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February Events (Modernism Week!) And Humpback Whale Appreciation Month

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.

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The Great Outdoors Of Palm Springs

From the beginning, the land the Cahuilla called Se-Khi (“boiling water”), the place Spanish explorers dubbed the ridiculously wordy La Palma de la Mano de Dios (“the palm of God’s hand”), and the city now (succinctly) known as Palm Springs, should probably have been named what it is: Paradise.

In the early 1900s, Palm Springs was the spot to cure lung ailments, and evolved into a place where scads of tennis-happy movie stars and U.S. presidents with a penchant for golf and impeccable hospitality came to live their best lives away from the cameras. 

More recently it’s evolved into a foodie paradise with 18-carat jazz, award winning cabaret, and fantastic theatre. (I know, Americans spell it “theater,” but generally stage companies use the British spelling because … drama.) All the musicians and actors tired of the rat race live and thrive in 350 days of sunshine per year, with a gorgeous mountain backdrop (including the second highest peak in California) and a million stars dazzling the night sky. So, if you’re a bit earthy/crunchy, and crave a relationship with the Earth, Palm Springs is your mecca. 

We can’t float your boat (our water’s mostly underground), but we can sizzle your bacon (in the summer, with just the sun) in our soul-satisfying, untouched wilderness.

Hiking in Palm Springs

Palm trees and rocks against a blue sky in Indian Canyons in Palm Springs, California

A hike in Indian Canyons is always a good idea. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

Indian Canyons — Located at the end of South Palm Canyon, this is the ancestral home of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Out here, with the exception of the Trading Post at the “end” (and a few hiker amenities), it’s just you and nature. One blog purports that you may “run into some old rock art, house-pits, irrigation ditches, dams, trails or food preparation areas while hiking in the canyons,” and now I have to go back and find them all, damnit.

There are three canyons to hike here (weirdly I thought there were more) and just like the rooms in your house, they’re all a bit different.

Murray Canyon — This is the only trail I have personally hiked in Indian Canyons. It’s a lot of flat land with nothing going on until you hit the copse of palm trees in the distance, and then I think a chorus of angels sang as we stepped beneath the trees and into another world. Suddenly it was all flora and wildlife, and I swear someone turned on an air conditioner. We crossed a couple of streams, one a bit bigger than expected, and we both chose a different path across. I was on the other side when I heard my friend shriek “RATTLER!” I did not see it (just the snake sunbathing at the entrance where we parked. I don’t know if he’s there every day, though. You know how snakes are.) We never made it to the small waterfall at the end. Someone, who was incredibly out of shape, got tired. Might have been me. 

Andreas Canyon — At 1.2 miles, it is the shortest of the three hikes, and I wish I’d known that. From their website: “A scenic foot trail leads through the canyon passing groves of stately skirted palms, unusual rock formations, and the perennial Andreas Creek. One can still see bedrock mortars and metates used centuries ago for preparing food. This tranquil setting is excellent for photography, bird-watching, or a picnic at one of the tables along the trail.”

Palm Canyon — At 15 miles, it’s the Mack Daddy of the trio. At the top is that Trading Post I mentioned earlier and just beyond the lip is one of the most breathtaking views you’ll see in your lifetime. In fact, here’s this tidbit from their website: “Palm Canyon is one of the areas of great beauty in Western North America. A moderately graded foot path winds down into the canyon for picnicking near the stream, meditation, exploring, hiking, or horseback riding.”

While it falls under the Indian Canyons banner, the Tahquitz Trail is just west of downtown, and was the stand-in for Shangri-La in the 1937 film Lost Horizon. It’s that stunning. This is not a difficult hike (I did it with ease), and you are rewarded at the end with a beautiful waterfall gushing into a pool of water. And yes, you can hop on in.

All of the above: $12 for adults, $7 for seniors and students, $6 for children. Military get in for free (thank you for your service!). Equestrian fees are $11 (where riding is allowed).

Horseback riding around town

Two people ride horses through the Palm Springs desert landscape

Just horsin’ around in Palm Springs. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

For centuries, this was the only way to get around in Palm Springs — everybody was on a horse. Palm Springs is a great place to experience what it was like in the Old West, and Smoketree Stables will get you as close to that feeling without the hardship. I love horseback riding, but throughout the years haven’t been particularly successful at it. I had one horse that decided I needed to experience a run at full gallop my first time riding. Yet, I persisted. Several horses have tried to knock me off with low hanging branches, and one time the saddle was improperly buckled, and the saddle and I ended up perpendicular to the horse’s belly. Cats and dogs, on the other hand, love me as long as I don’t try to ride them. 

This link has everything you need to know for a much better experience than the ones I’ve had. They’ll hook you up so you can ride through Murray Canyon on a personal or group ride.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway gondola moving up Mt. San Jacinto

Temperatures are much cooler at the top of the tramway. Courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

Most of us go for the gondola ride to the top, and have a nice lunch then gaze at the city below before we get in line for the ride back down. However, if you are an action figure, Mt. San Jacinto State Park is the place for you. Luckily, you are already in it. From their website: “Mt. San Jacinto State Park offers over 50 miles of hiking trails located within a 14,000-acre pristine wilderness, one of the last in California. All trails are accessed by exiting the Mountain Station and descending a concrete pathway to Long Valley. There you will find picnic tables, the ranger station, flush toilets, and several easy trails.”

