Prepare yourselves, desert locals. This week marks the kickoff of Coachella 2026, which runs Friday, April 10 through Sunday, April 12 before returning for three more days the following weekend.
Yes, traffic will be bad (especially when the campers come in the morning of Thursday, April 9) but I promise we’ll get through this together. Deep breaths.
If you’re willing to brave the crowded streets (or take advantage of how quiet things will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday night everywhere but the Empire Polo Club), here are The Desert Sun’s picks for the top events to attend the week of Monday, April 6 in the Coachella Valley and surrounding communities.
If you’d like to submit an upcoming event of your own for a future 10 things to do roundup, see the bottom of this article for directions.
‘Woven Together: Karma Vision’ Exhibit
Enjoy a unique take on the iconic Joshua Tree at this moving tribute for the curator’s brother. “Created by artist Marcelo Bengoechea, ‘Woven Together’ is a deeply personal tribute to his late younger brother, acclaimed photographer Fernando Bengoechea, who tragically lost his life in the 2004 tsunami,” the press release states. “Fernando pioneered the art of woven photography, and after years of grief, Marcelo spent a decade learning his brother’s technique to keep the work — and legacy — alive. In ‘Karma Vision,’ Marcelo introduces color and light for the first time, transforming Fernando’s original black-and-white Karma Tree images into luminous new works that bridge memory and vision.”
When: On view now through May
Where: Super Simple, 800 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: Free admission
More info:instagram.com
Tuesday Murder Club: ‘Signore Volpa’
Everyone loves a good murder show these days. Enter the Tuesday Murder Club, a free weekly screening series for fans of contemporary mystery television. Each week, locals and visitors alike “gather to watch stylish, modern whodunits on the big screen—full of twists, intrigue, and suspicious characters,” as the event description states. “(This week), join us for Acorn TV’s contemporary mystery series ‘Signora Volpe,’ set amid the stunning landscapes of Umbria. The series follows Sylvia Fox, a former British intelligence officer who moves to Italy hoping for a quieter life—only to find herself drawn into a series of intriguing mysteries.”
When: 5:30 p.m. social hour, 6:30 p.m. screening Tuesday, April 7
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: Free admission to the film, but reserve a spot at the link below (and cafe will be open to purchase snacks)
More info: eventbrite.com
CV Firebirds vs. Henderson Silver Knights Autism Acceptance Night
The Coachella Valley Firebirds and Visit Greater Palm Springs are joining forces for the second annual Autism Acceptance Night, which will be held during the game against the Henderson Silver Knights. As the team’s press release states, “The event will feature a more inclusive game day and in-game fan experience for those with autism, (who) are neurodivergent, or have sensory sensitivities. Fans in attendance can expect reduced noise in common areas including pre-game activities in The Oasis as well as in-game which will showcase modified lighting, volume, music and noise effects, along with customized prompts and messaging throughout the game to better prep guests for key Firebirds fan engagement opportunities. Additionally, The Compound will be designated as a quiet area for the evening, offering fans complimentary access and the opportunity to step out of the in-game experience as needed. Visit the Guest Services desk at section 105 to gain access.”
When: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 8
Where: Acrisure Arena, 75-702 Varner, Palm Desert
Cost: From $26.80
More info: acrisurearena.com/events/
Colin Hay at Plaza Theater Palm Springs
If you’re looking for a night of relaxing acoustic music to escape from the chaos of tourism season in the desert, this might be the show for you. As the tour’s press release states, “Colin Hay became a household name as the frontman for ’80s pop sensation Men at Work, and his musical legacy has extended for over 40 years. ‘Man @ Work Volume 2’ is the sequel to his 2003 best seller, ‘Man @ Work,’ and offers fans an impeccable set of favorites from across Hay’s rich catalog, including Men at Work classics, solo album highlights, and new material.” Hay is kicking off his brand-new tour in Palm Springs, and he promises to bring the same sense of humor that’s remained a “consistent feature of Hay’s solo albums and projects, from his most recent solo release … to international tours as a member of Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band.”
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 8
Where: The Plaza Theatre, 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: From $49.05
More info: palmspringsplazatheatre.com/events/
College of the Desert Student Art Exhibition
Want to support some students in the arts? Head to College of the Desert this Thursday to join in the opening festivities for the school’s Student Art Exhibition. The opening reception is open to all, and will give patrons the chance to meet some of the creators behind the work. Note: Don’t forget to hit up the student art market while you’re at the Marks Center.
