Well, dear readers, I turned off my air conditioning for the season a few days ago, so I think it’s official. It’s finally fall in the desert.
If you’re like me and think this is cause for celebration, the desert’s event organizers have provided plenty of options this week.
Here are The Desert Sun’s picks for the top 12 events to check out Monday, Oct. 20 through Sunday, Oct. 26. (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.)
‘The Roost Revue – Haunted Hearts’ presents Kim Schroeder Long and Bill Spera
“The Roost Revue” returns this week for a special Halloween-themed show, “Haunted Hearts,” which promises a “night of song, story, and connection,” as the press release says. Curated and hosted by Jason Mannino, this show offers “a one-of-a-kind experience where music, storytelling, and personal connection take center stage. The Halloween show will be filled with evocative stories and music, creating an intimate atmosphere where both performers and audiences explore the emotional complexity of the heart in a spooky setting.”
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22
Where: The Roost Lounge, 68-718 E. Palm Canyon Drive, #203, Cathedral City
Cost: $22.25
More info: theroostcc.com/events
Friends of the DHS Library October Book Sale
Calling all bookworms, the Friends of the Desert Hot Springs Library is hosting a book sale this week. Volunteers have been busy sorting boxes in all genres including fiction, non-fiction, historical, biographical, science fiction, biology, space, transportation, travel, cookbooks, children and young adult books. Looking to start your holiday shopping early? Many of the books are new, and a bag of books can be purchased for $3 (and there is no limit to the number of bags). There will also be an opportunity to win prizes provided by local businesses. Come in your Halloween costume and get a free ticket. All the proceeds raised at the book sale go to funding DHS library programs for all ages.
When: 3-6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24; and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25
Where: Desert Hot Springs Library, 14-380 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs
Cost: Free admission, with books available for purchase
More info: www.rivlib.net
Desert Theatricals presents ‘The Addams Family’
Desert Theatricals is back for its 2025-26 season, and it’s kicking off the fall with a show that’s perfect for spooky season. As the theater group’s website says, “‘The Addams Family,’ a comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family, features an original story and it’s every father’s nightmare: Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family — a man her parents have never met. And if that wasn’t upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before — keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s ‘normal’ boyfriend and his parents.”
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24-Sunday, Oct. 26
Where: Rancho Mirage Amphitheater, 71-560 San Jacinto Drive, Rancho Mirage
Cost: $52
More info: desert-theatricals.com/broadway
The Living Desert Howl-O-Ween
Get your favorite costume on and join the fun at The Living Desert’s spook-tacular Howl-O-Ween celebration. On top of seeing more than 600 animals getting in the spirit of Halloween, the zoo will have pop-up surprises, trick-or-treat stations, new limited-edition animal trading cards and frightfully fun experiences for all ages. All guests are invited to join the zoo’s sustainable efforts by bringing a reuseable bag for trick-or-treating and reusing or thrifting items for costumes (no weapons, obscenity or anything that could cause disturbance to patrons or animals, and adults costumes cannot include a full face mask).
When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25 and Sunday, Oct. 26
Where: The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, 47-900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert
Cost: Free-$39.95 (depending on age)
More info: livingdesert.org/events/
Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest
The annual Howl-O-Ween dog costume contest is back at Panorama Dog Park. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the contest starts at 9:30 a.m. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place in each of two categories — small and large breed. There will also be a prize for the best combo costume of for a dog and their human pal.
When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25
Where: Panorama Park, 28-905 Avenida Maravilla, Cathedral City
Cost: Free
More info: discovercathedralcity.com/event/
Palm Springs Air Museum Halloween Chili Cook-Off/Car Show
Not all Halloween events have to come with tricks, but this one sure does come full of treats. The Palm Springs Air Museum will host its 16th annual Chili Cook-Off and Car Show on Saturday, Oct. 25, where attendees can see some cool rides and enjoy a tasting of various chili offerings from volunteers’ secret recipes. Children ages 12 and under are free and are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes (no weapons allowed).
