Hot Events Keep Things Cool in August

While the Coachella Valley keeps the temps toasty in August, you can cool off with a ton of exciting things to do around the desert. Regardless of your interests, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the best of desert living this month. Below are some of our favorites.

Broadway to the Big Screen…And Back

Saturdays Through September

Get your fix of classic musicals that were turned into movies every Saturday this summer at the historical Camelot Theatre at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. All your favorite musical flicks will be screened in the air-conditioned theater with delicious popcorn, treats, and beverages. The series continues in August, starting with Little Shop of Horrors on August 5^th. Additional August screenings include Mamma Mia!, Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again!, and The Producers.

For more information and to purchase tickets, check out the Palm Springs Cultural Center’s Eventbrite page.

Splash House

August 11-13^th & August 18-20^th

Splash House comes back for more fun under the sun in Palm Springs this August. Be sure to grab your ticket early as this event sells out quickly. This time around Splash House music festival hits the pools of Palm Springs Friday, August 11^th, through Sunday, August 13^th, and then again the following weekend running Friday, August 18^th through Sunday, August 20^th. Experience the excitement of the daytime pool party all night long when Splash House After Hours takes flight at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Enjoy DJ sets and an energetic evening outside in this unique locale, sure to take your weekend adventures to new heights.

Splash House is an annual desert music festival that feels more like a giant pool party, featuring live DJ sets paired with some of the finest 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, the recently renamed 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.

Flick N Float in Palm Springs

August 19

The Palm Springs Swim Center continues with its popular Flick N Float series select dates throughout summer. This free event screens popular family movies, with open swim starting at 7pm and the movie starting at dusk.

This month, catch the new, critically acclaimed Mario Bros. Movie on August 19^th. The event series wraps up with a screening of Luca on September 16^th.

More information can be found at the City of Palm Springs website.

Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage

Through August 13^th

Dine out for a cause by purchasing a Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage wristband. For $10, you get to enjoy cool savings and specials at participating restaurants across Rancho Mirage now through August 13^th. All proceeds go to local charities, so your dollars support a buffet of excellent causes.

For up-to-date information, including to purchase a wrist band, please check out the Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage website.

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), delivers more exceptional events in August, drawing massive crowds to enjoy world-class 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, which will return in October.

This month, the arena will host performances by Tears For Fears (August 1), Santa Fe Klan (August 5), Marco Antonio Solís (August 18), Dierks Bentley (August 19), Christian Nodal (August 26), and Cirque du Soleil: Corteo (August 31 through September 3). Acts and events making stops through the arena in September include Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party, Odesza, WWE SuperShow, Luis R. Conriquez, and Luis Miguel.

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

Summer Eats Pass

Through September 4

Please your palate and your wallet with the Summer Eats Pass. This sizzling deal lets you enjoy your favorite local restaurants for less, delivering special discounts, prix fixe menus, and more, all summer long. In addition to discounts and goodies, there will be a weekly drawing for a $50 gift card to a Greater Palm Springs restaurant. By using the pass every time you dine out, you will also help locals in need of food supplies as Visit Greater Palm Springs will donate $1 to FIND Food Bank. And is if it couldn’t get any better, access to this mobile pass is free!

To get started, simply download the Summer Eats Pass and present is at participating restaurants to enjoy the benefit through September 4^th. Learn more on the Summer Eats Pass 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 Palm Springs at the floor of the Coachella Valley to the top of the San Jacinto Mountains.

The world at the top of the tram is 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, rustic 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.

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.

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.