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November Events Guide: Welcome To Season In Palm Springs!

Season is officially here! We always kick off with a Halloween Party on Arenas, and then bang on into Pride, the biggest party of the year. 

The temperatures haven’t cracked 100 in a few weeks, and we’re about to dip into the 70s during the daytime and 40s or 50s at night. It’s the sweet spot of the fall. If you can, come experience the wonderful weather, and the great events that Palm Springs has to offer.

We try to keep everything local, just like our hotels. So by enjoying one of our hotels, eating in local restaurants, drinking in local bars, and purchasing goods from local shopkeepers, you’ll help keep their doors open for the next time you want to enjoy our little town.

A LOT is going on, so let’s get to it!

Recurring events you shouldn’t miss

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

VillageFest vendors sell everything from handcrafted items to food. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

Thursdays — VillageFest from 6 to 10 p.m. (link has map). Parking might be tough, but not if you stay in one of downtown’s small resorts or hotels. You’re always within walking distance!

Purple Room — Live entertainment Monday through Thursday, no cover. Home to Sunday’s The Judy Show, Friday and Saturday are also ticketed events. Your delicious meal is on you. Last season (thanks to a friend) I saw the fabulous Liz Calloway (who I didn’t know was fabulous until I saw her) and had dinner; both were five stars. This used to be one of Frank’s favorite hot spots (that’s Sinatra). While they’ve leaned toward jazz and cabaret in the past, they’ve been bringing in some unique offerings. You know what? Just check the calendar.

V Wine Lounge and Martini Bar — Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday is live entertainment with a $10 cover to help keep the music alive. Wednesday is karaoke night. I think we have great local entertainers here, and I was heavily involved in the entertainment scene in Chicago and Los Angeles — not a brag, I’ve just been around a lot and a long time. V Wine Lounge and Martini Bar is located in the historic Kaptur Plaza, next to the mid-town Koffi, and is the largest intimate space I have ever seen. It’s basically divided into three rooms, but the concept is open, including the wraparound bar. The drinks are well poured and everything I’ve had on the bites menu was delish! 

Oscar’s is back and better than ever. Renovated inside and out, it’s home to the Sunday Tea Dance and The Bitchiest Brunch. Last season they debuted a new chef whose food inspired finger kisses. The entertainment has always been top-notch, bringing in inspired acts from Los Angeles and around the world. Check out the schedule for their fall shows.

Revolution Stage Company — Just over a year old, this theatre company not only has a season of plays, their stage is always busy in between with shows from all over the country. You never know what’s coming, but go in knowing that the sound system is one of the best, if not the best, in Palm Springs, and is a contender for the whole Coachella Valley. There’s a full bar, and some crazy fun good times to be had here. Last year’s Avenue Q was fantastic.

Dezart Performs — Consistently turning out terrific productions of plays with a message, don’t sleep on an opportunity to see any show this company produces. If “plays with a message” scares you off, please allow me to tell you they are delightful productions with a great deal of heart, and generally cast to perfection. 

Palm Springs Cultural Center — Formerly the Camelot Theatres, the new name might sound stuffy, however it’s everything except stuffy. The first cineplex in the Coachella Valley, the building has been transformed into an entertainment center. You’ll find many film festivals here, as well as plays, traveling acts, and during the week, upstairs, happy hour entertainment. 

Drift — Although this hotel is new-ish in town, it’s showing itself to be a great spot for gathering. Pool side hangs, Savasana on Saturdays, Jueves de Drift, Tacos y Tunes, sound baths, and happy hours at the house restaurant. 

Canopy Wine Lounge — Current November events are listed by date below, however if you are a connoisseur of fine wines, and caviar, this is your spot. Beautifully decorated, and the patio has a view of Marilyn and the mountains (although that will be gone when the new hotel is built at Graffiti Park).

Quadz — Making its first appearance on this list because I was talking to a gay friend of mine about Arenas. I said I didn’t go because I’m a girl, and I didn’t want to be a disruption. He told me that Quadz is the answer. It’s a video bar with fun games and a very welcoming atmosphere. Not that the others aren’t, but many are where gays meet other gays. It’s a party for sure, but bridal squads have been doing takeovers. 100 percent not cool unless you ask first, so I’ve been respectful. This is not the case for Quadz, I’m told. So go have fun! I’ll see you there.  

Retro Room — The only bar dedicated solely to karaoke. It’s small, but that makes it more intimate and less scary to take the stage.

Melvyn’s at The Ingleside Estate — Sundays are swinging at Melvyn’s with an ongoing lineup of the Valley’s best musicians. Programming varies with special guests joining regularly. One of the oldest properties in Palm Springs, Frank Sinatra’s favorite dish was Steak Diane, so don’t skip on the dinner. But definitely go for the Sunday Jams, 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Be prepared, sometimes well-known celebrities stop in and perform. In the past, Neil Sedaka and James Marsden entertained the crowd on a whim. $25 F&B minimum, seating is first come, first served.

Events by date

Palm Springs Vintage Market visitors peruse through retro items on a sunny day in Palm Springs

You never know what you might find while wandering the Palm Springs Vintage Market

Nov. 1: Boozehounds Bow Wow Ball

Nov. 1: Alumination at PS Art Museum

Nov. 1: Mid-Century Moderns long running jukebox musical at Revolution Stage Company

Nov. 1: Palm Springs Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Nov. 2: VELVET MARTINI at PS Underground

Nov. 2: Free Weekend Psychic / Healing Arts Fair (recurring)

Nov. 3: Grateful Goats Paint & Sip at Laster Ranch

Nov. 3: Palm Springs Vintage Market 

Nov. 5: Tomahawk Tuesdays at Kaiser Grille

Nov. 7: NoirCon 2024

Nov. 7: Sip & Savor Italy: An Evening with Paul Feinstein (book signing)

Nov. 8: The Palm Springs Sunset Music & Comedy Festival at Oscar’s

Nov. 9: Amanda Perez and NB RIDAZ at Oscar’s

Nov. 9: No Llores Comedy at Four Twenty Bank (dispensary and party lounge)

Nov. 9-10: PS Women’s Jazz Festival at Annenberg

Nov.10: Amazing Sundays Drag Brunch at Chill Bar

Nov. 10: Divas of the Desert. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., the music starts at noon. Celebrating the music of Roberta Flack and Anita Baker. Some of the hottest female jazz and blues singers in the area. 

