Let’s just be honest. August is one of the most difficult months of the year to be a full-time desert resident. But the soaring temperatures don’t mean we can’t have any fun.
This week, there’s several community events taking place across the Coachella Valley, from a country music dance night to an indoor farmers market to a special stargazing night at the Rancho Mirage Observatory, so consider this your list for getting through the hottest dog days of summer.
So, without further ado, here’s our top 10 events to check out the week of Monday, Aug. 17 in the Coachella Valley.
Two-Step Tuesday
Two-Step Tuesday at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino continues this summer. The weekly country music event, sponsored by KPLM-FM, is for all fans of the genre, whether they’re two-step pros or newbies to the dance form. The high-energy evenings will feature Big John DJing all night long, spinning crowd-favorite country hits while country music videos light up the big screen and a dance instructor offers lessons to first-timers. And don’t worry, there will be plenty of drink specials featuring Jim Beam, Modelo, Coors, and various wines.
When: 7-10 p.m. every Tuesday, including Tuesday, Aug. 18
Where: LIT at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio
Cost: Free admission, with drinks available for purchase
More info: fantasyspringsresort.com/two-step-tuesday/
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 Friday, Oct. 9.
When: 7-10 p.m. every Wednesday, including Wednesday, Aug. 19
Where: Agave Caliente Tequila Bar at Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City, 68-960 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City
Cost: Free admission, will drinks available for purchase
More info: aguacalientecasinos.com/agua-special/
Observatory Public Exploration Night
Get out of this world this week at the Rancho Mirage Observatory. During Public Exploration Nights, the public can ask questions and learn fun facts from Observatory staff and volunteer docents as they take in 30-1230x magnified views of planets, nebulae, star clusters, and more (weather permitting). Note: As a courtesy, please minimize your light production when visiting the Observatory at night. Please refrain from using handheld screens (such as cellphones and tablets), taking photographs with flash, and wearing light-up shoes.
When: 9-10:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20
Where: Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory, 71-100 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage
Cost: Free admission (no registration is necessary for this drop-in, open house-style event, but it’s possible you’ll experience a short wait)
More info: ranchomiragelibrary.libcal.com/event/
Food Truck Fridays
Looking for a fun night out with some good food? Head to downtown Indio every Friday night to sample a smattering of delicious bites from local food trucks. The vendor lineup changes regularly, featuring returning favorites and new ones, so check their Instagram page, @indiofoodtruckfridays, to see who’s participating each week. Note: This event is family- and pet-friendly.
When: 5-10 p.m. every Friday, including Friday, Aug. 21
Where: Corner of Towne Street and Bliss Avenue, Indio
Cost: Free, prices depend on vendor
More info: indio.org/our-city/food-truck-fridays
Los Rieleros Del Norte Concert
Ready for a night of norteño music? Los Rieleros del Norte, known as “La Máquina Musical Norteña #1,” return to the Special Events Center at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino this Friday to show why they’ve captivated audiences for more than four decades with their signature blend of accordion, saxophone, and traditional Mexican rhythms, as the casino website says. Sing along to timeless hits like “El Columpio,” “Amor Prohibido,” and “Te Quiero Mucho,” and enjoy songs from their latest album, “Reafirmando el Estilo.”
When: Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21
Where: Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio
Cost: From $52.50
More info: fantasyspringsresort.com/los-rieleros-del-norte/
Indoor Palm Springs Certified Farmers Market
Every summer, the popular Palm Springs Farmers Market heads indoors to keep the fun going amid the three-digit temperatures, . This summer’s offerings include California-grown produce, as well as locally made pastries, dips, juices, condiments, kombucha, eggs and so much more.
When: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. every Saturday until September
Where: Palm Springs Pavilion, 401 S. Pavilion Way, Palm Springs
Cost: Free admission, with many items available for purchase
More info: certifiedfarmersmarkets.org
Temalpakh Farm and Chicano Candle Co. Custom Candle Making Class
Looking to try something new this week? Consider spending a couple hours of your Saturday making a custom candle with Chicano Candle Co. This local small business’ staff will help you craft your own candle utilizing their signature 30 scents, so come prepared to sniff. Note: A fresh smoothie from the farm is included with your ticket.
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22
Where: Temalpakh Farm, 1 Roberta Way, Coachella
Cost: $100
More info: app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/967d6b11
Palm Springs Food Truck Festival
aturday 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. 22
Where: Sunrise Park, corner of Ramon Road and South Sunrise Way
Cost: Free, prices depend on vendor
More info: wanderlustevents.net/locations
Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo Concert
The partnership between singer/songwriter Pat Benatar and producer-musician Neil Giraldo has been a potent, steadfast union that has soared to the top of the charts and into fans’ hearts. Together, Benatar and Giraldo have created two multi-platinum, five platinum and three gold albums, along with 19 Top 40 hits. Tune in for a night full of bangers, including “WeBelong,” “Invincible,” “Love Is A Battlefield,” “Heartbreaker” and plenty others.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22
Where: Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage
Cost: From $76
More info: aguacalientecasinos.com/agua-event/
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 in August, including Sunday, Aug. 23
Where: Lola Rose Grand Mezze, 414 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: Free admission, with food available for purchase
More info: lolaroseps.com/event/
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: You won’t want to miss these 10 greater Palm Springs events this week
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
