This new year continues to bring plenty of entertainment options to the desert, so even if you’re not a movie fan and haven’t gotten in on the Palm Springs International Film Festival fun (which, in my opinion, is a shame for you — everyone can find a film they’ll enjoy), there’s something to do this week.
Want your event on a future list? Scroll to the bottom to learn how to submit info to this roundup.
Here’s 10 things to do in the valley between Monday, Jan. 13 and Sunday, Jan. 19:
The 2025 Palm Springs International Film Festival isn’t over yet. Monday is your last day to check out a screening at the 36th anniversary festival, and it just so happens to be the day when each film screened was one of the highest-rated films by audience members throughout the past 11 days. Best of Fest screenings aren’t announced until the day before, so check the film festival’s website Sunday and Monday so you can catch any films you didn’t already get to see.
When: Various times Monday, Jan. 13, check website below
Where: Various screening locations across Palm Springs, Cathedral City and La Quinta, check website below
Cost: $20 per film
More info: psfilmfest.org
Start your 2025 with a full moon hike on the first mile of the Indio Badlands Trail. This family-friendly adventure offers a manageable 2-mile out and back hike with minimal elevation gain. Bring your hiking poles for stability getting up to the ridge, and, of course, 1-2 liters of water for each family member. As your group embarks on this hike, the moonlight will cast beautiful shadows on the desert terrain as the sky lights up, so don’t forget to soak in the scenery around you. You’ll also get the chance to stargaze, because local astronomers will bring their telescopes. Note: RSVP is required and you must bring your ticket with you for check-in 15 minutes prior to start time
When: 7:15 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13
Where: Closest address: Indio Hills Badlands Trailhead, 42-000 Golf Center Parkway, Indio, but specific coordinates are 33.744235, -116.199386
Cost: Suggested donation of $5
More info: Contact the Friends of the Desert Mountains at 760-568-9918 or view registration page at desertmountains.org/event/
Palm Desert Mayor Jan Harnik will administer the opening ceremony for this new “Dining with Art” exhibit at Picasso Restaurant in Bermuda Dunes on Tuesday. The “Dining with Art” series, presented by the Desert Cities Art Council, is a traveling art exhibit series that involves showcasing art on the walls of local dining establishments for residents to enjoy. This latest exhibit features 11 talented valley artists showcasing original works across various two-dimensional mediums. “Embracing Picasso,” a piece created by local artist Mardi De Veuve is just one of the remarkable artworks that will be on display at this exhibit, and a metal replica of the piece will be the main door prize to be drawn the last day of the exhibition. All visitors who register for the show qualify for drawing.
When: Opens 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14 (runs through Jan. 26, and the show will be open every day except 3-10 p.m. on Mondays)
Where: Picasso Restaurant, 400-100 Washington St., Bermuda Dunes
Cost: Free admission
More info: contactbeacon.com
Enjoy awe-inspiring comedy, juggling, magic and ventriloquism performances at this one-night-only event. Performers include “champion of magic” and “master of sleight of hand” Artem Shchukin; triple-threat comedian/actor/juggler Ron Pearson; McCallum Theatre Open Call Grand Prize winner and renowned Magic Castle performer Rob Watkins, and the hilarious Marvyn’s Magic Theater host Jeff Hobson.
When: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15
Where: Marvyn’s Magic Theater, 46-630 Washington St., La Quinta
Cost: $55
More info: marvynsmagictheater.com
Enjoy this performance by beloved actor-singer-dancer-psychic Ben Zook, who is back in Palm Springs with an all-new show full of raunchy songs, comedy, and psychic fun. Zook, best known for the hit gay web series, “Where the Bears Are,” is bringing this New York Times-spotlighted show to Palm Springs for a run of Wednesday night shows for several weeks, so don’t worry if you can’t catch it quite yet. Note: Tickets include a complimentary adult beverage as well as admission to a pre-show and post-show party.
