There are always plenty of things to do in the Coachella Valley. We’ve put together a list of events and entertainment happening this week.
To submit an event for consideration, send an email to events@desertsun.com with a brief description.
Here are 10 things to do this week:
Glow in the Park
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens will shine bright every night through the end of April for this event, which features grand displays of hand-crafted lanterns depicting an assortment of wildlife. Revel at the sight of these illuminated animal lanterns as they radiate across the zoo. This is a family friendly affair, and organizers offer combo tickets that include admission to the zoo during the day.
When: 6:30-10 p.m. daily through April 30
Where: The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, 47-900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert
Tickets: Starting at $25.95 (adults) $17.95 (children) free (children under 3)
More info: livingdesert.org
Spring Carnival
Sunday concludes the Spring Carnival, a four-day event at The Shops at Palm Desert featuring an array of food, carnival rides, games and entertainment. If you want to experience as much as you can on the last day, wristbands for unlimited rides will be available to purchase.
When: 2-10 p.m. Sunday, April 2
Where: The Shops at Palm Desert, 72-840 California 111, Palm Desert
Tickets: $25 general admission, $50 VIP
More info: shopsatpalmdesert.com/events
‘Rise Above’ Student Showcase
The Palm Springs International Dance Festival continues this week, so if you missed the student showcase last weekend, head to the Nickerson-Rossi Dance House for this encore presentation celebrating young aspiring dance artists from various high schools, universities, and dance studios. Schools enrolled in this performance will be presenting all different genres of dance such as modern, ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, and more.
When: 5-6 p.m. Sunday, April 2
Where: Nickerson-Rossi Dance House, 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 11, Palm Springs
Tickets: $20
More info: nickersonrossidance.com
Los Angeles Philharmonic Concert
Palm Springs Friends of Philharmonic are presenting the last concert of its 2022-23 subscription series. If you didn’t purchase a subscription, don’t fret, because single concert tickets are available to see Los Angeles Philharmonic at the McCallum Theatre. Dalia Stasevska will be conducting the show and will become the first female conductor to perform for the subscription series.
When: 5 p.m. Sunday, April 2
Where: McCallum Theatre, 73-000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert
Tickets: Starting at $95
More info: psphil.org/concerts-tickets
12th annual AmDocs Film Festival
There’s no one way to tackle the American Documentary and Animation Film Festival. But if you ask founder Teddy Grouya, he suggests throwing a dart at the schedule and going to whichever program it lands on, because you won’t go wrong. The 12th annual Am-Docs festival, which closes Monday, showcases the latest in animation and documentary films. Check out the festival’s website to grab tickets for remaining screenings, panels and more. Note: Attendees are encouraged to wear facial coverings.
When: Various times, daily through April 3
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Tickets: $10 to $169, depending on ticket package
More info: www.amdocfilmfest.com
Naathan Phan at Marvyn’s Magic Theater
This week you will have three chances to see magician Naathan Phan take the stage at Marvyn’s Magic Theater. Phan is known for his lively shows where he performs astonishing illusions along with fun comedic antics. He performs regularly at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, and he’s appeared many times on national TV.
When: 6 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 6-8
Where: Marvyn’s Magic Theater, 46-630 Washington St., La Quinta
Tickets: $75
More info: marvynsmagictheater.thundertix.com
Bar Chingona Grand Opening Party
Although it’s technically been open a few months, Bar Chingona will host its grand opening on Thursday and there will be live music by Las Tías, a Coachella Valley musical duo inspired by Bolero and Ranchera music. The bar offers an array of Latin dishes and craft cocktails, including a short rib pozole and operates out of a repurposed mid-century Airstream. The bar is located at the Flannery Exchange and there will be plenty of outside seating.
When: 5:30-9 p.m. Thursday, April 6
Where: Bar Chingona, 750 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Tickets: Free
More info: barchingona.com
Easter Eggstravaganza
The Easter Bunny is making an early appearance before the holiday at the annual La Quinta Easter Eggstravangza. There will also be a chalk drawing contest and egg hunt for children to enjoy. Baskets for the hunt have all been claimed, but kids are still able to participate in finding the candy-filled eggs at the park.
When: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, April 8
Where: La Quinta Park, corner of Blackhawk Way and Adams Street, La Quinta
Tickets: Free
More info: playinlaquinta.com/event/easter-eggstravaganza
Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians Easter Egg Hunt
In need of a fun family-friendly event this week? Head to this Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians Easter egg hunt — but get there early, because the event is limited to the first 1,000 children. Enjoy a plethora of games, prizes, food, and a community raffle with the chance to win one of 45 bicycles.
When: 11 a.m. Saturday, April 8
Where: Coachella Crossroads (the outdoor event center adjacent to Spotlight 29 Casino), 46-200 Harrison Place, Coachella
Tickets: Free
More info: (614) 226-9542
The Street Fair at College of the Desert
Take a stroll through this street market and shop at boutiques featuring art, crafts, home decor, clothing and more. You can easily spend the entire day at at this event, which includes plenty of food vendors offering a variety of options to nibble on.
When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday
Where: College of the Desert, 43-500 Monterey Ave., Palm Desert
Tickets: Free
More info: codaastreetfair.com
Kevin Caparoso is a features intern who covers arts and life around the Coachella Valley. His internship is funded by the Coachella Vally Journalism Foundation. Follow him on Twitter at @kevydean or email him at KCaparoso@gannett.com.