Summer doesn't have to end in September when in Greater Palm Springs. No matter the season, this beautiful destination continues to offer endless experiences. With sunny skies and exceptional weather, this month is the perfect time for a long weekend getaway of fun or relaxation. Discover an oasis of art, enjoy a night out with live music, or treat yourself to health and wellness activities inside and outdoors. Here are the things you do not want to miss during September in Greater Palm Springs.
THINGS TO DO
SWIM & SKATE AT BERGER FOUNDATION ICEPLEX
SEPTEMBER 1-31
The Berger Foundation Iceplex and Palm Desert Aquatic Center offer you a cool deal while enjoying the summer. Here's how it works: if you go ice skating you can receive a complimentary snow cone at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center by showing your Iceplex Public Skate receipt. If you go swimming, you can also receive a free skate rental coupon for the Iceplex when you pay the entry fee at the Aquatic Center. Throughout September, you can find your chill at either location.
SKATE & FLIX AT BERGER FOUNDATION ICEPLEX
SEPTEMBER 1-31
The Berger Foundation Iceplex and Mary Pickford Theatre offer you a chill deal while enjoying the summer. Here's how it works: if you see a movie you can receive a complimentary free skate rental at the Iceplex by showing your Mary Pickford Theatre receipt. If you go skating, you can also receive a free junior popcorn coupon for the theatre when you pay the entry fee at the Iceplex.
ART WALK AT THE BACKSTREET ART DISTRICT
SEPTEMBER 4
The Backstreet Arts District is a unique community of artists working in studios & galleries, and businesses that provide artistic services (reprographic, restorative, and framing) in Palm Springs. You don't want to miss out on their Art Walk on the first Wednesday of each month. They have an amazing assortment of original art for all tastes – paintings, ceramics, photography, mixed media, jewelry, lithography, and more by locally, regionally, and nationally recognized artists.
SUNNYLANDS CENTER AND GARDENS REOPENING
SEPTEMBER 11
The historic Sunnylands Center & Gardens, which several U.S. presidents and world leaders have visited, is free to visit and is a 200-acre estate with a nine-acre beautiful garden with walking paths to stroll through. Visitors can tour the home and its rotating exhibits and learn of the attraction's meaningful history.
NATIONAL CHEESEBURGER DAY
SEPTEMBER 18
National Cheeseburger Day is on the horizon, so there is no reason to feel guilty when planning such a festive event. As simple as the ingredients may be, every cheeseburger is different in its delicious way. Some may say it's all about the bun, others will say it's all about the cheese or fries that complement the entirety of the cheeseburger. Let's not forget about the secret sauce! Well, on September 18 we will let you be the one to decide. If you're by the pool or taking a break in the shade - here are the Best Burgers in Greater Palm Springs to devour on National Cheeseburger Day.
NATIONAL COFFEE DAY
SEPTEMBER 29
When you wake up and need that cup of bliss or an afternoon pick me up. In Greater Palm Springs you will come across many coffee shops that will offer you your fix. Enjoy your coffee on National Coffee Day with a picturesque view of palm trees and mountains, or with a delicious heart-crafted pastry from one of the many delectable cafes throughout the nine cities. Satisfy your coffee cravings with Your Guide to Coffee in Greater Palm Springs and celebrate with each sip like never before!
17th Annual Concert for Autism Kickoff Event
SEPTEMBER 27
Experience the power of music and community at the 17th Annual Concert for Autism Kickoff event at Big Rock Pub. An evening of harmony and awareness as we come together to support individuals with autism and their families. With captivating performances by talented artists, this concert aims to raise funds and spread understanding about autism. Let the music resonate as we create an atmosphere of inclusivity and acceptance.
AGUA CALIENTE CULTURAL MUSEUM
Since time immemorial, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians have called Greater Palm Springs home. Hear their story like never before at the new Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza in downtown Palm Springs. Featuring a tribal museum, a state-of-the-art spa and an outdoor Oasis Trail, the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza is the second largest of its kind in the United States and a long-awaited addition to cultural tourism in Greater Palm Springs.
LA QUINTA MUSEUM
These exhibits focus on everything from the history and art of the indigenous Cahuilla tribe to the midcentury modern designs found throughout Greater Palm Springs. Plus, you can flex your creative muscles during special programs throughout the year at the La Quinta Museum.
LIVING DESERT ZOO AND GARDENS
Discover the wonders of the world’s deserts without ever leaving Greater Palm Springs. The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens, established in 1970, aims to provide desert conservation through preservation, education, and appreciation. This nonprofit zoo is home to a variety of fascinating creatures, from bearded dragons and bobcats to giraffes and jaguars. Enjoy immersive experiences such as animal encounters, discover native flora on a nature walk and get the chance to feed a giraffe!
PALM SPRINGS AIR MUSEUM
Soar to new heights! The Palm Springs Air Museum has one of the world's largest collections of WWII aircraft plus Korean and Vietnam-era aircraft. The exhibits are very interactive and have an extensive library of history. It's a perfect activity for all ages to immerse oneself in the history and engineering of these aircrafts. The crew of trained volunteers can also share their knowledge of what it's like to experience flying these aircrafts.
PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY
Bring your family or a special loved one to experience the Palm Springs Aerial Tram, which takes you on a ten-minute ride to cooler elevations within the San Jacinto Mountains! There are restaurants, plenty of viewpoints, and over 50 miles of hiking trails. Experience the largest rotating aerial tramway in the world! Find out more information about this unique experience.
