique in its own way — on the Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels website, you can use a filter to narrow down the choices. I’d do it for you, but you didn’t tell me what you were looking for, so I’m stumped. It’s pretty easy to navigate, so unless you’re a single cell organism, you’ll do fine.

The biggest thing going on this month is the Palm Springs International Film Festival, and I’m going to tell you about that in a different post, but you should get tickets yesterday if you want to attend. Other than that, we’ve got a lot of the usual suspects, a few one-offs, and a brand new nightclub. I’ll do a post about my favorite restaurants before Valentine’s Day so you can make a plan. But first, January 2023. Ready? Let’s go.

One and done

Jan 1: Vintage Market at the Palm Springs Cultural Center — First hour is $10 to get in (first pick!), $5 after 9 a.m. Vendors from all over the country.

Jan. 4: Leslie Jordan: Gone Too Soon. At Quadz Palm Springs, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Jan 5-16: Palm Springs International Film Festival Cruise the website yourself, or you can read about it here.

Jan 19-22: Palm Springs Winter Break — Line dance party.

Items for sale at the Vintage Market. Photo by Katy Carrier

Recurring tours

Historical Society Walking Tours — 14 different tour options, all spectacular.

Architectural Bike Tours — Your guide, Brennan, is all about mid-century modern. He is also a bus tour guide during Modernism Week. Many of our resorts have bikes available, so snag one for a few hours and book the tour.

Desert Tasty Tours — Get a taste of downtown Palm Springs with this fun walking tour. You get some great history, some adult beverages, and some delicious food from our locally owned spots. It’s a great mid-day adventure. Get $5 off when purchasing your tickets by using promo code “PSPHotel.”

MOGO Silent Disco — Get your boogie on with this dance tour. To be clear, you are the dancer. Curated music is pumped through your headset as you disco down Palm Canyon Boulevard. You won’t look weird — you’ll bring friends and make new ones. Use code “pspsh10” at checkout for a 10 percent discount for our readers!

Dance your way through downtown Palm Springs. Photo courtesy of MOGO Silent Disco Tour

Clubs with entertainment

Caliente Comedy at the Cascade Lounge on Fridays

Jazzville at the Cascade Lounge on Thursdays

The Purple Room — Rat Pack styled club with top notch entertainment from all over the country.

PS Underground — If you’ve read this blog before, you know I love this experience. Everything is spectacular, from the venue to the entertainment and the food. One of the most creative and fun events you will ever witness. Everyone becomes BFFs forever, including your hosts and creative team, Michael and Chef Dave.

Oscar’s — There’s a lot going on here, so peep the calendar. If you’re gay (or wanna hang with your gays), the T Dance is the best recurring party in town. If you’re straight, stay away from the bathrooms.

Oscar’s. Courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

PS Air — One-of-a-kind “speakeasy” masquerading as an airplane; it may even have a cockpit, I’m not sure (I mean, it is Palm Springs). But there is in-flight entertainment, and often a naughty stewardess.

Toucan’s — A drag queen institution and dance club on the north end of town near the very popular Boozehounds.

Come On Up Palm Springs Cultural Center (formerly known as — or concurrently, I’m unclear — the Camelot Theater) is stepping it up. They still show movies, and there are two theater companies during season (which is now), as well as Come On Up, featuring recurring musical acts on different weekdays. There’s a lot of parking, so you can bring a crowd.

Nightclubs

Reforma (brand new) — Right next to BevMo. It just opened, and I mean just, like yesterday.

Pretty Faces (fairly new) — I haven’t checked it out yet. LMK if you go.

Theater

Jan 20-29: Palm Canyon Theater: Palm Springs Getaway

Jan 13-22: Dezart Performs: A Bright New Boise

Jan 17-29: CVRep: Dirty Blonde

Jan 27-29: Desert Ensemble Theater: Kill the Editor

There’s a new theater company in town, The Bent. I’m not sure if they’re doing anything in January yet, but peek their website. There are rumors that their very popular show, The Lincoln Debate, will be back in February. For those of you not in the know, Lincoln shared a single bed with another man for four years. The show uses that information as a jumping off point.

If you’re new to PS and you are a gay man looking for the action, you’re looking for East Arenas Road (fun article), two blocks of gay Shangri-La. Pair that with a men’s clothing optional boutique resort, and you’ve reached nirvana.

