Anyone who’s ever said there’s nothing to do in the Coachella Valley during the summer is wrong. This week alone includes a film festival, dance concert and live DJ session inside a museum exhibit — so what are you waiting for?
If you’re interested in filling your calendar, we’ve put together a list of 10 things happening this week in the valley and nearby communities.
Here’s our picks for the top things to do in the desert Monday, June 23 through Sunday, June 29. (And if you’d like to submit an upcoming event of your own for a future roundup, see the bottom of this article for directions.)
31th Annual Palm Springs International ShortFest
Movie fans, this is your week. The Palm Springs International ShortFest is back, and will screen 51 curated programs, showcasing 311 films from 64 countries and territories, including 45 world premieres, 10 international premieres, 36 North American premieres, 19 U.S. premieres and 94 California premieres. Can’t make it to opening night Tuesday? No worries, the festival runs through June 30 with screenings at Festival Theaters (the site of the former Regal Palm Springs) every day, and additional ShortFest forums, panels and one-on-one sessions will take place June 27-29 with entertainment industry insiders.
When: Opening night kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 24; whole festival runs June 24-30 with multiple screenings per day (check website below for full schedule)
Where: Festival Theaters, 789 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs
Cost: $70 for opening night, $60 for closing night and regular screenings and forums are $20 each (various pass types are also available for access to the entire festival)
More info: psfilmfest.org/shortfest-2025/
Palm Springs Power Baseball Game
Enjoy America’s favorite pastime this week with the Palm Springs Power Baseball team. Games are held every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday now through July 18. Locals can cool off thanks to the stadium’s misting system, and also enjoy weekly specials like $3 Draft Tuesdays, Wild Wednesdays ($5 margaritas) and free Kids Days on Saturdays. Note: Tickets can be purchased at the ticket booth in the front entryway of Palm Springs Stadium.
When: Next game is 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 24 (but they play at home very Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday through July 18)
Where: Palm Springs Stadium, 1901 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: $10 for regular admission, $8 for senior admission, $5 for student admission, free for active military, police, fire and EMS personnel with ID
More info: palmspringspowerbaseball.com
CV Rep Summer Cabaret Series featuring Alix Korey and Susan Edwards Martin
Coachella Valley Repertory’s 2024-25 season is over, but the summer is just heating up, and so is cabaret season. This Tuesday, theater fans can catch a special performance by Rancho Mirage’s own Alix Korey, who returned to the desert after co- starring in the 2016 acclaimed Broadway revival of “Fiddler on the Roof.” Before that, her Broadway credits include “All Shook Up,” “Chicago,” “Neil Simon’s 45 Seconds From Broadway,” “Triumph Of Love” and many more. Can’t make it Tuesday? No problem, because two-time Broadway World award winning actress, singer, composer, writer and Broadway performer Susan Edwards Martin is headlining her own show on Thursday. Best known for originating the role of Lady Blues in the Tony Award-winning “Torch Song Trilogy,” she also starred on Broadway in “Bubbling Brown Sugar” and “The Suicide.”
When: Alix Korey’s show is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, and Susan Edwards Martin’s is at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 26
Where: Coachella Valley Repertory, 68-510 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City
Cost: $60
More info: cvrep.org
Summer DJ Series: Que Madre
This month, the Palm Springs Art Museum is opening Guadalupe Rosales’ exhibit “Tzahualli: Mi memoria en tu reflejo” with two live DJ performances inside the exhibit space. LA-based vinyl DJ/mother Que Madre will close out the series, offering musical selections rooted in East LA’s lowrider oldies and soul. “Her set honors the legacy of radio dedications, like those of Art Laboe, that connected Chicanx youth and families across neighborhoods and incarceration systems. These oldies remain a powerful thread in the musical memory of Southern California,” the museum’s website states.
