With such celebrated outdoor music festivals as Coachella and Stagecoach, Greater Palm Springs is one of the best places in Southern California for live music—something many of us have been itching for ever since the postponement of these events due to the pandemic. But don’t fret music lovers and concert-goers! There’s live outdoor music going on; you just need to know where to look.
From hipster hotels to micro-breweries, here are some of the best spots for enjoying some good vibrations under the sun, moon and stars.
ACE HOTEL & SWIM CLUB
The Ace Hotel & Swim Club features an eclectic mix of jazz musicians every Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m., when the property showcases live jazz on its famous King’s Highway patio. The dinner and jazz series began in February and will continue throughout the summer. Summer's theme is progressive/dynamic jazz, and the lineup includes Casey Butler; young drummer Mekala Session with the Ace Hotel house band, Growth Eternal; and Sharada Shashidhar. Grab a cocktail and a small bite and sit for a while with your feet dangling in the pool, just letting the music wash over you. If you prefer a little more bass beat to your music, the hotel also has live DJs every Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. out by the pool.
THE SAGUARO HOTEL & POOL
Each month, the Saguaro adds some music to its colorful palette on Saturday afternoons to enhance the party vibe that usually unfolds here organically. Whether it’s a band or a DJ, someone livens up the second-floor terrace, turning it into what they call Balcony Beats. These performances are available exclusively for hotel guests.
THE ROCK YARD AT FANTASY SPRINGS RESORT CASINO
The Rock Yard, located in the courtyard area of Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, has been a fun spot to hear and see live music from some of the best tribute bands around (past performers have played everything from The Beatles and The Rolling Stones to Prince). While the venue normally holds about 1,500 people, capacity has been set at 500 to promote social distancing. Some of the acts coming up in June and July include Nirvanish and The Red Hot Cholo Peppers as well as tribute bands for Foo Fighters, David Bowie and Led Zeppelin.
CASUELAS CAFÉ in Palm Desert
Casuelas Café in Palm Desert features live music on its outdoor patio seven days a week, and the tunes add an ambiance that makes the food taste even better. Their rotating musical arsenal includes Desert Suite Band, Vinny Berry, Lisa Lynn and the Broken Hallelujahs, Avenida, Mod Professor and The Myx. Plus, they have a huge outdoor patio with plenty of room for social distancing. Come for dinner, stay for dancing!
COACHELLA VALLEY BREWING COMPANY
No festival FOMO here! Every Friday during June, Coachella Valley Brewing Company has live entertainment on its beer patio from 6 to 8 p.m. A favorite on-tap option is the CDMX Mexican Lager, so grab the biggest allowable glass and get comfortable outside in the beer garden. Indulge under the sun-kissed sky while listening to some tunes.
Beyond Greater Palm Springs
PAPPY & HARRIET’S PIONEERTOWN PALACE
Is there a more unique setting for live music than this high desert gem? Unfortunately, this past year Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace hasn’t had its traditional loaded slate of eclectic musicians rocking the starry night—but there is a special performance on the horizon in the form of grunge pioneers The Melvins. It’s an outdoor, seated, socially distanced show. Masks and temperature checks will be required for entry. View their upcoming events on their website here.
Enjoy the tunes and stay for more! Check out these sweet getaway offers and book your next trip to Greater Palm Springs.
