Festival season has arrived in Greater Palm Springs and this year may be the biggest and most exciting one yet! The Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival takes place over two weekends (April 11-13 and April 18-20), making this Southern California oasis a hot spot all month long. If you are looking for things to do outside of the festivals, where to find the best pool parties, or how to make the most of your time under the sun, keep reading! 

LOOK THE PART

If you’re still searching for the perfect festival outfit or want to add some new accessories, you have some great local options. Elizabeth & Prince has three locations (Palm Springs, Palm Desert and La Quinta), stocking women’s brands like Ulla Johnson, A.L.C. and Mara Hoffman, and the Palm Springs location also carries menswear. In downtown Palm Springs, shop a number of stores and small shops, including Free People, H&M, and Johnny Was.

Thick As Thieves in Palm Springs also carries festival-friendly clothing and accessories. For a variety of stylish finds under one roof, visit The Shops at Thirteen Forty Five, where you can browse vintage and contemporary fashion, unique jewelry, and statement accessories. Be sure to check out boutiques like Towne for menswear and Lindy California for handmade jewelry.

On El Paseo in Palm Desert, there are a number of great stores, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Anthropologie, and Trina Turk (there is a Palm Springs Trina Turk location as well). Check out El Paseo Shopping District to find more shops like Blonde, House of Lolo, Louis Vuitton and so many more. 

Since so many love to incorporate that vintage fashion into their festival look - here are a few shops you'll definitely want to check out if you are going for a specific look! Head to The Frippery in Palm Springs and The Fine Art of Design in Palm Desert. Discover something different and new at Mojave Flea Trading Post, where there are a number of different vendors selling all sorts of unique items. 

The Frippery

EXPLORE FOR A WHILE

Art is alive on every corner in Greater Palm Springs. Take a mural tour (virtual or in-person) and explore this arts oasis starting with this mural tour.

No trip to the area is complete without a little cactus hunting. Visit Moorten Botanical Garden in Palm Springs to see the world’s first “cactarium,” filled with rare specimens, or head to The Cactus Mart in Morongo Valley to pick out some plants to bring home. 

Take a break from the festival scene and explore the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza in downtown Palm Springs. Learn about the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, where exhibits showcase their history, traditions, and connection to the land. 

PARTY ON

Everyone needs a break from walking from stage to stage. So, while in between sets of your favorite bands, why not chill out poolside with a refreshing cocktail at one of the valley’s best resorts? There are plenty of epic pool parties to keep the festival energy going all weekend long.

Dive into the vibes at Dim Mak Afloat: Desert Pool Party Edition at The Saguaro, bringing high-energy DJ sets to the water. Keep the party going with Jueves de Drift Palm Springs, featuring poolside tacos a la plancha, craft cocktails, and live DJ tunes at Drift Hotel. For a dose of nostalgia, the Flashback Friday Pool Party at Hotel ZOSO delivers throwback hits in a lively setting. And don’t miss the Goldenvoice Surf Club party at Palm Springs Surf Club, offering a fresh festival-adjacent experience with music, drinks, and good times under the sun.

And for an all-day music marathon, head to Downtown Indio for Indie-O: A Local Music Festival—one day, three venues, and non-stop live performances. Catch acts like Hollow Crown, Elektric Lucie, Brosquitos, People of the Sun, and Mushroom People, with plenty more to discover. This all-ages event also features food, drinks, vendors, and raffles, making it the perfect way to experience the local music scene.

CHELLA, a free community music event in downtown Indio, is back on Wednesday, April 16 at Center Stage. In partnership with Goldenvoice, this year’s lineup features El Malilla, Bolo, J. Patron, Lizz, Castles, Bass Moves, and a Gasolina Party with DXSKO. Don’t miss this high-energy night of music and culture!

RECHARGE

Relax and recharge from your festival experience at one of the many spas around Greater Palm Springs. The destination is known for its healing mineral waters and laid-back atmosphere, making it the perfect place to unwind between festival weekends.

For the ultimate rejuvenation, visit The Spa at Séc-he in downtown Palm Springs, where you can soak in ancient hot mineral waters and enjoy luxurious treatments in a state-of-the-art wellness setting. If you're looking for a serene escape, The Spa at Two Bunch Palms in Desert Hot Springs offers mineral-rich soaking tubs and holistic therapies designed for deep relaxation. For a modern wellness retreat, book a treatment at the Spa Rosa at Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa, where body treatments, massages, and facials help you reset after days of dancing. No matter where you choose, you’ll leave feeling refreshed and ready for more festival fun.

The fun doesn't stop there. Make it a getaway to remember with our top things to do in Greater Palm Springs.