Okay, that’s it for January. Hope to see you around town enjoying our delicious weather. And as always, please shop and stay local, have a blast, and I’ll see you next month.

Art by Paloma Contreras Lomas on display at Desert X

You know your idea is successful when locals and visitors alike ask if Desert X is happening in the Coachella Valley again this year. With fanfare, we can proudly say the fourth Desert X is not only alive and well, it once again has produced some outstanding art installations definitely worth planning a weekend trip to check them out.

Many of our terrific Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels said their occupancy rate increased immediately after Desert X announced it was taking place March 4 through May 7, 2023. Our boutique hotels, with all their different vibes, are helping people find the perfect atmosphere to launch their journeys to discover the art installations.

What is Desert X? 

This biennial event is an exhibition of 10 art installations throughout our desert landscape. Through a juried process, international and local artists were selected from their portfolios and invited to participate. Desert X identified a theme for 2023 that focuses on how we design our environments and live, which may or may not serve our world well. With the theme in mind, the selection committee hosts the artists and takes them to locations across the Coachella Valley that are accessible to the public and suitable for art to be installed.

How do you find the art installations?  

Physical maps are available at the Ace Hotel. You can also download a map from the Desert X website. If you want to rely on your phones, here are the apps for Desert X for both iOS and Android.

Pro tip: From experience, I can tell you the GPS to these installations may not be totally accurate. Just keep an eye open; sometimes, the art is just on the opposite side of the road that GPS tells you.

Photo by Kathy Condon

What do I need to explore the area? 

Now that you have the map or app, you should know a couple more things. First, you will need a car to explore Desert X — the installations are too spread out for walking.

Even though it feels like 70 degrees is perfect for exploring, our desert sun can be deceiving.  Make sure you apply suntan lotion, take your sunglasses, wear a hat, and have plenty of water. Some of the artworks are located out in the open desert with nary a bit of shade to be found.

In fact, the best way to look at it is to prepare like you are going on a hike in the desert, and you will have all that you need. Oh, and wear closed-toe shoes. Trust me, you will be glad you did, for some paths are loose sand, filled with little spurs that find their way between your toes.

Pro tips: Desert X, upon request, will make reasonable accommodations to ensure people with disabilities have access to the art — email info@desertX.org with inquiries.

Also, take note: there are no restrooms available at the sites.

Desert X is a family event 

Each time Desert X is held, I marvel at the laughter of families who have chosen to explore this free event together. Teenagers seem to relish being the directors to the various locations, while the younger ones frolic on the grounds surrounding each piece of art.

If you have been meaning to come to Palm Springs with a group of friends, Desert X provides the perfect daytime activity. Then, you have the whole evening to enjoy some of our patio restaurants, which offer a variety of cuisines.

What will I see? 

That is the great thing about this exhibition. Every stop is different and is open to interpretation by the person viewing it. I was at the event’s opening and met some artists. Interestingly, most of them were reluctant to explain their art. They want you to experience and come up with your own interpretation.

My experience at an installation

With a friend and a map in hand, we decided to head out to see London artist Rana Begum’s “No. 1225 Chainlink” in Palm Desert. Once we found the site, we parked the car and headed down the pedestrian path to the enormous chainlink fence structure.

To our delight, Rana was onsite and being filmed, so we listened in on the interview. What struck me was that she said, “When you are walking through it, there is a sense of openness and then a sense of things closing in on you, and even a sense of panic for some.”

Rana Begum’s “No. 1225 Chainlink” art installation. Photo by Kathy Condon

I entered the maze, and as it narrowed, I ended up in the middle, where round metal poles allowed me to feel the openness of the space. Then the task of finding my way out was not that easy. Admittedly, I sense panic for a moment — just like the artist predicted. The panic was short-lived, and I was smiling as I walked out.

I stood back and marveled that while the structure was massive, the lemon-colored fencing was somehow at home in its spot. Since it is going to remain in place through May, I can see taking visitors to Palm Springs out to experience it.

Sunnylands hosts an installation  

Frankly, I never need an excuse to visit Sunnylands. Since one of the installations is there — “Amar A Dios En Tierra De Indios, Es Oficio Maternal,” by Mexican artist Paloma Contreras Lomas — we headed out to see it.