When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, June 26
Where: Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 Museum Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: Free admission (because it’s taking place during the museum’s weekly free night, but register for free at the website below to show your support)
More info: psmuseum.org/events
Friday Night Lights in 29 Palms
If you’re looking for the perfect excuse for a high-desert getaway, this might be your sign. Every Friday night this summer, several small businesses in Twentynine Palms will stay open until 8 p.m., giving locals and visitors alike the chance to grab a bite under the stars, or shop until the sun has long past set. Participating eateries and watering holes include: 29 Palms Beer Co., 3rd Libra Wellness Lounge, GRND SQRL, Hi-Desert Daydream, Hi-Desert Times Magazine, Scorpion Lollipop, Sun of the Desert, White Label Vinyl, Very Very and more.
When: Various opening times (check organizer’s website below for each store’s hours) and running until 8 p.m. Fridays (including Friday, June 27)
Where: Various Twentynine Palms businesses
Cost: Free to browse, with various items — including bites and drinks — available for purchase
More info: rediscover29.com/pages/friday-night-lights
Indio Food Trucks Fridays
Enjoy a weeky tradition in the heart of Indio. Food Truck Fridays continues throughout the summer, and the vendor lineup changes regularly, so it’ll never be the same experience twice. Expect returning favorites and new eateries at this family and pet-friendly event. Whether you’re craving sweet treats or a full meal, there’s plenty of options, and live music and themed days to boot.
When: 5-10 p.m. every Friday (including Friday, June 27)
Where: The corner of Towne Street and Bliss Avenue in Downtown Indio
Cost: Free admission, various items available for purchase
More info: indio.org
‘The Little Pageant That Could’ Palm Springs Premiere
ShortFest isn’t the only event for cinephiles this week. To celebrate the streaming premiere of “The Little Pageant That Could,” Emmy award-winning media company World of Wonder is hosting a special screening event and reception at the Coachella Valley Repertory theater Friday. The evening will feature a screening of the film with remarks from film director John Carlos Frey, as well as a performance from drag queen Mayhem Miller. Proceeds will support the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, June 27
Where: Coachella Valley Repertory, 68-510 E. Palm Canyon Drive #140, Cathedral City
Cost: $25 GA, $75 VIP (proceeds benefit the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert)
More info: cvrep.org/tickets
Saturdays at MAD.KAT Gallery
Looking to get out of the heat and enjoy an air-conditioned artistic experience this weekend? MAD.KAT Gallery in Rancho Mirage has kicked off its Saturday hours and will be open most Saturdays from now until Nov. 8 when expanded hours return for the fall. Come by between noon and 3 p.m. and check out the Summer Gallery featuring the work of 18 talented artists.
When: Noon-3 p.m. most Saturdays now until the gallery’s official season kicks off Nov. 8
Where: MAD.KAT Gallery, 71-590 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage
Cost: Free admission, with art available for purchase
More info: gallerymadkat.com/home
Nickerson-Rossi Dance: ‘Integrated’ Summer Dance Concert
Looking for a unique live performance to shake you out of your sleepy summer? Experience Nickerson-Rossi Dance’s latest dance concert, “INTEGRATED,” a contemporary dance production that “unites professional dancers, pre-professional artists, and youth performers from Palm Springs Unified School District,” as the website states. Founded by choreographer Michael Nickerson-Rossi, this company is known for “emotionally charged, physically intricate choreography that touches the heart and stimulates the mind. “INTEGRATED” showcases the culmination of the company’s artistic vision, community outreach, and educational programs.”
When: 3-4:30 p.m. Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29
Where: Annenberg Theater at Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 Museum Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: $10
More info: psmuseum.org/events/
MTU’s Broadway Block Party 2025 Dinner Series
Catch this series before it ends this weekend! Attendees will enjoy a three-course dinner paired with a fully staged Broadway Revue by Musical Theatre University’s “singing servers” and a celebrated Broadway guest star at this special dinner show. Come support local youth in the performing arts and give some business to a local restaurant during the slow season.
When: 5 p.m. seating Sunday, June 29
Where: Willie’s Modern Fare, 69-830 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage
Cost: $68 per person (includes dinner and the show)
More info: musicaltheatreuniversity.com/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 has been updated to provide new contact information for an event.)
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: 10 things to do in the Coachella Valley this week, June 23-29
Reporting by Niki Kottmann, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