This is the link that will lead you to the trails and a map. And the outdoor fun is not just limited to hiking. During the winter you can snowshoe and cross-country ski, and if you’re a crazy person you can camp. This stuff requires a wilderness permit, but it’s free.

For those who are certifiably insane, you can hike the tram station to Idyllwild. That link is to a great little website that tells you everything you need to know about any particular trail, plus hiker experiences, current temps, and difficulty. Tram to Idyllwild is a tough hike that is 9.6 miles and takes roughly six hours point to point. 

Stargazing in the desert

Palm Springs is shy on street lamps, which keeps the light pollution at bay. Many of our preferred hotels are tucked away in even less lit neighborhoods so you can hang by the pool in a chaise lounge and oooh and ahhh with a cocktail in your hand. But for those who are looking to get up close and personal with the cosmos, book with Sky Watcher. A knowledgable guide with telescopes and special glasses (not filled with alcohol) will take you on a tour of our planetary neighbors. 

Where to stay

Villa Royale Hotel exterior sign with a hedge and palm trees behind it

Welcome to the Villa Royale. Photo courtesy of Villa Royale

Any of our Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels will be a great experience, but for this particular type of outing, I have a few specific suggestions.

For that “by the pool under the night sky with a cocktail” experience, Villa Royale is a good choice. On the southeast end of Palm Springs, it’s far enough away from Palm Canyon that the few street lamps we do have won’t hinder your experience. 

For a completely earthy-crunchy immersion, try the exotic Korakia. Dressed up as a pensione somewhere in the Middle East, they’ve got yogurt and yoga and they’re very big on tea.

Deeper pockets will take you to The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn. It sits higher up than most of the other inns (stargazing at a premium) and has a wonderful garden where Albert Einstein himself used to sunbathe nude. If you see dead people, that would be a great sighting. 

Here’s a link for you to sort it out yourself because I have to go. I’m craving granola.

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Questions Answered About Modernism Week 2024

Well, actually, it is 11 days, but the banner still flies, calling it Modernism Week. With approximately 350 scheduled events running from Feb. 15-25, you can imagine the buzz.

Hopefully, you have visited the Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels website to find a place to stay while you experience Modernism Week. If you do not have a reservation, it is best to call the hotels directly because there may be cancellations at your favorite property. Besides, they appreciate learning ahead of time what your specific needs are to make it a perfect visit.

What can you expect at Modernism Week? 

There will be lots of people. Last year, an estimated 105,477 visitors found their way to our city to learn and celebrate mid-century modern design, architecture, culture, and art.

Keep flexible. Many of the events are already sold out. Check here what is still available and purchase your tickets before you arrive.

We highly recommend taking the double-decker bus tour if it is still available. The tour guides are incredibly knowledgeable, and you learn a wealth of information about the architecture and history of Palm Springs.

New this year is an Illuminated Twilight Tour. This excursion will surely provide a look at the beautiful lighting of homes in Palm Springs. Expect to be awed by the creative lighting systems, sometimes even showcasing our ancient palm trees.

Note: All double-deck tours leave from the Hyatt Hotel.

Where do I start when I arrive? 

Welcome to CAMP. Photo: Kathy Condon

The CAMP (Community and Meeting Place) is an excellent place to start. It is located in the Hyatt Palm Springs on North Palm Canyon Drive. The CAMP is also the place to relax, meet friends, and talk to some vendors who share your love for anything mid-century. Pick up a schedule or check the Modernism website, for there are many things you can see for free.

Note: Free underground parking here is plentiful.

How should I dress for Modernism Week?  

We would love to say we will have high 70s and 80s weather. However, we never know what to expect in February. So, the best advice we can give you is to bring layers. Our weather can fluctuate 30 degrees between day and night, so you should not leave your warm jacket behind. You will also want to bring your walking shoes; if you are anything like most of us, you start at one place and get intrigued by something a few blocks away.

Where can I dine while Visiting Palm Springs?

If you have been here and have a favorite restaurant, make your reservations now. During Modernism Week, we locals know it is practically impossible to walk into a restaurant to dine without a reservation.

Here is a list of some Happy Hours presently being offered, but you may want to call to see if they change their hours during Modernism Week.

Should I go hiking during Modernism Week? 

Absolutely, though you may find trails a little more crowded than usual. More than likely the weather will be perfect for outdoor activities. We recommend wearing a hat, using suntan lotion, and taking more water than you think you need. Here is a list of some of the trails in Palm Springs.

Transportation in Palm Springs 

A red double-decker bus takes visitors around Palm Springs, California, during Modernism Week

One way to get around during Modernism Week is by double-decker bus. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

If you decide to park your car and let others do the driving, be assured we have Lyft, Uber, taxis, and buses readily available. Getting around the city is not difficult. Remember, we are 10 minutes from the Palm Springs International Airport, with over 10 direct flights from various cities in Canada and the United States.

Is it possible to rent bicycles to travel between venues?

Yes. Palm Springs is doing a great job of marking bicycle paths on our major roads. Many neighborhoods, such as the beautiful Las Palmas area, are delightful to visit via bicycle. It is one of the older neighborhoods dotted with massive estates.

