We’re deep into the dog days of summer, but that doesn’t mean a thing to the Coachella Valley — here, there’s always a new way to spend even the most sweltering of days.
From concerts to comedy and from food to film, we’ve rounded up all the best ways to spend the week ahead. You won’t want to miss any of this summer fun.
Here are our picks for the top things to do in the desert Monday, July 28 through Sunday, Aug. 3. (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.)
CV Rep Summer Cabaret Series featuring Lee Roy Reams and Christiane Noll
This week, two stars will be gracing the Coachella Valley Repertory stage: Lee Roy Reams and Christiane Noll. This is the final week of the Summer Cabaret Series, and these acts will surely end it on a high note. First up is Lee Roy Reams, who has starred in Broadway productions of “The Producers,” “42nd Street,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “La Cage Aux Folles,” “Hello, Dolly!,” “An Evening with Jerry Herman,” “Applause,” “Lorelei,” “Oklahoma!,” and “Sweet Charity.” He also directed the last revival of “Hello, Dolly!” and “An Evening with Jerry Herman”. Then on Thursday, you can catch Christiane Noll, an actress with Broadway and National Tour roles in “Ragtime,” “Dear Evan Hansen,” “Elf,” “Chaplin,” “Urinetown,” “The Mambo Kings,” “It Ain’t Nothin’ But The Blues,” “Jekyll & Hyde,” “Grease,” “Miss Saigon,” “City of Angels” and “South Pacific.”
When: Lee Roy Reams’s show is at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29, and Christiane Noll’s is at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 31
Where: Coachella Valley Repertory, 68-510 E. Palm Canyon Drive #140, Cathedral City
Cost: $60
More info: cvrep.org
Drag Me 2 Bingo
Feeling lucky this week? Head to Hunters Nightclub on Wednesday for a night of drag and bingo hosted by Rusty Waters and Alexa Steals. The event is a surefire cure for any midweek boredom, and you may even leave with some giveaway prizes.
When: 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 30
Where: Hunters Palm Springs, 302 E. Arenas Road, Palm Springs
Cost: Free admission
More info: hunterspalmsprings.com
Board Game Night
The Dragon’s Den is a real game-changer for Thursday night fun. Come for Board Game Night from 5 to 9 p.m., where you can bring your own game or try out something new from their plentiful selection. Everyone is welcome — from seasoned gamers to ready beginners and boardgame groups to solo players looking to meet some new friends.
When: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, July 31
Where: The Dragon’s Den, 72-221 Highway 111 Suite 101A, Palm Desert
Cost: Members: Free admission; Non-members: $20; Students & Veterans: $10
More info: thedragonsdenrpg.com
Hitchcock Retrospective: ‘The Birds’
Movie buffs, this one’s for you. The Palm Springs Cultural Center is hosting its third installment of its Hitchcock Retrospective this Friday. Come to the Camelot Theatre to see Hitchcock’s 1963 thriller “The Birds” on the big screen. There will be a pre-show featuring vintage clips and commentary as well as a post-show featuring a Q&A with film historians Richard L. Edwards and Steven C. Smith.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1
Where: Camelot Theatres, Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: $13.65
More info: eventbrite.com
Cabaret- A La Carte: Bonnie G – Torch Songs with a Twist
Looking to get in your feels this Friday night? Head to the Palm Springs Cultural Center for their Cabaret A La Carte show, where Bonnie G will be performing “Torch Songs With A Twist.” Bonnie G is an award-winning actress, the host of The Desert Scene, and a theater critic, and she will be accompanied by musical director Kevin Tokarz. Bonnie promises an intimate performance that is certain to leave you crying and laughing all in the same night.
When: 7:30-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: $35-$43.19
More info: eventbrite.com
Jimmy O. Yang ‘Big and Tall’ Tour
If you’re in need of a good laugh, Jimmy O. Yang is bringing the jokes this Friday. After selling out at Carnegie Hall, Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage is the latest stop on his “Big and Tall” tour. Jimmy O. Yang is an actor and comedian best known for his roles in “Silicon Valley,” “Crazy Rich Asians,” “Love Hard,” and “Space Force.” His next move is a starring role in the new Hulu limited series “Interior Chinatown,” so be sure to catch him while he’s still on the road.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1
Where: Agua Caliente Casino, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage
Cost: $49.95-$105.94
More info: aguacalientecasinos.com
Nacho Bustillos
If you’re searching for the spot to break out your best moves this Friday, Agua Caliente Cathedral City is the spot. It’s Latin night, and local recording artist Nacho Bustillos will be providing all the best jams. The concert starts at 9 p.m., but arrive ready for a night of dancing, drinks and plenty of fun.
When: 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1
Where: Agua Caliente, 68-960 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City
Cost: Free admission
More info: aguacalientecasinos.com
Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage
It’s that delicious time of year again — Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage is back. Support local restaurants and nonprofits by purchasing a wristband “passport” that unlocks hot deals and tasty specials at a wide variety of participating Rancho Mirage restaurants. Serving up pizza, sushi, barbeque and beyond, these locations have everything to satisfy your tastebuds. And what’s more satisfying than uplifting the community, with a side of fries?
When: Various times (varies by website, check individual websites) July 24-Aug. 17
Where: Participating Rancho Mirage Restaurants (check website below for details)
Cost: $10 for wristband
More info: tasteofsummerranchomirage.com
Dive-in Movie at the John H. Furbee Aquatics Center: ‘Moana 2’
Family fun while staying cool? Check and check! Come to the John H. Furbee Aquatics Center this Saturday evening for a viewing of “Moana 2.” Join Moana and Maui on an empowering ocean adventure in this Disney sequel. Bring the whole family, and get ready to “dive-in!”
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2
Where: John H. Furbee Aquatics Center, 11750 Cholla Drive, Desert Hot Springs
Cost: Free admission
More info: cityofdhs.org
Noches de Fuego
Dance on over to Fantasy Springs Resort Casino this Sunday for a fiery night of live music at Noches de Fuego. Local bands will be performing Latin music of every style — Tejano, Merengue, Cumbia, Norteño, Salsa, and everything in between. The event will also feature a DJ playing Latin dance music. So, there’s something for everyone to jam to, and no excuse not to stop by the party.
When: 7:30 p.m.-midnight Sunday, Aug. 3
Where: Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio
Cost: Free admission
More info: fantasyspringsresort.com
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: From game night to cabaret shows, here’s 10 things to do in the Coachella Valley this week
Reporting by Tallulah Rector, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
