Looking for something to do in the valley this week? The Desert Sun’s weekly events roundup is here to help.
Know before you go: Sunnylands Center & Gardens
Sunnylands, the former winter estate of Walter and Lenore Annenberg in Rancho Mirage, is a historic attraction for visitors and locals. Here’s why.
Fans of hiking, trivia and the arts will be booked and busy this week.
From guided nature walks to a music video premiere party, there really is an event for everyone this week in the Coachella Valley.
Here are The Desert Sun’s picks for the top 10 events to check out in the desert Monday, Sept. 29 through Sunday, Oct. 5. (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 Artists Council presents ‘A Palette of Possibilities’
The Artists Council kicked off its 2025-2026 season in early September with a new exhibit title “A Palette of Possibilities,” and this week is your last chance to check it out. Head to this “inspiring exhibition that invites artists to push their creative boundaries and produce one-of-a-kind works that resonate with both the local community and art aficionados,” as the press release says, if you’re in need of some creative inspiration. This exhibit also helps celebrate a significant milestone: the 5th anniversary of the Artists Center under the leadership of the Artists Council.
When: Now through Oct. 5
Where: The Artists Center, 72-567 Highway 111, Palm Desert
Cost: Free admission, with art available for purchase
More info: artistscouncil.com/exhibitions
‘On the Couch: The Dark Psychology of Alfred Hitchcock’ Talk
Award-winning educator James Griswold has curated a new film lecture series for the Rancho Mirage Library, and this fall, he’s diving into Alfred Hitchcock’s “world of suspenseful tension, psychological twists and elegant, unsettling storytelling,” as the event description states. Griswold will introduce each film and provide questions for viewers to ponder as they enjoy the film. Each screening with be followed by a “talk-back” session for those interested. This week’s film is “Spellbound,” which follows the story of a psychiatrist protecting the identity of an amnesia patient accused of murder while attempting to recover his memory.
When: 1-3:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 29
Where: Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory, 71-100 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage
Cost: Free
More info: ranchomiragelibrary.libcal.com/event/14817079
Last Chance: Greater Palm Springs Spa Month
It’s not too late to celebrate the Coachella Valley’s various award-winning spas — and support local business owners during one of the slowest times of the year — at this discount event. Browse the special September-only stay & spa packages deals, exclusive treatment deals and discounted day passes at the website below, and don’t forget to make a reservation.
When: Last two days are Monday, Sept. 29 and Tuesday, Sept. 30
Where: Various Coachella Valley spas including Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort, Spa Rosa at Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa, Sunstone Spa, The Spa at Séc-he, El Morocco Inn & Day Spa, The Spring, Miracle Manor Boutique Hotel & Spa and many more.
Cost: Various (see link below)
More info: visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/spa-month/
Carrizo Canyon Opening Day
The Carrizo Canyon Ecological Preserve opens for the season on Oct. 1, and all nature/hiking enthusiasts are invited to this opening day docent-led hike. Attendees will have the chance to see the endangered Peninsular Bighorn Sheep and other desert critters, learn about the geology of the area and see Palm Desert from a different perspective. This hike’s rating is easy, and is approximately 3 miles round trip. Bring snacks, 2 liters of water, closed-toed shoes, a hat and sunscreen. Note: RSVP at the website below is required, and participants must check-in 15 minutes prior to departure time.
When: 8-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1
Where: Meet at the Art Smith Trailhead parking lot located just past the driveway for the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center (51-500 CA-74, Palm Desert) “approximately 100 feet on the southwest side of Highway 74,” as the website states
Cost: A suggested nonrefundable donation of $5 per person is encouraged
More info: desertmountains.org/event/carrizo-canyon-opening-day/
Backstreet Art District Art Walk
Enjoy an evening stroll while supporting the vibrant community of artists at the Backstreet Art District’s monthly art walk. With ceramics, jewelry, paintings and photography for sale, there will be every kind of art for every kind of art enthusiast. This event only comes by once every month, so come get your steps in this Wednesday while perusing a variety of galleries and art studios.
