Whether you want to get outside with them or escape into the air conditioning, here's 13 ways to keep your teen entertained in the desert.
It's officially fall in the desert, so yes, dear residents, that means we need to emerge out of our reverse hibernation.
If you're looking for some fall fun this week, we've put together a list of 18 things happening between Nov. 4 and 10 in the Coachella Valley and Joshua Tree area.
Consider checking out the following events:
Extended: Palm Canyon Theatre presents 'La Cage Aux Folles'
The first Broadway musical to tell the story of a gay relationship has hit the stage in Palm Springs. Travel -- figuratively -- to France for an evening of glamorous drag and storytelling with this Palm Canyon Theatre production based on the 1973 French play of the same name. This glitzy musical, as the press release states, is "set in a Saint-Tropez drag nightclub run by Georges and his partner Albin (AKA Zaza), the star performer. When George's son brings home his bride-to-be and her bigoted politician father, farcical adventures ensue as they dance around the 'family business.'"
Cost: $38 for adults; $34 for seniors; $17 for students (group discounts are available if you reach out)
More info: 760-323-5123 or palmcanyontheatre.org
Backstreet Art District's First Wednesday Art Walk
Palm Springs Backstreet Art District invites the public to come and enjoy an evening of fine art, live entertainment, food offerings and beverages while strolling through several unique galleries and art studios. Support the Coachella Valley art community while viewing the latest works by talented creatives. Come see why Backstreet Art District was voted a "Best of Coachella Valley, 2023"!
When: 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6
Where: Backstreet Art District, Corner of South Cherokee Way and Matthew Drive (behind Estate Sale) in Palm Springs
The La Quinta High School Culinary Arts Program invites active duty military members, veterans and first responders to join them for a Thanksgiving luncheon honoring their service to the desert community. This year, culinary students have yet again prepared a feast for these local heroes, and the menu features turkey, stuffing, veggies, homemade bread and pies, and the students will also provide table service for those who have -- as well as those who continue to -- serve our country.
Mixed Feelings Lectures: Conservation Science & The Art of Gisela Colón
In this special art + science edition of the Palm Springs Art Museum's typical lecture series (science themed in honor of current exhibit "Particles & Waves"), two speakers will discuss their respective areas of expertise, and audience members "get to make the connections during the Q&A," as the museum website says. This week's speakers are artist and art conservator Mark Leonard and contemporary sculptor Gisela Colón.
When: Reception 5-6 p.m., program 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7
Where: Annenberg Theatre at the Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 N. Museum Drive, Palm Springs
Coachella Valley Repertory kicks off its 2024-25 season this week with the Pulitzer Prize and three-time Tony Award-winning rock musical "Next to Normal." As the theater company's press release says, "emotional and humorous at turns, 'Next to Normal' is like a book that you can't put down -- once it starts, your attention is fixed." The play, set in suburban America, follows a seemingly perfect nuclear family that, under their façade, is struggling with grief, guilt, depression, bipolar disorder, drug abuse and medical ethics. Note: Tickets are now available for all shows in CVRep's 2024-25 season, including "Next to Normal."
Revolution Stage Co. presents 'Little Shop of Horrors'
Sad that spooky season is over? Keep the blood-sucking fun going at this beloved show. As Revolution Stage Company's website describes it, "Little Shop of Horrors" is a "darkly comedic musical that has captivated audiences for decades. Witness the extraordinary journey of Seymour Krelborn, a meek florist's assistant who stumbles upon a mysterious and exotic plant with a sinister secret: it thrives on human blood!"
High-desert cinephiles, this is the week you've been waiting for. Over 50 movies will screen during this three-day event, so whether you want to catch a free film screening or learn a thing or two at the masterclass with two-time Emmy Award winning (and 11-time Telly Award winning) filmmaker Shane Stanley, there's something for everyone. As the press release says, "with three red carpets, exclusive screening events and A-list Hollywood guests, the festival will once again celebrate the love of cinema, with international and local filmmakers, and allow local audiences of the Mojave Desert to discover many movies and discuss directly with the filmmakers."
When: Friday. Nov. 8-Sunday, Nov. 10 (check website for various event times)
Where: Yucca Valley Community Center, 57-090 Twentynine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley
High-desert bibliophiles, this is your time to shine. The Twentynine Palms Book Festival features events all day Friday and Saturday, including the Live Sessions series offering 13 panel discussions, presentations, workshops and readings showcasing 50 authors and experts. Pick up a paperback at the book fair, catch a live talk, network and learn about everything from botanical literature to how to write about aliens. Note: If you stick around long enough, you can catch one of the several evening programs taking place throughout the community.
