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April is packed with goings on, and with all the rain (now called a hydrologic event on my weather app) we had in March that means color — aka March showers bring April wildflowers!
No superbloom, they say, but the mountains have been celebrating St. Paddy’s Day the entire month of March by turning green! I have lived here for nine years and this is only the second time this has happened. The last time was 2019 and that year we were lousy with wildflowers. We also flooded, but that’s so 2019. Those rains that brought the superbloom came in February. This year they came in March so April should be bursting with color. And pollen. But they have pills for that ish.
Let’s get started on the rest, shall we?
The main events
April 1: Palm Springs Cruisin Association Car Show
April 1: AmDocs Festival at Palm Springs Cultural Center
April 1: Palm Springs International Dance Festival Nickerson Rossi Dance Studio
April 1 – May 7: Desert X. That link describes and shows photos. This link gives you options for a map and an app. (Learn more about a few of the art installations here on our blog.)
April 1: Desert Mountains Art Show. It is art in the mountains, what more can I tell you?
April 2: Palm Springs Vintage Market. Great market for vintage everything. You’d think they’d have run out of clothes by now, but not so much.
April 14-17: Coachella (Weekend 1). Waitlisted. Listen, if you don’t know what Coachella is, you’re never going to go. But here is my favorite YouTube clip from Coachella.
April 21-24: Coachella Weekend 2. Tickets still available at the time I am writing this.
April 23: South Palm Canyon Art Collective Sunday Soirée, 1500 South Palm Canyon. Work on display from five resident artists and several guest artists. The soirée is free.
April 28-30: Stagecoach. The country version of Coachella. Less drugs, more booze.
Saturdays and Sundays: College of the Desert Street Fair. If you’re down valley for Desert X or a music festival you have to stop here. It’s huge. I accidentally drove past it one weekend and was blown away by the size of it. I just made a plan to go.
This year’s Coachella lineup.
Repeat contenders
Hockey games and big name performers at Acrisure. April has Reba McIntyre and John Mayer. Concerts are pricey, but the hockey games are affordable.
Dinner and a show
Ticketed
Come On Up at the Palm Springs Cultural Center (Mildred’s small menu)
Come on up to Come On Up!
Reservations
Melvyn’s – Piano man.
Yaas Queen
Mondays: Bella da Ball, Palm Springs’ 6’4” Drag Mother at King’s Highway for Bingo, followed by Trivia in the Amigo Room.
Drag me to brunch
Great drag roundup article here
PS Air – Mile High Boozy Brunch
Reforma (Saturdays) Different date, different show. And in You Need To Calm Down news, the last one was a Taylor Swift drag brunch.
Nightclubs
Reforma (nightlife and dinner)
Cascade Lounge — Mixed entertainment, all A+, and home of Jazzville.
Sammy G’s Upstairs Bar — Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, The Evaro Brothers. Great pop dance music you can sing along to while dancing.
Theater
Dezart Performs — The Garbologists
CVRep — Hand to God
Desert Ensemble Theater — Future Thinking
Desert Theatricals – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Musicals Under the Stars). Act fast and you can snag a dinner seat too.
An iconic Palm Springs windmill farm. Photo: Nadine Conger
Just for fun
Windmill Tour — You’re driving, someone else is talking, but they aren’t in your car. How do they do that?
Desert Tasty Tours — Eat your way through Palm Springs history on a walking food tour.
Red Jeep Tours – San Andreas Fault, Jeep-y stuff
Cannabis Express Tours – April is National Cannabis Awareness Month. Get yourself educated on everything cannabis. It’s fun and educational too.
PS Historical Society Walking & Biking Tours — There are 14 to choose from.
MOGO Silent Disco — Their tagline? “Shut up and dance.”
Pro VR — Virtual reality gaming, including escape rooms.
Escape Room — Actual escape rooms.
Movies in the Park — Old-timey movies under the stars.
Hiking: Indian Canyons is closed April 1-8; Tahquitz still open. Here’s a great article from Visit Palm Springs on where to go. Keep in mind numbers 1 and 6 are part of Indian Canyons.
That’s it for me this month. As always, please shop and stay local. And that includes cannabis because it’s National Cannabis Awareness Month. I might have said that already. I’m hungry…
See you next time!
By Mary Farah
Valentine’s Day road trip, anyone? I’m that person who is a sucker for Valentine’s Day. While long gone are the days of exchanging “Be Mine” valentines, I love the chance to get away with my husband. With the pressure of the winter holidays behind us, Palm Springs is an ideal weekend destination for us as we’re under two hours from home in Los Angeles.
Get an Aerial view of Palm Springs
One of the beauties of a drive out to Palm Springs is hitting the road mid-morning (hit that snooze button one more time) yet arriving in town by the afternoon. A terrific first stop is to the world’s largest rotating tramcar at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
Ascend almost three miles to a gorgeous alpine forest and take in the spectacular views of Mt. San Jacinto State Park as you enjoy an intimate lunch at their Forest View Restaurant, or cocktails at the Lookout Lounge. If you and your honey prefer to get down and dirty with a hike, enjoy over 50 miles of trails.
