In The Merry Merry Month Of May: A Palm Springs Events Guide
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We’re rolling into summer, which means hotter days with evenings in the 70s (we’re leaving it a surprise as to whether it’s high or low 70s).
So far, we’ve made it through the International Film Festival, Modernism Week, the BNP, Coachella, Stagecoach, and in June we’ve got Short Fest. This month we celebrate Cinco de Mayo, but the rest of May is all about a chill vibe desert style.
The snowbirds are leaving, which also means Palm Springs is less crowded, and the streets are less congested. The rest of us (who I like to call Desert Warriors), we stick around through it all. And when the weather is like this, we trot out our coolest and most fashionable outfits.
Speaking of which, The Block has all of the latest fashion, and the boutiques have their own unique styles. You can curate your look for summer way before the rest of the world, where summer is a few more months away. And you know what? You don’t have to shop. You don’t have to do anything. Maybe you just “want to be alone” like one of our OG movie stars, Greta Garbo. In that case, live in swimwear by the pool at your boutique hotel, and order in from Postmates. The options for a good time are endless, but you know what won’t be? The drive. No special events to bottle neck the roads, or the airport. Smooth sailing all the way.
For those who are not choosing to only hang out by the pool, here are some fun things to consider:
Ongoing weekly events in Palm Springs
Thursdays is Village Fest. At 6 p.m. we shut down Palm Canyon so you can walk those blocks, listen to buskers, buy things from vendors, have a cocktail and a nosh or two. Some of our brick and mortars started here: Brandini Toffee and The HeyDay. PS Art Museum also has free hours from 5 to 8 p.m.
Fridays at 7:30 p.m. you can get two-stepping at Dance Ranch. Straight couples, gay couples, non-couples — who cares, it’s a dance class followed by dancing. $5
Saturdays are for the PS Farmer’s Market (Townie Bagels kinda got started here). Although the certified market will continue throughout the year, May is the last month it’s outdoors.
Belico Party happens every Saturday at Reforma Night Club.
Sundays at Chill Bar: Amazing Sundays Drag Brunch
Also, Churrasco finally opened. Recent reviews are 10 out of 10, no notes! Sorry, Arby’s they’ve got the meats, Brazilian style!
Special events
May 1: First Wednesday Art Walk at Kee Gallery, 5 to 7 p.m. It’s about 15 minutes from downtown, but it’s a cool little area.
May 1: PS I Love You Scavenger Hunt. From their website: “Embark on an extraordinary journey with a twist! This is not your typical scavenger hunt; it’s a creative and immersive departure from the ordinary.” $35 (multiple dates)
May 4: Entertainment Convention. There will be comic books, collectibles, cosplay, toys, cards, live panels, celebrity guests, food, and fun for the entire family. Kids nine and under are free with a paid adult. At PS Convention Center.
May 5: Cinco de Mayo brunch at PS Underground.
May 7: Vintage Market. Last one until October.
May 8: The Gand Band The Beatles and Beyond at Cascade Lounge at Agua Caliente Downtown Casino.
May 9 to 12: Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival. Shady guys, shady dolls, and coppers. You know the drill. They’ll never take us alive.
May 14: Movies in the Park, Jurassic Park, at Downtown Park next to Marilyn. Free.
May 15: Gregory Douglass at Palm Springs Cultural Center. He’s an amazing singer, and he’s a blogger here at Boutiquely Palm Springs!
May 25: Daddy/Pop at Reforma. The event will feature retro go-gos, flaggers, and fan dancers, plus a guest DJ, drink specials, and photography. Tickets are $10–$15 in advance and $20 at the door.
May 27: Memorial Day Flower Drop, PS Air Museum. It’s not the only thing happening at the air museum, tool around the website for some fantastic exhibits, opportunities, and events.
May 28: Movies in the Park, Pee Wee’s Big Adventure. Downtown Park
May 31: Restaurant Week begins in the Valley.
The beat goes on…
These are live entertainment venues with fantastic talent. Most are ticketed events, and worth every dime.
Last call before summer
If you’re missing Modernism Week, check out Modern Tour. They have a few options to tour inside some of Palm Springs most iconic homes.
And if you’re itching for something to do, the Palm Springs Historical Society has some groovy tours including walking, biking, and private vehicle tours.
Desert Tasty Tours offers a very fun, very tasty, three-hour food, booze, and history “tour.” It only covers two blocks of downtown so it’s not at all vigorous, with some delicious food at each destination.
No, I didn’t forget — how could I forget the mothers? Palm Springs was built by them, and guess what? It’s still a great place to bring Mom for an indulgent spa weekend. So, get cracking on those Mother’s Day plans.
Cheers to all the moms past, present, and future!
P.S. I didn’t mention how gorgeous it is out here right now. It’s gorgeous out here right now. (There!) All that rain gave us green mountains and bright, cheerful flowers. You don’t need to go anywhere specific — it’s everywhere you are in Palm Springs. Come see!
