Feeling the heat of the summer? Sadly, we still have a few months to go, but August promises a couple of exciting events to keep spirits high in the Coachella Valley.
Plenty of concerts, food events, shows and exciting happenings at local businesses are on the schedule for this month. As you brave the August sun, remember to lather on your sunscreen and bring a cold bottle of water as you explore all that the valley has to offer.
Here’s what’s coming to the Coachella Valley in August.
Dancing with the Stars Con
Fans of “Dancing with the Stars” will get up close to all the action with the inaugural Dancing with the Stars Con. This fan convention and live show makes its debut at Acrisure Arena, bringing stars and plenty of dancing to the desert. Dancing with the Stars Con will offer two live dance performances featured on the ballroom floor, interactive live panels with favorite contestants, interactive photo experiences, exhibits, Q&A sessions, exclusive merchandise and unique fan experiences. Fan can expect to see performer JoJo Siwa, judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli, dancing pros Ezra Sosa and Valentin Chmerkovskiy, actresses Danielle Fishel, Elaine Hendrix and Rumer Willis, retired figure skater Johnny Weir and others.
When: Through Sunday, Aug. 2
Where: Acrisure Arena, 75-702 Varner Road, Palm Desert
Cost: Starting at $244
More info: dwtscon.com
Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage
Is your stomach grumbling? Well, you’re in luck: the Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage is back with mouthwatering deals from local restaurants to chew on. The annual spotlight on local eateries takes place July 23 through Aug. 16. Grab a $10 wristband — proceeds benefit more than 40 Coachella Valley nonprofits — and a host of sweet specials, from juicy barbecue and three-course dinners to cold treats, will be at your fingertips. In order to receive discounts and deals at participating restaurants, each person needs to have their own wristband. They can be purchased online, at the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce office or at any of the participating nonprofit organizations. Visit https://tasteofsummerranchomirage.com for the full list of participants restaurants and nonprofits.
When: Through Aug. 16
Where: Various restaurants in Rancho Mirage
Cost: Wristband costs $10, various prices at restaurants
More info: https://tasteofsummerranchomirage.com/
Palm Springs Plaza Theatre lineup
The Palm Springs Plaza Theatre has a full lineup of shows in August. Just some of the upcoming events include an International Classical Concerts performance on Aug. 2, a screening of the animated film “Frozen” on Aug. 8, a comedy show with Jessica Kirson on Aug. 14 and 15, and a performance of the musical “Kinky Boots” on Aug. 30
When: Throughout August
Where: Plaza Theatre, 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: Varies
More info: palmspringsplazatheatre.com/events
Rosemary HiFi music listening sessions
Head to Indio’s groovy beer and natural wine bar Rosemary HiFi for a cool hang and good tunes. 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
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. Saturday Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29
Where: Sunrise Park, corner of Ramon Road and South Sunrise Way
Cost: Free, prices depend on vendor
More info: wanderlustevents.net
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. Sunday, Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30
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/
Agua’s Got Talent
Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City 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 (Aug. 5, 12, 19 and 26)
Where: Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City, 68-960 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City
Cost: Free
More info: aguacalientecasinos.com/agua-special/aguas-got-talent/
International Beer Day
International Beer Day is celebrated the first Friday of August, so get together with some of your favorite people to take in the “holiday.” If you need some inspiration on where to go, visit The Desert Sun’s website for some ideas, such as our favorite overall bars and dive bars in the area. Remember to always drink responsibly.
When: Friday, Aug. 7
Where: Throughout the Coachella Valley
Cost: Prices vary
More info: desertsun.com
Splash House
Cue the sunscreen and the bass drops. Splash House has revealed lineups for both weekends of its Palm Springs electronic dance music festival Aug. 7-9 and 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.
When: Aug. 7-9 and 14-16
Where: Hilton, Saguaro and Renaissance hotels, Palm Springs
Cost: Starting at $130
More info: splashhouse.com
Food Truck Fridays
Head to downtown Indio every Friday night to sample a smattering of delicious bites from food trucks. The vendor lineup changes regularly, featuring returning favorites and new ones. This event is family- and pet-friendly.
