We’re in the Orange! We got off to a great start in April with a toe-in-the-water, scaled-down, sold-out Modernism Week, and in May you can wade into Palm Springs well above your knees.

Mornings bring bright-blue, sunny skies, a back-drop for our majestic mountains, with crisp to perfection temperatures. When the sun drops behind the mountains, millions of stars light up the night and you’ll be falling into the cool, cool, cool of the evening when it’s time to hit the town.

So, let’s jump right into all of the wonderful and crazy fun options available to make this one of the most memorable times in your life.

Quick note: *means I have been here and it was fabulous!

Ongoing Events

Fridays and Saturdays: Illusions Drag Queen Show, Pete’s Hideaway – Located just behind Pete’s Hideaway in Wendy’s Hideout. But make sure to have cocktails and a nosh at Pete’s, too. The bar they’ve branded as “the Cheers of Palm Springs” has a new chef!

Saturdays: Saturday Night Flight at PS Air Bar “Boarding time” is 5:00 p.m. Located inside Bouschet is the kitschy PS Air that gives you Mad Men on a plane feels. The three-hour “flight” is described as “​Great Music, Fine Food, Classy Cocktails, First Class Service, Naughty Stewardess”

Naughty Stewardess at PS Air

*V Wine Lounge – all dressed up in 1960s kitsch, this terrific, large wine bar offers unusual wines for you to try. They also have a rental space for private parties. There’s a huge patio, too, as well as live music Monday and Saturday evenings.

Saturdays: Not Your Grandma’s Bingo at Chill Bar from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. The name says it all.

*Sundays: Palm Springs Drag Brunch, Roly China Fusion. Located on the North End of Palm Springs. It’s dim sum and it’s delicious. They accommodate vegans, too. And the show is outstanding. Rosemary Galore and her queens work hard for the money!

Me and the drag queens at Roly

Oscar’s: Home of the Sunday “T” dance, the most raucous dance party in PS (which is on hiatus because…pandemic), also has some fun shows:

5/1 Sherry Vine, 5/1/2021 5:30-9:00 p.m.

5/6 Open mic event with former American Idol vocal coach, Michael Orland every 4th Thursday @ 5:00pm.

5/28 & 29 Tiffany Takes Over 7:00 p.m. “Sharing her ‘rocktails, favorite food, and doing an acoustic set.”

Sundays: 11:00 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. Bitchiest Brunch that is, as they put it, “Serving Attitude”

Check out Wang’s in the Desert for the Ladies: Hunk-O-Mania Friday’s & Saturdays. Ticketed event starts at 10:00 p.m.

*PS Underground – outstanding, themed dinner shows with some of the best talent PS has to offer. Their unique take on entertainment and their gourmet food is more than worth the price of the ticket. Multiple events during May.

Being “Atmosphere” behind the scenes at PS Underground’s A Night at The Chi Chi

 

*Wednesdays thru Sunday: Melvyn’s Ingleside Inn’s Casablanca Lounge is back! From 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. the iconic lounge is where all the celebrities go to sing with resident maestro Mikael Healey. You gotta play dress up, but how fun is that! For rezzies: 760-325-2323

*Sundays: Jazz fans should definitely carve out 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Palm Canyon Roadhouse. Band leader and solid jazz player Mikale Karr leads the pro jazz jam featuring the best of the best at this unlikely R&R venue.

*5/2 Vintage Market 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the first Sunday of every month. It’s a great walk-about, surrounded by all things vintage.

One-Time and Pop-Up Events

5/14: Green Dragon Dispensary – 353 S. Palm Canyon, 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.

All born out of the pandemic, up-and-comers PerfectPint760, SmokeyLips BBQ, and The Best Cookie PS have teamed up with Green Dragon to offer a cure for the inevitable munchies. Grab some deliciousness after you shop, and take it home for later.

Perfect Pint760, BBQ Lips & Best Cookie in PS @ Green Dragon Dispensary courtesy of Perfect Pint760

 

Also if you go to any of our hotels or enjoy our recommendations, please be sure to tag us with your photos on IG, or @palmspringspreferredsmallhotel (yeah, it’s a lot to type, but we appreciate it!)  #PSPSH

February – the month that fills you with overthinking about your love life.
– Anonymous

Not to brag or anything, but damn our weather has been exceptional. Nice sleeping temps at night — it’s in the 50s — and bright sunny days in the mid-70s to low 80s. It’s Palm Springs perfection!