Again, we recommend you reserve a bicycle rental before you arrive. Some vendors rent bikes, and you can also see if your resort provides them; many of our small boutique hotels include bikes as one of their amenities.

What if I can’t get tickets for places I want to see? 

It’s always fun to explore inside homes during Modernism Week. Photo: Kathy Condon

There is a solution. In October, there is a smaller version of Modernism Week called Fall Modernism Week. Dates have not been announced for 2024, but if you sign up for the Modernism newsletter, you will be among the first to be notified.

In any case, once you know the dates and want to come, be sure to visit Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels and get your hotel reservations. Word is getting out that crowds are less in the fall, and you can be assured of outstanding weather.

Modernism is fun, engaging, and a unique experience not duplicated anywhere in the world. Palm Springs’ motto is “Like No Place Else.” Once you come to Modernism Week, you will understand why that fits our desert community.

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November Events Guide: Welcome To Season In Palm Springs!

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

People look at items for sale as night falls over the Village Fest street fair in Palm Springs

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. 

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

Palm Springs Vintage Market visitors peruse through retro items on a sunny day in Palm Springs

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!

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Séc-he, A 5-Star Luxury Spa, Opens In Downtown Palm Springs

The wait is over. On April 4, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians unveiled The Spa at Séc-he, the 5-star spa we all have been waiting for in anticipation. The security walls that kept us intrigued for so long are now removed, revealing an enchanting place where one can relax and rejuvenate in downtown Palm Springs.

If you are staying in one of the Palm Springs Preferred Hotels, the good news is that the spa is within walking distance of many properties. You will want to make sure to make reservations — word is quickly spreading about how fabulous this place is, for so many reasons.

I want to give you an up-close-and-personal view, as I was honored to be invited to the grand opening and spend a day at this stunning spa. Would you believe seven hours felt like it wasn’t enough?

The hot mineral springs

The Agua Caliente have been keepers and protectors of Palm Springs’ only hot mineral springs since the late 1880s. With a temperature of 105 degrees, the mineral-rich hot water arrives from 8,000 feet below the surface, and is known for easing joint and muscle aches and even skin conditions. In the language of the Cahuilla Indians, “séc-he” means the sound of boiling water, thus Séc-he was coined for this new Palm Springs spa.

The Spa at Séc-he has 22 separate hot mineral tubs, and you can bathe alone in your own room for 15 minutes. After each person leaves, the tub is emptied and refilled with the healing waters.

Pro tip: Leave your jewelry at home because the water’s minerals will tarnish it.

One of the private tubs. Photo by Kathy Condon

Massages 

General Manager Daniel Spencer has searched the world, asked lots of questions, and now has ensured that Séc-he’s staff is trained on all eight kinds of massages offered at the spa. That means services like the Quartz and Poultice Massage may result in you wandering out into the Tranquility Garden feeling relaxed and totally at peace with the world.

I had the Restoring Energy Massage, which includes essences of sandalwood, peppermint, and vetiver for releasing anxiety and assisting with the immune system. I can’t say if I enjoyed the reflexology or the re-energizing balance more, which are both part of this particular massage. In any case, it was heavenly.

Body scrubs and wraps

There are way too many to mention, but with each treatment, you lie on a quartz bed treatment table that is heated and takes your mind to your favorite warm tropical beach. Afterward, you can use the eucalyptus steam room and menthol sauna, then follow it up with an aromatherapy shower. In fact, the entire spa smells wonderful. All the ingredients used in the treatments are local indigenous herbs rich in minerals and botanical oil extract.

Lounge areas are everywhere

Frankly, I have never seen so many lounge areas. Some are coed so that you can enjoy your partner’s company, and outside there are cabanas and day beds, which you can rent, and umbrellas to protect you from the intense desert sun.

The freshwater pool is enormous, complete with a waterfall. There are chairs submerged at one end of the pool, so you are surrounded by water and can hear the calming sound of the waterfall in the distance. In the same area, off to your left, there is a zero-edge pool with mineral water, where you can “take in the waters,” as the Cahuilla Indians would say.

A zero-edge pool

The zero-edge pool. Photo by Kathy Condon

Day Pass amenities

The Day Pass is $145, but if you have a treatment over $200 booked, you do not have to pay that fee. Here’s what the Day Pass includes:

  • Dressing rooms with secure lockers
  • Robes and slippers (be sure to bring your swimming suit)
  • 15 minutes in the mineral springs tub (you won’t feel rushed)
  • Access to the outside pools, both fresh and mineral water
  • Access to a state-of-the-art fitness room
  • Grounding room
  • Tranquility room
  • Two salt rooms
  • Eucalyptus steam room
  • Menthol sauna
  • Aromatherapy showers
  • Cold-rinse experience
  • Lounge areas
  • Quiet room

I was there for seven hours and realized I still had some amenities to explore. This truly is a place where you slow down and can have several different relaxing experiences.

Other services with additional fees

The massages, body scrubs, and wraps have different prices, and Séc-he also offers several additional services for a fee:

  • Floatation
  • Cryotherapy
  • Facials (at the moment, there are nine different kinds)
  • Organic skin care treatments
  • Nail care
  • Hair salon

When you read this, I wouldn’t be surprised if more treatments are added, for this experiential spa never stops stretching its capabilities — be sure to check their website.