Nov. 11: 27th Annual Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade

Nov. 13: Joni Mitchell — The Reckless Daughter at PS Underground

Nov. 15-16: Thorgy Does Christmas at Palm Springs Cultural Center. Famed for her charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent, from RuPaul’s Drag Race to concert halls, the Queen of Classical Music Thorgy Thor performs for two nights only during a fabulous musical holiday extravaganza! Tickets: $49-$79

Nov. 15: Desert Air Music Festival at the Palm Springs Air Museum. These events always slay.

Nov. 16: TASTE x The Shag House hosted by On the Mark. The Shag House is a fun visit — with noshes by On The Mark, it should be pretty special.

Nov. 22: 10th Annual Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival presented by Agua Caliente Casinos. This is not in Palm Springs, but I HAD to tell you about it.

Nov. 22: MOTOWN at PS Underground

Nov. 22: McCormick’s Palm Springs Exotic Car Auction

Nov. 23: 2024 Props and Hops Craft Beer Festival at Palm Springs Air Museum

I’ll clue you in about Pride in another post, same with Thanksgiving, so look for those. In the meantime, pop on over to the PSPSH website and book your stay. It’s the best thing you can do for an authentic Palm Springs experience.

See you in December!

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A Swinging Holiday: December Events in Palm Springs

You’re a smart cookie — you’ve decided to spend the December holidays in Palm Springs at one of our famous boutique hotels and resorts! Clever you, because we’re bringing all the cheer to the yard. Go here to book your hotel stay, read on for your itinerary…

Holiday events

Dec. 1 Jingle Mingle Tree lighting at Downtown Park

Dec. 1: Charles Dickens Writes a Christmas Carol at Revolution Stage Company — Based on a short note in Dickens’ own journal, this adaptation puts Dickens himself centerstage as the characters in the story argue, debate, and cajole him into writing his most famous work.

Dec. 2: Festival of Lights Parade — Bella da Ball, a Palm Springs community sweetheart, social ambassador, and hostess with the mostest, and John Taylor, radio personality at KGAY 106.5, will be parade announcers from Granvia Valmonte.

Dec. 3: Santa at Marilyn 

A Christmas tree made of lights above Palm Springs, California

The view from the top after taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

Dec. 3, 6, 8, and 10: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway — Take the tram to the top of the mountain and enjoy some holiday music with local chorales.

Wild Lights at The Living Desert in Palm Desert

Magic of Lights at the Empire Polo Club

Don’t forget about Village Fest every Thursday. Shop street vendors, try new food (many current P.S. hot spots got their start at Village Fest), and enjoy a cocktail and some great music on every corner. Pro tip: Bring a jacket and wear good shoes. Maybe take an Uber or stay in one of the downtown boutique hotels and walk. Parking is free but hard to find.

Dec. 13: Drew Sebastian and Ethylina Cannes: Cozy Little Christmas Variety Show at Reforma

Dec. 19-23: Snowtopia at the Palm Springs Air Museum — For the little ones: Santa Claus and a playground of 40 tons of real snow, craft making, hot chocolate, s’mores and more. 6 to 9 p.m. Kids 3 and under get in free.

Dec. 20: Deserted Films presents Holiday Oddities II, a unique look at the past through the eyes of home videos and specially curated content. It’s a blast reliving the past.

Stage, theater, film, and concerts

Dec. 6: Kenny Cetera’s Chicago Experience at the Downtown Park. Concert admission is free.

Dec. 6: For Cabaret6: Desert Stars #5, Rose Mallett presents Songs of Sarah, a Sarah Vaughan Tribute at Revolution Stage Company. Nationally known entertainer and local gem in her final local performance of this show set to go on tour.

An ad showing images of Ella Fitzgerald and Keisha D on a purple background

Keisha D will sing Ella Fitzgerald at the final Cabaret 6: Desert Stars show. Courtesy photo

Dec. 13: The final Cabaret6: Desert Stars show is Keisha D Sings Ella Fitzgerald at Revolution Stage Company. She’s a local treasure with big pipes and her own spot on our Walk of Stars.

PS Cultural Center — Formerly Camelot Theaters, the Center is a bastion of entertainment with movies, live theater and music, and special events. It’s off the strip and a favorite of locals. Full bar.

The Bent

Desert Ensemble Theatre

VIP Lounge

Sand, Stars & Guitars

Jazzville — At Cascade Lounge in Agua Caliente Casino

Sunday’s Jazz Jam at Melvyn’s — At Ingleside Estate (née Inn) on Sundays they’ve got the best jazz vocalists in the Valley sitting in with an all-star band. Very Palm Springs.

A list of the different tribute bands playing at Rock the Park in Palm Springs, California

You won’t want to miss any of the free Rock the Park concerts happening over the next several months. Courtesy photo

Dinner clubs

Here’s where you’ll find dinner and a show, each with its own unique spin on the concept.

The Purple Room 

PS Underground

Oscar’s 

PS Air Bar

Entertainment

V Wine Lounge — They’ve got a deliciously unique menu and live entertainment in a mid-mod atmosphere. 

Sammy G’s Tuscan Grill — There’s music in the restaurant, but there’s a party up the stairs in the lounge.

Drag Bingo with Palm Springs icon Bella da Ball, Mondays at 7 p.m. at Kings Highway. Trivia follows in the Amigo Room at 9 p.m. Make a reservation — it’s a hot ticket.

New in town

Canopy Wine Lounge — Quite possibly the newest spot in town, Canopy Wine Lounge opened its doors in late November.

Play Lounge and Cafe — Breakfast, lunch, coffee, cocktails, and old school games that don’t require an Xbox, including a pool table. 