Check in to ARRIVE
For a unique hotel that’s both modern and personable, look no further than ARRIVE. A 21 and over Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotel, ARRIVE is not your usual hotel. Check-in is at the pool bar, guests can reach the concierge via text, and their pool offers a lively atmosphere often with DJ’s or movie nights.
Best part? On-site at ARRIVE is Wexler’s Deli, a marvelous diner that made it tempting to stay at the hotel and chill on our patio with their smoked meat dishes; Cartel Coffee Lab, making it extremely easy to roll out of bed and get that first cup of caffeine; Draughtsman, an incredible BBQ house that will make you drool and last but not least, Ice Cream and Shop(pe).
With such an impressive option of meals and light bites, it’s no surprise why we love it at ARRIVE.
Other romantic retreat boutique hotels in Palm Springs include:
La Maison: Consistently voted one of the most romantic hotels in the country by TripAdvisor, the beautifully intimate La Maison is a dream getaway.
Dive: This 11-room resort conjures the timeless style of St. Tropez with its elegant rooms and lush grounds.
La Serena Villas: Originally built in 1933, this romantically historic hotel sits on over an acre of beautiful landscaped grounds in the heart of downtown Palm Springs.
Ingleside Inn offers a special Valentine’s Day brunch and a decadent 3-course dinner menu crafted with love, including live music.
Enjoy a Night “on the town” at the Palm Springs Art Museum
Not only does the Palm Springs Art Museum display a diversity of beautiful art, but also Cabaret and Broadway performances at their Annenberg Theatre. Just in time for Valentine’s Day weekend, enjoy an evening with Broadway performer, Tony Yazbeck. Best known for his Astaire Award-winning and Tony Award-nominated role in On the Town, Yazbeck will be bringing his suave dance moves and smooth vocals to the museum on February 15th, an ideal evening for theatre lovers like myself.
More Evening Fun
Consider Mr. Lyon’s Steakhouse for a cozy meal for two at a candle-lit table, and don’t miss Seymour’s, their speakeasy, open nightly for an expertly crafted cocktail. If you love a great Old Hollywood atmosphere, head on over to the Purple Room. The urban legend is this is the club where an RCA executive first signed Frank Sinatra and the boys to conceive the Rat Pack. Owner of the Purple Room, Michael Holmes, never keeps it dull with weekly performances on stage at the restaurant as Judy Garland and Old Blue Eyes himself.
Where will Valentine’s Day take you in Palm Springs?
Did you know that Palm Springs is internationally famous? Well, it is. Since 2006, people from all over the planet have been coming to Palm Springs during the month of February for the banging party we call Modernism Week. It’s like the United Nations all up in here.
Before the big event, Modernism Week holds a four-day preview in October called Modernism Fall Preview (a.k.a. Mini-Mod Week), running from October 14 through 17. It’s jam-packed with loads to do — over 50 events!
Modernism Week and Mini-Mod Week are so popular the best events sell out the same day they go on sale. So unless some fabulous bit of wizardry transpires (it might, Palm Springs is magical), forget about Sunnylands and Frank Sinatra’s Twin Palms Estate Tour. There’s plenty left to see though, from significant mid-century modern home tours to architectural double decker bus tours.
You can dress as you like, but a lot of people choose to pull out their pedal pushers and fedoras — whatever it takes to achieve that retro look. During Mini-Mod Week, the town takes on that old-timey feel of the ’50s and ’60s.
There are some cool cocktail-style events, but those sell out pretty fast. One of my very favorite supper clubs, PS Underground, has a brand new show for this year called Beatnik. Hurry and book, their shows are always outstanding.
Even if you miss out on your favorite events, there’s still the main event at the Palm Springs Convention Center where you can browse everything mid-century modern, including art, furniture, and lighting. You can find a list of exhibitors here.
If you’re the curious type like me, or a little iffy on modernism, this article breaks down mid-century modern art for you. The same with architecture here.
Friday night is the big opening night party for the Modernism Show and Sale. Tickets are $75 in advance and $85 at the door. A purchase to the opening night party gives you access to the show on Saturday and Sunday.
Skipping the party? (You’re gonna say “no” to a party?!) You can still buy a ticket for Saturday and Sunday that will cost you one Jackson (soon to be Tubman!) and gets you in both days so you can shop ‘til you bop later on that evening.
Whether you do or don’t plan on going to the Modernism Week preview, but love the vibe of the mid-mod experience, we have mid-century modern hotels for the complete experience. There are 25 of them, all with great amenities — learn more about these fabulous spots here.
The Purple Room, a Rat Pack-inspired supper club, has some of the finest entertainment in town. Here are the weekend shows during Modernism Preview:
October 14: Sharon Sills (every Thursday)
October 15: Branden and James — vocals and cello performing the Lady Gaga songbook
October 16: Branden and James — vocals and cello performing the Lady Gaga songbook
October 17: The Judy Show (my favorite show in town! Every Sunday.)
Also, check out V Wine Lounge, where the vibe is so retro you’ll squee.
By the way, the bus tours are hella fun. I am a tour guide assistant and even from my view (I sit in the bottom of the bus, you’ll be on top — bring sunscreen and hold onto your hats!) it’s a fun and informative 2-and-a-half hour ride.
Hope to see you there, and let’s go retro!
Happy Pride, Palm Springs!
