Looking for exciting events in the Coachella Valley?

Each year Coachella Valley brings a vibrant lineup of annual events that showcase the region’s dynamic culture and energy. Every season, residents and visitors have ample opportunities to unwind and savor the good times under the warm desert sun.

Many of these events are scheduled on Saturdays which makes the weekends in Coachella Valley especially lively. If you see an event you like the look of, be sure to book your desert accommodation as soon as possible to secure luxurious accommodation in the heart of the action.

Read on to discover must-attend Coachella Valley events that make this area a year-round destination for fun and entertainment.

1. Palm Springs International Film Festival

Photo Credit: Russell Einhorn

Kicking off the year with glamour and glitz, the Palm Springs International Film Festival is one of the top film festivals in North America.

The red carpet returns in early January, with its glamorous Awards Gala kicking off the first evening. Being just a stone’s throw from Hollywood, this star-studded event features world premieres, celebrity appearances, and a jam-packed schedule of screenings, panels, and galas.

With screenings from 70+ countries and scores of international premieres, it’s a rare chance to explore award-worthy films from around the world. There are also panels, talks, and other events to look forward to.

You can book tickets on a per-event basis, or buy a pass for unlimited access to a wide range of screenings and events.

2. Modernism Week

Celebrating more than 20 years, Modernism Week is a design and culture festival like no other in the world.

Over the span of 7 to 10 days, this spectacular biannual festival offers hundreds of events, including guided architectural tours of iconic homes like the Kaufmann Desert House, Frank Sinatra’s Twin Palms, the House of Tomorrow, and Frey House II.

Architecture aficionados can expect privileged access to mid-century masterworks by architects like Neutra, Frey, Wexler, Krisel, and Williams. There are often opportunities to appreciate home interiors and desert-adapted gardens that are rarely open to the public. Extraordinary design details come alive in guided walks and presentations.

The CAMP hub downtown serves as the social center for the festivities, providing a location for attendees to connect and join the dynamic power of conversation with all things design among experts and fans alike.

The festival showcases mid-century architecture through workshops and exhibitions, making it an unmissable event for architecture enthusiasts and those interested in exploring Palm Springs’ unique cultural heritage.

3. Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival

What makes the Riverside County Fair and National Date Fest stand out? It’s more than carnival games and livestock; it’s a cultural showcase of the region’s desert lifestyle and heritage.

Date Fest celebrates Coachella Valley’s iconic date farms through date-themed treats like date shakes, fried dates, bacon-stuffed dates, date cheesecake funnel cake, date cheeseburgers, and date lager. It’s truly a food-lovers’ fantasy that puts local agriculture front and center.

You can also expect scholarship pageants, educational exhibits about date farming, and a festive mix of carnival energy and cultural depth.

This fair is the perfect blend of family fun and local tradition, offering amusement rides, games, and various forms of entertainment that make it a highlight of the late winter season.

4. BNP Paribas Tennis Tournament at Indian Wells

Every March, the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells transforms the stunning Indian Wells Tennis Garden into a tennis paradise.

Often dubbed the unofficial “Fifth Grand Slam,” this joint ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 event consistently attracts world-class players and has earned a decade-long reputation as the favorite among players on both tours.

Indian Wells is about more than matches. The venue is the second‑largest outdoor tennis stadium in the world (16,100 seats) and offers breathtaking desert and mountain views.

Expect two thrilling weeks of top-tier tennis from early rounds to epic final showdowns. Up to 8 matches take place each day, and you can also stroll between courts to catch practice sessions with autograph opportunities.

Tennis fans rejoice and come together to watch sports history unfold in front of you.

5. Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival

Photo Credit: gpointstudio

The world-famous Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival takes place over two weekends in April. It features top headliners from around the globe, large-scale art installations, livestreams, and a massive music-fest community atmosphere at the Empire Polo Club in Indio.

Attendees can expect unforgettable performances and guest celebrity appearances from a diverse lineup of artists on multiple stages, making it a must-visit event for music lovers.

Beyond the music, Coachella offers a unique cultural experience, with interactive art, fashion, and food that create a vibrant, immersive environment.

Food-wise, Coachella menus extend well beyond festival basics, with everything from LA‑based pop‑ups and international fare to health‑oriented options and iconic food courts.

Simply put, Coachella offers an unforgettable mix of music, art, and unique atmosphere. It’s more than just a festival; it’s a cultural phenomenon. It’s no surprise that it draws in huge crowds every year from around the globe.

6. Stagecoach Festival

Right after Coachella wraps up, country music fans saddle up and head straight to the Stagecoach Country Music Festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio.

This honky-tonk hoedown draws tens of thousands of fans from all corners of the globe, making it the ultimate country music roundup each April.

Often called the “Coachella of country music,” Stagecoach is the premier three-day festival where boots, hats, and good times come together for a boot-stompin’, heart-thumpin’ celebration of all things country.

Beyond the music, attendees can expect line-dancing lessons, top-tier BBQ from Guy Fieri’s Smokehouse, a giant Ferris wheel with sweeping desert views, and family-friendly zones like the Half-Pint Hootenanny.

