December Events: ‘Tis The Seasoning In Palm Springs

“I never worry about being driven to drink; I just worry about being driven home.” — W. C. Fields

It’s party season everywhere, but no one parties quite like Palm Springs. The “Say Gay” city is the best of all worlds: gay, straight or bent, it doesn’t matter. As long as you like life with a lot of seasoning, we encourage you to come on out. (Pun intended or not? You decide.)

If you have never been to Palm Springs, you have no idea what you’re missing. When I lived in L.A. and friends wanted to come here for a weekend, it was always a hard pass for me. I was a thirsty person to begin with, why on Earth would I go to the desert? Well, as it turns out, they not only have water here, but I moved here eight years ago and have never been happier. I love living in Palm Springs. And I’ve lived in some cool cities. 

Palm Springs is especially fabulous during season (November through April) and that includes the holidays. If you’ve come to party, we’re ready for you. If you’ve come for a relaxing vacation or getaway, get ready for a shift in attitude and blood pressure.

We’ve got everything the big cities have without the traffic so you can zen at your own pace. But please don’t stare at the snow-capped mountains and daydream during stop lights. That’s annoying, and what the spa is for.

So, check into one of our Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels, and check out everything there is to do in Palm Springs this month. Zero regrets live here.

One and done

Dec. 2: Palm Springs Christmas Tree Lighting at Frances Stevens Park, on the corner of Palm Canyon Drive and Alejo Road. From 4:30 to 6:15 p.m., 5:15 p.m. for the tree lighting. The free festivities will include free hot cocoa and cookies to enjoy along with caroling, children’s crafts, and a visit from Santa. Fun fact: the 22-foot-tall holiday tree is decorated with energy-efficient lights. 

Dec. 7: Rock The Park, Ronstadt Revival: Tribute to a Legend. Enjoy an evening featuring the music of Linda Ronstadt. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Free event. (This park is located right next to the Marilyn statue.)

Dec. 20: Palm Springs Cultural Center’s Holiday Oddities a unique look at Christmases past in Palm Springs and other areas, featuring short home movies from the 1960s and era-specific ephemera.

Santa and Mrs. Claus come to Palm Springs. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

Ongoing December events

Dec. 2-11: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway — Holiday Choir

Dec. 2 – 18: Palm Canyon Theatre, Palm Springs Getaway: A Musical Romp (with holiday songs)

Dec. 9 – 11: 8th Annual Official Latino Film and Arts Festival at the Palm Springs Art Museum

Something different

MOGO Silent Disco — Dance down Palm Canyon to the curated music in your earphones. You won’t look weird, you’ll have friends with you. Use code “pspsh10” at checkout for a 10 percent discount for our readers!

It’s another MOGO Silent Disco party. Photo courtesy of MOGO Silent Disco

Desert Tasty Tours — A fun walking tour with some history, some drinks, and some food; it’s a great mid-day adventure. To get $5 off when purchasing your tickets, use our promo code: “PSPHotel.” If your tour guide’s name is Kay, that’s me. Say hello!

Palm Springs Historical Society Walking and Biking Tours — So many tours, so little time. I want to go on all of them!

Around the town

Every Thursday: VillageFest and a freebie night at the Palm Springs Art Museum.

Palm Springs Cultural Center — There is a lot going on here: live entertainment on the second floor Monday through Thursday, live theater, blockbuster and indie films, a philharmonic series, and film festivals.

Purple Room — A nightclub like no other in Palm Springs. A throwback to the Rat Pack days, there are even Rat Pack quotes on the walls! Food’s good, entertainment good, and Michael Holmes is reprising his Judy Show with Judy’s Old Fashioned Christmas. In my book, a visit to Palm Springs without seeing The Judy Show is not complete.

Oscar’s — Recurring events like the T-Dance, Bitchiest Brunch, Mimosa Men, and Oscar’s Cabaret. Also check out their special events; if it’s happening, an absolute must-see is Mid-Century Moderns, a jukebox musical from Mark Christopher who wrote the movie 54. I have seen it, and it is great fun.

PS Underground — Holiday Havoc, Holiday Jazz, and Ho are just a few of the unique dinner shows produced by Michael Fietsam with meals prepared by Chef Dave.

Jazzville — Every Thursday, enjoy a night of jazz like nowhere else in the Coachella Valley.

Melvyn’s Jam — Every Sunday. This is a very popular event, so come early. Always the best of the best musicians in the Valley. From standards to jazz to pop, you’ll hear it all. Plus, their martinis!

Sammy G’s — Great place to dance every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in the upstairs bar. Nice atmosphere in the restaurant, and the food is good.

P.S. Air — Upstairs from Bouschet (fine wine and spirits, also delicious food), this fun little bar is all dressed up like an airplane, complete with kitschy movies and a drink serving “stewardess.” Also performances by some of the best local entertainment.

Drink up at P.S. Air. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

New Year’s Eve

Drag Me Into 2023 at Oscar’s.

Men only

Dec. 4, 11 and 14: The Dirty Show

Dec. 31: DILF — Men’s jock/gear party, Palm Springs Convention Center. “Dudes, Daddies, Discreet, Dunno…DILF is for ALL MEN! Get geared up, strapped up, and ready.”

That’s all I’ve got for this month, except to leave you with a small gift. Don’t worry that you didn’t get me anything — it’s OK, it’s not much, just something you might want to carry with you into the new year:

“I believe that the privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.” — Viola Davis

Namaste, and happy whatever floats your boat.