In case you didn’t know, 2024 is the Year of the Wood Dragon. Next year is the Year of the Snake, and I’m having a personal chuckle fest over that. I hope, for the lesbians, 2026 is the Year of the Beaver, but I don’t think they have those in China.
Another NBC “The More You Know” moment: Palm Springs is approximately 48 percenet gay, and 50 percent are allies. The other two percent are like a disgraced relative — we don’t talk about them. But considering everything, those are pretty good percentages. And there is a 100 percent chance you will have a ball at the Pride Parade, gay or straight.
Of course, the events cater to the gay community, and not all of them are represented on the Pride website. So, I’ve combed through all the Eventbrite offerings I could find, and I’ve listed them below. If you’re straight, there’s still plenty to do, see my other post.
If you haven’t already, hurry up and book one of our Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels that cater to gay men. I promise you’ll find something just as special as you are.
For all of the info on Pride and the parade, go here.
Official Pride parties
Nov. 1, 4 to 11 p.m. — Arenas Pride Kickoff. High-energy DJs and dancing in the streets. This is the place to be for house and dance music, food trucks, and outdoor beverage lounges. My buddy, DJ ModGirl, is headlining, and let me tell you this girl is the most fun ever put into one human. Not only does she spin great dance music, she has boundless energy. GO!
Nov. 2 — Arenas Area District Block Party. The official Party of Pride features DJs all night. Join Pride revelers and dancers at the open-air beverage lounge. The block party invites residents and visitors to discover all that the Arenas District has to offer.
Nov. 3 — Pride Parade!
The rest of the festivities
Trixie Motel will welcome guests on Nov. 2 for Hot Pink Pride Edition.
Nov. 1 — Fabuloso Tropical Party at Reforma Palm Springs. Terrific nightclub located in The Jewel Box of the Desert, a Class 1 Historic Site. But you just care about the party, and here’s where you can find it.
Nov. 1, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. — Queer Women’s Pride Party. Although the population is mostly gay men, it’s nice to see the girls getting their own party. Check it out, ladies.
Nov. 1 — Chill Bar presents Pink Box VIP Lounge. From the event page: “Come and go as you please with an exclusive VIP entrance to the lounge and Chill Bar. Enjoy complimentary water, soft drinks, and Red Bull all weekend. Sample specialty cocktails featuring Absolut Elyx and Codigo 1530. Exclusive entertainment.”
Nov. 2, 10 a.m. — Wilma & Frieda PS: Jasmine Masters & Friends. — Mostly known for their pastries and brunch, Wilma & Frieda has a great balcony for watching the parade. Jasmine Masters is not only a drag queen, but the Queen of Memes and 2019 GIPHY’s 1st place winner.
Nov. 2, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Trixie Motel presents Hot Pink Pride Edition. If it’s Trixie, you know it’s going to be FABULOUS! AND you get an opportunity to get pinked by Trixie’s hotel.
Nov. 2 — Ride the Rainbow LGBTQ Pride Pool Party. At the Canyon Club, one of our gay resorts. Jump in or just enjoy the view.
Nov. 2 — Palm Springs Pride: Reforma Presents Inferno feat. HoneyLuv. It’s a nightclub, one of only two in Palm Springs, and HoneyLuv is an International DJ and producer who has performed at Coachella, EDC in Las Vegas, Brooklyn Mirage, and Space Miami.
Nov. 2, 10 a.m. — TITS & TEA: A Bad Bitch Brunch at Boozehounds Palm Springs. I don’t think I need to explain this one.
Nov. 2 — Queerlesque! An Evening of Oddity Featuring Yvie Oddly! Hosted by Ongina, at Boozehounds.
Nov. 2 — Canopy 54: A Studio 54 Inspired Disco Night. This venue is all class, so expect the best out of this event.
Nov. 2 — DaddyPop! Palm Springs Pride • A Saturday Afternoon Tea w/ Matt Consola. At Reforma.
Nov. 2 — Yvie Oddly meet and greet and book signing at Just Fabulous.
Nov. 2 — Drag Brunch Divas at Trio Restaurant.
Nov. 3 — Giornata Amazing Sundays Palm Springs Pride Drag Brunch at Reforma.
Nov. 3 — Gay (Gay Day) at Birba Palm Springs
Nov. 3, 9 a.m. — Pride on the Rooftop in Palm Springs. Flannery Exchange. Once again, DJ ModGirl will be providing the entertainment. Great view, great music.
That’s all I can find for right now. Some things tend to pop up last minute, that’s just how laid back we are. But during Pride? The whole town is a party celebrating inclusion!
Happy Pride Wood Dragoners!
It’s February, which means it’s Humpback Whale Appreciation Month in Palm Springs!
Okay, so that’s a bit misleading. Yes, February is Humpback Whale Appreciation Month, but we’re not celebrating this year (we never have). So whales, you’re on your own (but please do live long and prosper.)
What we do have are Modernism Week and two national celebrations: Valentine’s Day and Black History Month. And there’s enough to fill two blogs on the whos, whats, and wheres on those last two, so that’s what we’re going to do.
This blog entry is about you coming to Palm Springs during the month of February and whatever event/holiday/getaway/vacation you’d like to plan during the shortest month of the year.