February has a lot of stuff going on, so I won’t keep you with a bunch of chatter. Here’s the skinny:

Rock The Park event flyer. Courtesy of Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce

February 2: 

Rock the Park, 7 p.m., first Wednesdays of every month. Kicking off the whole affair will be TLR – Experience the Eagles Music, a hardworking and much in-demand tribute band based in Los Angeles. Other tribute groups scheduled to appear include those devoted to the music of Elton John, Madonna, Tina Turner, Fleetwood Mac, and Creedence Clearwater Revival. Located at the park next to Marilyn and by the Art Museum.

February 3: 

Village Fest — every Thursday, 6 to 10 p.m., on Palm Canyon Road. Foot traffic only from Alejo to Ramon, with vendors on every side of the street, buskers, crafters and food kiosks. All of the stores are open as well. It’s a great stroll, with tons of people watching and things to try. Friendly pooches welcome.

February 3: 

Palm Springs Art Museum Free Thursdays – every Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m.

February 3: 

Black History Month Opening Reception at Palm Springs Art Museum

February 6:  

Come celebrate Black History Month with a local vendor bazaar and the musical stylings of Keisha D Sings and her band. Tickets are $20 and include a seat for the show and cocktail. Tickets are now available. Venmo $20 to @Keisha-Halverson to secure your seat. Bazaar is free from noon to 3:30 p.m. 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way.

NOTE: Keisha D is a BANGING vocalist and performer, nails every style she sings. A truly terrific vocalist and performer.

February 6:

Palm Springs Vintage Market, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., 2300 E Baristo Road.

February 10-13:

Intersect Palm Springs has traditionally occurred in conjunction with Modernism Week at the Palm Springs Convention Center, and presents post-war and contemporary art. Formerly known as Art Palm Springs, it has been running since 2012.

February 12:  

24th Annual Tour de Palm Springs/Coachella Valley, taking place in downtown Palm Springs on North Palm Canyon

February 12: 

Brave Bessie Coleman-Pursue your Dreams, Palm Springs Air Museum, 1 to 2 p.m.

The Boomer Boys Musical. Courtesy of Palm Springs Cultural Center

February 12:

The Boomer Boys Musical at the Palm Springs Cultural Center

February 13: 

Watch the Super Bowl at one of our local sports bars: The Village, Hair of the Dog, Shamrocks, New York Pizza, Fame Wine and Cigar Lounge, Smokin’ Burgers

Tuskegee Airmen Art. Courtesy of Palm Springs Air Museum

Through Feb 28: 

Famed Aviation Artist Stan Stokes-Tuskegee Airmen Collection
Original artwork immortalizing the members of the Tuskegee Airmen who heroically took to the skies during World War II, despite the obstacles of racial segregation and a U.S. military policy that tried to prevent them from flying. Look into the eyes and read the stories of these brave aviators who broke barriers and pushed aside stereotypes in their struggle to fight for their country against the forces of Nazism. Included with regular museum admission.

There’s Nothing Like A Dame flyer. Courtesy of Palm Canyon Theatre

February 9: 

There’s Nothing Like a Dame Concert at the Palm Canyon Theatre
Palm Springs’ finest divas take the stage in a one-night-only performance. You should go — I’ll be there!

February 15: 

The Classics of Rock & Soul at the Palm Springs Cultural Center

February 16:

Martinis and Moxie at the Palm Springs Cultural Center
Featuring the music of Dean Martin and Dinah Shore, with special guests.

February 19: 

Dr. Ed Gordon: Judgment at Nuremberg: Defending Humanity 1 to 2 p.m. at the Palm Springs Air Museum. In this program, historian Ed Gordon will tell the important story of how Nazi leaders were brought to trial, charged, and defended.

February 26:  

35th Annual Black History Month Parade and Town Fair
The parade will begin on Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs. Immediately following the parade, the town fair will be held at New City Park, across the street from the Palm Springs Art Museum.

Theater: 

February 25: 

Palm Canyon Theatre: Palm Springs Getaway! 
This new musical is a nostalgic romp through Palm Springs featuring the history and entertainers that made our city famous. The show takes audiences from the early desert landscape to the vibrant city it is today — and every decade in between.

Desert Rose Playhouse 2022 schedule. Courtesy of Desert Rose Playhouse

Desert Rose Playhouse announced their new season. Go! Everything they do is spectacular, fun, and at least a little bit gay.

Every Thursday: Jazzville. Exceptionally fine jazz from all over the world performed at Agua Caliente Casino downtown.

Every Friday: Agua Caliente Comedy

Every Sunday: Latin Nights at Cascade Agua Caliente Palm Springs

Mogo Silent Disco: Fridays and Saturdays. Don your wildest outfit (kaftans, cowboy hats, and sequins are encouraged!) and bust a move in front of some of Palm Springs’ most Instagram-worthy spots; have a random dance with the cute stranger walking by; dust off that sick routine you created in your basement and show it off in front of the beautiful San Jacinto mountains. Join us for an outdoor experience you’ll never forget! Lasts approximately 70 minutes.  All ages welcome.  Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

PS Air at Bouschet: Disco Boozy Brunch, recurring weekly on Sundays until March 27. Also open for lunch daily. Saturday nights are flight nights.

