Looking for something to do in the valley this week? The Desert Sun’s weekly events roundup is here to help.
VCary Baker on his new book and how he got into the music industry
First time author and Palm Desert resident Cary Baker talks about his new book “Down on the Corner” and his start in the music industry
If you’re like me and you’ve gone full fall mode — including pretending that the weather calls for layers when it absolutely does not — you’re going to like the autumnal event offerings this week.
From from spooky movies to a Halloween-themed musical event, there really is something for everyone this week in the Coachella Valley and nearby desert communities (yes, even for those who don’t care about fall).
Here are The Desert Sun’s picks for the top 12 events to check out in the desert Monday, Oct. 6 through Sunday, Oct. 12. (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.)
ONGOING: HWY 62 Open Studio Art Tours
The start of fall means a new season of creative adventures for desert locals and visiters alike. This month, dive into the artistic community of the high desert as more than 200 artists open their studios to the public for the annual HWY 62 Open Studio Art Tours. But with so many places to visit, where do you start? We suggest the Art Tours Collective Exhibition at the new Hi-Desert Artists Center in Yucca Valley, which includes two remaining weekends of self-guided open studio tours (Oct.11–12, and 18–19) and “Art Tours After Dark” live music performances by local bands and musicians on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights during each weekend of the Art Tours, according to the event press release.
When: Friday-Sunday Oct. 4-19
Where: Various home studios across Morongo Valley, Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms (see detailed list at website below)
Cost: Free admission and open to all
More info: For information on the free event app, locations to pick up a tour catalog, or to request a mailed catalog, visit hwy62arttours.org/
‘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 “Strangers on a Train.”
When: 1-3:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6
Where: Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory, 71-100 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage
Cost: Free admission
More info: ranchomiragelibrary.libcal.com/event/14817079
Nickel City Opera West and Revolution Stage Company present ‘Opera Exposed’
If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about what it’s like to be an opera singer — or you’re simply looking for a unique night out that will include plenty of laughs — this Nickel City Opera West event is worth checking out. Nickel City, which is based in Buffalo, New York but recently started a local opera group in Palm Springs, presents this special event headlined by Metropolitan Opera bass Valerian Ruminski accompanied by Joel Baker on the piano. Featuring special guests Michelle Fiore, Doug Nagel, Joey English and some members of the Modern Men chorus, this evening has something for every type of art aficiando — including audience participation, so be warned!
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8
Where: Revolution Stage Company, 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 16, Palm Springs
Cost: $30
More info: onthestage.tickets/show/revolution-stage-company/
Coachella Valley Trailblazers Event Presented by California Bank & Trust
Join fellow Coachella Valley professionals for a showcase of the region’s “most influential voices as they open up about their personal journeys, the obstacles they’ve conquered and the strategies that fuel their success,” as the press release states. Speakers at this inspiring event will include: Partner, SBEMP Attorneys Vee Sotelo; Director of Community Medicine, Eisenhower Health Victor Cisneros, MD, MPH; Founder, Diaz Brothers Boxing Foundation Joel Diaz.
When: Registration at 8 a.m., speakers panel at 8:30 a.m., networking at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 9
Where: Acrisure Arena, 75-702 Varner Road, Palm Desert
Cost: Free admission, but must register below
More info: cbo.io/app/public/bidapp/cvtrailblazers
The Artists Council presents the Opening Reception for ‘Light’ Exhibition & Sale
The Artists Council’s latest juried exhibition, “Light,”showcases a variety of mediums from paintings to sculptures, photography, and more. More than 100 local artists submit work for consideration every year, and only those that rise to the top are on display. As the press release states, this “is a themed show to reflect the artist’s interpretation. Light shapes the way we see and the way we depict things in our artworks. Light also means brightness and luminosity. It can describe physical weight or nimble movement. So, the question to our member artists was: How does light factor into your creative expression?”
When: Reception 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9; exhibit runs through Nov. 9
Where: The Artists Center, 72-567 Highway 111, Palm Desert
Cost: Free admission, with art available for purchase
More info: artistscouncil.com/exhibitions
Indio Movie Night at Center Stage: ‘Wicked’
Getting in the spirit of witchy season? What better way to celebrate than with cinema’s two most famous witches of late? Head to downtown Indio Thursday for a free, family friendly screening of “Wicked” at Center Stage. The first 100 kids will get free burgers from Papa Headz (just head to the window on the side of the Gabbino’s building across the street from the event), and everyone on-site for the screening will get free popcorn. New this month: everyone will get free themed cotton candy!