Side note: Ever wonder why there are 12 months, and some have 30 days, others 31, and poor old February gets a deficit of three? According to “math” and some random dude on Quora: “There are 13 lunations, each with 28 days — that is the moon’s phases around the Earth, but it doesn’t fit exactly in the rotation of the Earth around the sun, which is 365 days, not 364, so calendars have never matched.” Thanks, random dude. No wiser.
Let’s move on to all the things to do in Palm Springs in February 2023, and let’s show some appreciation for the city’s fabulous mascot, Mister Splashy Pants, the humpback whale. (It’s not. But there is a humpback by that name!)
One and done-ish
Feb. 3, 4, and 5: 7th Annual Taste of Jalisco Festival: Cathedral City
Feb. 4: Gregory Douglass, one of our very own bloggers, will be appearing at Palm Springs Cultural Center, joined by some very special guests. $20 (includes your two-drink minimum). Tickets here.
Feb. 5 and 19: Palm Springs Vintage Market. One of the kitschiest and crazy fun retro markets you’ll ever have the delight of shopping. And it’s twice this month! Yay! It’s mostly mid-mod, with everything from clothes to furniture to home furnishings, a.k.a. tchotchkes.
Items for sale at the Palm Springs Vintage Market. Photo by Katy Carrier
Feb. 9-12: Intersect Palm Springs Art and Design Show, Palm Springs Convention Center. An art and design fair that brings together a dynamic mix of modern and contemporary galleries, activated by timely and original programming.
Feb. 15: Different Drum: The Music of Linda Ronstadt, Palm Canyon Theatre. My favorite cabaret performer Francesca Amari sings the story of the life of Linda Ronstadt. I’ve seen this show and it’s terrific! Francesca won the 2022 BroadwayWorld Palm Springs Award for Best Streaming Concert/Cabaret for her Gilda Radner tribute show, and was nominated Vocalist of the Decade by BroadwayWorld Palm Springs in 2020 and Best Jazz Vocalist in the 2020 & 2018 Coachella Valley Music Awards.
Feb. 16-26: Modernism Week. Event tickets.
Feb. 18: Party Gras — New Orleans-inspired celebration on President’s Day weekend at Agua Caliente Palm Springs.
Feb. 18: Desert Woman’s Show & Greater Palm Springs Food and Wine Festival, presented by the Desert Vein and Vascular Institute. Now in its 15th year, the indoor Woman’s Show offers daily fashion shows by local boutiques and shopping. The Greater Palm Springs Food & Wine outdoor event offers a cornucopia of tasty bites, wines, craft beers and spirits from the Valley’s best. Limited free general admission tickets are available courtesy of Desert Care Network (available online at Desert Woman’s Show only) and are valid for one ticket per person. DOES NOT include the food and wine tasting area. Tickets here for the food and adult beverages.
Feb. 25: The L-Fund Gala 10th Anniversary — 5 to 9 p.m. at the Margaritaville Resort. This red carpet event supports cis and trans lesbians in the Coachella Valley.
Feb. 25: Boots on Arenas — Join Bella da Ball and Nancy Sinatra for These Boots are Made for Walkin’, Modernism Week’s penultimate night street party. Wear your big hair and miniskirts and go-go down to Arenas Road to join the party. Details and tickets here. Prize for Best Dressed provided by Nancy’s family. Free, all ages. 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Get those boots on and get ready to party! Photo courtesy of Boots on Arenas
Theater
Feb. 10-26: Scarlet Pimpernel, Palm Canyon Theatre.
Feb. 17-19: South Pacific, RM Amphitheater — Desert Theatricals puts on near-perfect productions of musicals from all eras. Always a great time, with many local entertainers stepping into various roles. Dinner show tickets are available, but go fast. General admission available as well. (Maybe there’ll be a humpback whale!)
Feb.21-March 5: Once at CV Rep. A love story reminding us of how the language of music is universal. Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Tickets here.
Feb. 21 and 22: Mid Century Moderns returns to Oscar’s.
PS Underground is a dinner theater, musical hybrid with unique shows and delicious food. Check out their schedule for something completely different.
Fridays from 4:30-7:30 p.m., DJ ModGirl at the Rowan Kimpton lobby bar. Always a good time and a great start to your Friday night.
Clubs with entertainment:
Oscar’s — Home of the T Dance also has name entertainment.
Palm Canyon Cultural Center — List of performers for weekly entertainment. February brings The Mod Squad on Wednesdays, a very fun “audience participation” show with local entertainers Wayne Abravanel, Francesca Amari, and Jeff Stewart.
PS Air Bar calendar — So many fun shows, including in-flight movies.
Cascade Lounge at Agua Caliente Palm Springs — Home of Jazzville and additional music and comedy shows.
Illusions Drag Queen Brunch, Pete’s Hideaway — Saturdays and Sundays
The Purple Room — Rat Pack feel, a variety of entertainers, big names in jazz, cabaret and Broadway on the weekend, and The Judy Show is back!
“The Judy Show” is back! Courtesy of The Purple Room
V Wine Lounge — Very Mad Men with a multitude of seating options in a variety of set pieces, nice sized bar for cross talk, great wine and cocktail selections, and a lot of entertainment options, including karaoke night.
Fridays: Ranch Dance — DJs spin country music for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, and its friends.