Christmas Eve and the big day dinner

Christmas Eve at Copley’s — Enjoy a delicious three-course dinner, with options including Scottish salmon, sesame ahi tuna, and charred prime filet. View all of the offerings here.

Christmas Eve and Christmas dinner at Lulu California Bistro — Christmas dinner plans this year are made easy at Lulu California Bistro. Reserve your spot for a delicious Christmas Eve or Christmas Day dinner and make your choice between multiple courses.

If you’re looking for the traditional Chinese restaurant food for Christmas Day, I’m afraid I’ve failed you. At this time, I have no recommendations. 

I couldn’t find much for you on New Year’s Eve, since it’s still a bit early for a sleepy little town, but here’s a quick rundown of what’s planned as of now. 

That’s it for me for December! Wishing you the happiest of holidays and I hope you come spend them in the happiest little town in America (fight me!). We’re the nation’s record holder for merry and gay. There’s no such thing, but if there were, we’d win by a landslide!

Ho, ho, ho, ya’ll!

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But It’s A Dry Heat: August Events In Palm Springs

Well kids, it’s been hot, hot, hot. Still, a three-day bake is an absolute must for the sun lover in you. Every hotel in Palm Springs has a pool (as with other things, sizes vary), and many have continental breakfasts. You can stock your own bar, or there’s often a Happy Hour by the pool if you’re craving a little company.

For those looking to hang out poolside during the day, and perhaps make your own romantic dinners or eat in with a delivery from one of our five Michelin Guide restaurants (psst Michelin, you missed a few), Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels offers accommodations with kitchens and dining areas.

For all you party monsters, there’s still plenty to do: clubs are breaking out the karaoke, Star Wars is on the big screen, and a bunch of Happy Hours await you. Let’s get to it:

One and done-ish

The entrance to the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum in Palm Springs, California

Summer events at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum give visitors a chance to cool off while learning something new. Photo by Kathy Condon

Aug. 2: Frisky Business Cat Café presents Mrs. Frisky’s Cat and Eccles Cake Night, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Palm Springs’ only cat café offers a fun experience. If you don’t know what an Eccles cake is (I didn’t), it’s similar to a turnover with fruit filling (usually currant, but I don’t think we have those here, although there’s always Amazon). I have been here, it is delightful. They also have a book club. Cats and books and baked goods? I think I need this.

Aug. 4: Adult hip-hop dance class, Palm Springs Dance Academy

Aug. 4: Summer Sundays at Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Today’s topic: weaving patterns. Discover basket techniques in the classroom and galleries. Complete a step-by-step round reed basket project with cultural educator Lorene Sisquoc (Fort Sill Apache/Cahuilla) and view coiled Cahuilla baskets on display.

Aug. 7: LGBTQ Fundraiser with Del Shores at Revolution Stage Company (to RSVP)

Aug. 7: Backstreet Art District. First Wednesday of every month. It’s a bit off the beaten path, down East Palm Canyon.

Aug. 9-11 and 16-18: Splash House. Two weekends of DJs and splashing.

Aug. 18: PS Art Museum Family+ Artist’s Studio, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. A fun and free event for everyone. The museum is transformed into a creative hub where artists, makers, and musicians come together to offer a variety of exciting activities and workshops for kids, teens, and families.

Aug. 22: H3K Wine & Design Event, 4 to 6 p.m. Very cool mid-mid designed furniture (indoor and out), clocks, and other household design items. And wine. Don’t forget the wine.

Recurring events

Large art installations inside the Palm Springs Art Museum in California

An inside view of the Palm Springs Art Museum. Photo courtesy of the Palm Springs Art Museum

Thursdays: Free admission to the Palm Springs Art Museum, Village Fest, and official after party at Maleza in Drift. Tap into the Cabo spirit weekly with live DJs, $5 tacos a la plancha, $5 beer, $8 cocktails, and night swims.

Sundays: Summer School Wine Tasting Class with a Palm Springs Bottleshop sommelier, inside Mojave Flea Trading Post, 383 North Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs.

Historical Society Private Tours

Sukha Life’s Elevate Sound Bath

Crystal Fantasy: All the woo you can possibly handle in one place. Fun shopping, browsing, great energy, classes. Events include a Reiki Healing Circle and Weekend Psychic Fair.

Groovy locations with libations

A document with flamingos on it and the summer hours of V Wine Lounge

Take note of V Wine Lounge’s summer hours to plan accordingly

V Wine Lounge & Martini Bar: This fantastic retro lounge has entertainment five days a week from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Happy Hour on Saturdays from 3 to 7 p.m.

Cascade Lounge: Ticketed entertainment. Comedy and music. 

PS Cultural Center events:

Movies

Star Wars

Encore: A Summer Concert Film Series: Jazz on a Summer Day, Woodstock, Wattstax

Hitchcock retrospective on Aug. 2: Strangers on a Train

Bob & Bing

Desert Film Society – Great series including foreign films.

Quadz: Gay bar on corner of Arenas and Indian Canyon. Tuesdays are for Tiki & Trivia; Thursdays are Karaoke Night; showtunes on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays; and the fourth Sunday of the month is Comedy Night.

Reforma Nightclub:

Thursdays, Banda Night

Fridays, Gasolina Party

Saturdays, Belico Party

Aug. 31: DaddyPop! A Labor Day Tea Dance from 3 to 7 p.m.

Hunters (on Arenas)

Aug. 6: Karaoke Night

Aug. 7: Drag Me to Bingo

Drift Hotel (great hotel with a great restaurant, and a ton of stuff to do):

Savasana Yoga (free with RSVP), shaded but outdoors

Friday Comedy Nights: Reviews are in, first show a huge success!

Aug. 8: Good Vibrations Soundbath by Sukha

Happy Hours

Zin American Bistro: Tequila Tuesdays and daily Happy Hour 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed Wednesdays) and 3 to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Stay for dinner!

Quadz: Daily (yes, there’s one in Vegas)

We’re a sleepy town during the summer, so Labor Day events have not been announced yet. Check out the Chamber of Commerce for updates if you’ve got a hankering to know. Or just show up and ask. We’re sleepy but we’re super friendly. Ciao for now!

