Palm Springs: 31 Magnificent Days In March
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“I used to jog, but the ice cubes kept falling out of my glass.” — David Lee Roth
Buckle up, the party is still going in Palm Springs this March with the Red Dress/Dress Red Party (sold out), the BNP Paribas Open, film festivals, free concerts, art festivals, and tiki time. And that’s just for starters.
The weather is outstanding, so you’ll likely be out, but not standing (I’m groaning with you). The Tahquitz Canyon waterfall is flowing, but if you’re gonna do the hike, go early. It was already kinda crowded when I went at 8 a.m., and by the time we left they weren’t letting anyone up or in the lot to park. As gorgeous as Tahquitz Canyon is, if that happens to you, Indian Canyons has more trails, so it won’t be as crowded. It is also stunning. I think there is at least one trail with a waterfall, and there are snakes, rattlers in particular, so don’t hike with the headphones on. Keep the channels to your ears open.
Let’s get to the things, then we’ll chat about a few other things.
What’s happening in Palm Springs this March
March 2: Wine tasting at Bouschet — Great little shop in south downtown, just past Ramon where Indian and Palm Canyons do the Beatles thing and come together. They also serve food, and PS Air Bar is just a ramp up to the second floor.
March 3: Vintage Market — The first Sunday of every month from October through May. Vendors from all over come to sell their mid-mod wares. There’s a small fee to get in, but there are also food options and sometimes entertainment.
March 5: Movies in the Park — Goonies, at Downtown Park next to Marilyn. Free!
March 6: Rock the Park — ABBA tribute band, at Downtown Park next to Marilyn. Free!
March 7: Billy Dee Williams meet and greet opportunity and book signing at Palm Springs Cultural Center. Williams’ memoir, What Have We Here?, was published in February. The book will be available to purchase during the event. VIP attendees will receive a copy and be the only ones able to get their books signed. Meet and greet at 6 p.m., main event at 7:30 p.m.
March 9 and 10: Palm Springs Art Festival at Frances Stevens Park on Alejo, Indian Canyon, and Palm Canyon. We’ve got really good artists, check it out after breakfast.
March 21-25: Sean Penn will open AmDocs at Palm Springs Cultural Center. It’s the place to be for all the documentaries and animated films, in the best cinema for hundreds of miles.
March 21-23: Just a heads up — the Spring Cue Convention, a teachers convention, is in town. Last time this happened everything was packed, so make reservations for restaurants when you book your hotel stay at one of our small hotels. There are a lot of conventions in March, but this one is BIG.
March 27: Family Fun Fest at Palm Springs Power Baseball Stadium. Games, activities, and lots of information and giveaways. 9 a.m. to noon, outside, at the Palm Springs Stadium.
March 31: Alohana at Palm Springs Cultural Center
Palm Springs Air Museum — March 1, 20, 27: Explore cutting-edge aviation at the exclusive Darkstar Rising Experience. Step into the realm of the iconic aircraft, straight from the minds of Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works.
Ongoing entertainment venues
V Wine Lounge: Live entertainment and karaoke Wednesdays.
Purple Room: Weekday happy hour and local music, weekends are ticketed events.
PS Underground: Themed dinner shows with some of Palm Springs’ finest entertainers. Lots of laughs, great food, great music, new friends.
PS Air Bar: It’s in an airplane! Okay, not really, but it feels like it. Kitschy and fun, it’s a must.
Mixed bag of tricks
The Revolution Stage Company: Everything from Avenue Q, new musicals, new plays, and cabaret. This is Palm Springs’ hottest new theatrical adventure.
Broadway Best of the West — Big names in the big theatre.
Movies — Screwball comedies and more.
Live entertainment — Music upstairs, two theaters: The Bent (back in April) and Desert Ensemble Theatre.
Oscar’s: Jack Donahue on March 21
Drag brunches
Reforma — Beyonce, Britney Spears/Kesha, and Lady Gaga Drag Shows on Saturdays
PS Air Bar — Broadway Boozy Brunch served in a mock airplane. Emcee Tod Macofsky
March Madness
If you’re into sports, there are a few places to watch the games:
360 Sports Palm Springs located in the Agua Caliente Casino
Looking out for the lesbians
Palm Springs has been a real dust bowl when it comes to lesbian events. This month we’ve got two! (Although not dedicated events, Monday and Tuesday nights at V Wine Lounge have a large, fun lesbian crowd.)
March 7: Lez Out Comedy at The Revolution Stage Company. Comedian Mina Hartong brings her comedic talents to the RSC with host Max Mitchell and featured comedian Amanda Michelle.
March 17: Sunday Ladies T-Dance at Low Desert from 3 to 7 p.m.
Tours
Desert Tasty Tours — A 3-hour tour, six spots, art walk, and Palm Springs history from fun, friendly and informed guides.
Palm Springs Historical Society — Walking tours, biking Tours, private tours (car).
Legends and Icons of Palm Springs Bus Tour — This is through Five Star Adventures. Their website is a mess, so I sent you to TripAdvisor. You’re welcome.
Jeep Tour — Get in a Jeep and tour the San Andreas Fault lines. In their words: “Experience the twisted and tortured landscape of an active earthquake fault system as your guide describes the geology of the area and you explore the bones of the earth. Don’t forget your camera — the photo opportunities are endless.”
There’s also Village Fest (a diverse array of artists, artisans, entertainers, and purveyors of fresh fruits and veggies, flowers, jewelry, snacks and sweets) every Thursday. We shut down Palm Canyon from Amado to Baristo so you can walk our streets free of those pesky cars from 6 to 10 p.m. Plenty of street vendors, buskers, and all the shops and restaurants are open, too. If you’re a fan of museums and art, the Palm Springs Art Museum is free from 5 to 8 p.m. Don’t forget to pay homage to Marilyn, and check out The Muse Cafe in the museum for a bite to eat.
News alerts
The Pantry at Holiday House launched brunch service on its sunny patio with a South of France flair. Executive Chef Shawn Applin has created a sweet and savory menu and it pairs perfectly with a special selection of rosé wines and Champagnes. Highlights include the photogenic and delicious Shellfish Plateau for sharing, Dutch baby pancakes, fried chicken and waffle, ricotta-stuffed French toast, and much more.
Served Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
It’s BNP Paribas Open time March 3-17, so if you’re preparing to step out down valley, plan for extra time.
Coachella is in April followed by Stagecoach.
When you come visit (and you will), please stay, shop, and eat local. (That means local food — please do not eat the locals. You’ll find us a little dry.) Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels has over 70 choices of excellent hotels and resorts, each a different experience with a variety of price points. Check them out here.
See you next month!
