Know before you go: Sunnylands Center & Gardens<\/p>\n Sunnylands, the former winter estate of Walter and Lenore Annenberg in Rancho Mirage, is a historic attraction for visitors and locals. Here’s why.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/media-video><\/div>\n Fans of hiking, trivia and the arts will be booked and busy this week.<\/p>\n From guided nature walks to a music video premiere party, there really is an event for everyone this week in the Coachella Valley.<\/p>\n 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\u2019d like to submit an upcoming event of your own for a future roundup, see the bottom of this article for directions.)<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n When: <\/strong>Now through Oct. 5<\/p>\n Where: <\/strong>The Artists Center, 72-567 Highway 111, Palm Desert<\/p>\n Cost: <\/strong>Free admission, with art available for purchase<\/p>\n More info:<\/strong> artistscouncil.com\/exhibitions<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n When: <\/strong>1-3:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 29<\/p>\n Where: <\/strong>Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory, 71-100 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage<\/p>\n Cost:<\/strong> Free<\/p>\n More info:<\/strong> ranchomiragelibrary.libcal.com\/event\/14817079<\/a><\/p>\n It’s not too late to celebrate the Coachella Valley’s various award-winning spas \u2014 and support local business owners during one of the slowest times of the year \u2014 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.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong>\u00a0Last two days are Monday, Sept. 29 and Tuesday, Sept. 30<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong>\u00a0Various Coachella Valley spas including Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort, Spa Rosa at Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa, Sunstone Spa, The Spa at S\u00e9c-he, El Morocco Inn & Day Spa, The Spring, Miracle Manor Boutique Hotel & Spa and many more.<\/p>\n Cost:<\/strong>\u00a0Various (see link below)<\/p>\n More info:<\/strong>\u00a0visitgreaterpalmsprings.com\/spa-month\/<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> 8-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1<\/p>\n Where: <\/strong>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<\/p>\n Cost:<\/strong> A suggested nonrefundable donation of $5 per person is encouraged<\/p>\n More info:<\/strong> desertmountains.org\/event\/carrizo-canyon-opening-day\/<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong>\u00a05-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong>\u00a0Backstreet Art District, Corner of South Cherokee Way and Matthew Drive (behind Estate Sale) in Palm Springs<\/p>\n Cost:<\/strong>\u00a0Free<\/p>\n More info:<\/strong>\u00a0backstreetartdistrict.com<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong>\u00a06-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong>\u00a0Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, 44-400 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells<\/p>\n Cost:<\/strong>\u00a0Free admission, with food and drinks available for purchase<\/p>\n More info:<\/strong>\u00a0eventbrite.com\/e\/<\/a><\/p>\n 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\u2019s silken noir (tells the story) where a detective falls for a portrait \u2014 and a mystery that won\u2019t stay dead. Fresh pick: ‘Gene Tierney\u2019s cool glow, Clifton Webb\u2019s razor wit, and David Raksin\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n When: <\/strong>6 p.m. preshow, 7 p.m. film screening begins Wednesday, Oct. 1<\/p>\n Where: <\/strong>Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs<\/p>\n Cost:<\/strong> $12<\/p>\n More info:<\/strong> eventbrite.com\/e\/<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong>\u00a05-10 p.m. every Friday (including Friday, Oct. 2)<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong>\u00a0The corner of Towne Street and Bliss Avenue in downtown Indio<\/p>\n Cost:<\/strong>\u00a0Free admission, various items available for purchase<\/p>\n More info:\u00a0<\/strong>indio.org<\/a><\/p>\n Be a Nickerson-Rossi dancer for the day and learn legendary Jerome Robbins choreography in this exclusive master class led by Tony Award\u2013nominated 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\u2019s most iconic numbers. Participants will explore Robbins\u2019 signature blend of ballet, jazz, and dramatic storytelling, discovering how movement, rhythm, and character are woven together to create tension and drive narrative.”<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4<\/p>\n Where: <\/strong>Nickerson-Rossi Dance off El Paseo, 45-145 San Luis Rey, Palm Desert<\/p>\n Cost: <\/strong>$35<\/p>\n More info:<\/strong> nickersonrossidance.com\/so\/<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n When: <\/strong>6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4<\/p>\n Where: <\/strong>Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs<\/p>\n
\nLooking for something to do in the valley this week? The Desert Sun’s weekly events roundup is here to help.<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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<\/div>\n<\/div>\nThe Artists Council presents ‘A Palette of Possibilities’<\/h2>\n
‘On the Couch: The Dark Psychology of Alfred Hitchcock’ Talk<\/h2>\n
Last Chance: Greater Palm Springs Spa Month<\/h2>\n
Carrizo Canyon Opening Day<\/h2>\n
Backstreet Art District Art Walk<\/h2>\n
Trivia at Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa<\/h2>\n
The 100% Club: A Certified Fresh Film Series<\/h2>\n
Downtown Indio Food Truck Fridays<\/h2>\n
Nickerson-Rossi Dance Masterclass with Robert La Fosse<\/h2>\n
Kimberly Cofer: Music Video Premiere & Live Show<\/h2>\n