Restaurant news
El Patio — I haven’t talked about it before, so I am now. Owned by the same family that gave us local favorites Felipe’s and Salsa Restaurants in DT PS. About a year old, so it’s ready.
Low Desert — Modern Mexican on the south end of Palm Springs. Brand new. Replaces the BBQ restaurant in the Smoketree Plaza.
For the first time ever, the Michelin Guide has included Palm Springs restaurants. Those in the “first” category are: Bar Cecil, Boozehounds, Workshop Kitchen and Bar, Cheeky’s, 4 Saints, The Barn at Sparrows Lodge, Colony Club, and Tac/Quila.
Breakfast to go from Cheeky’s. Photo by Mary Farah
Reforma Nightclub is now open for dinner and dancing
The Heyday (best burger and mushroom burger in town) is leaving their space at the Hilton and moving to a new spot at 1550 N. Palm Canyon. This was once occupied by JJ’s Mexican Oasis, now permanently closed.
Oscar’s Privado opening soon. 127 E. Tahquitz, #108.
And sadly, downtown’s Brickworks American Bistro + Pizza has closed.
Coming soon
Dave & Buster’s at The River in Rancho Mirage.
Have fun in our desert playground, and don’t forget to shop and stay local so we can invite you back again! See you next time.
Season is officially here! We always kick off with a Halloween Party on Arenas, and then bang on into Pride, the biggest party of the year.
The temperatures haven’t cracked 100 in a few weeks, and we’re about to dip into the 70s during the daytime and 40s or 50s at night. It’s the sweet spot of the fall. If you can, come experience the wonderful weather, and the great events that Palm Springs has to offer.
We try to keep everything local, just like our hotels. So by enjoying one of our hotels, eating in local restaurants, drinking in local bars, and purchasing goods from local shopkeepers, you’ll help keep their doors open for the next time you want to enjoy our little town.
A LOT is going on, so let’s get to it!
Recurring events you shouldn’t miss
VillageFest vendors sell everything from handcrafted items to food. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs
Thursdays — VillageFest from 6 to 10 p.m. (link has map). Parking might be tough, but not if you stay in one of downtown’s small resorts or hotels. You’re always within walking distance!
Purple Room — Live entertainment Monday through Thursday, no cover. Home to Sunday’s The Judy Show, Friday and Saturday are also ticketed events. Your delicious meal is on you. Last season (thanks to a friend) I saw the fabulous Liz Calloway (who I didn’t know was fabulous until I saw her) and had dinner; both were five stars. This used to be one of Frank’s favorite hot spots (that’s Sinatra). While they’ve leaned toward jazz and cabaret in the past, they’ve been bringing in some unique offerings. You know what? Just check the calendar.
V Wine Lounge and Martini Bar — Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday is live entertainment with a $10 cover to help keep the music alive. Wednesday is karaoke night. I think we have great local entertainers here, and I was heavily involved in the entertainment scene in Chicago and Los Angeles — not a brag, I’ve just been around a lot and a long time. V Wine Lounge and Martini Bar is located in the historic Kaptur Plaza, next to the mid-town Koffi, and is the largest intimate space I have ever seen. It’s basically divided into three rooms, but the concept is open, including the wraparound bar. The drinks are well poured and everything I’ve had on the bites menu was delish!
Oscar’s is back and better than ever. Renovated inside and out, it’s home to the Sunday Tea Dance and The Bitchiest Brunch. Last season they debuted a new chef whose food inspired finger kisses. The entertainment has always been top-notch, bringing in inspired acts from Los Angeles and around the world. Check out the schedule for their fall shows.
Revolution Stage Company — Just over a year old, this theatre company not only has a season of plays, their stage is always busy in between with shows from all over the country. You never know what’s coming, but go in knowing that the sound system is one of the best, if not the best, in Palm Springs, and is a contender for the whole Coachella Valley. There’s a full bar, and some crazy fun good times to be had here. Last year’s Avenue Q was fantastic.
Dezart Performs — Consistently turning out terrific productions of plays with a message, don’t sleep on an opportunity to see any show this company produces. If “plays with a message” scares you off, please allow me to tell you they are delightful productions with a great deal of heart, and generally cast to perfection.
Palm Springs Cultural Center — Formerly the Camelot Theatres, the new name might sound stuffy, however it’s everything except stuffy. The first cineplex in the Coachella Valley, the building has been transformed into an entertainment center. You’ll find many film festivals here, as well as plays, traveling acts, and during the week, upstairs, happy hour entertainment.
- Mondays at 5 p.m.: Mon Petit Salon, Jeremie Levi Samson and Guests
- Tuesdays: Melba Miller’s Jazz Oasis. New addition, and a GREAT one!
- Wednesdays: The fantastic Mod Squad is back, featuring Wayne Abravanel, Francesca Amari, and Jeff Stewart for two solid hours of song, jokes, jests, and jaunty tunes. Requests are taken.
Drift — Although this hotel is new-ish in town, it’s showing itself to be a great spot for gathering. Pool side hangs, Savasana on Saturdays, Jueves de Drift, Tacos y Tunes, sound baths, and happy hours at the house restaurant.
Canopy Wine Lounge — Current November events are listed by date below, however if you are a connoisseur of fine wines, and caviar, this is your spot. Beautifully decorated, and the patio has a view of Marilyn and the mountains (although that will be gone when the new hotel is built at Graffiti Park).