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It’s All Happening This February In Palm Springs

February – the month that fills you with overthinking about your love life.
– Anonymous

Not to brag or anything, but damn our weather has been exceptional. Nice sleeping temps at night — it’s in the 50s — and bright sunny days in the mid-70s to low 80s. It’s Palm Springs perfection!

February has a lot of stuff going on, so I won’t keep you with a bunch of chatter. Here’s the skinny:

Rock The Park event flyer. Courtesy of Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce

February 2: 

Rock the Park, 7 p.m., first Wednesdays of every month. Kicking off the whole affair will be TLR – Experience the Eagles Music, a hardworking and much in-demand tribute band based in Los Angeles. Other tribute groups scheduled to appear include those devoted to the music of Elton John, Madonna, Tina Turner, Fleetwood Mac, and Creedence Clearwater Revival. Located at the park next to Marilyn and by the Art Museum.

February 3: 

Village Fest — every Thursday, 6 to 10 p.m., on Palm Canyon Road. Foot traffic only from Alejo to Ramon, with vendors on every side of the street, buskers, crafters and food kiosks. All of the stores are open as well. It’s a great stroll, with tons of people watching and things to try. Friendly pooches welcome.

February 3: 

Palm Springs Art Museum Free Thursdays – every Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m.

February 3: 

Black History Month Opening Reception at Palm Springs Art Museum

February 6:  

Come celebrate Black History Month with a local vendor bazaar and the musical stylings of Keisha D Sings and her band. Tickets are $20 and include a seat for the show and cocktail. Tickets are now available. Venmo $20 to @Keisha-Halverson to secure your seat. Bazaar is free from noon to 3:30 p.m. 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way.

NOTE: Keisha D is a BANGING vocalist and performer, nails every style she sings. A truly terrific vocalist and performer.

February 6:

Palm Springs Vintage Market, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., 2300 E Baristo Road.

February 10-13:

Intersect Palm Springs has traditionally occurred in conjunction with Modernism Week at the Palm Springs Convention Center, and presents post-war and contemporary art. Formerly known as Art Palm Springs, it has been running since 2012.

February 12:  

24th Annual Tour de Palm Springs/Coachella Valley, taking place in downtown Palm Springs on North Palm Canyon

February 12: 

Brave Bessie Coleman-Pursue your Dreams, Palm Springs Air Museum, 1 to 2 p.m.

The Boomer Boys Musical. Courtesy of Palm Springs Cultural Center

February 12:

The Boomer Boys Musical at the Palm Springs Cultural Center

February 13: 

Watch the Super Bowl at one of our local sports bars: The Village, Hair of the Dog, Shamrocks, New York Pizza, Fame Wine and Cigar Lounge, Smokin’ Burgers

Tuskegee Airmen Art. Courtesy of Palm Springs Air Museum

Through Feb 28: 

Famed Aviation Artist Stan Stokes-Tuskegee Airmen Collection
Original artwork immortalizing the members of the Tuskegee Airmen who heroically took to the skies during World War II, despite the obstacles of racial segregation and a U.S. military policy that tried to prevent them from flying. Look into the eyes and read the stories of these brave aviators who broke barriers and pushed aside stereotypes in their struggle to fight for their country against the forces of Nazism. Included with regular museum admission.

There’s Nothing Like A Dame flyer. Courtesy of Palm Canyon Theatre

February 9: 

There’s Nothing Like a Dame Concert at the Palm Canyon Theatre
Palm Springs’ finest divas take the stage in a one-night-only performance. You should go — I’ll be there!

February 15: 

The Classics of Rock & Soul at the Palm Springs Cultural Center

February 16:

Martinis and Moxie at the Palm Springs Cultural Center
Featuring the music of Dean Martin and Dinah Shore, with special guests.

February 19: 

Dr. Ed Gordon: Judgment at Nuremberg: Defending Humanity 1 to 2 p.m. at the Palm Springs Air Museum. In this program, historian Ed Gordon will tell the important story of how Nazi leaders were brought to trial, charged, and defended.

February 26:  

35th Annual Black History Month Parade and Town Fair
The parade will begin on Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs. Immediately following the parade, the town fair will be held at New City Park, across the street from the Palm Springs Art Museum.

Theater: 

February 25: 

Palm Canyon Theatre: Palm Springs Getaway! 
This new musical is a nostalgic romp through Palm Springs featuring the history and entertainers that made our city famous. The show takes audiences from the early desert landscape to the vibrant city it is today — and every decade in between.

Desert Rose Playhouse 2022 schedule. Courtesy of Desert Rose Playhouse

Desert Rose Playhouse announced their new season. Go! Everything they do is spectacular, fun, and at least a little bit gay.

Every Thursday: Jazzville. Exceptionally fine jazz from all over the world performed at Agua Caliente Casino downtown.

Every Friday: Agua Caliente Comedy

Every Sunday: Latin Nights at Cascade Agua Caliente Palm Springs

Mogo Silent Disco: Fridays and Saturdays. Don your wildest outfit (kaftans, cowboy hats, and sequins are encouraged!) and bust a move in front of some of Palm Springs’ most Instagram-worthy spots; have a random dance with the cute stranger walking by; dust off that sick routine you created in your basement and show it off in front of the beautiful San Jacinto mountains. Join us for an outdoor experience you’ll never forget! Lasts approximately 70 minutes.  All ages welcome.  Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

PS Air at Bouschet: Disco Boozy Brunch, recurring weekly on Sundays until March 27. Also open for lunch daily. Saturday nights are flight nights.

Purple Room: Great showcase of jazz and standards. Different acts every night of the week, with Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays ticketed events.