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It’s Always Sunny In Palm Springs: January 2024 Events

If you’re reading this, YAY! You made it to the other side of 2023, also known as 2024! Here’s a roundup of all the good things that happened in 2023:

Scientists discovered that hitting the snooze button on your alarm has positive benefits.

And that concludes our roundup of good things in 2023! 

There is, however, one thing that can soothe a beast of a year away, and that’s a visit to Palm Springs. That’s right, we’ve pretty much got the market cornered on sunshine, and we’re showcasing it 350 days out of 365. And not to brag or anything, but Palm Springs was named one of the top 10 most culturally vibrant cities in the U.S. in 2023. Take that other cities, we got all the culture right here. Don’t believe me? Line up, culture. Let’s go!

Culture roll call

Theatre? Yes ma’am! 

The Bent, Desert Ensemble Theatre, Dezart Performs, and Revolution Stage Company 

Music? Yes ma’am!

The Purple Room, PS Air, PS Underground, PS Cultural Center, Jazzville

Concerts? Yes ma’am!

Acrisure Arena, and the casinos

Museums? Yes ma’am!

Palm Springs Art Museum, PS Air Museum

Hiking? Yes ma’am!

Indian Canyons, Palm Springs Tramway

Art? Yes ma’am!

Desert Arts Center

Michelin Guide restaurants? Yes ma’am!

We even have two places with “Cultural Center” as part of their names, for crying out loud. 

Star power in Palm Springs

We’ve got other stuff, too — in fact we’ve got all the stuff and we’re not wasting any time rolling it out for you, because we’re starting off 2024 with an explosion of star power at the Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF). You can check out the entire schedule and more here. That’s Jan. 4-14, and there is a lot to do. Folks being honored? Well, there’s Colman Domingo, Cillian Murphy, Greta Gerwig, Billie Eilish, Emma Stone, and Carey Mulligan, just to name a few. You might see them out and about town too. 

I mentioned cultural centers a nano ago, and PSIFF actually got its start at the Palm Springs Cultural Center (formerly known as Camelot Theaters). Built in the mid-1960s, Camelot was the first cineplex in Palm Springs, and has morphed into a home for all sorts of cool stuff. It’s not only still home to PSIFF, but abounds with other film festivals throughout the year. And it’s home to two theater companies. Plus there’s live music at least five days a week; just last month, the PSCC was lousy with Broadway stars singing their little hearts out. Yes, you could have seen Megan Hilty had you booked a wee vacation to our little slice of paradise.

The other cultural center is brand new, and it’s pretty exciting. It’s the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum (okay, not center, but close enough), and it’s recently opened to rave reviews. Built on an ancient hot mineral spa that was the foundation of the tribe for years, there are indoor and outdoor permanent exhibitions as well as some that will be ever changing. It’s definitely worth your time. Plus, it’s right next to the Spa at Séc-he, an extravagant indulgence you won’t want to miss. Sometimes an experience is worth every single penny, and this is one of those. 

News and reminders

If you’re not into spas (what?), films, or movie people patting each other on the back, the long awaited Palm Springs Surf Club has opened! Catch a wave, or lunch, or just float down a lazy river — it’s a thrilling new addition to our little city that’s almost 10 years in the making.

We are also saying goodbye to Antigua restaurant, but are welcoming Alice B’s, Minerva’s, and Toucan’s — it’s now under the ownership of the same folks that brought us Chicken Ranch (yum!). A local newspaper tells me that Skylark Hotel is opening their own little eatery, but that’s all I can find. I’ll keep you updated on that as I know. 

Reminders: Modernism Week is in February, and if you haven’t booked anything yet, good luck to you. There may be a few things left to do, but some of the local theaters and venues are rising to the occasion with their own non-Modernism Week mid-mod activities. 

Don’t forget every weekend Crystal Fantasy has their psychic fair, so pop in and see what 2024 holds for you.

Just a reminder of how fun we are, there’s an entire new TV series set here. Palm Royale is an Apple production á la Slim Aarons with Kristin Wiig. She’s always a great anti-hero. The linked article talks about Palm Beach and Palm Springs, which confuses me, but I’m not worried — that’s fairly normal. 

Don’t forget that the first Sunday of every month is the Palm Springs Vintage Market, but if you miss that, we’ve got scads of places off Industrial for you to get your mid-mod fix on (Antique Galleries of Palm Springs, 505 Industrial Pl.; Sunny Dunes Antique Mall, 507 E. Sunny Dunes Rd.; Little Shop of Treasures, 616 E. Sunny Dunes Rd.; Aida’s Antiques, 401 Industrial Pl.).

And then there are the tours:

Desert Tasty Tours — Three hours of foodie fun with a little bit of history thrown in for good measure

Palm Springs Historical Society (and museum!) — Many options here

Red Jeep Tours

Cannabis Express Tours — Call 310-467-6677

Five Star Adventure Tours

The Best of the Best Tours

And just in case you weren’t aware, the folks here are so nice that you just might think we’re Canadian. But we’re not (well, some of us are) — we’re just happy you’re here so we can show off! We’re kinda proud of us, and want to share the love. Plus, it’s more fun when you’re here too. See you soon!

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Truly July: Events In Palm Springs

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!

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In The Merry Merry Month Of May: A Palm Springs Events Guide

We’re rolling into summer, which means hotter days with evenings in the 70s (we’re leaving it a surprise as to whether it’s high or low 70s). 

So far, we’ve made it through the International Film Festival, Modernism Week, the BNP, Coachella, Stagecoach, and in June we’ve got Short Fest. This month we celebrate Cinco de Mayo, but the rest of May is all about a chill vibe desert style. 

The snowbirds are leaving, which also means Palm Springs is less crowded, and the streets are less congested. The rest of us (who I like to call Desert Warriors), we stick around through it all. And when the weather is like this, we trot out our coolest and most fashionable outfits. 

