Make A Resolution to Enjoy These Desert Happenings!

Head into 2023 with a stuffed calendar, thanks to some of our favorite local events. From professional sports to celebrated live events and so much more, there’s something appealing for everyone. Dive into the list below and start the New Year off right!

New Year’s Eve Celebrations

December 31^st

Celebrate the New Year across the desert with parties taking place across the desert on New Year’s Eve.

Agua Caliente Casinos are once again hosting NYE celebrations at properties across the Coachella Valley, with the theme of “Light It Up.” Agua Caliente Palm Springs will host a block party with music spun by Pop Vinyl and DJ Lady Kate, food trucks, fireworks, and more. Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City will Party Under the Stars with music from Haute Chile and Alf Alpha, food trucks, and drinks served all night from the outdoor bars. In Rancho Mirage, check out the Light It Up New Year’s Eve Dance Party in The Show, featuring Zowie Bowie, DJ Boba, and DJ Carlos spinning tracks to keep the night lively and fun. More information and tickets can be found on the Agua Caliente Casinos website.

If you are on the hunt for a retro twist to your New Year’s Eve celebration, head to Pretty Faces nightclub at Hotel Zoso in Palm Springs for the Gimme Gimme Disco New Year’s Eve Party. This giant disco dance celebration will groove to the music of the 70s and 80s, with period-appropriate attire encouraged. Get tickets here.

You can go all out for the New Year at AcriSure Arena for its inaugural NYE celebration. Celebrate the New Year with 3-time GRAMMY Award-winning, multi-platinum band Maroon 5. This will be the arena’s inaugural New Year’s Eve event, featuring an internationally renowned act, and surely a hot ticket around town. More information and a link to purchase tickets can be found on the AcriSure Arena website.

34th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival

January 5^th-16^th

The global spotlight brightens the desert for the 34^th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival, the Coachella Valley’s red carpet event. This premier festival attracts an international crowd starting January 5^th through the 16^th. The PSIFF is the first major film festival of the year, featuring acclaimed films from around the world and supported by an A-List cast of celebrities and entertainment industry icons.

In addition to the awards gala to start the festival, there are many film screenings that are open to the public. For more information, to purchase tickets and festival passes, and to check show times, visit the Palm Springs Film Festival website.

Palm Springs Vintage Market

First Sunday of each month

One of the highlights of the desert’s peak season is the Palm Springs Vintage Market, held the first Sunday of each month running October through May each year in the parking lot of the Camelot Theater in Palm Springs. This popular event boasts an impressive assortment of vintage treasures, including clothing, décor, housewares, furniture, and more.

Admission for the Palm Springs Vintage Market is $5 per person, money well-spent. You are almost guaranteed an incredible time between the unique and nostalgia-inducing items for sale, the retro and vintage cars and trailers that are known to park nearby, and of course experiencing a perfect Coachella Valley Sunday outdoors. If you happen to stumble upon that vintage gem to complete your desert-inspired fashion statement or that ties your place together, then that’s even better.

For more information on the Palm Springs Vintage Market, including a gallery of monthly posters used to promote the market, be sure to check out the event’s website.

Palm Springs VillageFest

Every Thursday through May

Palm Springs VillageFest offers the best of the desert on the streets of downtown Palm Springs, taking place Thursdays from 7pm to 10pm. Stretching from Indian Canyon Drive to Belardo Road, Palm Springs VillageFest delivers a community-oriented atmosphere with plenty of sights, sounds, and savory scents to enjoy. It is the best way to enjoy an evening in the desert.

This street festival has a variety of vendors, from artists and artisans displaying their talents and wares, to culinary curators serving up delightful treats and meals, as well as live entertainment. There is a unique atmosphere created by the swirling symphony of food, music, a bustling crowd, and lively downtown village spirit.

For the full list of vendors and additional information on Palm Springs Village Fest, check out the website.

Art on Main Street

January 7^th and 21^st

February 4^th and 18^th

March 11^th and 25^th

Art on Main Street returns to Old Town La Quinta in the new year on January 7^th, and then again on January 21^st. This treasured desert tradition features over 100 artists showing off their creativity through all mediums and artforms, including paintings, jewelry, photography, ceramics, mixed media, textiles, sculptures, wood work, and more. Taking place in one of the desert’s most picturesque locales, you can grab a bite to eat at a surrounding restaurant before or after a day of perusing the show. As the city says, come for the art and stay for the day!

For more information on Art on Main Street, check out the City of La Quinta’s website.

