It’s not quite summer, and it’s not quite spring, but let’s bask in the glow of whatever this shoulder season is in the desert.
Whether you’re looking for a nice air-conditioned activity or an outdoor event to bask in the pre-triple-digit weather, we’ve rounded up our recommendations for what to do this week.
Here are The Desert Sun’s picks for the top events to attend the week of Monday, May 4 in the Coachella Valley and surrounding communities.
Indio Movie Night at Center Stage presents ‘The Empire Strikes Back’
May the 4th be with you on this very special “Star Wars”-themed Monday. Lean into the made-up holiday and come watch “The Empire Strikes Back” with your loved ones. Grab a blanket (and/or some lawn chairs), pile into the car and head downtown for the movie screening as well as some free popcorn.
When: 6 p.m. gates open, 6:30 p.m. movie starts Monday, May 4
Where: Center Stage, 82-881 Miles Ave., Indio
Cost: Free admission
More info: instagram.com
Cinco de Mayo Event
Shadow Mountain Golf Course presents its 3rd Annual Cinco de Mayo celebration at the historic course’s Pavilion. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. and include great Latin music, Mexican food, tequila tastings and $5 putting on its 18 hole Lets Flamingo putting course. At 5:30 p.m., the Group Folklore will perform with its 20-member dance troupe. At 7:30 p.m., Mariachi Victor will entertain and get everyone onto the dancefloor. Attendees can also enjoy Mexican art booths, food booths and beer and tequila specials until close.
When: 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 5
Where: Shadow Mountain Golf Course, 73-800 Ironwood St., Palm Desert
Cost: Free admission
More info: golfshadowmountain.com
Backstreet Art District’s First Wednesday Art Walk
Palm Springs Backstreet Art District invites the public to come and enjoy an evening of fine art, live entertainment, food offerings and beverages while strolling through several unique galleries and art studios. Support the Coachella Valley art community while viewing the latest works by talented creatives. Come see why Backstreet Art District was voted a “Best of Coachella Valley, 2023”!
When: 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 6
Where: Backstreet Art District, Corner of South Cherokee Way and Matthew Drive (behind Estate Sale) in Palm Springs
Cost: Free admission
More info: backstreetartdistrict.com
Rock the Park presents Listen to the Music
End the free Rock the Park concert series on a high note with this Doobie Brothers tribute band. Enjoy the classic rock harmonies and feel-good hits of the Doobie Brothers including crowd favorites like “Takin’ It to the Streets,” “Black Water,” and “Long Train Runnin.’” All you need to do is grab your chairs and blankets, pile in the car and pick a spot under the desert stars to soak in the evening.
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 6
Where: Downtown Palm Springs Park, 134 N. Museum Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: Free admission
More info: pschamber.org/event/rock-the-park-may-2026/
2026 Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival
The 2026 Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival offers a cinematic journey through restored classics, newly uncovered gems and 35mm presentations at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, along with special appearances from renowned film historians and writers. The lineup includes the world premiere of the new digital restoration of “Slightly Scarlet” (1956, starring John Payne, Rhonda Fleming and Arlene Dahl), “Bonnie and Clyde” (1967, starring Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway) and “The Damned Don’t Cry” (1950, starring Joan Crawford), among others. Scheduled special guests during the festival include “Bonnie and Clyde” writer/producer Kirk Ellis and producer/actor Wyatt McCrea, grandson of Joel McCrea and Frances Dee (“I Walked With A Zombie”).
When: Thursday, May 7-Saturday, May 10
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: $15 per film or $149 all-access pass
More information: arthurlyonsfilmnoir.org
Palm Canyon Theatre presents ‘The Ritz’
Palm Canyon Theatre has a robust lineup to offer patrons in May, and this week, you can go see “The Ritz,” a hilarious comedy “set in a Manhattan gay bathhouse,” as the community theater’s website says. “When a straight man on the run from the mob hides out in an unexpected place, chaos ensues. With outrageous characters and mistaken identities, this rowdy 1970s romp is full of pure campy joy.” Visit the website below for a full list of performance dates and times.
