Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
April, across two weekends
One of the world's largest music festivals, drawing over 250,000 fans to Indio each year for a mix of headline acts, emerging artists and large-scale desert art installations.
Festivals
Coachella, Stagecoach and more.
The Valley's calendar fills up fast. These are the events worth planning a stay around - book early, as homes go quickly for the big weekends.
Stagecoach Festival
Late April, Indio
Three days of country music on the same Empire Polo Club grounds as Coachella, the weekend after it finishes.
Palm Springs International Film Festival & ShortFest
January (Festival) and June (ShortFest)
The Film Festival spreads across venues throughout Palm Springs in the new year; ShortFest follows in summer and is one of North America's largest short-film events.
Greater Palm Springs Pride
November
A parade and festival promoting public awareness and celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, and one of the Valley's biggest annual gatherings.
VillageFest
Every Thursday evening
Palm Canyon Drive closes to traffic and becomes a street fair of artists, makers, food stalls and live music. Weekly, year-round, and free.
Palm Desert Food & Wine
Spring, at The Gardens on El Paseo
A weekend celebrating the best cuisine and libations the Valley has to offer, with celebrity chef demonstrations and tastings.
Rancho Mirage Independence Day Fireworks
4th of July
The desert's largest fireworks display, held at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino and free to attend, courtesy of the city of Rancho Mirage.
Spirit Sports Duel in the Desert
February
Brings some of the country's best cheerleading squads to Palm Springs - worth knowing about whether you have someone competing or not, as it fills hotels quickly.
California Winter League
January to February
Independent baseball played in perfect winter weather, and a chance to watch players before they are picked up by Major League organizations.