When: Nov. 8 and 9 (various times, check website for complete schedule)
Where: Twentynine Palms Community Center, 6547 Freedom Way, Twentynine Palms; the Old Schoolhouse Museum, 6760 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms; and the 29 Palms Inn, 73-950 Inn Ave., Twentynine Palms
Enjoy a fresh take on the classic tale of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons at this musical, which will transport you to the era when songs like "Sherry" and "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" were all the rage. This Desert TheatreWorks production opens on the gritty streets of New Jersey and will take audiences on the wild ride that is the rise to musical fame.
If you're in the mood for live performances, this festival is chock-full of them. Sweet Baby J'ai presents this three-day festival of nonstop entertainment, featuring a diverse lineup of jazz, pop, soul, classical, blues, country and comedy artists. Enjoy a Palm Springs "Club Crawl" and explore the city's vibrant music venues. See the entire schedule of events at the website below.
When: Nov. 8-10
Where: Oscar's Palm Springs, 125 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way #108; Palm Springs Cultural Center, 300 E. Baristo Road; and Revolution Stage Co., 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, all in Palm Springs
Halloween is over, but the frights are just beginning. Head to the Riverside County Fairgrounds this weekend to watch as, as the website says, "twisted acrobats defy death in jaw-dropping acts that blur the line between reality and nightmare. ... Meet our clowns who bring new meaning to "funny." Their eerie antics will leave you laughing -- and screaming!" Last but not least, brave the haunted maze (don't forget the buddy system) or the House of Horrors to cap off your spooky evening.
Train enthusiasts, prepare yourselves, because a free train-themed event is pulling into the station. This free event is suitable for the whole family, and will give attendees the opportunity to view what event organizers call the "Coachella Valley's premier model railroad display." Snacks will be available. Please enter from front gate 1 on Highway 111.
Want to get a (literal and figurative) taste of Armenian culture? Head to this annual cultural celebration at St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church for two days of Armenian dance performances, church tours, an arts and craft fair, a children's zone (complete with bounce house), live music and of course plenty of traditional dishes to taste, from your choice of beef, lamb or chicken kebab to baklava and fresh Armenian coffee.
Cost: $5 for general admission, with food and beverage available for an additional cost
Looking for a tasty escape this weekend? Explore delicious international cuisine from acclaimed food purveyors and award-winning, chef-owned restaurants at this Palm Springs festival. Looking for something else to do in addition to sipping and munching the afternoon away? Watch live celebrity -- and emerging -- chef and mixology demonstrations, listen to talented musicians and soak up the impressive view of the San Jacinto Mountains. This event benefits the Culinary Institute of America, Les Dames d'Escoffier and DAP Health.
The 9th Annual Indio BBQ Festival takes place this weekend in downtown Indio, so grab the whole family and enjoy an afternoon of smoky, savory goodness, live entertainment, free kids games, face painting, and a beer garden for the adults. This year, attendees can enjoy dishes from local favorites like Uncle D's Smokehouse BBQ, Smokey Lips BBQ, Big Dev's BBQ, and more.
Support three local nonprofits by purchasing tickets to this new three-character, two-act play featuring some of the region's most talented and acclaimed actors. "Unwanted Laughter" by award winning playwright Marty Martin stars Yo Younger in the role of Tallulah, Jason Mannino as Tennessee, and Sonia Boyd Reavis as Tallulah's understudy, Sandy, directed by Phylicia Mason. As the event's website says, this play "promises hilarious wit and heartbreaking insights into the lives of two of America's legendary thespians during a time of sexual repression and legal jeopardy." This staged reading benefits the Museum of Ancient Wonders, the LGBTQ+ World History Museum, and Temple Isaiah's LGBTQ+ Twice Blessed Program.
Cost: $25 in advance, $30 at the door the day of or $125 for VIP, the latter of which includes a post-performance reception with the cast
This annual festival offers dancemakers and dancers the opportunity to showcase their work and engage audiences around dance in the Coachella Valley. Attendees at the Saturday performance will see both a Lifetime Achievement presentation and a lineup of original pieces across various styles performed by companies from around the nation, and the winners -- selected by an esteemed group of judges -- will be announced at the conclusion of the performance. The Sunday afternoon performance showcases local dancers participating in East Valley Dance Project as well as other student dancers, and the winner of that competition will also be announced at the end of the show.
Building Bridges for Special Needs and the Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert are teaming up for this inclusive community event, which will showcase the artistic talents of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities alongside those of local community artists. Looking to get a headstart on your holiday shopping? You can feel good about shopping the wide variety of unique, handmade arts and crafts at this market, which, as event organizers describe it, "promotes inclusion, celebrates diversity and provides a welcoming space for all community members to come together and support the newly re-imagined museum." Proceeds from the event will benefit the Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert.
Where: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10
Where: The Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert, 71-701 Gerald Ford Drive, Rancho Mirage
To submit an event for The Desert Sun's consideration in future 10 things to do stories, send an email to [email protected] with the time, date, location and price of admission for your event, as well as a brief event description. Photos are not required, but are highly encouraged as part of the submission.