Marvel at Music, Movies, and More in June
Searching for something cool to do around the Coachella Valley in June? We have you covered! Read on for several things taking place in and around the Greater Palm Springs Area to help beat the heat.
Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week
June 2-11
Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week returns to please your palate with cool deals heading into the summer heat. Running Friday, June 2nd, through Sunday, June 11th, participating restaurants throughout the Coachella Valley will offer a special lunch and dinner menu along with other deals and specials, giving you an opportunity to find new favorites and rediscover local haunts at a discounted rate. Simply show up at a participating restaurant and you will have the opportunity to enjoy the special menu.
For the full list of participating restaurants and FAQs, be sure to visit the Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week website.
Splash House Palm Springs
June 9-11
Splash House music festival is back for another unforgettable year. The semi-annual party hits the pools of Palm Springs Friday, June 9th, through Sunday, June 11th. Pairing live DJ sets with some of the best pools in Palm Springs, Splash House brings a party like no other to the Southern California desert. Hotels hosting this wet and wild time include The Renaissance, Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs, and The Saguaro.
After the sun goes down, the fun turns up. The After Hours parties return for another year to the Palm Springs Air Museum, taking place Friday and Saturday night. There are multiple ticket options, including a combo pass that offers admission to the daytime and after hours events.
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 19th Annual Lavender Festival
Through July 23
The 19th Annual Lavender Festival at Highland Springs Ranch, the largest organic lavender farm in Southern California, welcomes the lavender harvest in Cherry Valley each year. This annual event showcases and celebrates all things lavender at historic 123 Farm. The celebration has been extended again this year and runs through Sunday, July 23rd. There are new hours this year, taking advantage of the gorgeous late spring and early summer climate. You can visit the farm from 5-10pm each evening, with plenty of entertainment and fun taking place throughout the night.
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 Lavender Festival is a treasured regional event that has grown in popularity since it started in 2004 and is a must-see for anyone looking to spend a weekend doing something unique and immersive. For more information on the festival, check out the website.
29th Annual Palm Springs International ShortFest
June 20-26
The 29th Annual Palm Springs International ShortFest features up-and-coming filmmakers and their fabulous flicks. Presented by the Palm Springs International Film Society, this event screens an incredible assortment of shorts 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 20th through the 26th, the 29th 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 films, passes, and more, visit the ShortFest website.
Palm Desert Aquatic Center Dive-In Movies
June 16
Cool off at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center with Dive-in Movies taking place monthly through August. Admission to this splashy event is $5, with doors opening at 7:30PM and the movie starting at 8PM. In addition to family-friendly flicks, there will be food available on site from Fat Boy Tacos food truck dishing up tacos, burritos, and vegan options, as well as Cool Cactus Candies offering freeze-dried treats and lemonade.
In June, enjoy the epic fairytale Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, screening on Friday, June 16th. Future movies include Sonic the Hedgehog on Friday, July 14th, and Surf’s Up capping off the series on Friday, August 11th.
To register, visit the Family YMCA of the Desert website.
Rancho Mirage Observatory
Dates Throughout the Month
Gain a new perspective on space, the final frontier, and all its grandeur at the Rancho Mirage Observatory. It’s hard to beat an evening of stargazing on a warm desert evening. Check out one of the Observatory Public Exploration Nights, taking place Thursday and Saturday nights at 9:30pm. This open house style, drop-in event offers a glimpse beyond our world with stellar insight offered by astronomers and volunteer docents.
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 July 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 a year-round discount, annual passes are available for $165 for adults and seniors and $95 for children ages 3-10.
For more information about the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, be sure to visit their website.
Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market
Saturdays June through September in Palm Springs
Enjoy fresh produce and a variety of locally sourced treats, crafts, and goods this summer at the Palm Springs farmers’ market. The Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ market is held indoors June to September, open Saturdays from 8am-1pm inside the Palm Springs Pavilion (401 S. Pavilion Way). 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.
Acrisure Arena Events
Dates Throughout the month
Acrisure Arena, a state-of-the-art entertainment facility and home to the Coachella Valley Firebirds of the American Hockey League (AHL), offers another month with star-laden events. Each month, the arena draws massive crowds for blockbuster entertainment. There is something for everyone, from concerts and shows featuring internationally acclaimed artists and talents to the fast-paced thrills of professional ice hockey during the AHL season.
This month, the arena will host performances by Lizzo on June 2nd, Banda MS on June 16th, and the Pucks in Paradise adult hockey tournament. In addition to these concerts, the Coachella Valley Firebirds will continue their Calder Cup Playoff run. We are Fired Up for this team!
For the full host of events, as well as to purchase tickets, check out the Acrisure Arena website.
Palm Springs VillageFest
Thursday Nights
Experience the best of the desert at Palm Springs VillageFest, taking place in downtown Palm Springs every Thursday from 7pm to 10pm during the months of June through September. This delightful event is an incredible way to enjoy a world-famous desert evening. Stretching from Indian Canyon Drive to Belardo Road, Palm Springs VillageFest delivers a vibrant, community-oriented atmosphere with a variety of vendors, from artists and artisans to diverse and delicious food offerings, as well as live entertainment and a unique vibe for all in attendance to enjoy.
For the full list of vendors and additional information on Palm Springs VillageFest, check out the event’s website.
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