Purple Room: Great showcase of jazz and standards. Different acts every night of the week, with Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays ticketed events.

PS Underground: Wildly creative entertainment and dining experiences. Each show is themed and very different. Food is excellent. I have never seen anything that compares in any city.

AsiaSF has finally reopened for dinner and a show. From the desk of David Perry: “The SoCal branch of the storied San Francisco dinner theater and cabaret, featuring the world-famous transgender ladies of AsiaSF, is back.”

February 17-27 is Modernism Week . Events will take place at various locations throughout the greater Palm Springs area.

And now, for S&Gs (last initial is giggles, you figure out the S) here is a list of everything the internet says you should celebrate or be aware of in February. Not to be outdone by the month, the days have a bunch of things they’d like to point out, too. For the days, I have italicized some of the what???

By Month:

American Heart Month

Black History Month

Celebration of Chocolate Month

International Friendship Month

International Month of Black Women in the Arts

International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month

Library Lovers Month

Marijuana Awareness Month

National Cancer Prevention Month

National Children’s Dental Health Month

Youth Leadership Month

By Day:

February 1: National Freedom Day, National Dark Chocolate Day, National Serpent Day, National Baked Alaska Day, National Get Up Day

February 2: Groundhog Day, National Hedgehog Day, National Tater Tot Day, National Ukulele Day

February 3: Four Chaplains Day, National Missing Persons Day, National Carrot Cake Day, National Golden Retriever Day

February 4: USO Day, World Cancer Day,1 National Homemade Soup Day

February 5: National Weatherperson’s Day, World Nutella Day

February 6: National Lame Duck Day, Pay a Compliment Day, National Frozen Yogurt Day

February 7: National Send a Card to a Friend Day, Rose Day, National Fettuccine Alfredo Day, National Bubble Gum Day* (first Friday), National Wear Red Day* (first Friday), Give Kids a Smile Day* (first Friday)

February 8: Take Your Child to the Library Day* (first Saturday), National Kite Flying Day, Opera Day, Read in the Bathtub Day

February 9: National Pizza Day, World Marriage Day* (second Sunday)

February 10: National Umbrella Day, Teddy Day, National Clean Out Your Computer Day* (second Monday)

February 11: National Inventors’ Day, National Make a Friend Day, National Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day, National Make a Friend Day, Get Out Your Guitar Day, International Day of Women and Girls in Science

February 12: Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday, International Darwin Day

February 13: World Radio Day, Galentine’s Day, National Tortellini Day

February 14: Valentine’s Day

February 15: National Gumdrop Day, Susan B. Anthony Day, National Bagel Day, Singles Awareness Day

February 16: Do a Grouch a Favor Day, National Almond Day

February 17: Presidents’ Day* (third Monday)

February 18: National Battery Day, National Drink Wine Day

February 19: National Chocolate Mint Day

February 20: National Love Your Pet Day, National Muffin Day

February 21: International Mother Language Day, National Sticky Bun Day, National Caregivers Day* (third Friday)

February 22: George Washington’s Birthday, Be Humble Day, World Thinking Day, National Margarita Day

February 23: National Banana Bread Day

February 24: National Tortilla Chip Day

February 25: National Chocolate Covered Nut Day, Let’s All Eat Right Day, National Clam Chowder Day, National Pancake Day, World Spay Day* (last Tuesday)

February 26: Tell a Fairy Tale Day, National Pistachio Day

February 27: No Brainer Day, International Polar Bear Day, National Chili Day, Digital Learning Day* (last Thursday)

February 28: National Public Sleeping Day, National Chocolate Soufflé Day, National Science Day

As always, wear your mask, and show your vax card — rules are in effect until further notice. Help us keep Palm Springs alive. See you in March!

The Palm Springs Hotel (https://www.palmspringspreferredsmallhotels.com/stay/palm-springs-hotel) is sleek and modern, but owner Denise Adams made sure to include a nod to some of Hollywood’s finest.

All of the rooms at the Palm Springs Hotel are named after celebrities, including several who used to roam the desert — Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Elvis Presley, Paul Newman, and Raquel Welch. The rooms come with private patios, and all of the furniture and artwork was custom curated for the hotel, meaning you won’t see these combinations anywhere else.

There are pops of color in each room, as well as outside, where bright orange umbrellas provide shade around the huge pool. At night, the pool — which is open 24 hours — lights up, making night swims a must-do.

