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August has arrived! Summers in Palm Springs are becoming more vibrant with each passing year, and it’s a blessing to witness. The streets are no longer desolate, more restaurants are open (many with specials and extended happy hours), and the fun events are multiplying. Turns out, summer here in the desert is the hottest place to be cool. This month’s offerings include music by the pool, delicious art-inspired events, full moon celebrations, and special summer recurring events. 

Last call for Splash House!

August 7-9 and 14-16: Splash House

There’s still time to purchase passes to this music festival by the pools. The lineup has been announced and it’s a full schedule across three Palm Springs resorts, followed by evenings at the Air Museum. Act quick to book your boutique hotel and take advantage of special Summer Splash offers. 

Come together at the Palm Springs Art Museum

August 7 and 21, 5:30 p.m.: PSAM: Communal Dinner with Chef Gabriel Woo

A perfect evening at the Palm Springs Art Museum integrating art, food, and community. I had the pleasure of attending this event in July and could not have been more impressed. Arrive to a welcome drink and mingle with fellow food and art lovers while hors d’oeuvres circulate. 

After meeting a few new friends, you’ll be whisked away by a docent to learn more about selected works of art and the life of the artist. There’s ample time to appreciate pieces and ask any questions that arise. The group then heads to the communal table at Livs, where place cards are set to welcome you. Quirky drawings dot the paper table runner, with space to add your own mark. The evening’s four-course menu is written out in a whimsical piece of art itself, the dishes inspired by the selected artist’s work. Each event features a different artist and thus an entirely new menu. Some courses are served family-style, encouraging easy conversation. A thoroughly enjoyable and delicious evening. 

Book early, as reservations fill up fast. 

Livs is also open on Thursdays for Pizza & Prosecco nights, coinciding with the weekly evening free admission to the museum.

More fun at the Palm Springs Art Museum 

Large art installations inside the Palm Springs Art Museum in California

An inside view of the Palm Springs Art Museum. Photo courtesy of the Palm Springs Art Museum

August 6, 5-8 p.m.: Free Thursday Night Art Night

Head to the museum on the very first Thursday and partake in art activities while enjoying a live DJ. Quench your thirst at the bar and explore the museum at your leisure. 

August 28, 7-10 p.m.: Summer Moon Party

Commemorate the summer’s final full moon with an after-hours party featuring DJ Brownskinhazel. Go VIP by adding a tarot card reading or aura photography.

Pop that cork!

Glasses filled with Champagne

The Champagne flows at Lola’s. Photo by Alexander Naglestad on Unsplash

August 6, 13, 20, 27, 6-8 p.m.: Lola’s Golden Hour, Champagne & Caviar Happy Hour

Champagne and caviar! What could be happier? Add in a breathtaking view and sunset over the San Jacinto Mountains and a Veuve Clicquot cart that brings the caviar to you. Dirty martinis and mezze bites are also available with happy hour pricing. Bottles of Veuve Clicquot are $75 ($15/glass) while caviar bumps and martinis (your choice, including espresso) are a steal at $10. Let the live music permeate as you mix with fellow well-dressed patrons in a quintessentially Palm Springs evening. 

Lola’s Golden Hour is running every Thursday through September 24.

More summer events in Palm Springs

Maleza Bar at Drift Palm Springs

The bar at Maleza is an indoor-outdoor experience. Photo courtesy of Drift Hotels

Round out your August schedule with Jessica Kirson Live at the Plaza Theatre (August 14 and 15), Tacos Y Tunes at Drift Hotel’s Maleza (Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m.), and wine tastings at Vinophile Café (Sundays, 2-4 p.m.). 

For those days you feel like staying in, Holiday House is offering their famous chicken dinner for takeout throughout the summer. Orders are required 24 hours in advance. The communal table dinners will recommence in October. 

That’s all for August! Until next time, soak up the sunshine, art, and delicious living in Palm Springs. See you in September!