Speaking of which, The Block has all of the latest fashion, and the boutiques have their own unique styles. You can curate your look for summer way before the rest of the world, where summer is a few more months away. And you know what? You don’t have to shop. You don’t have to do anything. Maybe you just “want to be alone” like one of our OG movie stars, Greta Garbo. In that case, live in swimwear by the pool at your boutique hotel, and order in from Postmates. The options for a good time are endless, but you know what won’t be? The drive. No special events to bottle neck the roads, or the airport.  Smooth sailing all the way. 

For those who are not choosing to only hang out by the pool, here are some fun things to consider:

Ongoing weekly events in Palm Springs

Thursdays is Village Fest. At 6 p.m. we shut down Palm Canyon so you can walk those blocks, listen to buskers, buy things from vendors, have a cocktail and a nosh or two. Some of our brick and mortars started here: Brandini Toffee and The HeyDay. PS Art Museum also has free hours from 5 to 8 p.m. 

Fridays at 7:30 p.m. you can get two-stepping at Dance Ranch. Straight couples, gay couples, non-couples — who cares, it’s a dance class followed by dancing. $5

Saturdays are for the PS Farmer’s Market (Townie Bagels kinda got started here). Although the certified market will continue throughout the year, May is the last month it’s outdoors.

Belico Party happens every Saturday at Reforma Night Club.

Sundays at Chill Bar: Amazing Sundays Drag Brunch

Also, Churrasco finally opened. Recent reviews are 10 out of 10, no notes! Sorry, Arby’s they’ve got the meats, Brazilian style!

Special events

May 1: First Wednesday Art Walk at Kee Gallery, 5 to 7 p.m. It’s about 15 minutes from downtown, but it’s a cool little area.

May 1: PS I Love You Scavenger Hunt. From their website: “Embark on an extraordinary journey with a twist! This is not your typical scavenger hunt; it’s a creative and immersive departure from the ordinary.” $35 (multiple dates)

May 4: Entertainment Convention. There will be comic books, collectibles, cosplay, toys, cards, live panels, celebrity guests, food, and fun for the entire family. Kids nine and under are free with a paid adult. At PS Convention Center.

May 5: Cinco de Mayo brunch at PS Underground.

May 7: Vintage Market. Last one until October.

May 8: The Gand Band The Beatles and Beyond at Cascade Lounge at Agua Caliente Downtown Casino.

May 9 to 12: Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival. Shady guys, shady dolls, and coppers. You know the drill. They’ll never take us alive.

May 14: Movies in the Park, Jurassic Park, at Downtown Park next to Marilyn. Free.

May 15: Gregory Douglass at Palm Springs Cultural Center. He’s an amazing singer, and he’s a blogger here at Boutiquely Palm Springs!

May 25: Daddy/Pop at Reforma. The event will feature retro go-gos, flaggers, and fan dancers, plus a guest DJ, drink specials, and photography. Tickets are $10–$15 in advance and $20 at the door.

May 27: Memorial Day Flower Drop, PS Air Museum. It’s not the only thing happening at the air museum, tool around the website for some fantastic exhibits, opportunities, and events.

May 28: Movies in the Park, Pee Wee’s Big Adventure. Downtown Park

May 31: Restaurant Week begins in the Valley.

The beat goes on…

These are live entertainment venues with fantastic talent. Most are ticketed events, and worth every dime. 

The Purple Room

Revolution Stage Company

V Wine Lounge

Palm Springs Cultural Center

PS Underground

Play Lounge

PSAir

Last call before summer

If you’re missing Modernism Week, check out Modern Tour. They have a few options to tour inside some of Palm Springs most iconic homes.

And if you’re itching for something to do, the Palm Springs Historical Society has some groovy tours including walking, biking, and private vehicle tours.

Desert Tasty Tours offers a very fun, very tasty, three-hour food, booze, and history “tour.” It only covers two blocks of downtown so it’s not at all vigorous, with some delicious food at each destination.

No, I didn’t forget — how could I forget the mothers? Palm Springs was built by them, and guess what? It’s still a great place to bring Mom for an indulgent spa weekend. So, get cracking on those Mother’s Day plans.

Cheers to all the moms past, present, and future! 

P.S. I didn’t mention how gorgeous it is out here right now. It’s gorgeous out here right now. (There!) All that rain gave us green mountains and bright, cheerful flowers. You don’t need to go anywhere specific — it’s everywhere you are in Palm Springs. Come see!

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Looks Like We Made It: January 2025 Events

We made it to 2025! Well, I’m assuming we did, as this is the voice from Christmas Past. Right now drones and orbs are appearing all over the world, except here in Palm Springs. Our skies are currently orb free, which is a little annoying because by now, if they’ve done their homework, the aliens should know that our little town is chill AF.

So, if you’re an ET or even just a human looking for a getaway with the coolest of vibes, read on. 

A film festival for the ages

Jan. 2-13: Palm Springs International Film Festival. It doesn’t get much cooler than this. Every star that brightened our screens in 2024 will be honored at the opening ceremony/party that starts off the whole shebang. You can buy day passes, single passes, or an event pass.  

Hockey

Jan. 3: Day one of the Cactus Cup at Acrisure Arena

Jan. 4: Day two of the Cactus Cup at Acrisure Arena

Comedy

Jan. 17: Calling all lesbians (and other lovers of comedy)! Enjoy Mina Hartog in her one-woman stand up Miss Personality at Revolution Stage Company. Shows at 5 and 8 p.m. (Taped show, be prepared to sign a waiver.)

The Rock Gallery is a new comedy club in downtown. Pretty sure everyone can use a laugh post 2024. Amirite?

Theater

Jan. 17-26: Fat Ham at Dezart Performs. It’s Hamlet at a BBQ. Really looking forward to this production, Dezart rarely makes a misstep.

Jan. 24-Feb. 2: Tru starring Chuck Yates at Desert Ensemble Theatre. Yates brings Capote to life in this one-man show. 

Festivals

Jan. 31: Taste of Jalisco. This three-day extravaganza includes live entertainment, a fair and carnival, an artisan market, tequila tasting, mouth watering food, and much more.

