From film fest to farmers markets: 10 things to do in the desert this week
Niki KottmannThe Coachella Valley is home to a number of events and activities to take part in this winter. If you're interested in filling your calendar, we've put together a list of 10 things happening this week.
To submit an event for consideration, send an email to niki.kottmann@desertsun.com with the time, date, location and price of admission, as well as a brief event description. Photos are not required but very encouraged as part of the submission.
Check out the following events this week:
Palm Springs International Film Festival
Cinephiles, it's finally here. Kick off 2024 by grabbing some tickets to the Palm Springs International Film Festival. From Talking Pictures Q&As with the stars to a new dinner series, there's much more to explore beyond the 180 films screening, and it all runs through Martin Luther King Jr. Day. View the complete schedule at psfilmfest.org.
When: Now through Jan. 15
Where: Various locations, check website
Cost: Starting at $15 per film
More info: www.psfilmfest.org
More:Emma Stone, Penélope Cruz and more stars shine at Creative Impact Awards in Palm Springs
More:Overheard on the red carpet: Billie Eilish, Emma Stone and more at the Palm Springs Film Awards
More:7 most memorable moments from the 2024 Palm Springs International Film Awards
Keyboard Conversations With Jeffrey Siegel: 'The Power And Passion Of Beethoven'
Interested in a concert with commentary? Head to acclaimed pianist Jeffrey Siegel's latest performance in the desert, which will include a program centered around "Sonata for Therese" Opus 78 and the heaven storming "Appassionata" Opus 57.
When: 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8
Where: McCallum Theatre, 73-000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert
Cost: $25-$45
More info:www.mccallumtheatre.org
'The Tina Turner Tribute by Debby Holiday' Rock the Park Concert
What's Love Got to Do with It? Just grab some beach chairs or blankets and head to downtown Palm Springs to celebrate a music powerhouse gone too soon. Tina Turner, who died in May at 83, rose to prominence as the lead singer of the husband-wife duo Ike & Tina Turner, but became a star in her own right. Come out and enjoy tribute performer Debby Holiday's renditions of all the "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll"'s beloved classics.
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10
Where: Downtown Park, corner of Museum Way and Belardo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: Free
More info: https://visitpalmsprings.com/events
Free Night/Thursday Night Sessions at the Palm Springs Art Museum
Feeling artsy? Thursday nights at the Palm Springs Art Museum are free to the public, so prepare to enjoy the valley's largest public collection of contemporary art. New this fall are Thursday Night Sessions in the lobby with Tina Turntables as the resident DJ. She'll be accompanied by a host of guest DJs, performers, and entertainment throughout the season. Bonus: Every Thursday night, the museum's hotel partner, Drift Palm Springs, invites the public to an informal after party featuring free swims and a late-night happy hour menu from 8 to 10 p.m. On Jan. 11, the event will also feature performances by beloved local artists Giselle Woo & Indiocholo.
When: 5-8 p.m. every Thursday (including Thursday, Jan. 11)
Where: Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 Museum Drive, Palm Springs
Tickets: Free
More info: psmuseum.org; (760) 322-4800
More:Palm Springs Art Museum's 2024 exhibitions include Albert Frey, Norman Zammitt and more
'Avenue Q'
Winner of the Tony "Triple Crown" for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book, "Avenue Q" is part flesh, part felt and packed with heart. This hilarious musical tells the classic story of a recent college grad named Princeton, who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. He soon discovers that, although the residents seem nice, it's clear that this is not your ordinary neighborhood. Together, Princeton and his new-found friends struggle to find jobs, dates and their ever-elusive purpose in life. Note: This show is not suitable for children (even though it uses puppets).
When: Jan. 11-25 (see website for specific dates and times)
Where: Revolution Stage Company, 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: $35-$45
More info: www.revolutionstagecompany.com
Third Annual 'Paint the Desert' Plein Air Festival
The Desert Plein Air Association and the Artist Council are joining forces again for one of the Coachella Valley's most peaceful artistic escapes. The festival's focal point is the Artist Center at the Galen, where a dual showcase awaits. "The Desert Landscape Show" will exhibit colorful paintings, created either in studios or en plein air, providing a diverse range of perspectives on our beautiful desert landscape. Plein air painters will also be conducting live paintings on-site (of said landscape) Jan. 13-16. In conjunction with the exhibitions, the Galen will also host several workshops and live demonstrations.
When: Jan. 11-Feb. 4
Where: Artist Center at the Galen, 72-567 Highway 111, Palm Desert
Cost: Free admission to the exhibits. Workshops range from $90 to $125 per participant.
More info:www.desertpleinair.org
Desert Theatreworks Presents: 'Gilligan's Island - The Musical'
Need a getaway? Sail to an island far, far away — yet somehow very familiar — in this musical adaptation of the most popular American sitcom of the 1960s. Written by the original TV show’s creator, Sherwood Schwartz, all the show’s beloved characters are back for the stage show, and they all bring their hilarious adventures along with them. Will they finally make it off the island? Hop on board and you'll find out.
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays Jan. 11-28
Where: The Indio Performing Arts Center, 45-175 Fargo St., Indio
Tickets: From $38
More info: www.dtworks.org
Desert Kids Fun Fest
It's time to get outside. Get the family in the car and head to Palm Desert Civic Center park to enjoy hands-on kid activities at this Friends of the Desert Mountains event, held in partnership with Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert, Desert Recreation District, Desert Sands Education Foundation, The City of Palm Desert and the YMCA. All ages can enjoy a day filled with face painting, arts and crafts, live music performances and much more.
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13
Where: Palm Desert Civic Center Park, 43-900 San Pablo, Palm Desert
Cost: Free, with optional registration at the link below
More info: Call 760-862-9918 or visit www.desertmountains.org/calendar
Revolution Stage Company 10-Minute Play Festival
If you're interesting in never-before-seen productions by emerging playwrights, Revolution Stage Company has your perfect date night planned this weekend. Head to this new festival showcasing fresh work by 10 writers from London, New York, New Jersey, Seattle, Hollywood, Port Townsend, Morongo Basin and right here in the Coachella Valley. The festival is broken into two separate performances with five ten-minute plays in each part, so it's perfect for those of us with a short attention span.
When: Part One = 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13 and 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14 and Part Two = 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14
Where: Revolution Stage Company, 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: $15
More info: www.revolutionstagecompany.com
Indio Certified Farmers Market
One of the best parts of living in Southern California is you get to browse the vast assortment of goods at local farmers markets all year round. This winter, check out all the Indio Farmers Market has to offer, including certified produce, chef-prepared foods, artisan crafts and other handmade or grown items. Shop the locally made items this market provides while enjoying live music, relaxation and a family-friendly atmosphere. (Note: The weekly La Quinta Certified Farmers Market also takes place on Sundays October through May, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.).
When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. every Sunday
Where: 45-235 Towne St., Indio
Tickets: Free admission
More Info: cvcfm.org