It was opening day, and I was once again blessed with the ability to meet the artist, perched on one of the many benches that grace the grounds of Sunnylands. The weather was beautiful, after a couple of rare rainy days in Palm Springs, and we discussed how her art contained several fragile touches and how they were created. 

Desert X certainly does not disappoint. With eight more installations to visit, I am fortunate to live in Palm Springs and able to take off whenever I want to see them. If you plan to visit, I suggest you head to the Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels website to make reservations for your accommodations. Word is spreading about this quality and often provocative art scattered throughout Coachella Valley, which adds the adventure of a scavenger hunt. Join in the fun and experience our lovely spring weather while taking in the beauty of our valley, surrounded by our majestic mountains.

A pink vintage car drives down a road

“I try not to limit my madness to March.” — Maxine (a.k.a. John Wagner for Shoebox Cards)

For most of the world, March is a tempestuous mistress. Cold and blustery, then cold and sunshine-y. She’s a whole lot of brrrrrrrrr.

In Palm Springs, March is more of a minx: flirty and fun. Her daytimes are generally in the 80s and sometimes 90s, however she can give you the cold shoulder, too. Especially at night. The solution is to bring your swimsuit and a bunch of layers because in Palm Springs, March is a swinger. She gets a bit chilly at night but bounces back by 10 a.m.

Without further ado, we will now continue our fun streak of delightful Palm Springs activities, with one event that’s so cool I might have just peed a little reading about it. Read on while I change me undies:

New restaurant alert:

Osteria Palmina

Dinner and a show:

The Purple Room

March 3, 4, and 5: Lucie Arnaz: I Got The Job 

March 6, 13, 20, 27: The Judy Show 

If you’ve read this blog before, you know it’s my favorite show in town.

March 11 and 12: John Lloyd Young 

March 17, 18, and 19: Marvelous Marilyn Maye

March 25 and 26: Joe Pasa as Joan Rivers

AsiaSF 

Dinner and a lip sync show! The costumes are outstanding! Same producers as the one in San Francisco.

PS Underground

Pop 80s — Featuring The Gand Band

Gospel Brunch with Keisha D

Laurel Canyon — a tribute to those artists of the area, like Linda Rondstadt, Joni Mitchell, and The Doors (with music from The Gand Band).

The Mod Squad Variety Show — Another personal favorite, this one’s a brunch.

Ovation — A jazz-inspired Sunday brunch.

Light — I have always wanted to see this show! Described as an “unparalleled multi-sensory journey” that offers an “unprecedented dining experience through culinary art and technological innovation.”

Broadway BlindA musical Sunday brunch.

A Night at the Chi Chi — Mark your calendars, this one’s on April 1 and 2.

Courtesy of PS Underground

Oscar’s 

The Women Of Knots (that’s Knots Landing, people!)

Drinks and entertainment:

Cascade Lounge at Agua Caliente in downtown Palm Springs

Jazzville — Every Thursday

Caliente Comedy — Every Friday 

Latin Nights — Every Sunday

PS Cultural Center

Jazz on the Second Floor

Martinis & Moxie

Theater:

Palm Canyon Theater
Palm Springs Getaway! Runs until March 13.

Desert Rose Playhouse
Electricity
Brian Justin Crum 
Palm Springs The Musical: Born To Sparkle — World premiere!

Courtesy of Palm Springs The Musical

The Annenberg
The Anniversary — A full-length dance film event.
Coachella Valley Symphony Concerto Concert
Lilias White — White has appeared in cabarets and concert halls around the world, including the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House, and Lincoln Center. Her debut solo studio album, Get Yourself Some Happy!, was released in July.

Desert Ensemble Theatre
All This Intimacy Described as a sex comedy gone wrong.

Dezart Performs
The Mountaintop — A reimagining of Martin Luther King Jr.’s last day at the Lorraine Hotel and his encounter with a young maid. There’s a huge twist in this play, something you can expect to be handled brilliantly by Dezart. 

All the rest:

Palm Springs Chalk Art Festival
OMG!! I LOVE chalk art, especially from artists with a sense of whimsy. One of my favorite creators on TikTok is chalk artist David Zinn. This is a free event.

