Cool Coachella Valley Events to Enjoy in June
Looking for something cool to do in the month of June around the Coachella Valley? We have you covered! Read on for several things taking place in and around the Greater Palm Springs Area to beat the heat.
Rancho Mirage Observatory
Dates Throughout the Month
Explore the final frontier at the Rancho Mirage Observatory! There are few better ways to spend an evening than gazing at the stars or participating in one of the many events taking place throughout the month. Swoon at the Moon is held during the first quarter phase of the moon cycle at 8:30pm, showcasing a variety of exciting and fascinating sights, including craters, volcanoes, and more. The June installment of this celebrated event will be Tuesday, June 7th.
In addition to nighttime observation fun, you can tour the Observatory Monday through Friday at 3pm each day. This is free and open to the public, with no advance registration necessary. Located adjacent to the Rancho Mirage Public Library, the Rancho Mirage Observatory is a must-explore attraction and a great way to journey beyond our world.
For more information on the Rancho Mirage Observatory, including a calendar of upcoming events and ongoing programs, check out its section on the Rancho Mirage Library website.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Open Throughout the Month
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, one of the most iconic attractions in Palm Springs, is your ticket to the top. Rotating tramcars travel over 2.5 miles, transporting riders from the floor of the Coachella Valley in Palm Springs to the top of the San Jacinto Mountains.
The world at the top of the tram is often drastically different than the warmer confines of Palm Springs, with snow a frequent attraction during the fall, winter, and sometimes spring, months. In the summer, the tram offers a refreshing reprieve from the sizzle on the valley floor, often with a temperature differential of 30-to-40-degrees.
Beyond the breathtaking views offered by the 10-minute ride up the tram, this attraction draws major crowds due to its connection to popular trailheads that link up to some of the best hiking in Southern California, meandering through Mount San Jacinto State Park and into Idyllwild, a romantic and art-centric mountain town. In addition to hiking trails, tram riders may enjoy two restaurants, a cocktail lounge, theaters screening a history of the State Park and tram construction videos, and observation decks featuring panoramic views of the entire Coachella Valley and beyond.
If you want to get the most out of your summer, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers a Summer Pass. Running now through August 31, this pass is your ticket to high altitude at a low price. For only $85 for adults and seniors, and $45 for children ages 3-10, you receive unlimited rides and discounts at the restaurants, plus unlimited free parking. Talk about a hot deal!
For more information about the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, be sure to visit their website.
Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week
June 3-12
Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week returns to please your palate for a good cause, kicking off Friday, June 3rd, and concluding on Sunday, June 12th. Participating restaurants throughout the Coachella Valley will offer a special lunch and dinner menu, giving you an opportunity to find new favorites and rediscover your favorite local haunts. Simply show up at a participating restaurant and you will have the opportunity to enjoy the special menu.
This delightful treat is just an appetizer for the main course to come, with the Summer Eats Pass arriving later in the month (starting June 13th) and running until September 5th. This mobile pass is free and will provide savings on local restaurants and will also feature weekly drawings for prizes. Simply download the pass and present at participating restaurants to enjoy the benefit. Learn more on the Summer Eats Pass website.
For the full list of participating restaurants and FAQs, be sure to visit out the Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week website.
Temecula Valley Wine & Balloon Festival
June 3-5
The Temecula Valley Wine & Balloon Festival uplifts your weekend, running June 3rd through the 5th. This impressive event takes flight at Lake Skinner Recreation Area and offers you the chance to ascend to dramatic heights and soak in gorgeous views of the surrounding foothills.
If you prefer fun at a lower altitude, take part from the ground and savor the sight of vibrant hot air balloons populating the sky. Other attractions include wine tasting from some of Temecula’s finest wineries, wine and food pairing sessions, as well as an international food court, microbrew tasting, arts and crafts, and a kids faire.
In addition to all of the savory sights and tastes, live music spices up the fun. Enjoy performances from artists playing a variety of tunes and styles, including country star Hunter Hayes Friday night, Bret Michaels belting out hits Saturday night, and other fun musical acts playing all day Sunday.
For more information on the Temecula Valley Wine & Balloon Festival, including tickets, the entertainment schedule, information on hot air balloons, and more, be sure to visit the website.
Splash House Palm Springs
June 10-12
Splash House returns for more fun under the desert sun. This time around the semi-annual Splash House music festival hits the pools of Palm Springs Friday, June 10th, through Sunday, June 12th. Featuring live DJ sets paired with some of the coolest pools in Palm Springs, Splash House brings a party like no other to the SoCal desert. Hotels hosting this wet and wild time include The Renaissance, Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs, and The Saguaro.
For more information on Splash House, including the June lineup (Splash House returns in August for two more epic weekends), check out the festival website.
The 18th Annual Lavender Festival
Through July 31
The 18th Annual Lavender Festival at Highland Springs Ranch, the largest organic lavender farm in Southern California, welcomes the lavender harvest in Cherry Valley each year. Open to the public each spring, this annual event showcases and celebrates all things lavender at historic 123 Farm. The celebration has been extended this year and runs through Sunday, July 31st. You can visit the farm each day except Tuesdays.
Visitors to this magical experience may stroll meandering pathways through lush lavender fields, enjoy a formal farm tour on a horse-drawn carriage, and other exceptional sights. Delight in delectable dishes with lavender-infused ingredients and shop the wares at the organic marketplace, featuring lavender essential oils, infused balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and lavender-stuffed animals.
The 18th Annual Lavender Festival is a treasured event that has grown in popularity since it started in 2004, and is a must-attend affaire for anyone looking to spend a weekend doing something unique and immersive. For more information on the festival, check out the website.
28th Annual Palm Springs International ShortFest
June 21-27
The 28th Annual Palm Springs International ShortFest features up-and-coming filmmakers and their finest flicks. Presented by the Palm Springs International Film Society, this event is the largest film festival of its kind in North America. Each year, approximately 325 short films are selected from over 4,200 submissions to be screened at the Camelot Theatre in the Oscarâ and BAFTAâ-qualifying festival, with over 100 of the past winners advancing to be nominated or even win Academy Awards. Awards and cash prizes exceeding $25,000 will be announced, including 5 Academy Award-qualifying awards.
Each screening will feature 4-10 short films, all curated and blocked together to cover a central theme. In addition to the film screenings, the festival features a ShortFest Forum with panel sessions, master classes, and roundtables boasting working industry professionals sharing their insights into the film industry and tackling the latest trends in the business, as well as provide networking opportunities.
Running June 21-27, with a virtual Best of Fest: ShortFest event running July 1-10, the 28th Annual Palm Springs International ShortFest is an excellent appetizer until the Palm Springs International Film Festival returns next year. For more information, including a list of events, tickets, and more, visit the ShortFest website.
Certified Farmers’ Markets
Saturdays through September in Palm Springs
Thursdays through September in Indian Wells
Enjoy fresh produce and a variety of locally sourced treats, crafts, and goods this summer at Coachella Valley farmers’ markets, open indoors at locations in Palm Springs and Indian Wells. In addition to fresh fare, vendors with a variety of items for sale are on-hand, including clothing, flowers, handmade crafts and gifts, and more.
Below are the details on each market by city:
The Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ market is held indoors June to September, open Saturdays from 8:30am-1:30pm inside the Palm Springs Pavilion (401 S. Pavilion Way).
The Indian Wells Certified Farmers’ Market will be open June through September inside the former grocery store building at The Village shopping center along Highway 111 (74-895 Highway 111) every Thursday from 8am-1pm.
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