The dog days of summer may be behind us, but that doesn't mean it's time to pack in the outdoor adventures quite yet. Cooler fall days are just around the corner, lending themselves perfectly to embarking on fun from sunup till sundown. Events range from epic music festivals, unique tours and athletic challenges to entertainment for all ages. Autumn flies by in a flash, so take advantage of the beautiful weather with this list of fun things to do in Greater Palm Springs this fall. Visit the complete Calendar of Events to see all what is happening during your visit.
The Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands and Sunnylands Center & Gardens – September 22, 2016
Sunnylands, the former winter home of Ambassadors Walter and Leonore Annenberg, who hosted U.S. presidents, celebrities, sports legends and British royalty at the estate is now open for the 2016-2017 season.
Year of the Cheetah Launch Party – October 1, 2016
This year (fall 2016-2017), The Living Desert will be recognizing the Cheetah and raising awareness to help save them from extinction. There are now fewer than 7,500 Cheetahs left on our planet. Come to find all the “Cheetah Spots” such as food trucks, a beer garden, live entertainment, storytelling, Keeper chats, special Behind the Scenes Tours of their Cheetah exhibit, face painting, and much more.
Desert Trip Festival – October 7-9 & 14-16, 2016
Taking place in the home of Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, this once-in-a-lifetime concert will bring six of the world’s most iconic and influential rock and roll artists together for Desert Trip. Both weekends offer three nights of unforgettable concerts, including The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and His Band, Paul McCartney, Neil Young + Promise of the Real, Roger Waters and The Who.
Modernism Week Fall Preview – October 21-23, 2016
Modernism Week Fall Preview will feature a selection of highlights of the best events from the February festival, including architectural walking and bike tours, festive cocktail parties, home tours, stimulating lectures, the not-to-be-missed Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tours, classic cars, the Modernism Show & Sale, tours of Sunnylands and more.
Palm Springs Tram Road Challenge – October 22, 2016
For 31 years, the Palm Springs Tram Road Challenge has been the ultimate endurance test. This strenuous walk/run follows a beautiful path, but features a 2,000-foot elevation gain over 3.7 miles.
Cathedral City Fall Fest – October 27-30, 2016
FallFest will include a full carnival, a pumpkin patch area celebrating the fall holiday with hay bales, scarecrows, corn stalks and pumpkins for sale; family activities such as pumpkin carving, Halloween costume contests, trick-or-treating and arts and crafts; and finally, weekend activities to include food and craft vendors, a beer garden and live entertainment.
Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade – October 30, 2016
The nation’s only golf cart parade will be themed “Golf Carts, Ghosts & Glitter” this year. Experience the spectacular color, pageantry and fun as scores of whimsically decorated golf carts and bands march down Palm Desert’s famous shop-’til-you-drop El Paseo, for the 52nd Annual Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade.
National Sunshine Series – November 2-6 & 9-13, 2016
Top-ranked riders complete in this National Sunshine Series, an elite two-week series featuring the West Coast’s premier hunters/jumpers.
Jacqueline Cochran Air Show – November 5, 2016
This show is sure to wow the crowd and is perfect for families with activities for all to enjoy, vendor booths and exciting aerobatic performances.
Greater Palm Springs LGBT Pride Weekend – November 5-6, 2016
Greater Palm Springs Pride is Southern California’s most popular and longest-running LGBT festival. More than 60,000 spectators will gather along palm tree-lined streets for the Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade, cheering and supporting local organizations, activists and themed floats along historic Palm Canyon Drive.
U.S. FootGolf National Championships & Pacific FootGolf Trophy – November 7 & 8, 2016
Greater Palm Springs is the home of the American FootGolf League (AFGL) and host of the 2016 U.S. FootGolf National Championships which will be held at Desert Willow Golf Resort.
Indio California BBQ State Championship and Festival – November 12 & 13, 2016
The BBQ Festival is a sanctioned contest featuring professional pit masters from across the nation competing for up to $10,000 in prize money.
2016 Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival – November 18-20, 2016
Three days of activities that include balloon tether rides, night time balloon glow, romantic dinners, musical entertainment, 35th Anniversary parade, Classic Car Show, West Coast Artists art show, Breakfast & Balloons Community Pancake Breakfast, local food vendors, beer and wine gardens and a Kids Zone family-friendly activities.
Butterflies: Winged Wonders Exhibit – November 18, 2016
Guests can get up close and personal with nearly 300 butterflies from more than 30 unique species in this interactive exhibit at The Living Desert.
Props & Hops Craft Beer Festival – November 19, 2016
Shining a light on Southern California craft beer, the 4th annual Props and Hops Festival in Palm Springs will feature West Coast craft breweries, food vendors, dj and live music among awesome vintage planes.
Palm Springs Comic Con – November 19-20, 2016
Palm Springs Comic Con will celebrating comic books, past and present, while embracing its diverse and multi-media future. The event will take place at the Saguaro Hotel.
The Ice Skating Rink at the River – November 22, 2016
Ice skating will be available daily under the desert’s bright skies and every evening under the stars until Jan 8, 2017 with local entertainment, including bands and DJ’s, scheduled to provide holiday music to accompany most skating sessions.
The 35th Indio Powwow – November 25-27, 2016
The Cabazon Band of Mission Indians keeps cultural tradition alive by holding annual powwows. Included in the celebration are Native American dance competitions for contestants of all ages, bird singing, drum contests and peon games.
For images, visit Barberstock.com/GreaterPalmSprings
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Photos Courtesy of: ESI Photography, Cabazon Band of Mission Indians, The Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands, Mark Davidson and Bert Buxbaum
Updated: September 27, 2016