MOGO Silent Disco Tour
If anyone wants to do this, please include me!

Photo courtesy of MOGO Silent Disco Tour

Palm Springs Vintage Market
This Palm Springs staple will run on March 6 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

French Cooking Classes
In the chef’s private home — all reviews are spectacular!

Of course the old “musts” are still available, and if you haven’t, well…you must!

Aerial Tramway

Palm Springs Art Museum

Palm Springs Air Museum

Hiking at Indian Canyons — Please note: closed on March 11 for the Legacy Hike. 

Happy Palm Springs everyone! See you in April.

Come for the movies, stay for the weekend.

Now in its 12th year, Cinema Diverse: The Palm Springs LGBTQ Film Festival will run from Thursday, Sept. 19 through Sunday, Sept. 22, at the historic Camelot Theatres. Cinema Diverse celebrates LGBTQ movies, presenting gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender films from around the world.

The opening night film, For They Know Not What They Do, will screen at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 19, with special guests in attendance, including the Rev. Dr. Mel White, a Palm Springs clergyman and activist. For They Know Not What They Do is the latest film from Daniel Karslake, the director and producer of For the Bible Tells Me So. The movie focuses on families caught up in the campaign to limit the rights of LGBTQ citizens in the United States, and how the way to move forward is through love, acceptance, and reconciliation. 

Turn your trip to the film festival into a quick getaway by booking a room at one of our boutique hotels. All are gay friendly, and there are several men’s resorts (many clothing-optional!) catering to different communities, including leather and bear. The 32-room Canyon Club is within walking distance to the restaurants, shops, and museums in downtown Palm Springs, while Desert Paradise is in the center of Warm Sands, with 14 poolside rooms.

El Mirasol Villas is known for its spacious grounds, with two pools, an outdoor shower, a steam room, and a lanai with a fireplace, and the Hacienda at Warm Sands boasts unobstructed views of the gorgeous San Jacinto Mountains, a staff to guest room ratio of 1:1, and breakfast and lunch served daily.

The Marilyn Monroe statue at Downtown Park in Palm Springs, California

That was fast, right? I mean, I blinked and February was already making her departure known by giving us temperatures in the 90s! OK, it only happened once, but that’s when I realized February was at the end of a very short run, or maybe it just felt short because January felt soooo looooong.

You probably shouldn’t expect a super Super Bloom in March due to the low amount of rain, but we had some so the flowers are happy all the same. I’ve already got red, yellow, and purple blooms in my little yard. But the cactus hasn’t popped any buds yet, and she’s the special guest in the garden and a real showstopper. So look around for some of nature’s more vibrant colors while you’re out and about. They’ll definitely be ready for their close up by March.

A (kind of) new home for Marilyn

Things are happening downtown and beyond but the biggest deal in downtown Palm Springs is: Marilyn is on the move. 

That’s right, you will no longer be able to see the massive Marilyn Monroe statue in the middle of Museum Way. However if you move your eyes 16 feet to the right, amongst the palm trees you’ll see her head, and quite possibly the back end of her skirt poking up from the middle. 

Check out the Downtown Park while you’re taking a photo with her. It’s only a few years old, but it’s already been a hit with its Rock the Park series hosting some pretty sweet tribute bands. On March 5 at 7 p.m., they’re bringing ABBAFAB to the park. You’ll want to bring your own folding chair, or you can stand and bust a move or two, like I did. Unfortunately someone thought I was having a seizure and the EMTs were called. Boy howdy were they hot! (The only thing about this story that’s true is the last sentence. Our EMTs and firemen should have their own calendar.)

March is a big month for sports in the Coachella Valley so we’ll cover that in another post, but here’s the big and the small of the non-sporting activities. 

Special events in Palm Springs

March 1: Heather McDonald at Cascade Lounge. You might remember her from Chelsea Lately, or maybe you’ve listened to her podcast, Juicy Scoop with Heather McDonald, which takes on a lot of the Housewives gossip.

March 1: Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival. Free, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you’re a lover of flowers, this is your jam.

March 2: Vintage Market, 369 N Calle El Segundo. Details here. If you’re a vintage fan, the first Sunday of every month is your sweet spot. Spend a long weekend at one of our mid-mod small hotels, shop our multitude of vintage stores on Friday and Saturday, then hit this great market on Sunday. It’s grown so much that they moved to a bigger space.