Pro tip: The spa is 18 and over. The nail and hair care salons are available to children and young adults.

The nail salon and its comfortable chairs. Photo by Kathy Condon

Food service at two restaurants

The Malmal Café is open to the public. You can stop in and get flavorful Mediterranean-inspired cold items. The salads are delicious, and pick your favorite beverage to go with them. I suggest you try one of their juices or smoothies. The Monkey Berry smoothie made with banana, strawberries, vanilla bean, low-fat yogurt, milk, and latte powder passed and made it to my terrific taste list. I am also still thinking about my great panini, made with grilled chicken and avocado. Sooooo good! 

If you have a treatment or buy the Day Pass, you can access the poolside Pal Bar. Your food and drinks will be delivered to wherever you are sitting in the pool area.

Five stars all around

As if you need to hear it from me, but I wanted to stress to the readers that Séc-he is not only beautiful, its customer service and amenities would be hard to find or beat any place in the world. I give it five stars.

Please do yourself a favor after you make a reservation at one of our Palm Springs Preferred Hotels: Go to the Séc-he website and book a service or two so you can be one of the first visitors to check out this extraordinary addition to downtown Palm Springs.

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The One With The Bachelorette’s Guide To Palm Springs

Congratulations! You found “the one!” And now you’re in a Friends episode, “The One Where Your Name Here is Having Their Bachelorette Party.” Your bash is going to be as memorable as your wedding because you’re having it in paradise, a.k.a. Palm Springs. Great choice! When you’re not out and about, you can enjoy a cocktail or mocktail lounging poolside in the sun with your own Rachel, Phoebe, and Monica.

But first things first: you’ll need a place to stay, and a buyout is just the ticket. Our boutique hotels have quite a few options to choose from, all with different aesthetics and budgets. Let’s get going:

Bachelorette party properties in Palm Springs 

The huge sparkling pool in the back of Limón Palm Springs boutique hotel in Palm Springs, California

The Limón Palm Springs pool. Photo courtesy of Limón Palm Springs

Limón Palm Springs — Six large suites with private patios, a shared kitchen, and dining area. Mostly steel and windows, with pops of bright yellow — like the sun here in Palm Springs, and just as warm and inviting.

Yara Hotel — Seven rooms and three suites all done up in modernist (what I call) Moroccan. Each room/suite is steps away from the pool. It’s great for a smaller party, or you can double up. There’s a heated saltwater pool and a firepit. With its clean lines and white sandy exterior, it’s the opposite of fussy.

The Marley — With its pink and black motif, it’s reminiscent of the swanky Beverly Hills Hotel. This nine bedroom and nine bathroom property has a gorgeous Viking catering kitchen, a spacious pool, and a fire pit. Able to accommodate up to 22 guests.

A gilded elevator cage that has been converted into a bed frame at Dive Palm Springs

The Paris Suite at Dive showcases a 1919 brass and copper elevator cage. Photo courtesy of Dive Palm Springs

Dive — Eleven rooms, yummy property with a great pool. Lots of places to have one-on-ones and the rooms are delicious, just like the food. Oh, did I mention there’s a soundproof room so you can keep the party going after the 10 p.m. noise curfew?

Spirit of Sofia — She’s a very pretty girl, with two pools: one is a lazy teardrop dipping pool, and the other a rectangular beauty. There are 20 rooms and the outdoor space is divine — it’s all very posh and breezy country home.

Trixie Motel — While it’s not cool to bring your bridal party to a gay bar, it is cool to rent out the entire Trixie Motel, designed and owned by Trixie Mattel of Ru Paul’s Drag Race fame. It’s all very Barbie, and it’s absolutely memorable. Seven rooms and suites around the teardrop pool.

Throw your own party

There are a lot of great places to go for a meal, but you can elevate the experience by getting a personal chef for a day, a night, or for the entire weekend. Here are all the personal chefs with five star ratings in Palm Springs:

That’s The Spirit — No one has to pour or get stuck behind the bar making drinks if you get your own bar/bartender. 

MOGO Silent Disco — Palm Springs has a noise curfew, but if you hire Mogo Silent Disco, you can party into the wee hours (as long as you don’t sing too loud!)

Daytime playtime

Vintage airplane seats at the PS Air Bar in Palm Springs, California

Get the vintage airplane experience at PS Air Bar. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

PSAir — It’s like a plane but it’s on the ground. Sundays are Broadway Bound brunches. 

Reforma brunches — Held on Saturdays. Themed, and you’re encouraged to dress up. Past themes: Disney Princess, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift (1989) … you get the idea. Need a costume? Go thrifting.

Play Lounge — All the games, all the fun. Non-fussy food, fussy bevvies.

420 Bank — Dispensary with pool, pinball, board games, giant chess, and live entertainment.

Boomers — Celebrate the kid in you with mini-golf, a huge arcade, bumper boats, and Go-Karts.

Social Cycle — Get your cardio and your drink on by pedaling to some of the fun bars in PS.

Hike Tahquitz waterfall — Go early. It’s gorgeous and not very hard. About one hour hike in, 35 out. Great way to start your day.

Horseback riding — Smoketree Stables is the place to experience Palm Springs the way the pioneers did.

Escape Room Palm Springs — Show off your bridal teamwork by solving the crime and getting out before the timer goes off. I had a blast.