Feb. 1: Soul Spring Festival, 1 to 6 p.m. at Downtown Park in Palm Springs. This vibrant celebration of soul and jazz music will include performances by top artists, along with an interactive soul music singalong of classic hits. Admission is free. Bring your lawn chairs.

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 and demiurgic creations.

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 in the weekends. You MUST see The Judy Show. 

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

Everything except dinner

Palm Springs Cultural Center — Another great home for entertainment in Palm Springs. It is not only a favorite of film fests, but there’s live entertainment upstairs during the week and it’s home to two local theater companies during season. Check out the website for their Broadway series, bringing stars of the Great White Way to Palm Springs.

Revolution Stage Company — There’s always something going on here. In addition to an aggressive theatrical season, with Spring Awakening playing Jan. 14-30, acts from all over the country bring their original shows here for your enjoyment. 

Tours

Desert Tasty Tours — Six delicious food stops on a three-hour walking culinary tour covering three blocks of downtown Palm Springs. Your guide will share fun facts about our little city, and some history along the way. 

Red Jeep Tours — Up into the mountains you go on this tour.

Golf Cart Tour — New tour in town. Six-seater golf cart with history and food stops along the way.

And that’s a wrap for January. Don’t forget to shop and stay local so you can visit again!

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No June Gloom Here — Events In Sunny Palm Springs

We’re getting into sleepy town time here in Palm Springs. The misters are on and the specials are rolling out, but the sidewalks are not rolling up. We’re not deep into sleepy town time, we’re at half past. 

This go-round we have a few events of note, some of the usual suspects, a new outrageously fun tour, and then those specials. Many of our hotels are offering summer rates too, so you can stay local.

It’s a great time to come, but take a tip from the locals: do all the “heavy lifting” before 10 a.m. Late mornings you can stroll the strip under those misters, and stop for bites and happy hours or lunch until you’re ready to pool. They’re still a pleasant temperature, because the weather is deliciously warm during the days and still on the cool end in the evenings. It’s a great place and time to come for a getaway in the desert to recharge. IYKYK.

When you’re not recharging, you’re gonna want something to do. That’s where I come in. Read on: 

June Events

Palm Springs International Short Film Festival — AKA ShortFest Film Festival taking place June 24-30. 

Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week through June 8 — I’ve put the link here for you to explore, but I’ve also got a post with all of the participating Palm Springs restaurant all sorted out for you. 

Beale AFB Air and Space Expo 2025 — June 7 at 8 a.m.-June 9 at 5 p.m. at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Showcasing the cutting-edge capabilities of the U.S. Air Force and fostering community connection to its vital mission. For more about the show and Beale, click here.

Happy Hours

Lulu California Bistro — Happy Hour: Daily from 11 a.m. until closing (bar area only). Specials: $5.99 domestic beers, $8.99 specialty cocktails, and discounted bar bites.

Trio Palm Springs — Happy Hour: Daily from 4 to 6 p.m. in the bar; all day on Tuesdays in the bar and misted patio. Specials: $6 wine and well cocktails, $4 beer, $10 well martinis, and 25% off all bottles of wine on Wednesdays.

Zin American Bistro — Happy Hour: Weekdays from Noon to 6 p.m.; weekends from 3 to 6 p.m. (bar area only). Specials: $2 off draft beer, $8 well cocktails, champagne and wine specials, and a selection of happy hour snacks.

Chill Bar Palm Springs — Happy Hour: Tuesday to Saturday until 7 p.m.; Sunday from 2:30 to 7 p.m. Specials: half off all well drinks, $1 off draft beer, and $2 off wine.

Food and Drink Specials (Outside of Restaurant Week)

Kaiser Grille has a sunset special, which is what most restaurants call an early bird special, but we’re no longer naming things after birds. We’ve already got our beloved snowbirds, and an awful lot of real birds. I don’t know if that’s the real reason — likely not as I made up. 

The point being, if you enjoy an early dinner and like to pepper the rest of your evening with bar bites and cocktails along the way, this is a great choice. I learned long ago, you gotta eat before you party. Here’s what you get: two courses (one first and one entrée). The first course is on them, you pay for your entrée. Butts in seats by 5:30 p.m. please. Tuesdays are Tomahawk Night — the kind you eat, not throw. I’m sure we could find a bar in a 20-mile radius that has the latter available if you really feel the need.

Lulu California Bistro — Daily lunch specials starting at $12.99, including a main course and beverage.

Trio Restaurant — “Wine Wednesdays” offer 25% off all bottles of wine.

Zin American Bistro — Weekend brunch specials include $5 mimosas and Bloody Marys.

Chill Bar Palm Springs — “Sunday Funday” features $5 Bloody Marys and mimosas until 2 p.m. (Food menu varies but includes brunch items.)

The Tropicale — Three-course prix fixe dinner menu available Sunday through Thursday for $39.

Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge — “Martini Mondays” come with an optional food pairing menu and lounge bites.

Entertainment

Acrisure Arena: June 21: Banda MS, June 29: Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live – Glow N Fire 

PS Underground — Their schedule so far is going into July, and you will not be disappointed in the food or the entertainment. Tables are banquet style, but your meal has been especially designed for the show and it’s so “satisfying and delicious, you may even eat the dishes.” (Don’t do that, the dishes aren’t edible, it’s a song by Willie Wonka.)  

Most of the tours have shut down for the season, but not one of the newest tours on your dance card: Drag and Fly Tours. A unique tour by Palm Springs’ most engaging Queens, Drag and Fly Tours is a one-of-a-kind experience that mixes live drag performances, storytelling, and video to showcase Palm Springs’ most iconic sights. Wait until you get a load of the bus!

Palm Springs VillageFest: Held every Thursday evening in downtown Palm Springs, offering art, entertainment, shopping, and food on Palm Canyon Drive.

Palm Springs Cultural Center: This June the Center reverts back to its roots, a movie house, playing all of the classics you’d love to see on the big screen all summer long. Built in the late 1960s and the first cineplex in the Valley, the Palm Springs Cultural Center was formerly Camelot Theatres. The sound and picture here are so fantastic that a wide variety of film festivals call it home. From screwball comedy Sundays to Hitchcock to director’s cuts of well received movies. Many of these will have a Q&A right after, and if you’re a cinephile, this is heaven.

