Enjoy Music Festivals, Markets, Engaging Culture and Entertainment, and More, in August

While the Coachella Valley keeps the temps nice and toasty in the month of August, you can cool off with a ton of exciting and interesting things to do around the desert. Regardless of your lifestyle and interests, there are plenty of sights to see and events to enjoy this month. Below are some of our favorites.

Splash House

August 12-14^th & August 19-21^st

Splash House returns to Palm Springs for two more weekends of fun under the sun this month. The Splash House music festival makes waves in the pools of Palm Springs Friday, August 12^th, through Sunday, August 14^th, and returns the following weekend, running Friday, August 19^th, through Sunday, August 21^st. In addition to the poolside excitement of the day, Splash House After Hours takes off at the Palm Springs Air Museum, creating an elevated environment to enjoy a lively evening under the desert night sky thanks to DJ sets and more.

Splash House is an annual desert music festival mixed with a giant pool party, featuring live DJ sets setting the vibrant atmosphere at some of the best pools in Palm Springs. Splash House is an experience like no other in the SoCal desert. Hotels hosting this wet and wild time include The Renaissance, Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs, and The Saguaro. After hour parties will be held at the Palm Springs Air Museum.

For more information on Splash House, including the lineup, head over to the festival website.

Summer Eats Pass

Through September 4, 2022

Sink your teeth into delicious deals with the Summer Eats Pass. Download this free app and enjoy your favorite local spots for less, including special discounts, prix fixe menus, and more, through September 4^th. In addition to all those sweet savings and extras, there is a weekly drawing for a $50 gift card to a Greater Palm Springs restaurant.

To get started, simply download the Summer Eats Pass and present it at participating restaurants to enjoy the benefit. Learn more on the Summer Eats Pass website.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Open Throughout the Month

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is one of the most iconic attractions in Palm Springs. Your ticket to the top includes an epic 2.5-mile ride on a rotating tramcar, transporting you 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 drastically different than the warmth of Palm Springs, with snow a frequent attraction during the fall, winter, and sometimes spring, months. In the summer, the tram delivers a delightfully 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 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 huge deal!

For more information about the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, be sure to visit their website.

Rancho Mirage Observatory

Dates Throughout the Month

Put on your space explorer’s hat and beat the heat by marveling at “the final frontier” and all its wonders at the Rancho Mirage Observatory. There are few better ways to spend a desert 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 August installment of this awesome event will be Thursday, August 4^th.

In addition to nighttime observation fun, you can tour the Observatory Monday through Friday at 3pm each day. This opportunity 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-see attraction and a stellar 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.

Certified Farmers’ Markets

Saturdays through September in Palm Springs

Thursdays through September in Indian Wells

Enjoy fresh produce and a variety of locally sourced crafts, goods, and treats this summer at Coachella Valley farmers’ markets. During the summer months you can shop 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 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.

Palm Springs VillageFest

Thursday Nights

Palm Springs Village Fest takes over the streets of downtown Palm Springs Thursday evenings from 7pm to 10pm. Stretching from Indian Canyon Drive to Belardo Road, Palm Springs VillageFest delivers a wonderful cross-section what Palm Springs has to offer in an electric, community-oriented atmosphere. It is an excellent way to enjoy a summer evening in the desert.

This street festival boasts a variety of vendors, from artisans and artists showcasing their wares and talents, to culinary curators serving up tasty treats, as well as a variety of live entertainers and a unique buzz from all in attendance.

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

Palm Springs Art Museum

Free Every Thursday Night, 5pm – 7pm

Before you enjoy Palm Springs VillageFest, head to the Palm Springs Art Museum for FREE admission every Thursday night from 5-7pm. Participate in the free monthly self-guided activity to learn more about the museum’s collection and so much more. This engaging and interactive activity even presents an opportunity to be featured on the museum’s Instagram account!

If you want to visit the Palm Springs Art Museum another time, the museum is open Thursday from 10am – 7pm and Friday through Sunday from 10am – 5pm. You will be treated to a trove of over 12,000 objects that are rooted in modern and contemporary art, architecture, and design. The museum is a crown jewel of the Palm Springs community and is a must-see experience for residents and visitors alike.

For more information on the Palm Springs Art Museum, including details about the free Thursday night admission opportunity, check out the museum’s website.