PS Underground: Wildly creative entertainment and dining experiences. Each show is themed and very different. Food is excellent. I have never seen anything that compares in any city.

AsiaSF has finally reopened for dinner and a show. From the desk of David Perry: “The SoCal branch of the storied San Francisco dinner theater and cabaret, featuring the world-famous transgender ladies of AsiaSF, is back.”

February 17-27 is Modernism Week . Events will take place at various locations throughout the greater Palm Springs area.

And now, for S&Gs (last initial is giggles, you figure out the S) here is a list of everything the internet says you should celebrate or be aware of in February. Not to be outdone by the month, the days have a bunch of things they’d like to point out, too. For the days, I have italicized some of the what???

By Month:

American Heart Month

Black History Month

Celebration of Chocolate Month

International Friendship Month

International Month of Black Women in the Arts

International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month

Library Lovers Month

Marijuana Awareness Month

National Cancer Prevention Month

National Children’s Dental Health Month

Youth Leadership Month

By Day:

February 1: National Freedom Day, National Dark Chocolate Day, National Serpent Day, National Baked Alaska Day, National Get Up Day

February 2: Groundhog Day, National Hedgehog Day, National Tater Tot Day, National Ukulele Day

February 3: Four Chaplains Day, National Missing Persons Day, National Carrot Cake Day, National Golden Retriever Day

February 4: USO Day, World Cancer Day,1 National Homemade Soup Day

February 5: National Weatherperson’s Day, World Nutella Day

February 6: National Lame Duck Day, Pay a Compliment Day, National Frozen Yogurt Day

February 7: National Send a Card to a Friend Day, Rose Day, National Fettuccine Alfredo Day, National Bubble Gum Day* (first Friday), National Wear Red Day* (first Friday), Give Kids a Smile Day* (first Friday)

February 8: Take Your Child to the Library Day* (first Saturday), National Kite Flying Day, Opera Day, Read in the Bathtub Day

February 9: National Pizza Day, World Marriage Day* (second Sunday)

February 10: National Umbrella Day, Teddy Day, National Clean Out Your Computer Day* (second Monday)

February 11: National Inventors’ Day, National Make a Friend Day, National Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day, National Make a Friend Day, Get Out Your Guitar Day, International Day of Women and Girls in Science

February 12: Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday, International Darwin Day

February 13: World Radio Day, Galentine’s Day, National Tortellini Day

February 14: Valentine’s Day

February 15: National Gumdrop Day, Susan B. Anthony Day, National Bagel Day, Singles Awareness Day

February 16: Do a Grouch a Favor Day, National Almond Day

February 17: Presidents’ Day* (third Monday)

February 18: National Battery Day, National Drink Wine Day

February 19: National Chocolate Mint Day

February 20: National Love Your Pet Day, National Muffin Day

February 21: International Mother Language Day, National Sticky Bun Day, National Caregivers Day* (third Friday)

February 22: George Washington’s Birthday, Be Humble Day, World Thinking Day, National Margarita Day

February 23: National Banana Bread Day

February 24: National Tortilla Chip Day

February 25: National Chocolate Covered Nut Day, Let’s All Eat Right Day, National Clam Chowder Day, National Pancake Day, World Spay Day* (last Tuesday)

February 26: Tell a Fairy Tale Day, National Pistachio Day

February 27: No Brainer Day, International Polar Bear Day, National Chili Day, Digital Learning Day* (last Thursday)

February 28: National Public Sleeping Day, National Chocolate Soufflé Day, National Science Day

As always, wear your mask, and show your vax card — rules are in effect until further notice. Help us keep Palm Springs alive. See you in March!

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May In Palm Springs Means Rising Temps And Hot Events

A group of women jumping into a swimming pool

Coachella and Stagecoach have come and gone, and we’ve said “so long” to our snowbirds until next year. We will miss them all. But that also means there are a lot of great deals going on. It’s hot during the days but the pools are all cool, and the nightlife is still sizzling and very Palm Springs.

Weekdays in Palm Springs

Most of the restaurants are open seven days, but it’s always a good idea to check. Here’s a great list of restaurants in Palm Springs. We have so many excellent choices, I can’t list them all — I do have my favorites, but I’m not going to play them here.

A fun place to spend some time is the Palm Springs Surf Club. Whether you’re planning on hitting the waves yourself or just having a bite while you watch the waves and the surf boarders catch them, it’s a very cool way to spend some time at the beach without the sand.

Mondays: 

V Wine Lounge and Martini Bar has Leanna and Miguel performing Monday nights. The couple took the Coachella Valley by storm about five years back and haven’t stopped since. Fun, upbeat music in a retro chic bar across from Koffi on Tahquitz. Terrific spot.

Wednesdays:

Mod Squad at Palm Springs Cultural Center — Happy Hour has never been so happy. In fact, it’s billed as the Happiest Happy Hour in Palm Springs. Great bar menu. Entertainment is from local favorites Cabaret Queen Francesca Amari, Sultan of Song Jeff Stewart, and King of the Keys and Other Things, Jason Weber. Great mood elevator. 

Thursdays: 

Palm Springs Art Museum — Free admission from 4 to 7 p.m.

Village Fest — Palm Canyon is closed for three blocks and the streets are full of vendors, buskers, and people. It’s a great way to spend the evening.

Jueves de Drift — The Drift Hotel likes to keep things social. Check out their list of fun activities.