When: Opening reception 4-7 p.m. Thursday, April 9, exhibit on view through May 8
Where: Walter N. Marks Center, College of the Desert, 43-500 Monterey Ave., Palm Desert
Cost: Free admission, with art for purchase
More info: collegeofthedesert.edu/community/gallery/
Dezart Performs presents ‘Love! Valour! Compassion!’
Come see why Terrence McNally’s moving play won the 1995 Tony Award for Best Play. As Dezart Performs describes it, this show is about eight gay men who “gather at a lakeside house over three summer weekends to laugh, love, confront fears, and bare their souls. Set in the 1990s against the backdrop of the AIDS crisis, Terrence McNally’s profoundly moving and sharply funny play explores friendship, betrayal, and the power of community in the face of loss.”
When: April 9-19 (see website below for specific times)
Where: Dezart Playhouse, 605 S. Riverside Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: $69
More info: dezartperforms.org
Revolution Stage Co. presents Billy L’Amour in ‘A Little L’Amour’
Want to feel special? You could be among the first locals to see this show April 10 before it heads to Los Angeles later this month. As Revolution Stage Company’s website describes it, “After a sold-out season of original theatrical productions in Palm Springs … internationally ignored showgirl Billy L’Amour returns to the stage with a newly directed version of her signature solo show, A Little L’Amour, directed by acclaimed theater artist Robert Johanson. Blending powerhouse live vocals, comedy, dance, and storytelling, ‘A Little L’Amour’ is a heartfelt and hilarious cabaret experience that explores romance, resilience, and the pursuit of fabulousness through the eyes of a globe-trotting diva who’s loved deeply, lost spectacularly, and lived to sing about it.’ This show has a little something for everyone, from Broadway showtunes to parody numbers that will give you the laugh I know you all need right now.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, April 10
Where: Revolution Stage Company, 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 16, Palm Springs
Cost: $50
More info: revolutionstagecompany.com
Desert Ensemble Theatre presents ‘Knife to the Heart’
Desert Ensemble Theatre is closing the curtain after 15 years of theater in the heart of Palm Springs. Help the theater company go out with a bang during its final show of its final season — a show that they describe on their website as “a sharp-witted look at emotional bruises and family friction from the writers of ‘The Golden Girls’ and ‘Married… With Children.'” Directed by acclaimed TV writer Stan Zimmerman and written by Zimmerman and Christian McGlaughlin, the production’s tells the story of a family expecting a baby, but the real drama begins when they confront “an ancient tradition. As family, faith, and friendship collide, the polite conversation everyone expected turns into a wildly funny clash of convictions.”
When: April 10–19 (see website below for specific times)
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: $44.20
More info: desertensembletheatre.org/knife-to-the-heart/
Food Now presents Puttin’ Food on the Table
Did you know nearly 34% of the people residing in Desert Hot Springs live below the poverty line, more than twice the national average, according to local nonprofit Food Now? The food bank — which has been serving the Coachella Valley since 1959 — is dedicated to improving the lives of those who are struggling in the city (and other nearby communities), and its next fundraiser is this week if you’d like to help. Puttin’ Food on the Table is a family-friendly event featuring a 18-hole putting tournament, kid activities and prizes and all-you-can-eat hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and sodas.
When: Saturday, April 11 (start time depends on the type of ticket you purchase, see website below for more info)
Where: Shadow Mountain Golf Club, 73-800 Ironwood St., Palm Desert
Cost: From $20 for adults, $10 for kids (ticket prices vary based on whether you’re putting or not)
More info: thefamilyservicesofthedesert.org/puttingfundraiser/
Alyssa Edwards at Plaza Theater Palm Springs
Palm Springs has long been a Mecca for drag, and that continues this week. Alyssa Edwards, aka Justin Dwayne Lee Johnson, is an acclaimed drag artist, choreographer, and TV personality best known for competing on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” and now you can see her live in the desert. The theater’s website has a simple but effective description for this show: “A heartwarming and hilarious wild ride through the life and times of Alyssa Edwards.”
When: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 12
Where: The Plaza Theatre, 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: From $52.90
More info: palmspringsplazatheatre.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, two weeks before the event is scheduled to take place. 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: Things to do in Palm Springs include plays, drag show, exhibits
Reporting by Niki Kottmann, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