Acrisure Arena Events

Dates Throughout the month

There is huge excitement for the recently opened Acrisure Arena, a state-of-the-art facility that is home to the Coachella Valley Firebirds of the American Hockey League (AHL) and a host of star-studded events. Each month, the arena will draw a crowd practically every night for something exciting. From the fast-paced thrills of professional ice hockey to concerts and shows featuring internationally acclaimed artists and talents, there is something for everyone.

This month, the arena will welcome the Coachella Valley Firebirds for games against the Colorado Eagles, San Jose Barracuda, Ontario Reign, Bakersfield Condors, Tucson Roadrunners, and San Diego Gulls. Additionally, Sesame Street Live rolls into town with all your favorite characters, and singer Pepe Aguilar takes to the stage to belt out his hits. In February, mark your calendars for more Firebirds hockey, PBR Professional Bull Riders, the Harlem Globetrotters, and The Eagles!

For the full host of events, as well as to purchase tickets, check out the Acrisure Arena website.

Catch A Show at The McCallum Theater

Dates throughout the month

World-class entertainment comes to town at one of the desert’s most celebrated venues, the legendary McCallum Theatre. Located adjacent to College of the Desert in the heart of Palm Desert, McCallum Theatre offers the glitz and glamour of the world’s most renowned theater districts, attracting top-billed talent, Broadway-caliber shows, and other exceptional performances across a variety of acts.

Highlights for the month of January include Peter Cincotti, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Neil Sedaka, R.E.S.P.E.C.T (a tribute to Aretha Franklin), Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour, Capitol Comedy, Paul Anka, and so much more.

Check out the full schedule of events, purchase tickets, and learn more about the rich history of “The McCallum” by visiting the McCallum Theatre website.

The American Express

January 16-22

The American Express, a PGA Tour event formerly known as the Desert Classic, Career Builder Challenge, and Bob Hope Classic, returns to renowned PGA West and La Quinta Country Club for another year of exciting PGA Tour golf.

The American Express pairs some of the sport’s rising stars with the brightest names in golf to hit the links for one of the first tournaments of the young PGA Tour season. Hosted at scenic PGA West in La Quinta January 16^th through the 22^nd, the American Express is a fantastic experience for all ages. This exciting tournament showcases the unique qualities the Southern California desert landscape offers golfers, both pro and amateur alike.

In addition to the stars demonstrating their skills on the course, big names in entertainment will wow tournament attendees after the last player heads to the clubhouse. On Friday, January 20^th, GRAMMY Award winning superstar Gwen Stefani will take to the stage to deliver all her hits. On the following day, resurgent country music star Darius Rucker will get your toes tapping as he belts out some of the most popular country songs to hit the charts in the last few years.

For additional details about The American Express, including to purchase tickets, visit the tournament’s website.

Southwest Arts Festival Indio

January 26-29

The Southwest Arts Festival Indio takes over the world-famous Empire Polo Club January 26-29, featuring exceptional art by 225 jury-selected artists hailing from all over the world. This 4-day arts festival showcases a variety of styles and mediums, making it one of the finest juried art festivals in the United States. It has also been recognized as one of the top 100 events in North America by Travel Magazine.

Beyond the masterful works of art, festival visitors can enjoy excellent food and beverage options, live music, and interactive art displays. Tickets to attend are $25 each when purchased in advance online ($22 for seniors), or on-site tickets are available for $35 each. Ticket prices include admission to all 4 days and parking.

For more information on the Southwest Arts Festival Indio, check out the event page on the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce website.

Tour de Palm Springs

February 11

The Tour de Palm Springs rides through the desert on Saturday, February 11^th, beginning in the Palm Springs downtown village and sending participants along routes of 102, 85, 56, 34, 25, and 7 miles. Additionally, athletes can participate in 1 and 3-mile walks through Palm Springs, taking place directly after the 10-mile ride. This celebration of cycling will draw upwards of 10,000 cyclists from across the U.S. and the world. It is recognized as one of the largest cycling charity events of its kind in the country.

Regardless of desired route, riders enjoy to the striking beauty of the Southern California desert during our peak season. Boasting breathtaking scenery and picture-perfect weather, this event presents the ultimate opportunity to travel across the Coachella Valley with other bicycle enthusiasts in one fun-filled day.

In addition to cycling for passion and sport, riders can know they are cycling for a great cause. Proceeds from the Tour de Palm Springs go back to local charities who partner with CVSPIN, the organization that puts on the race. Since 1999, CVSPIN has raised millions of dollars for local charities and organizations.

Registration for the Tour de Palm Springs is open now through February 11^th, with discounted registration available through January 1, 2023. To register, or for more details including route info and FAQs, visit the event website.