When: 5 to 10 p.m. Friday Aug. 7, 14, 21 and 28
Where: Corner of Towne Street and Bliss Avenue, Indio
Cost: Free, prices depend on vendor
More info: indio.org/our-city/food-truck-fridays
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/
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/
Indio Movie Night at Center Stage screening of ‘Wicked: For Good’
Head to Indio’s Center Stage for a free movie night with the community. 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, as they have to come together to change Oz for good. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs, snacks and more.
When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13
Where: Center Stage, 82-881 Miles Ave., Indio
Cost: Free admission
More info: indio.org/home
The Australian Pink Floyd Show
The Australian Pink Floyd Show comes to Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on Friday, Aug. 14 Having sold nearly 5 million tickets worldwide, the group is the leading Pink Floyd tribute show. Founded in Australia in 1988, the band has performed in more than 35 countries and has even shared the stage with Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour and Rick Wright.
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/
Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy
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/edgar-allan-poe-speakeasy/
’80s Music Festival
Celebrate all things neon and big teased hair at the ’80s Music Festival. The evening will feature three tribute bands to some of the hit makers 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 Casinos Rancho Mirage, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage
Cost: Starting at $30
More info: aguacalientecasinos.com/agua-event/80s-music-festival/
Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo
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: Starting at $76
More info: aguacalientecasinos.com/agua-event/pat-benatar-neil-giraldo/
TEDxRanchoMirage 2026
TEDxRanchoMirage returns in August, bringing together the Coachella Valley’s brightest minds and passionate voices to share talks on topics ranging from science and the arts to business, culture and beyond. This year’s theme is “Under the Same Sky,” and it marks the first year the organizations asked for submissions from the community. After reading 499 submissions (including ones from all over the world), five speakers were selected. They are: compostpreneur Prema Walker, Guinness Record holder Ivan Borzenko, Oxford-trained psychologist Dr. Romi Ran, author and grief expert Dr. Lynda Reid and mentalist Dr. Carl Christman. The 2026 event will be held Aug. 25 at the Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory.
When: 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25
Where: Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory, 71-100 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage
Cost: Free, but seating is limited and first come first serve
More info: tedxranchomirage.com/
Gretchen Wilson
Gretchen Wilson took the country music world by storm when she released her No. 1 hit song “Redneck Woman” in 2005, which landed her an opening slot with Brooks & Dunn and later Kenny Chesney. Since then, she’s stepped onto center stage to perform her own shows and take over the Billboard country music charts with 13 singles.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28
Where: Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage
Cost: Starting at $39
More info: aguacalientecasinos.com/agua-event/gretchen-wilson/
Amanda Miguel
Argentine-born Mexican singer-songwriter Amanda Miguel is celebrated as one of the most powerful and distinctive voices in Latin music. Bursting onto the international scene in the early 1980s, she captivated audiences with her debut album “El Sonido Volumen 1,” which produced classics such as “Él Me Mintió,” “Así No Te Amará Jamás” and “Castillos.” Over the course of her four-decades spanning career, Miguel has sold millions of albums worldwide and earned widespread recognition for her artistry.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29
Where: Spotlight 29 Casino, 46-200 Harrison Place, Coachella
Cost: Starting at $38
More info: https://spotlight29.com/entertainment/amanda-miguel/
Ramon Ayala
Widely known as the “King of the Accordion,” Ramon Ayala has been a defining force in regional Mexican music for more than 50 years. With an unmatched catalog of beloved songs and a legacy that spans generations, his live performances continue to draw passionate crowds across the country.
When: 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29
Where: Acrisure Arena, 75-702 Varner Road, Palm Desert
Cost: Starting at $89
More info: https://acrisurearena.com/event/ramon-ayala/
Ema Sasic covers entertainment and health in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at ema.sasic@desertsun.com, on X @ema_sasic and on Instagram @emasasic.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Your complete guide to Coachella Valley events in August
Reporting by Ema Sasic, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Ema Sasic, Palm Springs Desert Sun | USA TODAY Network
