18-05-2025
10 things to do in the Coachella Valley this week, May 19-25
The temperatures are going to slowly creep back into the 100s this week, so let's take a look at how to stay occupied with these mostly indoor happenings.
From plays and concerts to free yoga and guided hikes (up the mountain in cooler weather, don't worry), this week's event roundup includes something for everyone.
So, here's our picks for the top things to do in the Coachella Valley and surrounding area Monday, May 19 through Sunday, May 25. (And if you'd like to submit an upcoming event of your own for a future roundup, see the bottom of this article for directions.)
When was the last time you watched a show under a Big Top? Marinelli Bros. Circus is bringing its brand-new 2025 production to Palm Desert this month, and the family-friendly show promises to be the group's "most thrilling yet," as its website boasts. The production is a celebration of the circus arts and features "jaw-dropping stunts, soaring aerialists, and other world-class performers."
When: May 14-May 26
Where: The Shops at Palm Desert, 72-840 Highway 111, Palm Desert
Cost: $15-$55
More info:
Looking for a way to unwind and do some self reflection this week? Head to the Ace Hotel for this mellow flow in the shadow of Mount San Jacinto, led by Power Yoga Palm Springs. All ages and abilities welcome. Mats not provided, so you'll need to bring your own. This event is outdoors, free and open to all. See the sandwich board in the hotel lobby for the location each week.
When: 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 20 (and every Tuesday this summer)
Where: Ace Hotel Palm Springs, 701 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: Free
More info:
Desert Soul Club, the weekly mod/soul/funk dance party bringing the sounds of MOD to the low desert, returns to Palm Springs this week. Manned by DJs Bob Deck and Lee Joseph (as the press release says), "the heart and Desert Soul of the club is based on irresistible dance grooves from a universe of 45s released during the R&B, beat, mod, northern soul heyday of the early to mid-60s, extending through the psychedelic and funk eras of the late '60s through the dawn of disco." Every week, Deck and Joseph will dig deep into their knowledge and cache of globe-spanning tracks to offer the best vibe possible (and sometimes feature like-minded guest DJs).
When: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, May 21 (and every Wednesday)
Where: In the lobby of Hotel ZOSO, 150 S. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: Free admission (no cover)
More info:
The Bent presented the regional premiere of "The Inheritance Part I," the acclaimed, Tony Award-winning play by Matthew Lopez, earlier this month, and it's still playing through Sunday, May 25. Inspired by "Howards End," this "sweeping and deeply moving epic story explores love, legacy and the lives of gay men in 21st-century New York, decades after the height of the AIDS crisis," as the press release states.
When: Now through May 25 (check website below for specific showtimes)
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: $42
More info:
This community-organized tribute to beloved Coachella Valley painter Terry Masters brings together paintings from private collectors, the artist's estate and personal holdings. The exhibition honors Masters' deep connection to the desert landscape and celebrates his legacy as a mentor and plein air painter. Joining this tribute are works by fellow artists and members of prestigious California Art Club, Clark Mitchell and Mehdi Fallahian, both known for their own compelling desert interpretations and years of artistic camaraderie with Masters.
When: 12:30-4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday now through June 15
Where: Mehdi/Mitchell Fine Art, 401 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs (next door to the Tac/Quila restaurant)
Cost: Free admission
More info: Call 760-799-3989
CV Rep is presenting the world premiere of "The Beverly Hills Peace Talks," a play selected from among hundreds of submissions to CV Rep's 2024 Origins: New Works Program, this week. This timely new work by playwright, screenwriter, author and actor Gregg Ostrin is a fictional play inspired by a true story. According to a press release from CV Rep, in 1968, a publicity still was released for the Rastar Productions film version of "Funny Girl" with Egyptian heartthrob Omar Sharif kissing the American-Jewish Barbra Streisand that incited outrage in both countries and their governments. Both threatened to ban the film in their respective nations. In Ostrin's intriguing and often humorous 'what if' story, studio executives invite Israeli and Egyptian diplomats to The Beverly Hills Hotel in hopes for an amenable solution.
When: Wednesday, May 21-Sunday, June 1 (with the official red carpet world premiere and VIP reception on Thursday, May 22. Check website for times.)
Where: Coachella Valley Repertory, 68-510 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City
Cost: $60
More info:
The Artists Council at the Artists Center presents its latest eagerly awaited exhibit and sale, "Through the Lens." This show provides a platform for talented local photographers to showcase their work, and features an inspiring range of imagery, from stunning desert nature scenes to thought-provoking abstracts, as its press release states.
When: On view now through May 25
Where: Artists Center, 72-567 Highway 111, Palm Desert
Cost: Free admission, with art available for purchase
More info:
Legendary English rock band Foghat, who rose to fame with hits such as 'Slow Ride,' 'Fool for the City' and 'I Just Want to Make Love to You,' will bring their hits and blues riffs to the Morongo Grand Ballroom this week. According to the press release, the bluesy boogie band formed in 1971 and has since released 17 studio albums, including eight gold albums and one platinum, along with a double platinum live album.
When: Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Friday, May 23
Where: Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, 49-500 Seminole Drive, Cabazon
Cost: From $45
More info:
Want to switch up your grocery routine and skip the store this week? Shop a variety of fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and one-of-a-kind local finds — there's something for everyone — at this weekly farmer's market that's been extended through the end of May.
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 24
Where: Downtown Indio, corner of Towne Street and Bliss Avenue
Cost: Free admission, with many items available for purchase
More info:
Guided nature walks by State Park volunteers resume at the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness on Sunday, May 25, and continue Sundays through Sept. 1. These walks feature a choice of two easy trails: the Desert View Trail, a 1½-mile walk beginning at 11 a.m. and the Long Valley Nature Trail, a ¾-mile loop beginning at 1:30 p.m. No advance registration is required and there is no charge except for regular Tramway admission.
When: 11 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. every Sunday May 25 through Sept. 1
Where: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Mountain Station, 1 Tram Way
Cost: Guided nature walks are free with purchase of tram tickets, which are $34.95 for adults, $20.95 for children 3-10, $31.95 for seniors 65 and up
More info: Call 888-515-TRAM or 760-325-1391, or visit
To submit an event for The Desert Sun's consideration in future 10 things to do stories, send an email to with the time, date, location and price of admission for your event, as well as a brief event description. Photos are not required, but are highly encouraged as part of the submission.
Tip: Send your submission as early as possible to make sure we have it in time, and to make sure your event jumps out in our inbox, put "10 things to do submission" in the email subject line.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Things to do in Palm Springs: 10 things to do this week, May 19-25