Events include: a Hitchcock retrospective and Q&A for Dial M For Murder (June 6), The Graduate (June 13), All About Eve (June 20), and Oklahoma! (June 29)

Coming soon

And for future you, advance tickets are now available for the Broadway’s Best…In The West concert series, returning in the fall with their third season. Executive produced by Dr. Tom Truhe and presented by the Palm Springs Cultural Center, these events sell out very fast. This year, the musical guests will be: Paulo Szot, Sierra Boggess, Jessica Vosk, Tony Yasbeck. The shows being in December and run once a month until the last show in March.

That’s it for June, we’ll be heating it up next month and if all goes as it usually does, we’ll be moving into Splash House time in the beginning of August.

Don’t forget about the Palm Springs Surf Club, it has surfing, a restaurant and a few new events you might like to check out like the all swim. It’s a pretty cool place!

Ciao for now!

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March Madness, Palm Springs Style

Mad Hatter: Have I gone mad?

Alice: I’m afraid so. You’re entirely bonkers. But I’ll tell you a secret. All the best people are. 

― Tim Burton

If you’re not into sports and you’re still looking for madness, we’ve got you covered 365 days a year — even more so this March. There is SO much going on, it’s crazy pants. And the upcoming months are going to be jam-packed as well, so let’s get it started, uh-huh, oh yeah…

Recurring events

These will be here every month. Some of them will change their lineups, but make no mistake, they are always 100% worth your time.

Mondays: 7 p.m., Bella da Ball calls Bingo at King’s Highway followed by trivia at 9 p.m. At 6’4”, Bella is not only the most visible drag queen in Palm Springs, but she’s (arguably) our first lady (although no one will argue with you on that).

Oscar’s — A myriad of different entertainers, including a couple of fun plays this month on Thursdays and Fridays.

The Purple Room — Free shows Tuesday-Thursday, ticketed on weekends. Sundays: THE JUDY SHOW IS BACK!!!!!!

PS Air Bar — Dressed up like the inside of an airplane, they have good food and entertainment to boot. It’s an experience.

Drink up at PS Air. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

PS Underground — This is unlike anything you will ever find anywhere. From the wickedly creative mind of producer Michael Fietsam and the culinary genius of Dave Horgan, you will never be disappointed.

Cascade Lounge at the Agua Caliente Casino in downtown Palm Springs. Terrific space, great spot for comedy and our very own Jazzville.

PS Art Museum — Thursdays are free from 4:30 to 7 p.m.

Thursday’s Village Fest — It’s like the tram. You gotta go at least once.

V Wine Lounge — The second Sunday of every month is the ladies T Dance. This began in February, and at the time of this typing is the only consistent lesbian party in Palm Springs. V Wine Bar is absolutely gorgeous inside, and also has a HUGE patio. A great place to start or end an evening in Palm Springs.

Historical Tours at Palm Springs Historical Society — SO many to choose from and absolutely worth the price.

MOGO Silent Disco — Use code “pspsh10” at checkout for a 10 percent discount!

Desert Tasty Tours — Full disclosure, I am one of the tour guides on the five-stop food tasting historical tour. It’s hella fun, especially for me.

Limited events

March 1: Dezart Performs: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Gynecological Oncology Unit at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center of New York City

March 1-5: Palm Canyon Theatre: The Scarlet Pimpernel

March 1-5: CVRep: Once

March 3-5: LGBTQ Days Cathedral City including LGBTQ Days Cathedral City Bed Race

March 5: Palm Springs Vintage Market

Palm Springs Vintage Market

You never know what you’ll find at the Palm Springs Vintage Market. Photo by Katy Carrier

March 17-28: Palm Canyon Theatre: Daddy’s Dyin’ Who’s Got The Will 

March 17-23: Fashion Week El Paseo

March 18: Red Dress Party at Palm Springs Air Museum (it’s a cool place during the day too!)

March 19: Alohana: A Palm Springs Celebration of Tiki Culture

March 24-25: Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival

March 4-May 7: Desert X 2023

March 26: South Palm Canyon Art Collective Sunday Soiree 

Upcoming events alert!

April 14-16 and April 21-23: Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. If you need a room, we’ve got you.

Sept. 20-24: The Dinah. For party details, click here.

Palm Springs Cultural Center (This is also known as the Camelot Theatres)

The state-of-the-art theater was built in 1967, with the original screen fabricated in England and specially designed for the Camelot — with a curvilinear width of 68*4 feet, installed on a 120-degree arc, you’re not going to miss a thing. But wait, there’s more. They not only play current releases (blockbuster and niche) and films that are often LGBTQ+ forward, but they get creative with their programming as well. Don’t go anywhere, I’m not done.

There is a restaurant called Mildred’s (named after the character Mildred Pierce), two theater companies (Desert Ensemble Theatre and The Bent), name acts on the main stage, and local favorites in the upstairs lounge. If they had a hotel you wouldn’t have to go anywhere. And I didn’t even mention the farmer’s market and vintage fair! There’s so much going on, I’m dedicating the last bit of this month’s blog to their calendar.

Sundays: Keisha D, Soulful Sundays, Relive the heyday and hits of Motown with soul and jazz legend Keisha D.

Mondays: Mon Petit Salon. Tour the world with violin virtuoso Jeremie Levi Samson and guests.

Tuesdays: Jazz on the Second Floor. Join Leanna and the Jazz Collective for Latin and straight-ahead jazz.

Wednesdays: The Mod Squad. Join Francesca Amari, Jeff Stewart, and Wayne Abravanel for Mod Pop.