Stagecoach offers tailgates, line dancing, and classic country vibes, making it a beloved event for country music enthusiasts of all ages.

7. Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week

Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week is a delectable 10-day celebration that tempts taste buds across the valley.

During this time, over 100 restaurants spanning the nine cities of Coachella Valley roll out irresistible prix-fixe menus that invite food lovers to embark on a culinary adventure.

If you’re craving Palm Springs’ most gourmet bites, innovative fusion, or classic comfort dishes, this event is your golden ticket. Discover hidden gems and savor chef-curated creations as you support the vibrant local dining scene.

This is a foodie’s paradise where every meal is a celebration, every bite tells a story, and every restaurant is ready to impress your palate with bold flavors and creative flair.

8. Palm Springs International ShortFest

The Palm Springs International ShortFest stands as the premier destination for short-film aficionados and cinephiles alike, proudly holding the title of the largest short-film festival in the U.S.

This cinematic showcase features hundreds of expertly curated short films from more than 60 countries. Expect gripping documentaries, imaginative animations, compelling live-action stories, and more.

As an Oscar-, BAFTA-, and Goya-qualifying event, ShortFest is a vital launchpad for emerging filmmakers and a beacon for film lovers seeking the next big talent.

Immerse yourself in a world of storytelling mastery with tightly packed screening blocks that captivate and inspire, complemented by engaging Q&A sessions that bring you face-to-face with the creative minds behind the camera.

Set against the stunning desert backdrop of Palm Springs, ShortFest is more than a festival; it’s a cinematic oasis where visionary filmmakers and passionate audiences converge to celebrate the art of short-form storytelling at its finest.

9. Pride Festival

Photo Credit: Kamil Zelezik

Palm Springs Pride, in early November, is the crown jewel of LGBTQ+ celebration in the desert, and one of the largest pride events on the U.S. West Coast.

The Pride Festival in Palm Springs kicks off with a vibrant block party on Arenas Road, featuring DJs, street dancing, and beverage lounges in the heart of the gayborhood. This lively event is just the beginning of a weekend filled with celebrations and community spirit.

This four‑day extravaganza takes over downtown Palm Springs with free open‑air festival zones on Palm Canyon Drive and the Arenas District. It features live performances, food vendors, community organization booths, family-friendly zones, and a huge marketplace.

Events take place in a festive, inclusive atmosphere that is especially buzzing on Friday and Sunday evenings. The highlight is the flamboyantly festive Pride Parade, featuring floats, drag performers, and a display of rainbow pride in motion, cruising through Downtown.

More than just entertainment, Palm Springs Pride embodies community and advocacy. Enjoy the open‑hearted energy of Arenas Road nightlife and a spirit of togetherness that’s rooted in Palm Springs’ high concentration of LGBTQ+ residents and longstanding cultural openness.

Pride Festival is a chance to immerse yourself in a city that celebrates authenticity and love.

  1. WildLights at the Living Desert Zoo

WildLights at the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens transforms the zoo into a glimmering winter wonderland.

Each November through December, over three million glittering lights stretch across the park and illuminate enchanting animal-themed lantern sculptures featuring giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, and more. It is a must-see during the winter season.

What makes WildLights unique is its blend of natural desert terrain and zoo habitats. Stroll the African Safari section and glimpse real giraffes, rhinos, or zebras.

Visitors to the Living Desert Zoo at this time of year can enjoy holiday characters, a train ride, s’mores stations, and live music, all under the serene desert sky.

11. The Desert Art Festival at The River in Rancho Mirage

Held at the Rancho Mirage Community Park during Thanksgiving weekend, the Desert Art Festival is a two-day fine art festival that attracts thousands of visitors. It’s a great way to walk off all that turkey.

This sophisticated event features approximately 100 exhibitors showcasing a variety of artworks. You can expect to see paintings, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, blown glass, stained glass, carved wood, and many more beautiful artworks.

Attendees of Rancho Mirage Art events can also enjoy wine tastings, food vendors, and engaging arts demonstrations, all set within a serene oasis-like setting that perfectly complements the festival’s artistic and cultural vibe.

12. VillageFest

Photo Credit: mcrvlife

While it may not be a once-a-year event, this local Palm Springs treasure serves up a weekly feast for the senses all year long.

Every Thursday night, this is one of the best things to do in downtown Palm Springs. Food trucks line the streets alongside local vendors selling arts and crafts. You might also catch some live music and entertainment.

This weekly celebration is the perfect place to gather with friends, savor mouthwatering eats, sip on refreshing drinks, and soak up the festive vibe. It’s a paradise for foodies craving everything from gourmet tacos to inventive fusion bites, all served under the desert stars.

VillageFest invites you to tap into the community spirit and treat your taste buds to a delicious adventure that keeps the good times rolling all year round.

Come Explore the Coachella Valley for a Year-Round Supply of Fun

Coachella Valley’s annual events offer a diverse and exciting array of activities that cater to all interests and tastes.

We hope this guide has inspired you to explore the cultural richness of Coachella Valley and experience these events firsthand. Mark your calendars, book your next stay with us, and get ready to create unforgettable memories.

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