FREE THURSDAY NIGHTS AT THE PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM
EVERY THURSDAY
The Palm Springs Art Museum has 28 galleries, two sculpture gardens, a 433-seat theatre, and a popular local bistro. Every Thursday they offer free admission to the public.
PALM SPRINGS VILLAGEFEST
EVERY THURSDAY
Villagefest takes place in downtown Palm Springs where the street is closed to create a relaxed, fun, and festive atmosphere full of food, artists, fashion, and other unique vendors.
LGBTQ+ EVENTS
THE DINAH EVENT & MUSIC FESTIVAL
SEPTEMBER 25-29
The largest queer/lesbian/non-binary event in the world is coming to Greater Palm Springs. Featuring pool parties, live entertainment from popular performers and DJs, and parties at local clubs – this event brings the fun. The Dinah is an empowering and inclusive event that is all about celebrating life and enjoying a fun weekend under the sun. View the itinerary for more information on nightlife and pool parties during this festive weekend.
CINEMA DIVERSE FILM FESTIVAL
SEPTEMBER 19-22
September brings in an exciting event that attracts filmmakers, producers, and attendees from around the world to Camelot Theatres in Palm Springs. Cinema Diverse is a film festival that showcases films produced, directed, and curated by the LGBTQ+ community. These films bring voice and visibility to the LGBTQ+ community by bringing diverse audiences together to create space and conversations to open minds while shifting cultural bias to create positive change. Tickets and passes are still currently available for this world-class film festival.
DRAG BRUNCHES
What's a better way to enjoy a Sunday morning than with a delicious brunch and bottomless mimosas while a sassy drag queen in sequins bats her eyelashes at you and performs to the likes of glamorous dance music icons? Greater Palm Springs is a place like no other when it comes to Drag events. Here is your Guide to Best Drag Brunches in Greater Palm Springs.
LIVE MUSIC
ACRISURE ARENA EVENTS
The Acrisure Arena provides the Greater Palm Springs area with a premiere 11,000+ capacity venue to host some of the biggest artists in entertainment as well as the home for the AHL Hockey team The Coachella Valley Firebirds. Want to know more about what is happening at the Acrisure Arena? Check out their full list of upcoming events happening this month.
AGUA CALIENTE CASINOS
Experience live entertainment at Agua Caliente Casinos. All three locations in Greater Palm Springs offer some of the best performances for an unforgettable night. Enjoy dancing, drinks, and nightlife at the downtown Palm Springs Cascade Lounge, Cathedral City Terraza, or The Show at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage. See what's happening and view their full list of events to plan.
COACHELLA VALLEY BREWING COMPANY
Enjoy some brews and fantastic food with live entertainment on Saturdays and Sundays at the Coachella Valley Brewing Company! Live music and comedy on Saturdays from 4-9 p.m. and Sundays offer a live acoustic afternoon performance from 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. See what's happening at the taproom and grab yourself a cold one.
FANTASY SPRINGS RESORT CASINO
Eager to get back to enjoying live music? Fantasy Springs has musical options to fit everyone’s tastes. You can view their full schedule from free outdoor concerts at the Rock Yard to intimate showcases at Acoustic and Unplugged at the Twelve.
ROCK YARD
This outdoor music venue has an eclectic of entertaining and high energy cover bands that perform to the likes of Nirvana, Rush, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Led Zeppelin, and more. Music tributes continue on Fridays and Saturdays, throughout September. For a schedule, visit their listing, here.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
GOOD VIBRATIONS SOUND BATH
Find relaxation and rejuvenation at The Drift Hotel with their enchanting Good Vibrations Sound Bath event. Immerse yourself in a symphony of soothing sounds, crafted to harmonize mind, body, and soul. Led by experienced practitioners, this unique event combines ancient healing traditions with modern wellness practices, creating an oasis of tranquility. Envelop yourself in waves of positive energy and restore your inner balance. Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and surrender to the serenity of the Good Vibrations Sound Bath.
ELEVATE SOUND BATH
Elevate offers a one-hour sound bath experience every Friday at Sukha Life featuring crystal bowls and a gong to promote deep rejuvenation. The session commences with gentle breathwork to help you ground and connect with the space, followed by a guided relaxation before immersing you in the soothing sound bath, aligning your energy and deeply relaxing your nervous system to elevate your overall well-being.
MINERAL WATER YOGA
Guided by the esteemed instructor Vanessa Johnson at The Spa at Séc-he, this aqueous practice embraces the art of gentleness, empowering you to nurture your inner strength, achieve poised equilibrium, and expand your range of motion. For a mere $15, immerse yourself in this transformative experience lasting 45 minutes—a precious add-on activity that promises to leave you revitalized and deeply attuned to the serenity within.
SATURDAY SAVASANA AT THE DRIFT HOTEL
Embark on the wondrous commencement of every Saturday at The Drift Hotel, where a delightful hour-long yoga flow awaits you upon the inviting outdoor terrace of Sol Studio. Envision yourself amidst this serene and picturesque setting, immersing yourself in the harmonious rhythm of yoga, as you revel in the blissful interplay between mind, body, and spirit.
SUNSET SOUND BATH AND HEALING WATERS SOAK
Delight in the immersive Sound Bliss® Sound Bath led by the acclaimed desert sonic artists/musicians, Sukha at The Spring Resort & Spa. Set against the backdrop of nature under the twinkling stars or within our stunning atrium during inclement weather, this enchanting session awaits. With mats and blankets provided, you're set for ultimate relaxation.
Want to continue your adventure in Greater Palm Springs? See here for more things to do in this Southern California oasis.