Another colorful corner of the hotel is the Instagram Wall, which features a large orange Palm Springs sign in a retro font. There’s no better way to commemorate your stay than by grabbing your camera and getting that perfect shot.

A woman and girl sit in a hammock outside

You’re never too old to need your mom.

Welcome to that one time of year when we take time to honor our moms for everything they have done for us. Considering she wiped our butts for the first few years of our lives and put up with our adolescent shenanigans and teen angst, one day doesn’t seem like enough, you know?

So, I’m going to suggest you take mom on a little getaway to Palm Springs, and I’m going to help you out on the planning front because I’m nice like that (and it was my idea, so…).

I’ve got a few hotel suggestions, mostly because they’re gorgeous and more pointedly, they have some sort of spa/wellness services . And Mom deserves a spa treatment or 10, and a cushy bed to rest her head.

First the hotels, and then the Mother’s Day activities. Let’s go.

Stay in style 

L’Horizon: Spa treatments and yoga sweeten the already decadent property. Mom will never forget the pampering she will receive at this very special location. Everything is 5-star here, even the restaurant, SO.PA.

A treatment space at The Spa at L’Horizon. Photo courtesy of L’Horizon

Ingleside Inn: This is the epitome of old Hollywood in Palm Springs, and more than just a gorgeous property. It has a terrific restaurant, Melvyn’s, which also has one of the coolest old school bars in Palm Springs. There is a piano player most nights, and celebrities have been known to sit in. Spa services are available.

Korakia Pensione: Laid-back and groovy, they have a tea service and yoga on the lawn. It’s a Class 1 historic building that sweeps you away. There’s a market on premises with clothes and things from far, far away to add to the exotic feel. Very cool variety of massage and wellness services, offered outdoors or in your room.

Relaxation awaits at Korakia Pensione. Photo courtesy of Korakia Pensione

Andreas Hotel & Spa: Located in the heart of downtown, Mom will enjoy the onsite spa services such as “Me Time” (a 55-minute aromatherapy massage, with a glass of champagne) or the “Summer Delight” (a 55-minute Swedish massage, 55-minute Vital C facial, and champagne). Right next door are two of the best restaurants in Palm Springs: Cheeky’s (breakfast) and Birba (dinner.)

La Serena Villas: The best of all worlds — Whispers Spa is on premises, and the hotel’s restaurant, Azucar, and Sugar High Rooftop Lounge are terrific additions to the light and airy space that permeates the whole place.

Whispers Spa. Photo courtesy of La Serena Villas

Or, you could stay at one of our other wonderful resorts and take Mom to the new Séc-he Spa downtown. For $145 you can get a pass to “Taking the Waters” and enjoy their communal offerings. If you get a massage or facial, that price is waived.

Restaurants with a special May 14 menu

Chi Chi: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy a poolside Mother’s Day Brunch, with favorite specials like the Nutella French toast and Alaskan crab benedict on the menu.

LULU: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be special brunch and dinner offerings. The Mother’s Day dinner is a 3-course delight with a delectable selection of dishes including slow- roasted prime rib, fresh filet of Atlantic salmon, chicken cordon bleu, and much more.

Melvyn’s: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Indulge with this 3-course Mother’s Day brunch featuring steak Diane and eggs, smoked salmon benedict, and banana bread French toast. For an additional $25, you get bottomless bubbles. Melvyn’s has a luxurious atmosphere — very “old Hollywood/Palm Springs,” and the grounds are lovely.

Labor Pains: A musical Mother’s Day Sunday brunch, at 11 a.m. This “humorous and heartfelt musical look at the joys, memories, trials, and tribulations of motherhood.” During this 4-course brunch, the bubbly and Bloody Marys will be free-flowing, along with fantastic music and laughter. $89

A few more suggestions

I’m going to toss in a few other special places that have not announced yet (and may not), but I think Mom will love them:

Le Vallauris:  Book the patio.

Johannes: German food in a fresh, clean-lined restaurant with terrific wall art.

Pomme Frite: French bistro food and feel.

French Miso: It’s located in La Plaza, but the entrance is just south of the parking. It’s so cute Mom will want photo after photo.

Spencer’s: Located in the old Tennis Club (Class 1 historic building), book the Bougainvillea Room for brunch.

The patio at Spencer’s. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

If you and your mother are hikers and kitty lovers, take her for an early hike up Araby Trail then pop back down to Frisky Business for a coffee, tea, or nosh and play time with some kitties. Squee!

I haven’t run out of ideas, but I’ve run out of time this month, so happy Mother’s Day to all the moms — and to all the grown kids who are still looking for validation, this might do the trick. I’m kidding…I think.

By Diana Elizabeth Steffen

I discovered one of the most Instagrammable spots in Palm Springs.