When: 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1
Where: Backstreet Art District, Corner of South Cherokee Way and Matthew Drive (behind Estate Sale) in Palm Springs
Cost: Free
More info: backstreetartdistrict.com
Trivia at Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa
Looking for a fun way to get through hump day? Head to Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa for a night of brain teasers and friendly competition at this BitNTongueProductions trivia event. Grab a group of friends (a team can have a max of six people) and get ready to show off your knowledge on a variety of topics. Prizes include one free night’s stay at the resort, a 50-minute massage at the hotel spa, and a $50 food and beverage card for The Place at Renaissance. Note: Parking can be validated with a food or beverage purchase during trivia.
When: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1
Where: Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, 44-400 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells
Cost: Free admission, with food and drinks available for purchase
More info: eventbrite.com/e/
The 100% Club: A Certified Fresh Film Series
Want to step back in time with a classic film this week? The Palm Springs Cultural Center’s 100% Club series is screening “Laura” (1944) this week. As the Eventbrite description says, “Otto Preminger’s silken noir (tells the story) where a detective falls for a portrait — and a mystery that won’t stay dead. Fresh pick: ‘Gene Tierney’s cool glow, Clifton Webb’s razor wit, and David Raksin’s unforgettable theme.'” Note: Want to enjoy a beverage while you watch? Save $4 off the price of 2 drinks when you pre-purchase your tickets on Eventbrite.
When: 6 p.m. preshow, 7 p.m. film screening begins Wednesday, Oct. 1
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: $12
More info: eventbrite.com/e/
Downtown Indio Food Truck Fridays
Enjoy a weeky tradition in the heart of Indio. Food Truck Fridays continues this week, and the vendor lineup changes regularly, so it’ll never be the same experience twice. Expect returning favorites and new eateries at this family and pet-friendly event. After you grab some dinner or a sweet treat, head down the street to Victoria’s Cafe for some live music.
When: 5-10 p.m. every Friday (including Friday, Oct. 2)
Where: The corner of Towne Street and Bliss Avenue in downtown Indio
Cost: Free admission, various items available for purchase
More info: indio.org
Nickerson-Rossi Dance Masterclass with Robert La Fosse
Be a Nickerson-Rossi dancer for the day and learn legendary Jerome Robbins choreography in this exclusive master class led by Tony Award–nominated dancer/choreographer Robert La Fosse. As someone who’s worked directly with Robbins, La Fosse brings special insight to this class, which, as the website states, “will focus on ‘Cool,’ one of the (‘West Side Story’) musical’s most iconic numbers. Participants will explore Robbins’ signature blend of ballet, jazz, and dramatic storytelling, discovering how movement, rhythm, and character are woven together to create tension and drive narrative.”
When: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4
Where: Nickerson-Rossi Dance off El Paseo, 45-145 San Luis Rey, Palm Desert
Cost: $35
More info: nickersonrossidance.com/so/
Kimberly Cofer: Music Video Premiere & Live Show
Pull on your boots and head to the Cultural Center this weekend to celeberate country music artist Kimberly Cofer’s premiere of her new music video for “Cottonwood.” This boot-scootin’ party in honor of the singer’s upcoming album and newly released single will feature the video screening, cocktails, popcorn and a post-show performance of both original songs and country covers by Cofer and her band, the Tumbleweeds.
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: $37.89
More info: eventbrite.com/e/
Sunnylands Art Workshop: Candle Making
Top off your weekend with this fun hands-on workshop at Sunnylands. Join the married couple behind local gay and Chicano-owned business Mijo Candle Co. and make your very own candle. The founders/owners of the business will walk you through the two-hour candle-making process and help you choose from over 30 scents to create a custom 8-ounce Amber jar candle. Attendees will learn all about the different wax, wick and fragrance oil types. Note: This event is for ages 12 and older, and registration is required at the website below.
When: Noon-2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5
Where: Sunnylands Center & Gardens, 37-977 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage
Cost: $53
More info: go.modtix.com/f/edu-oct/
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