When: May 8-17
Where: Palm Canyon Theatre, 538 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: Varies depending on show
More information: palmcanyontheatre.net/
Coachella Movies in the Park presents ‘Zootopia 2’
The Desert Recreation District is partnering with the City of Coachella to bring free, family-friendly movies to the park every Friday night in May. This week, all ages are invited to a special screening of “Zootopia 2,” the PG-rated film following “Brave rabbit cop Judy Hopps and her friend, the fox Nick Wilde, (who) team up again to crack a new case, the most perilous and intricate of their careers,” as IMDb describes it. All movie nights are subject to cancellation and reschedule if inclement weather becomes a safety concern.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 8
Where: Bagdouma Park (next to the volleyball courts), 84-641 51st Ave., Coachella
Cost: Free
More information: coachella.org/residents/events
Sunnylands Films in the Gardens presents ‘Where the Wild Things Are’
May is always a good time to head to Sunnylands, because it marks the return of the gardens’ annual free Films in the Gardens series. This year, the series features movies with a theme of “Growing Wild,” inspired by the estate’s exhibition “Curating Canopy: Trees at Sunnylands.” This week, the series continues with “Where the Wild Things Are,” a film that, according to IMDb, features the following plot: “Yearning for escape and adventure, a young boy runs away from home and sails to an island filled with creatures that take him in as their king.” Rated: R. Run time: 1 hour 45 minutes.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, May 8
Where: Sunnylands Center & Gardens, 37-977 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage
Cost: Free admission
More info:sunnylands.org/event/
Cathedral City Library Community Art Show
More than 50 talented artists from across the Coachella Valley and Inland Empire will showcase their work on a variety of mediums during the Cathedral City Library Community Art Show. Free workshops are available all day Saturday, including those on painting pours, button making, poetry, wire wrapping, perler beads, embroidery and air-dry clay. Those who stop by on Sunday will receive a free flower for Mother’s Day.
When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, May 9; 1-5 p.m. Sunday, May 10
Where: Cathedral City Library, 33-520 Date Palm Drive, Cathedral City
Cost: Free
More information: rivlib.net/location/cathedral-city/
Expedition EDM Festival
The Deville Society and Quantum EDM are teaming up to create their first outdoor regional EDM event on the West Coast for electronic festival fans. The Expedition EDM Festival will be inspired by travel, science, anthropology and conservation zoology, according to its website. Attendees are invited to wear their best “adventure rave ware,” such as campground or park ranger attire, zoology styles, fashion inspired by animals, travel and world geography. The festival states that it is not hiring headliners or world-famous names, but instead it wants to provide a platform for regional artists and local rising stars. Artists are invited to apply.
When: 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 9
Where: Riverside County Fairgrounds, 46-350 Arabia St., Indio
Cost: $10
More information: datefest.org/events/2026/expedition-edm-festival
Asada Fest
Last year, the city of Indio celebrated its inaugural Asada Fest. It went so well, they’re making it an annual event, and the fun returns this Saturday. Head to downtown Indio to enjoy a day full of great food — specifically asada, aka grilled meat, of course — as well as live entertainment from several local Mexican heritage groups. This is a super family friendly event, so all ages are welcome to come and enjoy activities like face painting, an obstacle course and a bounce house.
When: 3-9 p.m. Saturday, May 9
Where: Center Stage, 82-881 Miles Ave., Indio
Cost: Free admission
More info: instagram.com
Revolution Stage Co. presents Jason Weber’s ‘Piano Riot’
Come “join the Revolution” at Piano Riot, featuring a special guest performer who delights audiences with a variety of musical genres ranging from Broadway favorites to cutting-edge new material. Accomplished local musicians will perform, lead sing-alongs, and maybe even bring up a few people from the audience to sing. Note: Admission includes a glass of wine or beer.
When: 5 p.m. Saturday, May 9
Where: Revolution Stage Co., 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: $15 in advance or $20 cash at the door
More info: revolutionstagecompany.com/pianoriot
Desert Nights on the BLVD
Desert Nights on the BLVD is Desert Hot Springs’ premier monthly outdoor event. There are two exciting nights each month to enjoy filled with music, with May bringing a local band to the stage (TBD) and Latin Celebration: Nacho Bustillos. Both events bring music, food, local vendors and family-friendly fun to the heart of the city.
When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, May 9 (local band); 6-10 p.m. Saturday, May 30
Where: 66-120 Pierson Blvd., Desert Hot Springs
Cost: Free
More information: cityofdhs.org/events/
To submit an event for The Desert Sun’s consideration in future 10 things to do stories, send an email to niki.kottmann@desertsun.com with the time, date, location and price of admission for your event, as well as a brief event description. Photos are not required, but are highly encouraged as part of the submission.
Tip: Send your submission as early as possible to make sure we have it in time, and to make sure your event jumps out in our inbox, put “10 things to do submission” in the email subject line.
This story was updated to add information.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Greater Palm Springs has a lot going on. These events are must-attend
Reporting by Niki Kottmann and Ema Sasic, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
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