March 7-9: LGBT Days Event. It’s a fun time, especially when paired with a stay at one of our gay men’s clothing-optional resorts. If you’re not familiar with the Arenas scene, I’ve got something coming for you soon about that.

March 8-May 11: Desert X. You absolutely have time to plan/do this, but if you keep putting it off it might get away from you. So get the map now and check out what’s closest to each installation, and be sure to explore some restaurants and bars while planning your route for each day. 

March 14-19: El Paseo Fashion Week. Just what it sounds like.

March 20-23: Food & Wine Festival. Chefs, sommeliers, restaurants, and wineries all under one big tent.

March 22-23: See 70mm films as intended at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. 2001: A Space Odyssey, Interstellar, Lawrence of Arabia, and Vertigo. Check out their calendar for more fantastic events.

March 28-30: Cirque Du Soleil at Acrisure Arena

Thursdays: Village Fest and free admission at PS Art Museum from 4 to 7 p.m.

Foodie Fridays at the Palm Springs Cultural Center brings all the food trucks to the yard. Grab some good grub then head on in for cocktails, a movie, live music, or a play in this architecturally significant theatre.

Dinner and a show

PS Underground — Another year of unique shows straight out of Michael Fietsam’s feverish creativity, which is the only match for Chef Dave’s delicious creations. Let them know when you book if you have dietary restrictions.

The Purple Room — One of the last remaining classic supper clubs around. It was the best during the Rat Pack era and remains so —  not only for local talent during the week, but ticketed shows on the weekends. You MUST see The Judy Show. 

PS Air — Located in the same plaza as Revivals, it’s a wine store, it’s a restaurant, and it’s an airplane with entertainment. Kitsch at its best.

Oscar’s — Located right on Tahquitz, you can hear their 4 p.m. Sunday Tea Party for blocks. But we’re not here for that. We’re here for the dinner shows. An eclectic schedule with some very interesting shows; some big, some small. Check ’em out.

We’ve got great dining options all over town, and plenty of alcohol. For those that abstain, there are also delicious mocktails and weed. We’ve got gorgeous weather, mountains and pools, and darling small boutique hotels. And if you’re a nice person, you’ll get that returned in spades. What more could you ask for?

Don’t forget Coachella and Stagecoach are coming up in April, and so is the next events blog, but make sure to start planning for those now. And stay tuned right here for more about paradise. Until then…

White, blue, and red streaks from fireworks in the night sky

How many of you read that in your heads as “Truly Julie?” Just me? Maybe it’s the heat. Not gonna lie — we’re in the triples already and it’s hot. It’s not the temperature as much as it is the sun. She’s really laying it on thick this year! Siestas are very popular in mi casa, as is hanging out in the pool with a noodle. Keep in mind it’s the hottest from 3 to 5 p.m., which is the perfect time to plop down for a late lunch/early dinner in a cool spot and ride it out with a cocktail. 

Happy hours are great for those who prefer to keep Rat Pack hours, a.k.a. dinner at 8 p.m. To get the party started, up on the north end of Palm Canyon, try 1501 Gastropub by Arrive Hotel, or PSAir on the south end of Palm Canyon, or Zin American Bistro downtown. 

About dinner: many of our restaurants have summer hours, meaning Thursdays through Sundays, but there’s no set “rule.” Everyone makes their own, so if you’re hankering to go to a very specific spot, do yourself a favor and call first. Alternately, if you’re strolling Palm Canyon it’s pretty easy to tell who’s open for happy hour or dinner.

Although nothing beats an ice cold beer on a hot summer day (fight me), that’s for the working class. You are on a swanky vacation in Palm Springs. How about a fruity beverage at a tiki bar? Tiki culture was very much a Palm Springs thing back in the 1950s, and it lives on at The Tonga Hut and Bootlegger Tiki (that is actually located in the old Don the Beachcomber). For the gay at heart, on Arenas we have Tuesdays Tiki & Trivia at Quadz. If you’re looking to decorate your home in authentic tiki, head over to the Antiques Mall on Industrial and Sunny Dunes (near Townie Bagels) and their tiki section. Plan on being there a couple of hours — that mall is like Labrynith without the Goblin King.