Quadz — Making its first appearance on this list because I was talking to a gay friend of mine about Arenas. I said I didn’t go because I’m a girl, and I didn’t want to be a disruption. He told me that Quadz is the answer. It’s a video bar with fun games and a very welcoming atmosphere. Not that the others aren’t, but many are where gays meet other gays. It’s a party for sure, but bridal squads have been doing takeovers. 100 percent not cool unless you ask first, so I’ve been respectful. This is not the case for Quadz, I’m told. So go have fun! I’ll see you there.
Retro Room — The only bar dedicated solely to karaoke. It’s small, but that makes it more intimate and less scary to take the stage.
Melvyn’s at The Ingleside Estate — Sundays are swinging at Melvyn’s with an ongoing lineup of the Valley’s best musicians. Programming varies with special guests joining regularly. One of the oldest properties in Palm Springs, Frank Sinatra’s favorite dish was Steak Diane, so don’t skip on the dinner. But definitely go for the Sunday Jams, 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Be prepared, sometimes well-known celebrities stop in and perform. In the past, Neil Sedaka and James Marsden entertained the crowd on a whim. $25 F&B minimum, seating is first come, first served.
Events by date
You never know what you might find while wandering the Palm Springs Vintage Market
Nov. 1: Boozehounds Bow Wow Ball
Nov. 1: Alumination at PS Art Museum
Nov. 1: Mid-Century Moderns long running jukebox musical at Revolution Stage Company
Nov. 1: Palm Springs Scavenger Hunt Adventure
Nov. 2: VELVET MARTINI at PS Underground
Nov. 2: Free Weekend Psychic / Healing Arts Fair (recurring)
Nov. 3: Grateful Goats Paint & Sip at Laster Ranch
Nov. 3: Palm Springs Vintage Market
Nov. 5: Tomahawk Tuesdays at Kaiser Grille
Nov. 7: NoirCon 2024
Nov. 7: Sip & Savor Italy: An Evening with Paul Feinstein (book signing)
Nov. 8: The Palm Springs Sunset Music & Comedy Festival at Oscar’s
Nov. 9: Amanda Perez and NB RIDAZ at Oscar’s
Nov. 9: No Llores Comedy at Four Twenty Bank (dispensary and party lounge)
Nov. 9-10: PS Women’s Jazz Festival at Annenberg
Nov.10: Amazing Sundays Drag Brunch at Chill Bar
Nov. 10: Divas of the Desert. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., the music starts at noon. Celebrating the music of Roberta Flack and Anita Baker. Some of the hottest female jazz and blues singers in the area.
Nov. 11: 27th Annual Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade
Nov. 13: Joni Mitchell — The Reckless Daughter at PS Underground
Nov. 15-16: Thorgy Does Christmas at Palm Springs Cultural Center. Famed for her charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent, from RuPaul’s Drag Race to concert halls, the Queen of Classical Music Thorgy Thor performs for two nights only during a fabulous musical holiday extravaganza! Tickets: $49-$79
Nov. 15: Desert Air Music Festival at the Palm Springs Air Museum. These events always slay.
Nov. 16: TASTE x The Shag House hosted by On the Mark. The Shag House is a fun visit — with noshes by On The Mark, it should be pretty special.
Nov. 22: 10th Annual Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival presented by Agua Caliente Casinos. This is not in Palm Springs, but I HAD to tell you about it.
Nov. 22: MOTOWN at PS Underground
Nov. 22: McCormick’s Palm Springs Exotic Car Auction
Nov. 23: 2024 Props and Hops Craft Beer Festival at Palm Springs Air Museum
I’ll clue you in about Pride in another post, same with Thanksgiving, so look for those. In the meantime, pop on over to the PSPSH website and book your stay. It’s the best thing you can do for an authentic Palm Springs experience.
See you in December!
“I try not to limit my madness to March.” — Maxine (a.k.a. John Wagner for Shoebox Cards)
For most of the world, March is a tempestuous mistress. Cold and blustery, then cold and sunshine-y. She’s a whole lot of brrrrrrrrr.
In Palm Springs, March is more of a minx: flirty and fun. Her daytimes are generally in the 80s and sometimes 90s, however she can give you the cold shoulder, too. Especially at night. The solution is to bring your swimsuit and a bunch of layers because in Palm Springs, March is a swinger. She gets a bit chilly at night but bounces back by 10 a.m.
Without further ado, we will now continue our fun streak of delightful Palm Springs activities, with one event that’s so cool I might have just peed a little reading about it. Read on while I change me undies:
New restaurant alert:
Dinner and a show:
March 3, 4, and 5: Lucie Arnaz: I Got The Job
March 6, 13, 20, 27: The Judy Show
If you’ve read this blog before, you know it’s my favorite show in town.
March 11 and 12: John Lloyd Young
March 17, 18, and 19: Marvelous Marilyn Maye
March 25 and 26: Joe Pasa as Joan Rivers
Dinner and a lip sync show! The costumes are outstanding! Same producers as the one in San Francisco.
Pop 80s — Featuring The Gand Band
Gospel Brunch with Keisha D
Laurel Canyon — a tribute to those artists of the area, like Linda Rondstadt, Joni Mitchell, and The Doors (with music from The Gand Band).