When: Gates open at 5:30 p.m., screening at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9
Where: Center Stage, 82-881 Miles Ave., Indio
Cost: Free admission for all
More info: instagram.com
Family-Style Dinners at Holiday House
Starting this Thursday and running every other Thursday evening through May 2026, Palm Springs hotel Holiday House will host this series of special family-style dinner parties “served under starlit skies in the resort’s gardens,” as the press release states. These intimate evenings are limited to 40 attendees and are open to both hotel guests and locals, so whether you’ore on vacation or not, you can kick back and forget your responsibilities for the night. This Thursday, gather in the art-filled lobby for a pre-dinner drink then head outdoors to the long table for a fried chicken dinner prepared by Chef Jon Butler.
When: 6:30 p.m. every other Thursday through May (including Thursday, Oct. 9)
Where: Holiday House, 200 W. Arenas Road, Palm Springs
Cost: $65 per guest before tax and gratuity
More info: Must make a reservation at opentable.com
Palm Canyon Theatre presents ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’
Kick off the 2025-26 season at Palm Canyon Theatre with one of Roald Dahl’s most famous tales — the musical version, of course. As the theater’s website states, “This contemporary Broadway musical from 2017 follows young Charlie Bucket as he wins a golden ticket to explore Willy Wonka’s extraordinary factory. With pop flair and dazzling spectacle, it’s a treat for the whole family.”
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9; 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10; 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11; 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12
Where: Palm Canyon Theatre, 538 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: $20-$46
More info: palmcanyontheatre.net
Desert Ensemble Theatre presents Singing with the Desert Stars
Come support a local theater organization at this live music performance that doubles as a competition and fundraiser. This event teams Broadway veterans and other prominent vocalists with nonprofessional singers/community leaders who’ve volunteered to put their singing talents to the test. Contestants prepare with their professional mentors and compete against one another at this live event to see who’s grown the most as a performer. The best part? Attendees crown the winner. Note: This event benefits DET’s student internship/mentorship and scholarship programs.
When: Doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: $134-$161
More info: tickets.holdmyticket.com/tickets/452232
Desert TheatreWorks presents ‘The Cottage’
Indio’s own theater company is kicking off its 2025-26 season this week with a new show billed as “Broadway’s killer comedy.” This new, hysterical play is a PG-13 story of “sex, betrayal, and desire as one woman decides to expose her latest affair to both her husband and to her lover’s wife. The true meaning of love, commitment and marriage are called into question as a surprising, hilarious web of secrets unravels in this ridiculous — potentially murderous — comedy set in the 1920s,” as the website says.
When: Friday, Oct. 10- Sunday, Nov. 2 (various showtimes, cleck website below for specific times)
Where: Indio Performing Arts Center, 45-175 Fargo St., Indio
Cost: $46
More info: dtworks.org/about-1
Cary Baker in Conversation with Steve Hochman
Looking for an excuse to head to the high desert? Hop in the car for this conversation with Cary Baker, local author of “Down on the Corner: Adventures in Busking and Street Music” moderated by journalist Steve Hochman. As the press release says, “Baker’s debut book traces the untold history of street music — from blues, folk, and doo-wop to jazz and indie rock — spanning city sidewalks, subway platforms, and parks from the 1920s to today. Featuring stories and interviews with Lucinda Williams, Billy Bragg, Violent Femmes, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Madeleine Peyroux, Old Crow Medicine Show, and more, ‘Down on the Corner’ shines a light on the musicians who turned everyday spaces into unforgettable stages.”
When: Doors open at 5 p.m., program begins at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11
Where: Desert General, 6427 Mesquite Ave., Twentynine Palms
Cost: Free, but register at website below
More info: eventbrite.com
‘It Came From the Desert!’ Vol. 3 Release Show
Get your spooky on at this community event in downtown Indio. “It Came from the Desert Vol. 3” is a digital album compilation of original Halloween-themed music by Coachella Valley artists, and the album’s release show is taking over Center Stage with live performances Saturday. Enjoy sets by Mushroom People (System of a Down tribute), Jayce Levi (Secret Secret Dino Club), The Royal Chicano Underground, SpaceinSound and Yóves. Enjoy free candy, various snacks for purchase and hours of live entertainment. Note: Come in costume for a chance to win a prize.
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11
Where: Center Stage, 82-881 Miles Ave., Indio
Cost: Free admission and open to all
More info: themattking.bandcamp.com/album
To submit an event for The Desert Sun’s consideration in future 10 things to do stories, send an email to [email protected] 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 add two events.)
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.desertsun.com ’