4th of July events in Palm Springs

A man in a baseball uniform on the field holds two baseballs in his left hand

It’s time to play ball in Palm Springs! Photo by Jose Francisco Morales on Unsplash

July 3: Backstreet Art Walk, 5 to 7 p.m.

July 4: Palm Springs Power baseball. Calendar here. Regular admission $10, seniors and students $8, heroes (all active military, police, fire, and EMS personnel) free with ID. POWER tickets (including a hot dog, chips, and soda) are $16. Next to the stadium, the swim center is holding a pool party from 3 to 9:30 p.m.

Rock the City, a concert featuring Fortunate Son (Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band), starts at 7 p.m. at Sunrise Park, between Ramon and Baristo. Park at the library and walk west toward Ramon (it’s in front of the stadium). Plop down on the lawn in the park, enjoy some CCR, vendor food, and probably some beer, and stay for the fireworks show. 

Weekly events in Palm Springs

Mondays:

Adult tap classes 

Cabaret Riot at Revolution Stage Company (full bar)

Tuesdays: 

Trivia Night (5:30 p.m.) at Hunters on Arenas

Wednesdays: 

Drag Me To Bingo Hunters on Arenas

Thursdays: 

Jueves de Drift at The Drift

Palm Springs Village Fest (free) 7 to 10 p.m.

Free admission to Palm Springs Art Museum 5 to 8 p.m.

Get your tickets for these events

The front marquee at the Palm Springs Cultural Center

Welcome to the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Photo courtesy of the Palm Springs Cultural Center

Palm Springs Cultural Center — Formerly the historic Camelot Theatres, they have the largest screen in town and a state-of-the-art Dolby sound system. They show some of the best old movies ever, and they screen it in whatever format it was shot. Here’s a taste:

July 5: North by Northwest (part of the Hitchcock retrospective)

July 6: Star Wars

July 12: John Waters’ Cry Baby

July 14: Sid and Nancy 

PSUnderground — As always, this is the most creative dinner and brunch club in town, from concept to talent to menu. Price includes your booze, your food, and fabulous fun. I heard they’ll be taking August off, so last chance before September. 

V Wine Lounge — They’ve got three banging entertainers, four nights a week, and karaoke on Wednesday.

If you’re looking for a sweet deal for lodging, Palm Springs Preferred Small hotels has you covered. Check out our deals here.

Stay hydrated, stay local, and stay fabulous, you. See you around town!

People look at items for sale as night falls over the Village Fest street fair in Palm Springs

As the snow starts piling up in the east, Palm Springs, California — where the average winter temperature is in the 70s and there’s always lots of sunshine — sounds awfully good.

No matter what time of year you visit, VillageFest is something you will want to include in your itinerary. Taking place in downtown Palm Springs on Palm Canyon Drive, this street fair is held on Thursdays, from 6 to 10 p.m. October through May and 7 to 10 p.m. June through September. There are plenty of places to park, including a garage, several lots, and on the street, and yes, you can bring your furry friends who are happy being on leashes. VillageFest is closed on Thanksgiving and occasionally due to rainstorms or wind, but local news channels will alert you if those rare experiences occur.

Dining street side

While our fine dining restaurants are open on Thursdays, it might be time to have a unique experience buying your evening meal from one of the many food trucks or booths at VillageFest. Trust me, if you weren’t hungry when you arrived, you will be, for luscious smells permeate the air. This is your chance to try ethnic foods from truck owners specializing in their food lane; the last time I was at VillageFest, I smiled when I saw a cart serving empanadas, which instantly brought me back to my days living in the Caribbean. Many of the food items are cooked right before you, much to the delight of children who enjoy watching their meals being prepared, and there are picnic tables on the north side to eat on.

One of the many food trucks that stops at VillageFest. Photo by Kathy Condon

Art for sale

Walking down the street, you will find it crowded, so make sure you slow down and take time to step into the artists’ booths, where they are ready to share information on their processes. During a recent evening, there was an artist from Santa Cruz with pieces featuring palm trees that would be great for gracing large spaces in hallways, fitting well into modernism decor. There are also photos, prints, and watercolor notecards of Palm Springs that will be perfect reminders of your visit to the area. One of the more popular vendors is Sue, who takes tin cans and turns them into the ideal night lights or candle holders. You will be mesmerized by watching her create them on-site. 