Leanna & The Jazz Collective. Photo courtesy of the Palm Springs Cultural Center

Film

March 2: PS Rewinds: Terry Gilliam — Brazil

March 3: Fellini Retrospective — Juliet of the Spirits

March 4: Desert Film Society — Carol of the Bells (Ukraine/Poland)

March 5: Screwball Sundays — It Happened One Night

March 8: Movies In The Park — Gigi

March 11: Desert Film Society — The Night of the 12th (France/Belgium)

March 11-12: The Rocky Horror Picture Show — Coachella Valley Shadow Cast Auditions

March 12: Screwball Sundays — Bringing Up Baby 

March 17: PS Rewinds: Terry Gilliam — The Adventures of Baron Munchausen

March 19: Screwball Sundays — The Thin Man

March 21: Among Friends Interactive — Sister Act

March 22: Movies In The Park — How to Marry a Millionaire

March 24: New York Dog Film Festival + Benefit

March 25: Desert Film Society — More Than a Roll With a Hole

March 26-29: Jewish Film Festival

March 30-April 3: American Documentary Film Festival

Note: Screwball Sundays is a new film retrospective series featuring classic screwball comedies shown as Sunday matinees, March 5 through June 18.

“The Thin Man” is part of the new Screwball Sundays series. Photo courtesy of the Palm Springs Cultural Center

Live music

March 1: The Swingin’ Sixties

March 6: Sand, Stars, and Guitars — Special Consensus

March 7: The Swingin’ Sixties

March 9: Razzle Dazzle: A Broadway Revue

March 13: Glenn Miller Orchestra

March 21: CV Philharmonic Society Chamber Series: Early Music

March 23: Razzle Dazzle: A Broadway Revue 

Outdoor markets

Saturdays: Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market 

Sundays: Palm Desert Certified Farmers’ Market 

Theatre

March 10-12, 17-19: Desert Ensemble Theatre Company: Kafka’s Joke

March 2-4: The Bent: Gently Down the Stream

March 7 and 14: The Bent: The Lincoln Debate

March 25: Jimmy Dore Live! 

March 24: PS Dance Project — Communities’ Finest

March 26: L-Fund Grant Comedy Series: Robin Tyler

That’s it for March! Don’t forget to shop and stay local. See you for more madness next month!

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Movies, Concerts, And More Await At The Palm Springs Cultural Center

The Palm Springs Cultural Center, less than two miles from Downtown Palm Springs, serves as a hub for many of our cultural experiences. It also is a great place to mingle with locals and learn more about our city.

50 years in Palm Springs

A black and white photo shows the Camelot Theater in Palm Springs as it looked when it opened in the late 1960s

The Camelot Theatre in its early days. Photo courtesy of the Palm Springs Cultural Center

The center originally opened in February 1967 as the Camelot Theatre, with a 625-seat auditorium, and in 1971, Camelot II was built next door. The theatre was in the Palm Springs Mall, and due to harsh economic conditions, it closed in January 1992. Palm Springs Mall management saved it from the wrecking ball, though it remained an empty space for eight years.

In 1999, it was purchased by Ric and Rozene Supple, who renovated the theatre and added state-of-the-art equipment. They eventually donated the building, and it was renamed the Palm Springs Cultural Center in 2018.

Today’s Palm Springs Cultural Center

Fresh onions and greens grown at local farms for sale at the Certified Farmers Market at the Palm Springs Cultural Center

Fresh produce can be found every Saturday at the Palm Springs Cultural Center’s Certified Farmers Market. Photo by Kathy Condon

Under the guidance of Executive Director Michael Green, who is also co-owner of The Triangle Inn, the Palm Springs Cultural Center hosts screenings and events throughout the year. Every January, many films from the International Film Festival are shown here, and in March, AmDocs takes over all three theatres and welcomes directors and producers from all over the world.

When no special events are taking place, current and vintage movies are shown in the 125-seat or 625-seat auditoriums. By the way, they have great popcorn with real butter.

On the grounds surrounding the Palm Springs Cultural Center, a Certified Farmers Market is held on Saturdays, offering everything from flowers to fresh produce from outlying farms. It is a time when locals flock here to buy homemade bread, listen to music, and gather their produce for the week’s meals.

Follow the winding staircase

A staircase leads upstairs to the VIP Lounge at the Palm Springs Cultural Center

Take this staircase up to the VIP Lounge and a guaranteed good time. Photo by Kathy Condon

Walking into the center to the right of the door, you will notice a staircase. This winds its way to the second floor, where you will enter a space filled with tables, an outdoor patio, and a bar waiting to serve you your favorite cocktail.

Recently, I attended a live performance by Gregory Douglass here in the VIP Lounge. About 50 of us mingled, ordered cocktails, and settled in to listen to Gregory — a fellow blogger for Boutiquely Palm Springs — perform some of his original songs. Gregory is a transplant via Vermont, where he wrote his songs and produced and released 10 albums.

With his keyboard and guitars strategically placed at one end of the lounge, Gregory warmly welcomed us with his broad smile and immediately revealed his sense of humor. The intimate setting made us feel like we were visiting a secret salon.

We were honored to hear two newly written songs, which will be on his 11th album and had never before been performed in front of an audience. In between, he shared anecdotes about his life and thoughts when creating his music. There was much laughter; Gregory displayed genuine awareness of the audience throughout the evening and did not shy away from sharing the bloopers in this life and performance.

A man in a striped shirt and a woman in a green dress pose in front of a keyboard at the Palm Springs Cultural Center

Kathy Condon and Gregory Douglass pose after Gregory’s VIP Lounge performance. Photo courtesy of Kathy Condon

I asked Gregory about performing in the VIP Lounge, and he revealed that it “fills my heart to have friends and local music lovers take a chance on an evening of (mostly) original music. I think it is such a powerful exchange with the audience to perform my emotionally-centered songs in an intimate setting like the Palm Springs Cultural Center VIP Lounge.”

The VIP Lounge is often a pre-show cocktail location for special events and shows. However, as Gregory notes, it is also a great place to learn about and discover artists living in the area. As a side benefit, it is small enough to allow one to mingle with locals and talk to the artists before and after their performances.

The Palm Springs Cultural Center’s breadth of events continues to introduce people to new talent, vintage films, and creative endeavors of individuals who are either starting or reviving their careers. Before you visit Palm Springs, check out the center’s website and sign up for its newsletter so you can find out what’s happening while you’re in town.

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