V Wine Lounge and Martini Bar — Jason Weber

Trio — Pasta Thursdays

Weekends in Palm Springs

Saturdays and Sundays: 

Crystal Fantasy Psychic Fair

Sunday Jam at Melvyn’s — All the best players from the Valley, and some from L.A. It’s a great afternoon, early evening event. 3:30 to 7:30 p.m.

By the numbers

May 3: An Evening with David Sedaris at Palm Springs Cultural Center 

May 3 and 4: Retro Palm Springs Convention — Nostalgic fan convention featuring celebrity guests and cast reunions, vendors with plenty of retro themed merchandise, photo ops, and more.

May 4: Vintage Market — It’s retro heaven this weekend, so take advantage of probably the last vintage market until next season. Grab something from one of the onsite vendors offering local eats.

May 5: Mon Petit Salon at Palm Springs Cultural Center — World Music

May 7: Drag Me to Bingo at Hunter’s — Starts at 6 p.m., hosted by Miss Alexa Waters and Alexa Steel.

May 8-11: Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Great film festival for those into the cinematic style (Google tells me it is not a genre) characterized by its dark, cynical fatalistic tone; it’s like visiting your teenage self, but with subterfuge. 

May 30: Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week — This is a great opportunity to try different restaurants across the Valley. These are prix fixe (pronounced “pree fix” but with a French accent), with generally three to five options for each course. 

Tours

Desert Tasty Tours — A little history, a lot of food on this three hour walking tour.

Palm Springs Historical Society Tours — There are walking tours, biking tours, and private tours. You’re going to have to narrow down your interests because there are so many options.

Palm Springs Windmill Tour — It’s a driving tour, and I’m told by many different people that it’s really interesting. 

Desert X (Through May 11) — This is not actually a tour, but you will get to see a lot of the Coachella Valley and some great art installations. Download the app and off you go!

Entertainment

The Rock Gallery — Comedy Club 

The Purple Room — Rat Pack-styled supper club with great entertainment. If you’re purchasing tickets, get them through the Purple Room website.

PS Underground — Themed dinner and brunch shows with local entertainers.

We can hardly wait to see you! Make sure you travel safe, call when you get here, and if you would, please shop, eat, and stay local so we’ll be here for you next time. See you soon!

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Kick Off Summer In Palm Springs This June

About a dozen palm trees stand tall on a clear day in Palm Springs, California

In Palm Springs during the summer months, we sing a little ditty, and it goes like this: “Lord help the sister, who comes between me and my mister,” but we’re not talking boyfriends like Rosemary Clooney and Vera Allen are in White Christmas — no. It’s those wonderful inventions that are de rigueur in downtown Palm Springs, the ones that provide a light zhuzh of moisture to your skin. And while the first part isn’t true in any sense of the word, we do have fabulous water misters cooling everyone down while they walk down the street. We just don’t sing about it.

Now that we’ve cleared that up, how about a little humblebrag on the weather so far this year? It’s been damn near perfect, that’s what it’s been. A better season has not been had. The ratio of cool to heat, and dry to wet, produced a gorgeous array of desert flowers, and gave everyone a chance to wear a cute vintage jacket or a treasured designer sweater, and what girl doesn’t love fashion?

Now we’re moving into another season (more fashion!!) and if you compare Palm Springs to the peppers on the Scoville scale we’re going to be nearing Scotch Bonnet by the end of June. But right now, we’re at a very do-able Thai pepper.

So, now’s a great time — day or evening — to stroll down Palm Canyon and pop into local watering holes and eateries for a well-earned cocktail and a nosh. If it’s hot, those misters we talked about earlier will be zhuzhing. Caveat: this is not a good time for any hairstyle that requires a hold. That will not happen with misters, so leave the hairspray at home. You look gorgeous au natural.

A beautiful aerial view of Palm Springs. Photo by Chris Miller

For those that would prefer eating rather than drinking their sugar, you must try some of our award-winning toffee at Brandini’s (they give out samples). They’ve also got a great variety of items including popcorn, milkshakes, and ice cream, and can even make you an espresso, with toffee. Enjoy it outside while you check out details for the restoration they’ve got planned on the historic Plaza Theater located next to and slightly behind Brandini.

My favorite date shake is at Tutti Frutti, made entirely with local ingredients. It is heavenly, and I am not usually a fan of dates unless they’re stuffed with goat cheese and wrapped in bacon. If you’re not willing to risk your status as a disliker of dates, try the yogurt. It is also made entirely from local ingredients. I am particularly fond of the sorbets (sour apple ZOMG) and of the non-produce options, the salted caramel runs a good race against the chocolate. I have never had a loser here, and I may have tried them all.

If you are a fan of pizza there is only one place and you must go there, I insist. Bill’s Pizza is in La Plaza on the Indian Canyon side, next to Tyler’s (great burger joint, closes for summer). The crust is award-winning sourdough, house recipe, and I am partial to the all-veggie Elton John pizza. They’re all incredibly good though. The pizzeria is super busy all the time, but they’re friendly and efficient. The bathroom is a trip. It’s located outside, then through a coded door, and down a couple of hallways in what feels like a basement. Outside of that, they’re fine. They work.

Back on Palm Canyon, right next to Sonny Bono’s statue, is Maracas Restaurant, and not only do they serve one helluva margarita, the street tacos and salsa are outstanding. The fajitas smell so good they might as well have a smoky cartoon aroma finger wafting out of them leading you inside. The staff is magnifico, and if you see a tall blonde-ish guy with a beard hanging around, drinking a beer, that’s the owner. Todd. Nice guy — say hello.