Earthy day trips under an hour

Joshua trees against a blue sky and clouds in Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park. Photo by Catherine Garcia

Giggling with Goats — Holy goat yoga in Indio! 

Integratron (it’s a sound bath with an interplanetary connection), then lunch at Pappy & Harriet’s, followed by a self-guided Pioneertown tour. Insta-worthy.

Joshua Tree — It’s a national park with rock formations and Joshua trees. Uncontaminated by settlements, it’s planet Earth in all of her unmanned glory. There is an artist’s scene in town.

If you’re going out for dinner, check out this post that should help you make a decision.

Late night drinks

Truss & Twine — Very L.A.; open until 12:30 a.m.

Seymour’s — A small speakeasy open until midnight, located in/at Mr. Lyons.

Reforma — Nightclub open until 2 a.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Tryst Bar & Lounge — On Indian Canyon, open until 2:30 a.m. (industry spot).

Fireside Lounge — This is a local’s spot. Nothing fancy, but has pool tables outside and karaoke inside. You’ll have to take an Uber. It’s near the airport but in the dispensary concentrated section. Open ’til 2 a.m.

For entertainment, check out our monthly events blog. That should get you well on your way to making your bachelorette celebration The One That You and Your Besties Never, Ever Forget.

Cue Friends theme song.

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Agua Caliente Cultural Museum Now Open In Downtown Palm Springs

For the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the opening of the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum in the heart of Palm Springs is a 30-year dream realized. 

The contents of the museum were revealed to the community during its grand opening on Nov. 4. During the dedication, Tribal Chairman Reid D. Milanovich said that every federally-recognized tribe in the United States “has a distinct culture that includes traditions, language, historical clothing, and housing styles, as well as historical food and medicine preparations. We want to share our culture with visitors through our authentic voice. This is our story, in our voice. We are here today just like we have been since time immemorial.”

A first look at the Agua Caliente Gathering Plaza 

The Oasis Path at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum in Palm Springs, California, is illuminated at night

The Oasis Trail at night. Photo by Kathy Condon

When the fences came down around the finished complex, the 10,000-square-foot Agua Caliente Museum and the Agua Caliente Gathering Plaza were revealed. Outdoor spaces featuring desert native plants surround both, so you can sit and enjoy the serenity and beauty of the area at no cost. The Oasis Trail also winds through the plaza and is an interactive cultural experience in miniature of the nearby Indian Canyons and Tahquitz Canyon trails. The recreated rock formations add to the authenticity of the pathway.

JCJ Architecture out of Phoenix designed the project, and their guiding principles for the space were based on the tribe’s values and commitment to their story.

Entering the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum

A thatched hut replica inside the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum in Palm Springs, California

The museum’s exhibition space is filled with artifacts. Photo by Kathy Condon

The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum’s design is rooted in a tradition reminiscent of basket weaving, pottery, and elements of the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation. Inside the building, the designs incorporated into the floors, lights, and decor all have been meticulously selected to represent aspects of the Agua Caliente culture in five separate exhibition areas.

The journey through the building begins with a film. You are seated in a longhouse-style theatre with 360-degree viewing. The 12-minute film tells the story of the tribe’s creation.

When you exit the theatre, the building’s curved pathway leads to a permanent exhibition displaying the tribe’s history in Coachella Valley. Historical photographs line the wall, interspersed with timelines. Glass cases in the center of the room reveal the beauty of the collection of well-preserved baskets used by ancestors to gather berries and store and prepare food. The artistry involved will cause you to stop and observe the intricate details of the perfectly-shaped baskets.

The beaded clothing of both men and women is displayed with an explanation of the ceremonial occasions on which they were used. In a nearby area, cases show the artifacts discovered when digging began for the museum’s construction. The objects found revealed the Agua Caliente tribes were in Coachella Valley even earlier than was previously thought: 5,000 to approximately 8,000 years ago.

Photos offer a look at the past

A well-designed and perfectly lit gallery is a beautiful way to observe incredible photos of the tribe. Both current and historically valuable photos have captured ceremonies, individuals, and scenes that illustrate the tribe’s life.  Plan to spend some time here. The more you look at the photos, the more you notice. The museum is the perfect place to look deeper into the Agua Caliente culture, and there are knowledgeable people on hand ready to help you learn.

Stopping by the museum store 

A woman holds a piece of pottery inside the gift shop at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum

One-of-a-kind treasures await in the museum gift shop. Photo by Kathy Condon

When you wander into the store, you will immediately observe that this is not an ordinary museum gift shop. There are no duplicate gadgets or kitschy items. A glass case holds handmade jewelry and one-of-a-kind rings, earrings, and bracelets are beautifully displayed.

The entire space has been carefully curated with art made by Indigenous people from throughout the United States. Weavings and paintings adorn the walls, while exquisite pottery is waiting to find a place in your home. You can visit the museum store without paying an admission fee.

Everything else you need to know about the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum

Admission to the museum is $10 for adults; $5 for seniors 65+, children 6+, and college students with ID; and free for kids under 6, military members and veterans, locals with government ID, and Native Americans with ID.

Educational opportunities are abundant, and signing up for the museum’s newsletter lets you keep tabs on lectures and classes offered during your stay. Presently, there are scheduled lectures about the artifacts found when digging the project; the design of the building; and basketry. 