When: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15
Where: Dietlart Gallery, 4629 E. Sunny Dunes Road, Palm Springs
Cost: $28.52
More info: eventbrite.com/e/
Visual arts fans, this event is right up your alley. In collaboration with the Desert Plein Air Association, the Artists Center in Palm Desert presents this anticipated event featuring three major show components. First, the Landscape/Skyscape show will showcase 75 juried works of art. Second, 19 renowned guest artists have been invited to participate. Third, a thrilling competition will feature 50 participants painting en plein air just days before the show’s opening.
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16-Sunday, Feb. 2 (The Artists Center is open from Wednesday through Sunday)
Where: The Artists Center, 72-567 Highway 111, Palm Desert
Cost: Free
More info: www.artistscouncil.com
Whether you’re a golf fan or you’re just looking to witness one of the valley’s biggest events of the year, consider heading to this tournament featuring many of the top PGA Tour stars. The event spans three Coachella Valley courses — the Pete Dye Stadium Course and the Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course at PGA West and the La Quinta Country Club — and all eyes will be on defending champion Nick Dunlap, who won the tournament as an amateur in 2024 to become the first amateur to win a tour event in 33 years, as well as world No. 2 Xander Schauffele, who is back in the field after finishing third each of the last two years in La Quinta.
When: The official tournament begins Thursday, Jan. 16 and runs through Sunday, Jan. 19. Gates open at 7:30 a.m. First tee times are 8:30 a.m. (check website for information about the after-play concerts on Friday and Saturday)
Where: PGA West Private Clubhouse & Golf Courses, 55-955 Pga Blvd., La Quinta; and 77-750 Avenue 50, La Quinta
Cost: Daily grounds tickets – providing general admission to The American Express at all three courses – are $70 Thursday, $114 Friday or Saturday good for golf and concerts after play on the PGA West driving range, and $85 for Sunday’s final round. Clubhouse daily tickets are $135 for Thursday or Sunday and $165 for Friday or Saturday. All prices include the online purchase fee.
More info: theamexgolf.com
Tommy Castro & The Painkillers are returning to the Palm Springs Cultural Center this week, so if you’re a blues fan, you might want to mark your calendars. Castro (four-time B.B. King Entertainer Of The Year award winner) and his bandmates (also with many Blues Foundation awards under their belts) have been busy touring lately, but they’ve also been working on new album “Closer to the Bone,” which is being dubbed one of the group’s most personal albums to date. Come hear some of the new stuff along with the classics this week in Palm Springs.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: $59.02
More info: eventbrite.com
Prepare to bend and snap your way home after this one. DTW’s upcoming production of “Legally Blonde The Musical” will follow beloved movie character Elle Woods “as she takes on Harvard Law, fueled by the desire to win back her ex-boyfriend. With infectious energy and catchy tunes, the show captures Elle’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Along the way, she faces challenges from peers, professors, and her former flame, but with the help of newfound friends, she proves her resilience and determination,” as the website states. Tickets are now available online.
When: Friday, Jan. 17 through Sunday, Feb. 9 (7:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays)
Where: Indio Performing Arts Center 45175 Fargo Street, Indio
Cost: $46.50
More info: dtworks.thundertix.com/events/
The Gardens on El Paseo kicks off its Annual Concert Series this Saturday. For 27 years, The Gardens has brought the community together to support local nonprofits, musicians and organizations, and with the help of patrons, the event has raised over $1 million. Reserve your tickets now to kick back, relax and enjoy some live music while supporting your community every Saturday now through March 8. This week’s entertainer is Shar Wils, a Tina Turner tribute artist who has performed her celebrated singing and dancing shows all over the world, as well as on “Entertainment Tonight” and “The People’s Choice Awards.”
When: 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18
Where: The Gardens on El Paseo- Center Lawn, 73-545 El Paseo, Palm Desert
Cost: $30 for general admission, $40 for VIP
More info: thegardensonelpaseo.com/pages/27th-annual-concert
This story contains previous reporting by Desert Sun golf writer Larry Bohannan.
To submit an event for The Desert Sun’s consideration in future 10 things to do stories, send an email to niki.kottmann@desertsun.com 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.
