It’s time to get creative, readers. What activities will keep us cool and entertained despite this summer heat?
This week’s event roundup includes everything from karaoke to a pool party to a full-fledged film festival, so both those who want to brave the sun and those who’d rather stay in the safety of air-conditioned spaces will have something to choose from.
Here’s our picks for the top events to attend the week of Monday, June 22.
World War II Scavenger Hunt
XOXO Palm Springs wraps up Monday, so why not take advantage of this family friendly festival activity before it’s over? Head to the Palm Springs Air Museum and purchase a regular admission ticket, then ask for a scavenger hunt form and go through the museum looking for the items on the list. Finally, show the completed form at the giftshop counter, and you’ll receive a free prize.
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, June 22
Where: Palm Springs Air Museum, 745 N. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs
Cost: $23-$25, Kids 12 and under free with adult admission
More info: palmspringsairmuseum.org/programs/
Leanna and Miguel on Congas
Every Monday this summer, desert dwellers and visitors alike can enjoy live Latin, pop and more musical genres at this weekly concert. In addition to a live show by Leanna and Miguel, attendees can also enjoy specialty martinis, wines, and a selection of boards, salads, flatbreads and desserts. You can make a reservation by calling or texting 760-668-9665.
When: 5-8 p.m. Monday, June 22
Where: V Wine Lounge, 600 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs
Cost: Free admission
More info: vwinelounge.com
Karaoke with Kyle
It doesn’t matter if you’re not a hotel guest at Ace Hotel & Swim Club, because the property’s several weekly events open to the public help everyone escape. One of those events is Karaoke with Kyle, the “High Desert Karaoke Maestro,” as the Ace calls him, held every Monday night in the Amigo Room. Grab a drink, sing a classic at the top of your lungs and pretend it’s not 100+ degrees outside.
When: 8 p.m. Monday, June 22
Where: Ace Hotel & Swim Club, 701 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: Free admission
More info: acehotelpalmsprings.com
CV Rep Summer Series presents Joanne O’Brien
This Tuesday’s CVRep Summer Cabaret Series performer is a true fighter — as both a Broadway veteran and a survivor of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The theater describes her voice as follows: “Rooted in classical training, her soaring soprano and sultry chest tones effortlessly bridge the gap from classical to Broadway to pop, infusing humor and sultry charm into her performances.” The press release says O’Brien’s talents have led her to perform in over 350 cities, including as part of the national tours of “An Enchanted Evening,” “The Music of Broadway,” “A Sentimental Journey,” “The Doris Day Songbook,” and, most recently, “Yesterday Once More, The Sound of Karen Carpenter.”
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 23
Where: Coachella Valley Repertory, 68-510 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City
Cost: $65
More info: cvrep.org
Hot Summer Nights
It’s that time of year when the pool is calling — but a dip sounds much more appealing once the sun has set. That’s where this weekly Palm Desert Aquatic Center event comes in. Grab your pool attire and head to the pool at Civic Center Park every Tuesday and Friday night for an evening of music, open recreational swimming, water slides and other fun pool activities. Attendees can also purchase food from the aquatic center’s newly expanded Hot Spot Cafe menu.
When: 7:30-10:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 23 and Friday, June 26 (the event is held every Tuesday and Friday now through Aug. 14 at the same time)
Where: Palm Desert Aquatic Center, 73-751 Magnesia Falls Drive, Palm Desert
Cost: Free with purchase of a $12 adult day pass, $9 youth or senior day pass, $7.75 junior day pass (ages 2-5), or three-month or annual pass (see website for all pass types)
More info: pdpool.com
Palm Springs International ShortFest
The Palm Springs International ShortFest returns and promises another year of creative, whacky and insanely entertaining short films. This festival groups a handful of short films into one program, which can range from comedies and horror to truly out-of-this-world stories, and the best part is audiences never really know what they’re going to get with each one. All ShortFest screenings will take place at Festival Theaters.
When: Tuesday, June 23-Monday, June 29
Where: Festival Theaters, 789 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs
Cost: General admission individual screening tickets $20 (or $18 for PSIFS members), Opening Night $70, Closing Night $60, various festival passes ranging from $75 to $540 (see full details at website below)
More info:psfilmfest.org/shortfest
Baby Boomer Blockbusters: The Goodbye Girl!
Calling baby boomers and cinephiles of all ages, come watch this award-winning 1977 American romantic comedy-drama on one of the region’s biggest screens. “The Goodbye Girl,” written by Neil Simon, stars Richard Dreyfuss and Marsha Mason in a story that follows, as the theater says, “Former Broadway hoofer Paula McFadden (Marsha Mason) and her young daughter, Lucy (Quinn Cummings)” as they find out their apartment has been subleased to actor Elliot Garfield (Richard Dreyfuss). “Neither Marsha nor Elliot is prepared to acknowledge the other’s right to the apartment, but they reluctantly agree to share it.”
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, June 27
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: $13.64
More info: eventbrite.com
Gerardo Coronel ‘El Jerry’
End your month on a high note at this special concert. Gerardo Coronel “El Jerry,” known for his powerful presence in the corridos, banda and alterna movimiento music scenes and hits like “La Tacoma” and “Inevitable,” will take the Spotlight 29 stage for a memorable evening of live regional Mexican music.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, June 27
Where: Spotlight 29 Casino, 46-200 Harrison Place, Coachella
Cost: $38.80
More info:spotlight29.com/entertainment/gerardo-coronel/
Summer Sundays at the Museum presents Meet An Archaeologist
Bring the whole family to the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum on select Sundays this summer for free hands-on learning and exploration activities. This Sunday’s event, Meet An Archeologist, was described in a press release as a chance to “Learn about the tools and work of Agua Caliente archaeologists with the Tribal Historic Preservation Office, who work to protect culturally important pieces. Complete coloring sheets designed by illustrator Chantey Reidhammer (Agua Caliente) and meet the artist!”
When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, June 28
Where: Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, 140 N. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: Free same-day museum admission for those who RSVP to programs@accmuseum.org (limited spots available, so act quickly if you’re interested)
More info: accmuseum.org/events
Classic Club Spirits & Wine Festival
Discover the spirit of the desert at the Classic Club Spirits & Wine Festival. This event is a celebration of the local cocktail culture, and guests will have the opportunity to enjoy various libations the Coachella Valley has to offer through tastings, entertainment and other activities. Those who purchase VIP admission will have an additional hour to enjoy the event and receive upgraded food selections and a souvenir reusable bag.
When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, June 28 (1-4 p.m. for VIP)
Where: Classic Club, 75-200 Classic Club Blvd., Palm Desert
Cost: $60 general admission, $75 VIP admission
More info:dinebellatrix.com/palm-desert-bellatrix-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 article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: It’s hot out. These Coachella Valley events could be your escape
Reporting by Niki Kottmann and Ema Sasic, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect





By Niki Kottmann and Ema Sasic, Palm Springs Desert Sun | USA TODAY Network