If you have a car, there is plenty of free parking. The entire area is handicap accessible.

This incredible asset is within walking distance of many of our Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels, and could be combined with a visit to the luxurious Spa at Séc-he. When you come to Palm Springs, plan to take a couple of hours to learn about the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the first settlers of Palm Springs.

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December Events: ‘Tis The Seasoning In Palm Springs

“I never worry about being driven to drink; I just worry about being driven home.” — W. C. Fields

It’s party season everywhere, but no one parties quite like Palm Springs. The “Say Gay” city is the best of all worlds: gay, straight or bent, it doesn’t matter. As long as you like life with a lot of seasoning, we encourage you to come on out. (Pun intended or not? You decide.)

If you have never been to Palm Springs, you have no idea what you’re missing. When I lived in L.A. and friends wanted to come here for a weekend, it was always a hard pass for me. I was a thirsty person to begin with, why on Earth would I go to the desert? Well, as it turns out, they not only have water here, but I moved here eight years ago and have never been happier. I love living in Palm Springs. And I’ve lived in some cool cities. 

Palm Springs is especially fabulous during season (November through April) and that includes the holidays. If you’ve come to party, we’re ready for you. If you’ve come for a relaxing vacation or getaway, get ready for a shift in attitude and blood pressure.

We’ve got everything the big cities have without the traffic so you can zen at your own pace. But please don’t stare at the snow-capped mountains and daydream during stop lights. That’s annoying, and what the spa is for.

So, check into one of our Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels, and check out everything there is to do in Palm Springs this month. Zero regrets live here.

One and done

Dec. 2: Palm Springs Christmas Tree Lighting at Frances Stevens Park, on the corner of Palm Canyon Drive and Alejo Road. From 4:30 to 6:15 p.m., 5:15 p.m. for the tree lighting. The free festivities will include free hot cocoa and cookies to enjoy along with caroling, children’s crafts, and a visit from Santa. Fun fact: the 22-foot-tall holiday tree is decorated with energy-efficient lights. 

Dec. 7: Rock The Park, Ronstadt Revival: Tribute to a Legend. Enjoy an evening featuring the music of Linda Ronstadt. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Free event. (This park is located right next to the Marilyn statue.)

Dec. 20: Palm Springs Cultural Center’s Holiday Oddities a unique look at Christmases past in Palm Springs and other areas, featuring short home movies from the 1960s and era-specific ephemera.

Santa and Mrs. Claus come to Palm Springs. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

Ongoing December events

Dec. 2-11: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway — Holiday Choir

Dec. 2 – 18: Palm Canyon Theatre, Palm Springs Getaway: A Musical Romp (with holiday songs)

Dec. 9 – 11: 8th Annual Official Latino Film and Arts Festival at the Palm Springs Art Museum

Something different

MOGO Silent Disco — Dance down Palm Canyon to the curated music in your earphones. You won’t look weird, you’ll have friends with you. Use code “pspsh10” at checkout for a 10 percent discount for our readers!

It’s another MOGO Silent Disco party. Photo courtesy of MOGO Silent Disco

Desert Tasty Tours — A fun walking tour with some history, some drinks, and some food; it’s a great mid-day adventure. To get $5 off when purchasing your tickets, use our promo code: “PSPHotel.” If your tour guide’s name is Kay, that’s me. Say hello!

Palm Springs Historical Society Walking and Biking Tours — So many tours, so little time. I want to go on all of them!

Around the town

Every Thursday: VillageFest and a freebie night at the Palm Springs Art Museum.

Palm Springs Cultural Center — There is a lot going on here: live entertainment on the second floor Monday through Thursday, live theater, blockbuster and indie films, a philharmonic series, and film festivals.

Purple Room — A nightclub like no other in Palm Springs. A throwback to the Rat Pack days, there are even Rat Pack quotes on the walls! Food’s good, entertainment good, and Michael Holmes is reprising his Judy Show with Judy’s Old Fashioned Christmas. In my book, a visit to Palm Springs without seeing The Judy Show is not complete.

Oscar’s — Recurring events like the T-Dance, Bitchiest Brunch, Mimosa Men, and Oscar’s Cabaret. Also check out their special events; if it’s happening, an absolute must-see is Mid-Century Moderns, a jukebox musical from Mark Christopher who wrote the movie 54. I have seen it, and it is great fun.

PS Underground — Holiday Havoc, Holiday Jazz, and Ho are just a few of the unique dinner shows produced by Michael Fietsam with meals prepared by Chef Dave.

Jazzville — Every Thursday, enjoy a night of jazz like nowhere else in the Coachella Valley.

Melvyn’s Jam — Every Sunday. This is a very popular event, so come early. Always the best of the best musicians in the Valley. From standards to jazz to pop, you’ll hear it all. Plus, their martinis!

Sammy G’s — Great place to dance every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in the upstairs bar. Nice atmosphere in the restaurant, and the food is good.

P.S. Air — Upstairs from Bouschet (fine wine and spirits, also delicious food), this fun little bar is all dressed up like an airplane, complete with kitschy movies and a drink serving “stewardess.” Also performances by some of the best local entertainment.

Drink up at P.S. Air. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

New Year’s Eve

Drag Me Into 2023 at Oscar’s.

