Whether you’re looking for a good laugh or a good stretch, there’s plenty to do in the Coachella Valley this week — and many events are more affordable than you’d expect.
This week’s event roundup features a mix of wellness, stand-up comedy, live music and dining events that are designed with locals in mind.
So, without further ado, here’s our top 10 events to check out the week of Monday, Aug. 10 in the Coachella Valley.
Indio Movie Night at Center Stage screening of ‘Wicked: For Good’
Throw on some pink and green and head to Indio’s Center Stage for a free community movie night this Thursday. Next up on the big screen is “Wicked: For Good,” starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The two performers take on the iconic roles of Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, for a second time as they have to come together to change Oz for good in this memorable sequel. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets, lawn chairs and snacks.
When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13
Where: Center Stage, 82-881 Miles Ave., Indio
Cost: Free admission
More info: indio.org/home
Derrick Hague Stand-Up Comedy Show at Rock Gallery Comedy Club
Palm Springs’ newest comedy club, The Rock Gallery, continues to host several evening stand-up shows throughout every week, and this Thursday, local comic Derrick Hague is headlining a special evening show. Get your weekend started early — or just enjoy a fun night off — at this laugh-filled event. Note: A minimum purchase of two items is required per guest (there are both alcoholic and nonalcoholic options).
When: 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13
Where: The Rock Gallery Comedy Club, 333 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 117, Palm Springs
Cost: $7.18
More info: eventbrite.com
Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy at Agua Caliente Casino
The blood-curdling stories Edgar Allan Poe wrote in the 19th century, including tales of a guilt-ridden murderer and a distraught lover visited by a talking raven, continue to spook and thrill readers to this day. Now, locals will have a chance to see some of his classic poems and short stories come to life, with a cocktail in hand, at a pop-up called the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy. The 21-and-older cocktail experience retells and reimagines four of his most famous works — including “The Tell-Tale Heart” and “The Masque of the Red Death” — and pairs them with drinks that complement the vibe of each piece.
When: 6, 8 and 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14
Where: Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs, 401 E. Amado Road, Palm Springs
Cost: $65
More info: aguacalientecasinos.com/agua-event/
Splash House Palm Springs
As if one weekend wasn’t hot enough, Splash House 2026 is back for its second weekend Aug. 14-16, so pack a swimsuit, sunnies, a water bottle and some sunscreen, because it’s time for another EDM pool party. Some of the highlights of the lineup are sets by DJs Alison Wonderland, D.O.D, OMNOM, Prospa, Riordan, Tiga and Whethan, as well as After Hours programming at the Palm Springs Air Museum with Kaskade Redux, Jackie Hollander and Script.
When: Friday, Aug. 14-Sunday, Aug. 16
Where: Hilton, Saguaro and Renaissance hotels, Palm Springs
Cost: Various passes still available, click link below to see what’s left
More info: splashhouse.com
The Australian Pink Floyd Show at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
These guys aren’t the real Pink Floyd, but they’re pretty dang close. This tribute band formed in 1988 in Adelaide, South Australia has sold nearly 5 million tickets worldwide, which is why they describe themselves as the leading Pink Floyd tribute show in the biz. The band has performed in more than 35 countries and has even shared the stage with Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour and Rick Wright, so they know a thing or two about the progressive/psychedelic rock group.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14
Where: Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio
Cost: Starting at $52
More info: fantasyspringsresort.com/australian-pink-floyd-live/
Jessica Kirson at The Plaza Theatre
From the comedy clubs of New York City to HBO’s “Crashing,” seasoned comic Jessica Kirson has long made a name for herself as a “comic’s comic.” However, her talent is gaining recognition outside of the insider crowd thanks to her growing social media following. Come see what she’s all about at this week at one of her two shows at the Plaza Theatre.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14 and Saturday, Aug. 15 (Saturday show just added due to limited tickets remaining for Friday show)
Where: The Plaza Theatre, 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: From $55.80
More info: palmspringsplazatheatre.com/events/
Chingo Bling at Spotlight 29 Casino
This rapper-turned-stand-up comedian promises a comedy show with a truly original angle. “Known for turning Latino culture, family life, immigration, relationships, and everyday struggles into nonstop comedy,” as Spotlight 29’s website says, Pedro Herrera III — aka Chingo Bling — “built a massive following as a Mexican-American rapper and viral personality before making the leap into stand-up comedy. With his quick wit, sharp cultural observations, and larger-than-life personality, Chingo brings a comedy style that is bold, relatable, and completely original.”
When: Doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14
Where: Chairman’s Lounge at Spotlight 29 Casino, 46-200 Harrison Place, Coachella
Cost: From $28.50
More info: spotlight29.com/entertainment/
’80s Music Festival at Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage
Celebrate all things neon and big teased hair at the ’80s Music Festival at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage this week. The evening will feature three tribute bands honoring some of the biggest hitmakers of the decade. The lineup includes Strangelove, which will deliver the ultimate Depeche Mode experience; The Cured, which will focus on The Cure’s hits; and Temptation, an international New Order tribute act.
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15
Where: Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage
Cost: Starting at $30
More info: aguacalientecasinos.com/agua-event/
ONGOING EVENTS
Flamingo Fridays Poolside Party at Morongo Casino
Looking for a way to escape the heat? Hop in the car and head to Cabazon for an evening getaway at Morongo Casino’s Oasis Pool. For one evening every week, locals can pretend they’re on vacation by purchasing a ticket to this pool party complete with live music, cocktails and relaxing rides down the lazy river.
When: Every Friday at 9 p.m. including Friday, Aug. 14
Where: Morongo Casino Resort and Spa, 49-500 Seminole Drive, Cabazon
Cost: $38
More info: morongocasinoresort.com/hotel/oasispool
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 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
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: What to do in Palm Springs this week, from Splash House to ‘Wicked’ 2
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