A luxurious evening dip at your boutique hotel’s sparkling blue pool is a great way to end an evening outside your room. That’s where my involvement ends. You’re pretty much guaranteed that there’s never going to be a mob at your pool like there can be at the larger hotels, so at the end of the day you won’t be hanging around with strangers, but possibly new friends.

For those with grander aspirations than eating, relaxing, and shopping, see the list of events and clubs below and get cracking on a plan. Or just make a plan to come and wing it from there. There’s plenty to keep you happy. Read on…

June 1-4 and June 6-14: Scavenger Hunt (June 2, 3, 8, 9, and 10 are for lovebirds), departing at various locations. 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Read all about it in the link.

June 2-11: Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week. Participating restaurants valley-wide. Menus are often set, as are the prices. It’s a great way to get to know the Coachella Valley! Mangia!

The entrance to Melvyn's

Melvyn’s at the Ingleside Inn is participating in Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

June 9-11: Splash House: Passes, Lineup. Might I suggest a hotel room away from the bustle? Then just use a rideshare to venue hop. If you’re done for the night, but the party’s still going, you’ll get a good night’s sleep because you were smart enough to book a room at a locally-owned resort or hotel.

June 10: Diana Ross at The Show (SOLD OUT — I just put this in here because I am humblebragging again. Our little valley got Diana Ross!! #sorrynotsorry)

June 2: Lizzo at Acrisure. Our little valley got Lizzo! But unless you’ve already got tickets… (see parentheses above)

June 19-24: Native American Arts Festival, Idyllwild. It’s art in the mountains!

June 20-26: Short Fest. Great option for people who love movies but have short attention spans. I’m kidding (am I? Isn’t that why we like cartoons?). Sometimes a story can be told succinctly and with an impact in a shorter span of time. They know when to stop writing, which is on my list of things to learn.

Clubs

Reforma – Ticketed events, great dancing, and some very fun Saturday brunch shows like Disney Villains Drag Brunch on June 3. Regular menus here.

Cascade Lounge — Located in the Agua Caliente Casino, they have comedy nights, Jazzville, blues reviews, and Latin nights. They occasionally have late night concerts too, so check the website, and definitely check out the new Séc-he spa. It’s pricey but I’m told it’s worth it.

P.S. Underground — No longer underground, they’ve had their own fabulous space since 2019. Highly original, themed dinner theater (or brunch) where the food is as big a draw as the entertainment.

The Purple Room — Weekends are ticketed events with traditional music acts that lean more toward jazz, but they’ve got a mix. The Judy Show is my favorite show in town.

Palm Springs Cultural Center — This space has so much going on, it’s crazypants! They’ve got movies, concerts, plays, weeknight entertainment with snacks and adult libations, and film festivals galore. They’ve always got something cool going on, so make sure to check back often.

PS Air Bar — Like no other bar in Palm Springs, it’s decorated as the inside of an airplane complete with airplane windows. It’s a must see, for sure. The place has a terrific sense of humor about itself, and the entertainment always flies first class local, and so will you. The wine shop below not only has terrific choices in beer and wine, there’s a small “deli” serving delicious salads and sandwiches.

A bar cart at PS Air Bar

All aboard PS Air Bar. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

If you’re planning on a hike, please go early early early, and take a lot of water with you. The best hike right now is Tahquitz Canyon. The waterfall is flowing merrily down the stream, and it’s about 45 in and 30 out (I don’t know why it is, stop asking me!).

And lastly, we have a brand spankin’ new hotel in town called Drift Palm Springs, and it has a restaurant called Maleza.

That’s it for June, everyone. Don’t forget the sunscreen and the hat, or even an umbrella or a parasol if you’re fancy (and we are!).

See you under the misters!

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Independent Films. Independent Stays.

Alcazar’s salt water purified pool in the daytime

If you love the creative style of independent filmmakers, then staying at a small independently-owned hotel will fit right in with your ethos.  Every hotel is beautifully curated for an extraordinary experience. And if you’re heading to the 30th Palm Springs International Film Festival in January, at least two of our member small hotels are offering festival rates including Alcazar Palm Springs and Los Arboles Hotel.

Alcazar Palm Springs offers a great location that is close to both downtown and the arts district. Two fabulous restaurants, Cheeky’s and Birba are right on site.  Alcazar’s contemporary style has a distinctly hip European vibe.  It boasts imported Italian linens, flat screen TV’s, fireplaces, poolside and private patios, salt water purified pool, cooling misters, Jacuzzi and a beautiful garden courtyard in which to lounge. Festival Rate Code: PSFF

The Courtyard at Alcazar Palm Springs
The Courtyard at Alcazar Palm Springs

Charming and historic, href=”https://www.palmspringspreferredsmallhotels.com/stay/los-arboles-hotel”>Los Arboles Hotel is home to the iconic, El Mirasol Mexican Restaurant and bar.  Family owned and operated, it features 21 well-appointed rooms, a heated pool, Jacuzzi, room service and is located walking distance from shopping, dining, and nightlife.  This is one of those places where delighted guests return year after year. Festival Rate Code: PSFF19 for 10% off.

The patio at Los Arboles Restaurant and Bar, Palm Springs

The patio at Los Arboles Restaurant and Bar, Palm Springs

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Meet Me Under The Misters: September Events In Palm Springs

Bright yellow umbrellas shade loungers around the beautiful large pool at Twin Palms men's clothing-optional resort in Palm Springs, California

It’s September in Palm Springs! That means the days are in the low-ish 100s and the nights are in the mid to high 70s and all of the misters are going strong. Restaurants and entertainment venues are mostly back from their August vacations and are gearing up for season. Some will soft open, just long weekends, and others will be back in full swing. Just make sure to check the website and if you can, make a reservation because I don’t want you to be disappointed, and I can’t list all of them here. Okay? Thanks for understanding, you’re the best.

