Welcome to August, desert dwellers. We’ve hit what I like to consider the halfway mark of our summer heat, and the count is on for the days of anything under triple digits.
But while we wait for the heat to break, there are plenty of indoor activities to keep us distracted.
From a weekly talent show to jazz night, there’s something for everyone this week, so here’s our top 10 events to check out the week of Monday, Aug. 3.
Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage
If you’re looking to treat yourself to a meal out and want to eat local, look no further than this “annual community tradition that brings people together to enjoy local flavors while supporting our restaurants during the slower summer months,” as the event’s website says. Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage features a series of food specials going on at city restaurants July 23-Aug. 16, but it impacts more than just local businesses: it also helps raise funds for local nonprofits.
When: Daily now through Aug. 16
Where: Various Rancho Mirage restaurants, check website below for full list
Cost: Varies by restaurant, check website below
More info: tasteofsummerranchomirage.com
Agua’s Got Talent
Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City recently launched Agua’s Got Talent, a new weekly competition showcasing local talent, every Wednesday at Agave Caliente Tequila Bar. The free, weekly talent contest is open to guests and performers ages 21 and older, and invites singers, acoustic vocal acts and comedians to compete. The weekly winner will receive a $250 Agua Fuel Gift Card and will advance to the Agua’s Got Talent semi-finals, which will take place Sept. 30 and Oct. 7. The championship is set to take place Oct. 9.
When: 7-10 p.m. every Wednesday, including Wednesday, Aug. 5
Where: Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City, 68-960 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City
Cost: Free admission, with drinks available for purchase
More info: aguacalientecasinos.com/agua-special/
Food Truck Fridays
Head to downtown Indio every Friday night to sample a smattering of delicious bites from Coachella Valley food trucks. The vendor lineup changes regularly, but generally features returning favorites and new ones. This event is family- and pet-friendly.
When: 5 to 10 p.m. every Friday, including Friday, Aug. 7
Where: Corner of Towne Street and Bliss Avenue, Indio
Cost: Free, prices depend on vendor
More info: indio.org/our-city/food-truck-fridays
Splash House
Cue the sunscreen and the bass drops. Splash House electronic dance music festival returns Aug. 7-9 (and Aug 14-16) at the Hilton, Saguaro and Renaissance hotels. Some of the highlights of the lineup are a back-to-back DJ set from genre-blurring producer Kenny Beats and Fcukers, a DJ set by the band Foster the People and After Hours programming at the Palm Springs Air Museum featuring The Chainsmokers, Biscits, Gorgon City and two yet-to-be-announced artists. Passes are still available now at the website below.
When: Aug. 7-9
Where: Hilton, Saguaro and Renaissance hotels, Palm Springs
Cost: Starting at $130
More info: splashhouse.com
Rosemary HiFi music listening sessions
Head to Indio’s groovy beer and natural wine bar Rosemary HiFi for a cool hang and good tunes this week. Each month, the space offers a variety of music listening sessions spanning various genres, as well as several “bring your own vinyl” nights. The full August lineup has yet to drop, but so far, the event schedule on Rosemary’s Instagram lists Souldies and More on Aug. 1 and Open Turntables on Aug. 2.
When: Throughout August
Where: Rosemary HiFi, 45-120 Oasis St., Indio
Cost: Free admission, with drinks available for purchase
More info: rosemaryhifi.com
Palm Springs Food Truck Festival
Saturday nights are a little tastier lately in Palm Springs. The Wanderlust Palm Springs Food Truck Festival takes place every Saturday evening at Sunrise Park, bringing a variety of food vendors and cuisines to local foodies. The event is hosted by Wanderlust Food Truck Fest, which holds similar gatherings in Hemet, Lake Elsinore and Murrieta.
When: 6-10 p.m. every Saturday (including Saturday, Aug. 8)
Where: Sunrise Park, corner of Ramon Road and South Sunrise Way, Palm Springs
Cost: Free, prices depend on vendor
More info: wanderlustevents.net
Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind, and Fire
Get ready to be singing all night long with memories of September on your mind when legendary performers Lionel Richie and the members of Earth, Wind & Fire hit the Acrisure Arena stage on Saturday, Aug. 8. Richie’s discography speaks for itself, with more than 125 million albums sold worldwide, four Grammy Awards and an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. Some of his most recognizable hits include “All Night Long,” “Hello” and “Say You, Say Me.” Similarly, Earth, Wind & Fire has cemented itself in music history with eight No. 1 hits and selling more than 100 million albums worldwide. Expect to hear hit songs like “September,” “Let’s Groove” and “Sing a Song.”
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: Acrisure Arena, 75-702 Varner Road, Palm Desert
Cost: Starting at $201
More info: acrisurearena.com/event/lionel-richie/
Observatory Public Exploration Night
Ever wanted to ask observatory staff a question about the planets? Ask questions and learn fun facts at this free event as you take in 30-1230x magnified views of planets, nebulae, star clusters, and more (weather permitting). Note: Please minimize your light production when visiting the Observatory at night, so refrain from using handheld screens (such as cellphones and tablets), taking photographs with flash, and wearing light-up shoes. No registration is necessary for this drop-in, open-house-style event. Due to the capacity limits of the Observatory, you may experience a short wait, but everyone will have a chance to get in.
When: 9-10:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory, 71-100 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage
Cost: Free and open to the public
More info: ranchomiragelibrary.libcal.com
Sunday jazz night at Lola Rose
End your week in style at Sunday jazz night at Lola Rose’s lounge. Let the world slow down as The Hope Diamond Trio fills the air with smooth live jazz, all bathed in a warm golden-hour glow. Enjoy the eatery’s signature mezze bites paired with cocktails from a specially curated menu.
When: 6-8 p.m. every Sunday, including Sunday, Aug. 9
Where: Lola Rose Grand Mezze, 414 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: Free, food prices vary
More info: lolaroseps.com/event/sunday-kind-of-love/
Aaron Lewis and the Stateliners
Musician Aaron Lewis first found success with Staind, the 2000s-era hard rock band that injected meditative muscle into an era better known for mindless aggression. Embracing his roots to earn a rare second round of success, a series of solo country projects have led to two No. 1 Billboard country album debuts — “Town line” in 2011 and “Sinner” in 2016 — a platinum collaboration with George Jones and Charlie Daniels (“Country Boy”) and a gold-certified Billboard No. 1 with “Am I The Only One” in 2021.
When: 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9
Where: Spotlight 29 Casino, 46-200 Harrison Place, Coachella
Cost: Starting at $54
More info: spotlight29.com/entertainment/
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Splash House Palm Springs, Aaron Lewis show among top events this week
Reporting by Ema Sasic and Niki Kottmann, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Ema Sasic and Niki Kottmann, Palm Springs Desert Sun | USA TODAY Network
