It’s a special week for celebrations in the Coachella Valley.
This week marks the holiday of Juneteenth, the continuation of citywide festival XOXO Palm Springs, and will also bring several big-name musical artists to town.
Whether you’re looking for something musical, family friendly or celebratory, here’s our picks for the top events to attend the week of Monday, June 15.
XOXO Palm Springs
This week marks the continuation of XOXO Palm Springs, a new annual citywide celebration of arts and culture taking place through June 22. Designed to unite residents, visitors, artists, performers, cultural institutions and organizations, the 12-day festival will transform the city into an immersive cultural playground filled with performances, screenings, exhibitions, live music, culinary experiences, tours and more. Events, both free and ticketed, will take place throughout the city at theaters, galleries, boutique hotels, historic landmarks and outdoor venues. See the website below for a full schedule.
When: Daily through Monday, June 22
Where: Throughout Palm Springs
Cost: Some events are free while others are ticketed, check website below for details
More info: visitpalmsprings.com/xoxo-palm-springs/
Palm Springs Plaza Theater presents ‘From Book to Stage: A Spotlight on Broadway Musicals’
What better way to enjoy the XOXO Palm Springs festival than with a free concert? The Palm Springs Desert Winds, a nonprofit community ensemble founded in 2001 by Gary Moline, is currently celebrating its 25th Season. This week, the group is “excited to perform ‘A Spotlight on Broadway’ on the Plaza Stage,” as organizers said in the event description. Expect music from “Broadway shows (that) originated from books and stories including ‘The King and I,’ ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,’ ‘Jekyll and Hyde,’ ‘Les Misérables,’ ‘Aladdin,’ ‘Guys and Dolls’ and ‘Beauty and the Beast.'”
When: 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 15
Where: The Plaza Theatre, 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: Free admission
More info: palmspringsplazatheatre.com/events/
CV Rep presents Nicholas Rodriguez in ‘Sincerely Sondheim’
This one’s for the real musical fans. The 2026 CVRep Summer Cabaret Series continues June 16 with a performance that, according to a theater press release, stars Nicholas Rodriguez, 2024 Grammy Award nominee for the recording “Sondheim Unplugged,” and who maintains “a presence on Broadway, film, and concert stages. In his show, ‘Sincerely Sondheim,’ he offers a very personal and introspective view of the master’s songs. Bílant Varga is music director.”
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 16
Where: Coachella Valley Repertory, 68-510 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City
Cost: $65
More info: cvrep.org
‘Showstoppers – A Night of Songs that Stole the Show’
There’s something special about a song that can entirely change the mood of a whole room, and that’s exactly what the songs in this one-night-only event do. Head to Revolution Stage Co. for this unique show celebrating the “electrifying anthems and emotional ballads that bring audiences to their feet,” as organizers describe it. Presented as part of the inaugural XOXO Palm Springs Citywide Arts & Culture Festival, this event is produced by Revolution Stage Company’s own Greg Hicks – the very first winner of the theater’s Cabaret Riot competition. Note: This month, you can also see the following shows at Revolution Stage Co.: ‘Comedy Tonight’ on June 12 and 20 and Psychic Standup with Karen Rontowski on June 19 (see website below for details).
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 17
Where: Revolution Stage Co., 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 16, Palm Springs
Cost: $49
More info: revolutionstagecompany.com/eventstix
Shakira Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour
The she-wolf is finally coming to the Coachella Valley. After having to cancel her originally scheduled Acrisure Arena performances (she shifted to stadiums due to surging demand), the Colombian singer is coming to the desert with her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour. Her hips don’t lie, and neither do we when we say we’re excited to sing along to her biggest hits. Tickets are still available.
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 17
Where: Acrisure Arena, 75-702 Varner Road, Palm Desert
Cost: Starting at $159
More info: acrisurearena.com/event/shakira/
Palm Springs Juneteenth Freedom Weekend
The City of Palm Springs and Palm Springs Black History Committee invite residents to celebrate Juneteenth all weekend. It all kicks off at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 18 for Village Fest along Palm Canyon Drive in Downtown Palm Springs, where attendees “can enjoy special Juneteenth programming, entertainment, community engagement, and opportunities to support local vendors and businesses,” as the city’s press release states. Then, at 5 p.m. Friday, June 19 at Downtown Park, attendees can enjoy the Juneteenth Unity Picnic, a free event featuring “food, music, activities, and opportunities to connect while commemorating the significance of Juneteenth and the ongoing pursuit of unity and equality. Vendors will be selling food and drinks.” The weekend will also feature a performance by Debby Holiday’s Tina Turner Tribute Show at 7 p.m. Friday at Downtown Park and the Juneteenth Youth Pageant at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center.
When: June 18-20, see website below for full schedule
Where: Downtown Park, Museum Way and Belardo Road, Palm Springs; and James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center, 480 W. Tramview Road, Palm Springs (see full schedule online)
Cost: Most events are free, except the Youth Pageant costs $10 per person for admission
More info: palmspringsca.gov/Home/
Indio Food Truck Fridays
Looking for something fun to do on a Friday night without breaking the bank? Check out Indio’s weekly Food Truck Fridays, which features local vendors serving up a variety of dishes. From sweet treats to refreshing drinks, foodies everywhere will find something to satisfy their taste buds.
When: 5-10 p.m. Friday, June 19
Where: Corner of Towne Street and Bliss Avenue, Indio
Cost: Free admission, with plenty of food and beverages available for purchase
More info: indio.org/our-city/food-truck-fridays
Prism Theatre presents ‘The Book of Merman’
Prism Theatre’s summer season kicks off with this one-of-a-kind musical. The theater sums up the show like this: “Two eager Mormon missionaries knock on a random New York door — and suddenly find themselves face-to-face with the Ethel Merman. What follows is a whirlwind of showbiz sparkle, tap-dance revelations, and belted high notes that could part the heavens. A divine clash of faith, fame, and fabulousness.”
When: Show runs through July 26 (see website below for full schedule)
Where: Prism Theatre, 391 N. Indian Canyon Way, Palm Springs
Cost: $54.95
More info: psprism.com
Wanderlust Food Truck Festival
Palm Springs is getting a new weekly event this Saturday, and you’ll want to come with an empty stomach. As event organizers said in a recent press release, Wanderlust Food Truck Festival — an event that’s already held weekly in other Inland Empire cities — will officially launch its newest festival at Sunrise Park, “creating a vibrant new destination for the community to gather, unwind, and enjoy Saturday nights together. Every Saturday evening, guests can experience a curated lineup of 20+ food trucks and local food vendors, offering a wide variety of options — from gourmet street food and comfort classics to sweet treats and globally inspired flavors. The event is designed to be more than a quick stop — it’s a place to stay, relax, and connect. With lawn games, open seating areas, and a welcoming outdoor environment, the festival encourages guests to slow down and enjoy the moment.”
When: 5-10 p.m. every Saturday starting Saturday, June 20
Where: Sunrise Park, 401 S. Pavilion Way, Palm Springs
Cost: Free admission, with plenty of food and beverages available for purchase
More info: instagram.com
Bob Dylan
The legendary Bob Dylan will be coming to Palm Desert’s Acrisure Arena to show us a little rock. The musician has been performing for more than 60 years, but his singular artistry, charm and skills are on full display with each show. He’ll be joined by Lucinda Williams and The John Doe Folk Trio.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, June 20
Where: Acrisure Arena, 75-702 Varner Road, Palm Desert
Cost: Starting at $77
More info: acrisurearena.com/event/bob-dylan/
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 photos.)
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Celebrate Juneteenth, music and theater at these Palm Springs events
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