In other Palm Springs news, the controversial Marilyn Monroe statue will move to its intended location, next to its current location, in Downtown Park. The street will not reopen, so it is basically a giant walkway to the Palm Springs Art Museum. Yay tax dollars! Eh, we get some things right. Like inclusion. And sanctuary. And a damn fine time! Read on for what’s going on in September.

The big event: The Dinah

Sept. 25-29: The Dinah. Lesbians finally get their weekend in Palm Springs with the 33rd annual Dinah weekend. From their press release: “A must-attend queer party destination for everyone’s bucket list. Lauren Jauregui, Iniko, KiNG MALA, Lauren Sanderson, Whitney Peyton, Lucy & La Mer, and Sherrelle Holmes have been announced as headliners for the 33rd edition of the world renowned festival. Celebrating the power of queer expression, these incredible vanguards are bringing their empowerment anthems and true self-revolution to The Dinah stage. And breaking boundaries is all these exceptionally gifted rule-breaking and genre-bending queer artists are set out to do.”

Fun around town and dinner shows

The Purple Room — The Purple Room is back from hiatus, and so is Michael Holmes’ The Judy Show. Make sure you stay through Sunday night so you can see it. It’s my favorite show in town and I could see it 100 times and still laugh. Do your best to book in advance, it gets sold out really quick.

PS Underground — The most creative dinner show you’ll ever attend with an incredibly themed menu by Chef Dave. Some of the desert’s hottest performers get together under the direction of Michael Fietsam and each show is its own beautiful bubble in time. It’s a pricey ticket, but well worth it. Especially if you enjoy a bottomless wine glass with your food and entertainment. 

PS Air Bar — It’s an airplane! No, it’s a bar! No, it’s a restaurant! No, it’s a movie theater! No, it’s a live entertainment venue! Stop fighting! It’s all of these things in a very cozy space that actually looks like the interior of an airplane with more leg room. Actually, you know those 1960s and ’70s movies where the interior of the airplane has a lounge with stewardesses serving business men in first class? Well it’s like that, but the stewardesses are drag queens, and you never have to leave the ground. Unless you want to.

Crystal Fantasy: Crystal Fantasy Psychic Weekends and free reiki healing circle Sept. 7 and 15

Tequila Tuesdays at Zin American Bistro

Village Fest and Free Thursday evenings at PS Art Museum. Check out their other events too — they’ve really upped their programming.

PS Air Museum – It’s a very cool museum and absolutely worth a self-tour. Check out some of their events too.

Saturdays: Night Swim at Palm Springs Surf Club

The Drift Hotel — Not only a great place to stay downtown, but they’re stepping up their game with weekly events that aren’t just for guests. They’ve also been known to host comedy nights. Thursdays: 7 to 10 p.m, Jueves de Drift. Saturdays: Savasana at The Drift.

Entertainment

PS Cultural Center has so much going on they had to make a landing page listing all of the things. September brings us Cinema Diverse and all of the LGBTQ+ filmmakers who made the cut this year. There are a few world premieres again this year, and it is running for two weekends, one coinciding with The Dinah. 

Revolution Stage Company’s 2024/2025 season starts in October with Cabaret Riot. Cabaret Riot is a brand new game show offering by the Company to identify the next hit cabaret star, who will then have their own show at the theatre. Once a week, for four weeks, contestants will present a 15-minute set of story and song, and the audience will vote the winner through to the finale held on the fifth week. Expect a lot of surprises, including guest judges and entertainers from the valley. Best $15 you’ll ever spend. Full bar, comfy theatre seating, and a dance floor.

Tours

Desert Tasty Tours — Coming back for the 2024/25 season, this daytime food tour takes you through three blocks of historic downtown Palm Springs, stopping for delicious food and sweets (mostly local) along the way. Guides will also tell you the fascinating history of old Palm Springs. Tell them I sent you. 

Sept. 4 — Art Walk of Backstreet Art District. It’s off the beaten path on the way into Cathedral City, right where you’d think an artist’s haven might be — down a less traveled road and adorable. Always the first Wednesday of every month.

The Windmill Tour — Everyone I know that has been on this has said it was great. I have no idea why I haven’t done it yet. 

Palm Springs Historical Society — They were closed for the summer, however they still did private tours. They have so many of those you’ll have to come back again and again to do them all. In fact, you should do that. 

See you under the misters! 

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Palm Springs After Dark: Five Amazing Stops

While Palm Springs may be best known for its sunny skies and daytime activities — such as hikes and walks, bike rides, shopping sprees, and leisurely swims in gorgeous pools —its nightlife is just as abundant and enticing. There are many fabulous bars and nightclubs open until the wee hours, but here are five ideas for your nighttime excursions — from the inspiring and romantic to the hopping and rocking.  These are all classic Palm Springs experiences.

The Purple Room Supper Club is one of my favorite spots for both stellar entertainment and delicious food and drinks. Located in the Trinidad Hotel, the Purple Room will carry you back to the rat pack era of the sixties, when celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Junior crooned on its stage.  There are live shows every night (except Mondays) and all the ones I’ve seen have been wonderful.  On Sundays, owner Michael Holmes presents the Judy Show, a wildly popular parody of Judy Garland’s television show. Other nights feature a variety of talented performers. You can enjoy the shows while savoring classic supper club fare (shrimp cocktails, prime rib, etc.) and specialty cocktails that are reminiscent of days gone by.