Men only

Dec. 4, 11 and 14: The Dirty Show

Dec. 31: DILF — Men’s jock/gear party, Palm Springs Convention Center. “Dudes, Daddies, Discreet, Dunno…DILF is for ALL MEN! Get geared up, strapped up, and ready.”

That’s all I’ve got for this month, except to leave you with a small gift. Don’t worry that you didn’t get me anything — it’s OK, it’s not much, just something you might want to carry with you into the new year:

“I believe that the privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.” — Viola Davis

Namaste, and happy whatever floats your boat.

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Palm Springs: 31 Magnificent Days In March

“I used to jog, but the ice cubes kept falling out of my glass.” — David Lee Roth

Buckle up, the party is still going in Palm Springs this March with the Red Dress/Dress Red Party (sold out), the BNP Paribas Open, film festivals, free concerts, art festivals, and tiki time. And that’s just for starters.

The weather is outstanding, so you’ll likely be out, but not standing (I’m groaning with you). The Tahquitz Canyon waterfall is flowing, but if you’re gonna do the hike, go early. It was already kinda crowded when I went at 8 a.m., and by the time we left they weren’t letting anyone up or in the lot to park. As gorgeous as Tahquitz Canyon is, if that happens to you, Indian Canyons has more trails, so it won’t be as crowded. It is also stunning. I think there is at least one trail with a waterfall, and there are snakes, rattlers in particular, so don’t hike with the headphones on. Keep the channels to your ears open. 

Let’s get to the things, then we’ll chat about a few other things.

What’s happening in Palm Springs this March

March 2: Wine tasting at Bouschet — Great little shop in south downtown, just past Ramon where Indian and Palm Canyons do the Beatles thing and come together. They also serve food, and PS Air Bar is just a ramp up to the second floor. 

March 3: Vintage Market — The first Sunday of every month from October through May. Vendors from all over come to sell their mid-mod wares. There’s a small fee to get in, but there are also food options and sometimes entertainment.

March 5: Movies in the Park — Goonies, at Downtown Park next to Marilyn. Free!

March 6: Rock the Park — ABBA tribute band, at Downtown Park next to Marilyn. Free!

March 7: Billy Dee Williams meet and greet opportunity and book signing at Palm Springs Cultural Center. Williams’ memoir, What Have We Here?, was published in February. The book will be available to purchase during the event. VIP attendees will receive a copy and be the only ones able to get their books signed. Meet and greet at 6 p.m., main event at 7:30 p.m.

March 9 and 10: Palm Springs Art Festival at Frances Stevens Park on Alejo, Indian Canyon, and Palm Canyon. We’ve got really good artists, check it out after breakfast.

March 21-25: Sean Penn will open AmDocs at Palm Springs Cultural Center. It’s the place to be for all the documentaries and animated films, in the best cinema for hundreds of miles. 

March 21-23: Just a heads up — the Spring Cue Convention, a teachers convention, is in town. Last time this happened everything was packed, so make reservations for restaurants when you book your hotel stay at one of our small hotels. There are a lot of conventions in March, but this one is BIG.

March 27: Family Fun Fest at Palm Springs Power Baseball Stadium. Games, activities, and lots of information and giveaways.  9 a.m. to noon, outside, at the Palm Springs Stadium. 

March 31: Alohana at Palm Springs Cultural Center

Palm Springs Air Museum — March 1, 20, 27: Explore cutting-edge aviation at the exclusive Darkstar Rising Experience. Step into the realm of the iconic aircraft, straight from the minds of Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works.

Ongoing entertainment venues

V Wine Lounge: Live entertainment and karaoke Wednesdays.

Purple Room: Weekday happy hour and local music, weekends are ticketed events.

PS Underground: Themed dinner shows with some of Palm Springs’ finest entertainers. Lots of laughs, great food, great music, new friends.

PS Air Bar: It’s in an airplane! Okay, not really, but it feels like it. Kitschy and fun, it’s a must.

Mixed bag of tricks

The Revolution Stage Company: Everything from Avenue Q, new musicals, new plays, and cabaret. This is Palm Springs’ hottest new theatrical adventure.

Palm Springs Cultural Center:

Broadway Best of the West — Big names in the big theatre.

Movies — Screwball comedies and more.

Live entertainment — Music upstairs, two theaters: The Bent (back in April) and Desert Ensemble Theatre.

Oscar’s: Jack Donahue on March 21

Drag brunches

Oscar’s Bitchiest Brunch

Reforma — Beyonce, Britney Spears/Kesha, and Lady Gaga Drag Shows on Saturdays

PS Air Bar — Broadway Boozy Brunch served in a mock airplane. Emcee Tod Macofsky

March Madness 

If you’re into sports, there are a few places to watch the games: 

Hair of the Dog

360 Sports Palm Springs located in the Agua Caliente Casino

Fireside Lounge

Smokin’ Burgers

Shamrock’s Irish Pub

Looking out for the lesbians

Palm Springs has been a real dust bowl when it comes to lesbian events. This month we’ve got two! (Although not dedicated events, Monday and Tuesday nights at V Wine Lounge have a large, fun lesbian crowd.)

March 7: Lez Out Comedy at The Revolution Stage Company. Comedian Mina Hartong brings her comedic talents to the RSC with host Max Mitchell and featured comedian Amanda Michelle.