The Mod Squad Variety Show — Another personal favorite, this one’s a brunch.
Ovation — A jazz-inspired Sunday brunch.
Light — I have always wanted to see this show! Described as an “unparalleled multi-sensory journey” that offers an “unprecedented dining experience through culinary art and technological innovation.”
Broadway Blind – A musical Sunday brunch.
A Night at the Chi Chi — Mark your calendars, this one’s on April 1 and 2.
Courtesy of PS Underground
The Women Of Knots (that’s Knots Landing, people!)
Drinks and entertainment:
Cascade Lounge at Agua Caliente in downtown Palm Springs
Jazzville — Every Thursday
Caliente Comedy — Every Friday
Latin Nights — Every Sunday
Theater:
Palm Canyon Theater
Palm Springs Getaway! Runs until March 13.
Desert Rose Playhouse
Electricity
Brian Justin Crum
Palm Springs The Musical: Born To Sparkle — World premiere!
Courtesy of Palm Springs The Musical
The Annenberg
The Anniversary — A full-length dance film event.
Coachella Valley Symphony Concerto Concert
Lilias White — White has appeared in cabarets and concert halls around the world, including the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House, and Lincoln Center. Her debut solo studio album, Get Yourself Some Happy!, was released in July.
Desert Ensemble Theatre
All This Intimacy — Described as a sex comedy gone wrong.
Dezart Performs
The Mountaintop — A reimagining of Martin Luther King Jr.’s last day at the Lorraine Hotel and his encounter with a young maid. There’s a huge twist in this play, something you can expect to be handled brilliantly by Dezart.
All the rest:
Palm Springs Chalk Art Festival
OMG!! I LOVE chalk art, especially from artists with a sense of whimsy. One of my favorite creators on TikTok is chalk artist David Zinn. This is a free event.
MOGO Silent Disco Tour
If anyone wants to do this, please include me!
Photo courtesy of MOGO Silent Disco Tour
Palm Springs Vintage Market
This Palm Springs staple will run on March 6 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
French Cooking Classes
In the chef’s private home — all reviews are spectacular!
Of course the old “musts” are still available, and if you haven’t, well…you must!
Hiking at Indian Canyons — Please note: closed on March 11 for the Legacy Hike.
Happy Palm Springs everyone! See you in April.
Dads are notoriously hard to please, even on the gifting front (just mine?). Personally, I was never able to beat anything my sister got him. But then I figured out that I could offer him an experience, so we’d go places together. I wish he was still around so I could show him my Palm Springs. He’d love it. So, if you’ll allow me, I’d love to help you plan that perfect getaway for you and your Dad/Daddy in our little slice of paradise.
Let’s start with accommodations:
Old Ranch Inn: There are eight rooms available at the western-themed, architecturally historic resort. Every room is around the pool, so there’s no long walk like on larger properties. Just steps away from downtown, it’s a great choice.
The Wescott: Art Deco, old Hollywood style with a nice pool for swimming some laps. A top Palm Springs lodging option, it has earned a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence every year since 2013.
The Westcott’s pool area. Photo courtesy of The Westcott
Ingleside Inn: If a hotel could write a book, hoo boy what stories it could tell. Luckily, former owner Mel Haber did write a book, and spills all the secrets. The bar in the on-property restaurant Melvyn’s is so old Hollywood, in your mind’s eye you can see Dean Martin leaning across the bar to talk to Dinah Shore, or Debbie Reynolds laughing with bestie Ruta Lee. The hotel and the restaurant are first class, as is the entertainment.
The Three-Fifty Hotel: Sweet 10-suite hotel with fabulous poolside views of the mountains.
Once you’ve got your hotel locked down, it’s time to figure out the rest of the experience. If Dad is a golfer, there are SO many options, you can read all about them here.
There’s nothing like the feeling of being behind the wheel of a sporty car on a racetrack, so if Dad’s into cars (and I’m going to pull a statistic right out of thin air and say 95% of all men love cars), book the ultimate driving experience at the BMW Performance Track. He’ll be talking about it for years to come.
The Palm Springs Air Museum is pretty cool. Even cooler? You can ride in an old war bird in the sky.
The Palm Springs Air Museum. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs
Windmill Tours: From golf cart tours to self-driving tours, it’s all about the energy of these turbines, how they work, and how much electricity they produce. I hear it’s marvelous. Likely not for toddlers, though.
June 16 and 17: Baseball with Palm Springs Power. 7 p.m.
If Dad’s into art, take him to the Palm Springs Art Museum, and to one of the many galleries around town.
A nice spot to have a coffee is in the Corridor Courtyard. Choose from Ernest Coffee or Koffi (both local coffee shops) and Mod Cafe (all vegan, breakfast, and lunch) then go behind the buildings into a magical little garden away from the hubbub of Palm Canyon.
Sports bars — there’s The Village (they have a Father’s Day luncheon), Shamrock’s Irish Pub, and Hair of the Dog (pool, darts, and, you know, booze).
Small batch brewers: Las Palmas Brewers, La Quinta Brewery Tap Room
Happy Hour: Las Casuelas, Lulu (at the bar)
Lulu California Bistro in downtown Palm Springs. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs
Dinner:
Spencer’s: Book the Bougainvillea Room.