Seymour’s is an iconic speakeasy secretly hidden within Mr. Lyon’s, a popular upscale steak house. The secret entrance and dimly lit ambiance harken back to Prohibition days when patrons could sneak in to enjoy illicit alcoholic beverages in an intimate setting. This clandestine bar serves original craft cocktails as well as classic Prohibition-era cocktails, such as my favorite, the Last Word, made with gin, Green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice. Vintage film clips above the bar add to the feel of days gone-by. This is the perfect place to wind down after a night on the town in Palm Springs. I’ve met the most interesting people at Seymour’s and the bartenders are personable and full of entertaining stories.

The Casablanca Lounge at Melvyn’s, adjacent to the charming Ingleside inn, is another special place where you can immerse yourself in the Hollywood glamour of the fifties and sixties. After a classic dinner at Melvyn’s, where tableside cooking is featured, you can adjourn to the lounge for an after-dinner drink, a lively piano bar, and perhaps a little dancing. You can just imagine Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe sipping martinis at this favorite getaway from the hubbub of Hollywood.

Moxie’s on Sunday nights is the place to go for a rocking, hip drag show called Foxie at Moxie — widely celebrated as one of the best drag shows in Southern California (also featured during a Sunday brunch). The rotating, talented cast of gorgeous, talented queens will entertain you while you sip on craft cocktails and nibble on delicious appetizers.  There is also live music and dancing on Friday and Saturday nights. The casual rooftop bar is a great place to relax and soak up the midnight skies. For a memorable, authentic Palm Springs experience you can’t miss Moxie’s.

Toucan’s Tiki Lounge is another swinging nightclub where something is hopping every night of the week. This trendy spot features Palm Springs’ longest continuing drag show, Tomi Rose and the Playgirls. Each night has a different theme, such as Latin Fever, Jungle Boogie and Pop Diva Karakoke, and, if you’re lucky, the “Go Go Boys” dancers may make an appearance. The drink specials are creative and fun.

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6 Don’t-Miss Events in Palm Springs: December 2019

Palm Springs Tram Christmas Tree

By Katy Carrier

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

Palm Springs Tramway Tree Lighting  12/1

Take a trip up the Palm Springs Tram to enjoy their annual Tree Lighting Ceremony (https://pstramway.com/special-events/), featuring award-winning journalist Hank Plante as this year’s tree-lighter. The festivities will include a holiday performance by the Palm Springs High School Madrigals & String Quartet, along with a special appearance by Santa Claus.

Palm Springs Tram Christmas Tree

Palm Springs Vintage Market  12/1

The monthly Palm Springs Vintage Market (http://www.palmspringsvintagemarket.com), 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 and live entertainment.

Palm Springs Vintage Market

Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting  12/6

Kick the holiday season off with the official Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting (https://www.facebook.com/events/2384549831758190/) in Frances Stevens Park. Mary Hart will serve as the Celebrity Tree Lighter, and attendees can enjoy free cookies and hot cocoa, caroling, holiday crafts, storytime with Santa Claus and more.

Palm Springs Christmas Tree Lighting

Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade  12/7

The popular Palm Springs holiday tradition that is the Palm Springs Festival of Lights (http://psfestivaloflights.com/) returns for its 27th year this December, featuring a festive parade along Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs. Mary Hart will serve as this year’s Celebrity Grand Marshal, along with LQBTQ Grand Marshal Mikalah Gordon and Community Grand Marshal Olivia Garvey.

Palm Springs Festival of Light Parade

Elvis’ Blue Suede Christmas at The Purple Room  12/7

Acclaimed Elvis impersonator Scot Bruce is coming to The Purple Room this December to present Elvis’ Blue Suede Christmas (https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4307451). You can also enjoy dinner before the show!

Elvis Blue Suede Christmas tribute show

Holiday Shopping Bazaar at Villa Royale  12/19

Villa Royale (https://villaroyale.com/) hotel in south Palm Springs will host a holiday shopping bazaar from 5:30pm to 8:30pm, featuring wares from local shops and makers that will make the perfect unique holiday gifts for family and friends!Villa Royale Hotel exterior

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Sports In Palm Springs, A Tennis And Golf Paradise

Snow-covered mountains behind a green golf course in Palm Springs, California

When it comes to sports in Palm Springs, the city has a long history of being golf and tennis heaven — this actually goes back to the days of the Desert Inn, a massive property where the O’Donnell residence now sits, high above the Palm Springs Art Museum. The hotel and the town’s matriarch, Nellie Coffman, brought both activities and the town’s first swimming pool to her hotel in the mid-1920s. 

Since then, we’ve made some additions to our sports rosters, with pickleball the newest craze. But since golf and tennis remain king, let’s start with those two big bad boys, because it is a really big month for both.

Swinging around town

Patrick Warburton Celebrity Golf Tournament, March 6-9. A weekend event raising money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The Galleri Classic, March 24-30. Format: 54 holes of stroke play for a $2.2M purse. Expect 78 tour champions to play, including World Golf Hall of Fame members. Beneficiaries include The Desert Cancer Foundation and Shay’s Warriors.

Want to hit the links at your leisure? Here’s how.

Tennis in the desert

BNP Paribas Open, March 2-16. The Mac Daddy of all tennis tournaments sells out every year.

Taste of Tennis, March 3. Taste of Tennis celebrates the return of tennis to the desert. Guests will mingle with players and legends, enjoy live entertainment, and savor cuisine prepared by the Coachella Valley’s top chefs.

