(Greater Palm Springs, CA) – April 1, 2016 – The temperature might be inching up throughout Greater Palm Springs, but the warmer weather also means it’s time for pool parties, tropical drinks and distinctive festivals. Summer is the ideal time to explore Greater Palm Springs many offerings. A list of some of the region’s top summer activities are listed below.
Joshua Tree Music Festival | May 12-15; Joshua Tree
This multi-day campout music festival is held in the shadow of Joshua Tree National Park and features a lineup of lesser known, but talented performing artists. In addition to four full days of musical performances, the festival includes nearly 40 yoga classes, a series of “positive vibration” seminars schedule, live art installations, children’s activities, random acts of mindfulness, and, most importantly, starry, starry nights. Events unfold at the Joshua Tree Lake Campground which is located in the shadow of the Copper Mountains, bordering BLM land and Joshua Tree National Park, one of the nation’s premier rock climbing destinations.
Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival | May 12-15; Palm Springs
Founded in 2000 by the late mystery author and Palm Springs community leader Arthur Lyons, this distinctive festival features an eclectic mixture of landmark and obscure vintage movies from the classic film noir era. View glorious black and white films laden with suspense, sexuality and crime portrayed from the perspective of the criminals. Noted celebrities participate in post screening Q&A discussions, book signings and autographs sessions.
Star Parties | May 14, June 4, July 30, August 27, September 24; Palm Desert
Sponsored by the Astronomical Society of the Desert, monthly Star Parties are held at the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitors Center, located in Palm Desert. Telescopes and giant binoculars are provided by club members, who point out the constellations and planets visible on the night of each star party.
Palm Springs Air Museum Annual Memorial Day Flower Drop & Art Fair | May 30; Palm Springs
A brief, but moving Memorial Day service honoring fallen comrades, the service is highlighted with a fly-by and a flower drop, where more than 3,000 red and white carnations are dropped from a B-25 Mitchell bomber. The day’s line-up includes flight exhibitions, musical performances, WWII re-enactors, children's activities and flying aircraft.
Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week | June 3-12; Greater Palm Springs
Eat your way through the Coachella Valley during Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week, which features special offers at more than 100 area restaurants. Participating dining establishments throughout the Coachella Valley are offering three-course, prix fixe dinners priced at $26 or $38 per person (tax, beverage, and gratuity not included). Created in partnership with Palm Springs Life magazine, the annual event also includes exclusive hotel packages and special rates at area attractions and spas.
Splash House | June 10-12; Aug 12-14; Palm Springs
Splash House, a two-venue pool party, is redefining how summer is celebrated in Greater Palm Springs.
Last year’s splash-filled celebration brought in thousands of partiers looking to relax, dance and soak up the summer sun. This year’s events, held over two weekends during the summer, will unfold on outdoor stages at The Saguaro Palm Springs and The Riviera Palm Springs, A Tribute Portfolio Resort. Each rocking pool party includes three days of live music from a distinctive line up of some of the biggest names in the SoCal dance music scene.
Palm Springs International ShortFest Short Film Festival & Film Market | June 21-27; Palm Springs
One of the most acclaimed short film showcases in the world, The Palm Springs International ShortFest, Short Film Festival & Film Market, now in its 23rd year, features more than 300 short films from 50 countries around the world. Seminars, special presentations and receptions round out the festivities.
Greater Palm Springs Pool Parties
Summer is made for splashing around. Fortunately, Greater Palm Springs is home to a rocking summer pool party scene. Hotels like the Ace Palm Springs, Skylark Palm Springs, Hard Rock Palm Springs, The Saguaro and Hacienda Cantina & Beach Club are serving up exciting poolside parties complete with live DJs and cool cocktails for a rollicking weekend scene.
Splashtopia | Rancho Mirage
Looking for a more family-friendly pool experience? Splashtopia, the on-site water park at the at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa, is surrounded by a 425-foot lazy river and features two 100-foot waterslides. The recently renovated water park is also home to a cliff-side Jacuzzi, a sandy beach and water-play zones with fountains and sprinklers for the kids. An on-site grill serves up burgers and cool, tropical drinks, making for a relaxing way to chill out during the summer.
Palm Springs VillageFest | Weekly; Palm Springs
No summer trip to Palm Springs is complete without a visit to the city’s most popular street fair, Palm Springs VillageFest, held every Thursday night. Featuring arts, crafts, food and entertainment, the event attracts a diverse array of artists, artisans, entertainers, and purveyors of fresh fruits and veggies, flowers, jewelry, snacks and sweets, all set alongside the shops, restaurants, clubs and entertainment venues that line world famous Palm Canyon Drive.
FootGolf | Indio
Looking to try something new this summer? FootGolf is a combination of soccer and golf, which is played with a regulation #5 soccer ball but only at a golf course facility. The Lights at Indio Golf Course, the first golf course in the Coachella Valley to be accredited by the American FootGolf League (AFGL), is also the valley’s only night-lighted golf course.
Yoga Amongst the Art | Cathedral City
Art and wellness combine at these weekly yoga sessions held at the Coachella Valley Art Scene Gallery in Cathedral City. Creative types gather in the main gallery on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, while adopting yoga stretches beneath the collected artworks on display. Watch for occasional candlelit sessions.