March 17: Sunday Ladies T-Dance at Low Desert from 3 to 7 p.m.

Tours

Desert Tasty Tours — A 3-hour tour, six spots, art walk, and Palm Springs history from fun, friendly and informed guides.

Palm Springs Historical Society — Walking tours, biking Tours, private tours (car).

Legends and Icons of Palm Springs Bus Tour — This is through Five Star Adventures. Their website is a mess, so I sent you to TripAdvisor. You’re welcome.

Jeep Tour — Get in a Jeep and tour the San Andreas Fault lines. In their words: “Experience the twisted and tortured landscape of an active earthquake fault system as your guide describes the geology of the area and you explore the bones of the earth. Don’t forget your camera — the photo opportunities are endless.”

There’s also Village Fest (a diverse array of artists, artisans, entertainers, and purveyors of fresh fruits and veggies, flowers, jewelry, snacks and sweets) every Thursday. We shut down Palm Canyon from Amado to Baristo so you can walk our streets free of those pesky cars from 6 to 10 p.m. Plenty of street vendors, buskers, and all the shops and restaurants are open, too. If you’re a fan of museums and art, the Palm Springs Art Museum is free from 5 to 8 p.m. Don’t forget to pay homage to Marilyn, and check out The Muse Cafe in the museum for a bite to eat. 

News alerts

The Pantry at Holiday House launched brunch service on its sunny patio with a South of France flair. Executive Chef Shawn Applin has created a sweet and savory menu and it pairs perfectly with a special selection of rosé wines and Champagnes. Highlights include the photogenic and delicious Shellfish Plateau for sharing, Dutch baby pancakes, fried chicken and waffle, ricotta-stuffed French toast, and much more.

Served Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  

It’s BNP Paribas Open time March 3-17, so if you’re preparing to step out down valley, plan for extra time. 

Coachella is in April followed by Stagecoach.

When you come visit (and you will), please stay, shop, and eat local. (That means local food — please do not eat the locals. You’ll find us a little dry.) Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels has over 70 choices of excellent hotels and resorts, each a different experience with a variety of price points. Check them out here.

See you next month! 

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A Tasty Trip Down Tahquitz

They’re off the main strip, so you’re unlikely to see them on your own, so I’m gonna tell you about them: some terrific spots for coffee, dining and good times in Palm Springs, just east of Palm Canyon. Let me take you on a “virtual written drive” down Tahquitz Canyon Way, where the locals go.

Palm Springs hotspots

We are on Tahquitz, going east from Palm Canyon. Right there, on the corner of Tahquitz and Indian Canyon, is Oscar’s, and if it’s 4 p.m. on Sunday, the Tea Dance is going on — you’ve actually been able to hear the party from a few blocks away. It’s a Pride Dance Party every Sunday, and everyone except jerks are welcome. 

Across Indian Canyon is the entrance to Thai Smile, which has a few restaurants throughout the Coachella Valley, and just a few doors down is Ruben and Ozzie’s Oyster Bar. Across the street, you’ll find the swanky Spa at Séc-he, where you can drop a few hundred knowing it’s totally worth it.

Further down we can see Sherman Deli’s patio; it’s probably packed, since it’s pretty popular. It’s all New Yawk inside, and their chicken soup with matzo balls is my “I don’t feel good, call a waaahmublance” favorite. And the pickles. Love the homemade pickles.

Dinner and a movie

Further up, at Tahquitz and Avenue de Caballeros, just past the Regal Cineplex and on your left, is the Kaptur Building, a restored class 1 historic building that houses a popular Koffi location and V Wine Lounge and Martini Bar, a comfortably swank mid-century modern space with delicious “bar” food and live entertainment. There is also a wellness spa and other businesses within the structure (not in V Wine, silly). If you turned left on Caballeros, you’d run right into the Palm Springs Convention Center, but you’re going straight (unless you’re gay, then just go forward).

There’s not much to see after that until you get to Sunrise Way. But once you cross the street, you want to turn into that strip mall just after you pass Sunrise. The Real Italian Deli has fantastic meals for lunch or you can take something home for everyone. The eggplant parm is outstanding, and the paninis are toasted to perfection. They also have delicious desserts, and an Italian market.

Driving a tiny bit further east, keep a keen eye out for John Henry, on your right, a gem of a restaurant that’s hidden just behind that mall where we stopped for lunch. Make a reservation in advance, it’s a local favorite. I always have the special, and I’ve never had a bad meal. Dinner only.

Art in the wild

On your left, just after you cross Sunrise, start paying attention to the center median, where new art installations live as of summer 2024. You can read about them here, as well as see pictures so you know what you’re looking for. They are spaced all the way down the street up to the airport. 

But you’re not going as far as the airport, because about two blocks before you get there, on your right hand side (west) is Play Lounge and Cafe. A terrific place to stop for breakfast or lunch, or even a light dinner, but in the early evenings we’re playing games! There are themed team game nights, or you can pick a game from the overloaded coffers and play them with your friends. I went to a murder mystery party on Halloween that was a gas, so give them some love. You won’t regret it.

Hope you have fun taking a less-traveled jaunt down Tahquitz, which we pronounce “Tah’-quits” and the tribe pronounces “Tah’-qwish.” Why did pioneers name a street after a tribal word, but then mispronounce it? Beats me.

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