Desert Smash, March 4. Desert Smash brings together Hollywood’s biggest celebrities and the world’s best professional tennis players for a one-day extravaganza. The event is intentionally held prior to the BNP Paribas Open in neighboring Indian Wells.

Easter Bowl Tennis, March 22-30. The Easter Bowl is a USTA National Championship that showcases top American junior tennis players.

Yee haw!

Unleash the Beast Bull Riding at Acrisure Arena.

Pickleball in paradise

There are a few pickleball tournaments in the Coachella Valley, but they’ve come and gone. I don’t know how long they’ve been around, so don’t ask me. We’re both finding out now. 

We’ve got the Coachella Valley Pickleball Grand Prix and the Desert Pickleball Classic (seniors). If you want more info, I’m going to let you Google it on your own because they are both over for 2025, and as of yet there is nothing I can find about 2026. You’ll just have to grab a court and play yourself! But know that Vince Vaughn bought a team in the Coachella Valley, if you’re into him.

Team sports in Palm Springs

Hockey at Acrisure Arena

Power Baseball returns to the desert, Memorial Day through August. Night games of course. Check back for their 2025 schedule, it isn’t yet posted. Were a small town, it’s months away, someone will eventually get to it.

Things with wheels

Tour de Palm Springs is in February, so we just missed it. But that means you can start training now for next year!

Thermal Club IndyCar Grand Prix

Roller Derby, March 31. Yes, we have an all-girl roller derby team called the Coachella Valley Derby Girls — ooooooh scary name — facing off against the SoCal Tentakills. They play at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Bring your own chair if you want to take a load off your feet.

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Hot Rodeo: You’ll Have A Gay Old Time

An illustration of a cowgirl on a horse at sunset

Thermal was chock full of cowboys and cowgirls at the Desert Rodeo the last weekend in April, and the party is continuing in Palm Springs at Hot Rodeo. The fun will take place May 1-4, with the rodeo itself in Banning, a quick drive down the 10 freeway.

This year is HUGE for a couple of reasons. First, we’re celebrating 50 years of Gay Rodeo. That’s right, for 50 years Gay Rodeo has been holding events with cowboys who like boys and cowgirls who like girls, and the world keeps spinning. 

And it’s historically significant for another reason — this year it’s an all women-led event, the first ever, which is appropriate for a town that was built by women who embraced the gay community. Like I said, it’s BIG!

What happens at Hot Rodeo? Bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, breakaway roping, steer decorating (what?), pole bending, chute dogging, flag racing, wild drag race, and ranch saddle bronc riding (new for 2025). I think those are all at the rodeo itself, but it can get pretty wild in the gayborhood so I’m hedging my bets. Also, burn this. What happens at Hot Rodeo stays at Hot Rodeo.

Hot Rodeo events

Thursday, May 1

6 p.m.: Dance Contest, Tool Shed, 600 E. Sunny Dunes Rd, Palm Springs. 

Friday, May 2

1 p.m.: Pool Party, Motel 6, Palm Springs.

6 p.m.: Contestant registration, Tool Shed.

7 p.m.: Cowgirl Night, Hunters Nightclub, 302 E. Arenas Road, Palm Springs. (It’s been announced that The Barebacks will perform, but that doesn’t seem to be solid.)

Saturday, May 3

10 a.m.: Hot Rodeo, A.C.Dysart Equestrian Park 2030–2198 W. Victory Ave., Banning. Gates to open at 9:30 a.m., with Grand Entry at noon.

7 p.m.: Dancing Under the Stars (Day 1/2), Oscar’s Palm Springs, 125 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs.

Sunday May 4

10 a.m.: Hot Rodeo, A.C.Dysart Equestrian Park 2030–2198 W. Victory Ave., Banning. Gates to open at 9:30 a.m., with Grand Entry at noon.

7 p.m.: Dancing Under the Stars (Day 2/2). Oscar’s Palm Springs. (I think the awards presentation is here as well, but the schedule doesn’t commit to it.)

Everything you need to know about the events including tickets and passes can be found here. 

Where to stay in Palm Springs

Looking for a hotel that fits the vibe? I’ve got you:

Old Ranch Inn — A modern take on the spirit of the old west, this eight-room boutique hotel is in the heart of the Historic Tennis Club neighborhood, within walking distance of Palm Springs’ best restaurants, shops, and clubs. 

Coyote Inn — A small and intimate boutique hotel with seven romantic rooms opening onto an enclosed patio with pool and spa. It is an exclusive Spanish Mission-style inn, fully walled and gated. Walking distance to downtown Palm Springs.

Hotel California — Consistently voted as one of the top hotels in not just Palm Springs, but the entire country.

Horsin’ around

If you’re not competing, but you’d love to do a bit of riding that involves horses, check out Smoke Tree Stables, which offers guided trail rides along the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains and through the Agua Caliente Indian Canyons. Options range from hourly rides to full-day excursions, and group rides can include Western cookouts or themed events.

BONUS: The Coachella Valley Derby Girls will play the South Coast Roller Derby at the Palm Springs Air Museum on May 3. When I was a kid trying to find something to watch on TV when it was rainy outside, Roller Derby was often on one of the independent channels. The guys were hot, but man it was violent. But then they started showing the girl teams, and while they were trying to achieve the same goal, they weren’t violent, just very insistent (some call it pushy) and wildly creative with their moves. It’s slam poetry in motion. 

While you’re here, please consider staying and shopping locally. We absolutely appreciate your business. Plus, we like you.

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