Things to do in Palm Springs in October

So much is going on in the desert these days. The new rock gods music fest in Indio. The arty community of Pioneertown. And the bajillion pools of every hotel, motel and Air BnB in Palm Springs and beyond. Here’s your guide to having the best getaway ever, just a couple hours outside Los Angeles. 

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Twenty20

Attend "oldchella"

That’s the nickname for the Desert Trip festival that’s three days of Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, The Who, Neil Young and Roger Waters (i.e., acts that average 72.7 years old). It’s two three-day weekends (October 7 to 9 and 14 to 16), and while initial tickets sold out in three hours when they went on sale earlier this year, tomorrow (Saturday, September 17) at 1 p.m. more of the $424 passes go on sale.

Note: Unlike at the kids’ Coachella shows, you can bring small folding chairs inside. Because aging backs = sciatica.

A Hotel Life

Visit Pioneertown

An old Western movie set built in the ’40s has become a community of hipster L.A. émigrés who have renovated a 20-room , opened a chichi brunch spot where you can enjoy marinated strawberries on burrata and a vintage store. (All just 30 miles from Palm Springs.)

Twenty20

Loll In The Sun

After a hella hot summer spent hiding indoors, it's time to hit the resort pools. Enjoy cocktails (say, from the swim-up bar at the Ace Hotel in Pam Springs) and lie back in an average 91-degree daily high temperature.

Where is Rancho Mirage

Tour Sunnylands

For a full serving of bananas-cool Midcentury architecture and interior design, reserve a ticket to the pink-roofed Modernist estate on a golf course built by media magnate Walter Annenberg. Back in the day, Sunnylands was the desert pit stop for bigwigs: Queen Elizabeth slept here and Frank Sinatra got married in front of the fireplace.

We Care Spa

Lose 5 Pounds

You’re beautiful just as you are, but if you’d like to get a little sleeker and a lot healthier in a weekend, book a three-day tune-up at the We Care Spa (famous for its colonics and juice fasting) or a room with hot springs and sauna access at Hacienda Hot Springs.

Pigment

Hit The Mother Lode Of Vintage Shopping

Need a special outfit for awards season? Need a new look for your home? Don’t throw down your plastic before visiting the apparel and decor vintage shops of Palm Springs, where affluent retirees’ castoffs are sold for a song. The Estate Sale Company, Revival Stores and the row of shops on Perez Road in Cathedral City (such as Hedge) are musts.

This isn't a place where you should pack your schedule: Embrace Palm Springs' relaxed mentality by enjoying time by the pool and at the spa. But if you're interested, there's more to do than just sunbathing and unwinding with a treatment. For instance, the Palm Springs Art Museum boasts an impressive collection of fine art, sculpture and photographs for its small size. Meanwhile, the surrounding canyons and mountains provide ample opportunities for warm weather hikes and winter snow play in the mountains.

Looking for more fun in this state? Check out the top things to do in California »

There are always plenty of things to do in the Coachella Valley. We've put together a list of live events and entertainment happening this week.

To submit an event for consideration, send an email to [email protected] with a brief description.

Here are 10 things to do this week:

Certified Farmers Market Palm Desert

The farmers market features California-grown fresh food products, chef demonstrations and entertainment. Walk-ins are welcome.

Where: Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce, 72-559 Highway 111, Palm Desert

Date: Every Wednesday

Time: 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Tickets: Free

Information: certifiedfarmersmarkets.org; (844) 732-7628

After Hours Mix

Meet local artisans and learn their stories at this mixer.

Where: Rancho Relaxo, 69-930 Highway 111, Suite 116, Rancho Mirage

Date: Thursday, Oct. 21

Time: 5-7 p.m.

Tickets: Free

Information: ranchorelaxoca.com; (760) 656-7009

Arthur Lyons Film Noir Film Festival

Palm Springs Cultural Center presents the Arthur Lyons Film Noir Film Festival, which includes a mixture of prestigious and obscure black-and-white movies from the film noir period.

Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs

Date: Thursday, Oct. 21 through Sunday, Oct. 24

Time: Various movie screenings

Tickets: Price varies

Information: bit.ly/ArthurLyonFilmNoir2021; (760) 325-6565

Pharo's Music Runway

Enjoy a live music performance with a fashion show featuring clothing from Pharo Apparel. Music performances will be by "KIDGREEK," "DJAYYXDTB," "NETWORTH900" and "PRIESTWRIGHT." Ages 21-plus.

Where: The Vault Dispensary Lounge, 35-871 Date Palm Drive, Cathedral City

Date: Friday, Oct. 22

Time: 7-10 p.m.

Tickets: $10

Information: Pharoapparel.com; 760-673-0501

Indio Movies in the Park

The City of Indio, the Desert Recreation District and the Greater Coachella Valley Indio Chamber of Commerce have partnered to present the Indio Movies in the Park series. Films will be screened on a 35-foot outdoor screen and will be free and open to the public. Bring your own chairs, blankets, snacks and refreshments to watch "Cruella."

Where: Indio Community Park, 45-871 Clinton St., Indio

Date: Friday, Oct. 22

Time: 7 p.m.

Tickets: Free

Information: bit.ly/IndioParkMovie; (760) 347-0676

AirOtic Soiree

Experience a burlesque-style circus cabaret with acrobatics and other cirque-style entertainment.

Where: Hunters Palm Springs, 224 E. Arenas Road, Palm Springs

Date: Every Friday and Saturday

Time: 7-9 p.m.

Tickets: $48

Information: bit.ly/AirOticSoireePS; (760) 323-0700

Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Evening

Jason Bonham, son of Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, performs a tribute to his father's legacy and Led Zeppelin. 

Where: Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio

Date: Saturday, Oct. 23

Time: 8 p.m.

Tickets: Starting at $29

Information: fantasyspringsresort.com/jason-bonham

Concerts in the Park

Enjoy a live performance by Fortunate Son, a tribute to John Fogerty & Creedence Clearwater Revival. Bring your own chairs and blankets and enjoy live music and food trucks.

Where: SilverRock Park, 51-900 SilverRock Way, La Quinta

Date: Saturday, Oct. 23

Time: 5:30-8 p.m.

Tickets: Free

Information: playinlaquinta.com/event/concerts-in-the-park-october-23; (760) 777-7000

Live Music at Jolene's Bar & Lounge

Enjoy live music during happy hour. Jeri Lynn performs Thursday nights, The Desert Crows perform Friday nights, Fun with Dick and Jane Band performs Saturday nights and Patrice Morris performs Sunday nights. 

Where: Jolene's Bar and Lounge, 74-868 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert

Date: Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Time: 6-10 p.m.

Ticket: Free

Information: jolenespalmdesert.com; (760) 610-1837

CVREP Improv & Comedy Festival

CVRep will be hosting an Improv & Comedy Festival over the weekend. The festival lineup features workshops with redDoor, Jason Stuart and Mary Gallagher. Each night will also have comedy shows from Mary Gallagher, Steve Mittleman, Joyce Bulifant, Steve Bluestein, Katherine Biskupic, Leah Frires and Jason Stuart. 

Where: CVRep, 68-510 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City

Date: Saturday, Oct. 23; Sunday, Oct. 24

Time: Various times

Tickets: Starting at $20

Information: cvrep.org

Inclusion in The Desert Sun's weekly community calendar is solely at the editors' discretion. Priority is given to free, community-oriented events.

To submit an event, send an email to [email protected], including the following: name of event; date of event; location of event; time of event; charge, if any; phone number or website for further information. Please attach a photo.

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