When: 10 a.m. (car show) and 11 a.m. (chili tastings) Saturday, Oct. 25
Where: Palm Springs Air Museum, 745 N. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs
Cost: Free-$25 (depending on age/military affiliation), chili tastings are $1 per taste or $5 for six tasting tickets
More info: palmspringsairmuseum.org/halloween-chili-car-show
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Inaugural AutumnFest
If you like your fall festivities to resemble Oktoberfest, head up the tram for this inaugural event during which the Pines Cafe atop the Palm Springs Tramway will feature a three-course German meal accompanied by live music from polka band Bavarian Stew. Choose from traditional dishes like bratwurst, sauerkraut, schnitzel, and more. Each meal also includes a slice of German chocolate cake and a Bavarian pretzel.
When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25
Where: Pines Cafe inside the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Mountain Station, 1 Tramway Road, Palm Springs (only accessible via tram ride)
Cost: $41 for adults and $27.50 for children
More info: pstramway.com
3rd Annual Fall Festival
Enjoy some fall fun at this family friendly event. This Sunday, Old Town La Quinta will host a full day of autumn festivities, including live music by Midnight Sun, a Beer, Wine & Mimosa Garden hosted by RD RNNR, a farmers market, a pumpkin patch, a festive photo op area, face painting, sweet treats, giveaways, and a Build-a-Plushie activity available for purchase. Mainly in it for the candy? Come dressed in a Halloween costume and enjoy trick-or-treating with vendors throughout the day.
When: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26
Where: Old Town La Quinta
Cost: Free admission, with items and activities available for purchase
More info: oldtownlaquinta.com/fall-festival/
California Dreaming 61st Annual Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade
The beloved Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce event returns this weekend to kick off the high season with a “California Dreaming” theme. Eventgoers can browse marketplace booths, play with their kids in the Family Fun Zone, enjoy a bite to eat at one of several food trucks, grab a drink at La Fe Libation Station, or check out all the classic cars and custom golf carts on display — and that’s all before the parade even starts! The parade kicks off at noon with skydivers, a Palm Springs Air Museum flyover, marching bands, dance troupes, and, of course, plenty of decorated golf carts to marvel at. If you come early with an empty stomach, head to the Rotary Club Pancake Breakfast.
When: 8 a.m. Rotary Club Pancake Breakfast; 9 a.m. vendors and family zone open; noon parade; 2 p.m. After Party at Hotel Paseo Sunday, Oct. 26
Where: Pancake breakfast is at the corner of El Paseo and San Luis Rey in downtown Palm Desert, and parade starts at San Luis Rey and goes down El Paseo to Ocotillo
Cost: Parade and adjacent street festival is free to attend, but pancake breakfast is $10 per person
More info: golfcartparade.org
Cathedral City Halloween Spooktacular
Bring the kiddos out for an early candy celebration with the ninth annual Cathedral City Halloween Spooktacular. This free event will have trick-or-treating opportunities, a costume contest and chances to win bicycles.
When: Noon-3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26
Where: In front of City Hall, 68-700 Ave Lalo Guerrero, Cathedral City
Cost: Free
More info: discovercathedralcity.com/event/
‘Tribute to the Legendary Joe Croyle’
Enjoy this tribute to beloved desert crooner Joe Croyle spanning his piano bar performances to private parties with big names. Performed through stories and songs that are sure to bring tears to your eyes, this set will showcase Croyle’s Randall Creighton will be the featured pianist for this performance
When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26
Where: Arthur Newman Theatre at the Joslyn Center, 73-750 Catalina Way, Palm Desert
Cost: $25 cash at the door
More info: sundaycabaretseries.com
9th Annual East Coachella Valley LGBTQ+ Pride Festival
Palm Springs Pride always kicks off with Halloween weekend, but in the East Valley, the fun starts early this weekend with the 9th Annual East Coachella Valley LGBTQ+ Pride Festival on Saturday. Enjoy a full afternoon of local performers, vendors and family friendly activities including an extensive resource fair. Danza Azteca Citlaltonac (the nonprofit group dedicated to the preservation of Mexica/Aztec culture) will be leading a special opening ceremony, and Anima Tsitsiki will perform a powerful spoken word poetry piece.
When: 3-8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26
Where: Park next to the Coachella Public Library, 1500 Sixth St., Coachella
Cost: Free admission
More info: instagram.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 story was updated to swap out a photo.)
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Things to do in Palm Springs this week include a golf parade, fall fest, costume contest
Reporting by Niki Kottmann, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