The Purple Room Supper Club: Check the lineup and check with Dad. They have a lot of great jazz singers, and Sundays is the fabulous The Judy Show.
Johnny Costa’s: Old school Italian fine dining. The chicken parm and eggplant parm are delicioso!
Del Rey: Great drinks and tapas in the Villa Royale. Small space makes great memories.
After dinner:
V Wine Lounge and Martini Bar has a great selection of wines and fun cocktails, including martinis. It’s got a cool, retro vibe with its mid-century modern decor. Sometimes there’s karaoke and sometimes there’s other forms of entertainment. But even on a quiet night, you’ll enjoy the ambiance, and the staff is helpful and friendly, too.
Breakfast:
Bit O’Country: Locally owned, great American and Mexican cuisine.
Elmer’s: My favorite breakfast, because hash browns.
Billy Reed’s: It’s the most old school, Midwest spot in Palm Springs.
Pinocchio’s: The home fries are made with baked potatoes, and they have free flowing champagne and Bloody Marys. It’s a party.
For something different, on the South Course in the south end of Palm Springs is Indian Canyons Golf. The link I’m giving you indicates both restaurants are open, which is news to me. Go here.
Indian Canyons South. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs
And now for the Daddies.
Clothing-optional resorts for men:
^^all of these are great options for couples
The relaxing Hacienda at Warm Sands pool. Photo courtesy of The Hacienda at Warm Sands
Brunch/Dinner:
Trio (Saturdays and Sundays)
To get the full Palm Springs experience, head on down to Arenas Road (Blackbook is there) and check out all of the clubs. Gay Desert Guide will be a big help.
For the Sugar Daddy — you’re footing the tab, go to Paris! Looking for romance not requiring a passport? Try these resorts on for size: L’Horizon (swanky beyond swank), Smoke Tree Ranch (so exclusive most locals have never been), and Casa Cody (the romance of old Palm Springs) in downtown.
Spend one entire day in the Spa at Séc-he. If you book a service over $200 you get access to all of the pools, baths, salt caves, etc. Several spots to lunch inside. I hear it’s worth every penny.
Wishing a Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads out there in the wild. I hope you get to spend some quality time with your kids, and that they like you. In which case, see you in Palm Springs soon!
On Thursday, Dec. 12, discover Palm Springs’ unique charm during the annual Walk of the Inns. This free, self-guided walking tour lets locals and visitors alike experience the city’s vibrant boutique hotel holiday scene.
This annual tradition is a delightful way to discover the eclectic hotel properties nestled between Ramon Road and Tahquitz Canyon Way. Guests can expect lively music and refreshments at the different stops, which will include mid-century modern marvels and stunning Mediterranean retreats. Participating hotels will showcase their unique styles and warm hospitality, providing an insider’s look at the distinctive architecture for which Palm Springs is renowned.
What to know about the Walk of the Inns
The Walk of the Inns begins at the Palm Springs Art Museum, where attendees can pick up a complimentary map detailing all the participating hotels and a small flashlight to help illuminate the journey, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to donate to Well in the Desert, an initiative that supports local families in need. For those looking for an alternate starting point, head to the Palm Springs Woman’s Club.
Participating Walk of the Inns hotels
Casa Cody: The oldest operating hotel in Palm Springs, it was founded by Buffalo Bill Cody’s libertine cousin, Harriet. Casa Cody boasts two pools, an eatery, and historical adobe buildings. It’s a favorite for weddings and family gatherings.
Ingleside Estate: This Spanish Revival landmark has long attracted Hollywood stars. It’s also home to the legendary Melvyn’s Restaurant and Casablanca Lounge, where live music, cocktails, classic dining, and an aura of old Hollywood glamour await.
Avalon Hotel and Bungalows: Known for its flowing series of courtyards, lawns, gardens, and grounds that reveal romantic pools and cabanas, a hidden spa, studios and suites, and historic bungalows.
Talavera Palm Springs: This boho chic boutique hotel offers an intimate escape that is perfect for romance, personal retreats, and solo travelers. Every room boasts a private hot tub.
La Serena Villas: Originally built in 1933 on over an acre of exquisitely landscaped grounds, this Michelin Key hotel offers the perfect Palm Springs backdrop. Home to Azucar Restaurant and Whispers Spa, this hotel has offered respite to generations of discerning travelers.
Amin Casa Hotel: Embodying the luxury of life in Palm Springs, this impressive property dates back to the 1920s and was once the Palm Springs home of Hollywood screen legend and award-winning actress Gloria Swanson.
Lucille Palm Springs: Reimagined in late 2023, its history stretches back over 100 years. The hotel has been welcoming guests since 1921, including Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, who frequented the property with their family.
Old Ranch Inn: A quintessential small Palm Springs hotel, this charming property embodies the casual nature of Palm Springs. With just eight rooms — many just a few steps away from the central courtyard pool — it is warm and cozy, and just right for a weekend getaway.
The Walk of the Inns is sponsored by the Palm Springs Art Museum, Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels, and the Women’s Club of Palm Springs. This collaboration helps create a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates the spirit of the community and the exceptional hospitality that defines Palm Springs.
