In the mood for some live entertainment this weekend? Here are The Desert Sun’s picks for the can’t-miss live performances in the Coachella Valley and surrounding communities on April 23-26.
HOT PICK
Queens of the Stone Age at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa
Rock: In July 2024, Queens of the Stone Age turned the unexpected into something haunting and unforgettable. The band’s frontman and Palm Desert native Josh Homme had a dream of performing in the Paris Catacombs, which was fulfilled and the result was the 28-minute acoustic concert film “Alive in the Catacombs.”
The songs featured in the film include “Running Joke/Paper Machete,” “Kalopsia,” “Villains of Circumstance,” “Suture Up Your Future” and “I Never Came.” Since its release in 2025, Queens of the Stone Age have been performing stripped-down performances in smaller venues and historic theaters.
Queens of the Stone Age will perform on Saturday, April 25, at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa.
If you go: 7 p.m. Saturday, Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. Tickets $79.95 to $149.95. aguacalientecasinos.com
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The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain at the McCallum Theatre
Ukulele: Imagine an ensemble that performs genres such as pop, rock, classical, punk and folk music with ukuleles. That’s what the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain has been doing since 1985, when musicians George Hinchliffe and the late Kitty Lux founded it for a one-off performance that led to a radio appearance and sold-out shows.
The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain will perform on Thursday, April 23, at the McCallum Theatre.
If you go: 7 p.m. Thursday, McCallum Theatre, 73-000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. Tickets $43 to $93. mccallumtheatre.org
Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus at The Plaza Theatre
Chorus: The theme of the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus spring show is “Rhinestones and Rainbows,” which is inspired by the country icon Dolly Parton. During the chorus’s three performances between Friday, April 24 and Sunday, April 26 at the Plaza Theatre, the 100-plus members will dress the part in blue jeans, cowboy boots, and plenty of rhinestones.
The first half of the show will feature Parton’s hits such as “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You, and the second half will feature songs by Olivia Newton-John, Kelly Clarkson, Taylor Swift and more.
If you go: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m., Sunday, The Plaza Theatre, 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. Tickets start at $40.80. palmspringsplazatheatre.com
The Aquabats at Pappy and Harriet’s
Ska-punk: The Aquabats are more than a ska-punk band, they’re superheroes. That’s been the story behind the Huntington Beach band featuring M.C. Bat Commander, Crash McLarson, Jimmy the Robot, Ricky Fitness, and Eaglebones Falconhawk since its founding in 1994. There was even a family TV series “The Aquabats! Super Show!” from 2012 to 2014 on The Hub Network and then an independent reboot in recent years.
See for yourself on Friday, April 24 when The Aquabats perform at Pappy and Harriet’s.
If you go: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Pappy and Harriet’s, 53-688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown. Tickets $46.37. pappyandharriets.com
Jesika von Rabbit at Mojave Gold
Pop: Joshua Tree singer-songwriter Jesika von Rabbit released her latest album, “Bunnywood Babylon,” in 2025, featuring the songs “Pretty Dum,” “Go Back to L.A.,” and “Wacko.” In 2022, she recorded a cover of Boys Don’t Cry’s 1985 hit “I Wanna Be A Cowboy,” which received the attention of the band’s frontman Nick Richards, who saw the music video and described it as “fascinating.”
Jesika von Rabbit will perform on Saturday, April 25 at Mojave Gold. Alien Probe will also perform.
If you go: 8 p.m. Saturday, Mojave Gold, 56-193 Twentynine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley. Tickets $17.41. mojavegolddesert.com
Brian Blueskye covers arts and entertainment for the Desert Sun.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: 5 shows to see in the Palm Springs area this weekend
Reporting by Brian Blueskye, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
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