As an added bonus, on Thursday nights, the Palm Springs Art Museum has free admittance from 5 to 8 p.m., a gift provided to the visitors and community by the city of Palm Springs. Check the museum’s website for details on the rotating exhibits.

One of the shopping options at VillageFest. Photo by Kathy Condon

Produce from our local farms

If you have visited the 26-foot high Marilyn Monroe statue on Museum Way, you can easily find where local farmers bring fresh produce to purchase. Dates come in several varieties, so be sure to ask for a sample; you may be surprised to learn they dance differently on your tastebuds with their unique textures. By the way, Coachella produces 95 percent of dates grown in the United States.

Our 350 days of sunlight annually allow farmers to grow produce here year-round, so you may be surprised how much is available. Also, you will find some delectable baked goods that are lovely with your morning coffee while enjoying our beautiful weather poolside. 

Dates for sale. Photo by Kathy Condon

Shopping is abundant

Yes, most local merchants keep their doors open during VillageFest, so you can buy the dress you saw earlier in the day. Or if you forgot your swimsuit or need a wrap for our cooler evenings, all of that is available. Small items that can easily be tucked in your suitcase for souvenirs or gifts can be found in the dozens of tented vendor booths. You will find everything from jewelry made out of paper, vintage clothing, candles, and specialty T-shirts to beautiful wood boxes and handmade pens. 

VillageFest was initially created to draw more people downtown during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Now 22 years later, it has become an institution in Palm Springs. We residents make sure to take visitors there, and have our favorite vendors we patronize for unusual gifts, making it easy to send a little bit of Palm Springs culture off to friends. This event is near many of our Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels, making it even easier for you to explore this event that will help you learn, fill your senses, and enable you to check off items on your gift list.

Some gift ideas to bring home from Palm Springs. Photo by Kathy Condon

Palm Springs’ busy season is underway, with great events happening during the month of November!

Greater Palm Springs Pride  11/1-3

This popular LGBTQ festival brings the community together for free events that celebrate diversity, equality and solidarity, including live musical performances, a block party and a parade, as well as a number of events that are new this year, including the Art of Pride party at Palm Springs Art Museum (https://www.psmuseum.org/events/art-of-pride-2019) and the Priscilla Queen of the Desert musical at the Palm Canyon Theater in Palm Springs. (http://www.palmcanyontheatre.org/event/341b41a6bbd15534351787458f468456)

http://www/pspride.com

Greater Palm Springs Pride parade

 

Palm Springs Vintage Market  11/3

The monthly Palm Springs Vintage Market, held at the Palm Springs Cultural Center on the first Sunday of the month from October through May, features vintage furniture, decor, art, clothing, jewelry and more from local and national vendors, as well as delicious food (try the Heyday burger!) and live entertainment. http://www.palmspringsvintagemarket.com

Vintage Market

 

Amazing Grace Gospel Brunch  11/9

Enjoy gospel music and brunch (including a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar!) in the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Meyerman Sculpture Garden before heading into the museum’s Annenberg Theater for a special showing of the Aretha Franklin performance documentary, Amazing Grace.

https://www.psmuseum.org/events/amazing-grace?date=2019-11-09

Amazing Grace - Aretha Franklin

 

Alohana: A Palm Springs Celebration of Tiki Culture  11/9

Tiki lovers will not want to miss this new event at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, featuring a tiki marketplace, hula performance and hula lessons, a tiki culture history talk, musical performances, and a special interactive screening of the film “South Pacific.” https://www.eventbrite.com/e/alohana-a-palm-springs-celebration-of-tiki-culture-tickets-75943851103

Alohana flyer

 

Props & Hops Craft Beer Festival  11/23

Props & Hops returns for its eighth annual celebration of craft beer and aircrafts at the Palm Springs Air Museum, featuring beer tastings from local breweries including Desert Beer Company, Coachella Valley Brewing and La Quinta Brewing Co., as well as top breweries from across the country. Attendees can participate in aircraft rides over Palm Springs in vintage planes.

https://palmspringsairmuseum.org/programs/8th-annual-props-hops-craft-beer-festival/

Palm Springs Air Museum Props and Hops Festival