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December 2024: Indio, known as the City of Festivals, rounds up the year with one of it's best - The Tamale Festival!
Picture a Tamale Trail of over 200 local Tamale makers - from savory classics to sweet treats - all lined up in downtown Indio waiting for you to sample and enjoy. Team that up with live Mariachi entertainment and Luchador competitions, and you have a day full of fun. There also are family favorites such as free ice-skating, carnival rides and games, a holiday parade; and admission parking is free.
Always the first weekend in December, the Indio Tamale Festival is a favorite of locals and visitors as well -
Joanne Ohanesian
Tourism Development Manager
November 2024: If you are in Greater Palm Springs on a Thursday night, and are looking for something fun to do in the evening, look no further than the VillageFest. Since 1991, every Thursday night, about three blocks of Palm Canyon Drive is closed to vehicle traffic, and the street fair takes over. It has now grown to close to 200 vendors. Its fun to stroll down the street, listening to the music, and stopping at the different booths. You can find anything from jewelery, apparel, bags, candles, soaps, lamps, crafts, artwork...the list goes on and on. What a great place to pick up unique gifts for the upcoming holiday season! And did I mention the food? From sweet to savory, everyone will leave with happy tummies.
Julie Kawaguchi
Tourism Development Manager
October 2024: The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is always one of our top visitor attractions here in Greater Palm Springs - and it is about to get even better, as they add exciting new attractions and special events. Spring of 2025 will launch a new animal-themed Splashpad to the Zoo. This eco-friendly feature will boast a recirculating system that captures, cleans, filters, and reuses water. Additionally, in the spring of 2025, visitors can look forward to a new café/marketplace with a stunning view of Bighorn Mountain!
Construction is also underway for the new African Lion Habitat and event center.
October 26 - 27 brings the annual Howl-O-Ween as guests of all ages are invited to dress up in their favorite costumes and celebrate the season with fun Halloween activities and pop-up experiences throughout the park.
Wild Lights returns November 26 - December 30 for a unique experience of seeing the Zoo at night. Experience favorite festive displays such as the Tunnel of Lights, Dazzling Gift, and holiday-themed G-Scale model train!
Definitely include a visit to The Living Desert and Gardens on you next trip to Greater Palm Springs!
Joanne Ohanesian
Tourism Development Manager
October 2024: Did you know that the Coachella Valley produces 95% of the dates in the United States? Dates have surprising nutritional benefits....they are high in fiber, loaded with antioxidants, a good source of prebiotics for gut health, and have magnesium and potassium to support healthy blood pressure. They are also a good substitute for sugar, since they have a low glycemic index.
We recently had the opportunity to work with Executive chef Reese Murakami from The Polo Club, to shoot a cooking demonstration where he made their "It's a Date Salad with Grilled Bread and Date Compote".
Dates can be used in salads, shakes, desserts, sauces, and more. The list is endless.
Next time you are in GPS, drop by one of our farms such as Aziz Farms, Temalpakh Farms, Shields Date Garden and pick up some Dates to try in your recipes!
Julie Kawaguchi
Tourism Development Manager
September 2024: When planning your itinerary for a visit to Greater Palm Springs, remember to include time for El Paseo, the “Rodeo Drive” of Greater Palm Springs.
The time here will seem to fly by …there are so many designer shops, restaurants, art galleries, and interior designer showrooms. From November to May, on the first Friday night of each month, they also showcase events such as live music and art receptions. You can also find popular local brands, such as The Body Deli’s flagship store. The shop is filled with many varieties of skincare products which use only natural and organic products. Be forewarned that you will have a hard time selecting just a few favorites...
After spending the day shopping and eating, one of my favorite things to do to unwind is to walk to the nearby Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden. The four-acre garden features 14 outdoor sculptures and over 60 desert plants and is open every day from sunrise to sunset. Such a great way to end a perfect day!
Julie Kawaguchi
Tourism Development Manager
August 2024: Have you ever heard the name of a place, and instantly wanted to go there? That's what happened when I heard about the new art installation that was unveiled in Indio back in April aptly named "Happy Alley . If you are in Indio, enjoying the other outdoor art installations and wall murals, make sure to add "Happy Alley" to your list. It is tucked in an alley near gift shops, a coffee shop, and a vinyl record shop. The bright umbrellas and several new wall murals will instantly put a smile to your face. If you schedule your visit on a Friday, you can also experience the fun weekly evening tradition in Indio, "Food Truck Fridays ", and get a taste of local food and drinks.
Julie Kawaguchi
Tourism Development Manager
July 2024: It is a well-known fact that Greater Palm Springs is a hiking paradise. But did you know that you can spend the whole day on top Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains enjoying an unforgettable hiking experience filled with stunning vistas, diverse ecosystems, and trails for every skill level? A 12-minute-long ride on the aerial tramway will bring you to the top of the San Jacinto National Park where you find endless blue skies looking down at the dense forests of pine, cedar, and oak trees. The moment you step off the tramway car all you can feel and taste is the crystal clean and crisp air filled with every fragrance of the wilderness stretching in front of your eyes. It is virtually impossible to find a more peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life at 8500 feet above Greater Palm Springs. As you follow one of the hiking trails and make your way through the lush forest, keep an eye out for wildlife, including mule deer, bobcats, squirrels, and a variety of bird species. If you happen to do a hike in the spring, then you are certain to be mesmerized by the vibrant wildflowers which add countless splashes of bright colors to the landscape. Hiking in the San Jacinto Mountains is more than just a physical challenge, it is a journey into the heart of nature’s beauty. Add this to your explore list – you won’t be disappointed!
Oleg Nakonechny
Tourism Development Manager
For our team's archived blog posts, check the links below: