12 things to do in the Coachella Valley Nov. 11-17
No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, hopefully we can agree that the highs and lows of the past several days have been exhausting. It's time for an escape.
If you're looking for some fun things to do this week, we've put together a list of 12 things happening between Nov. 11 and 17 in the Coachella Valley and Joshua Tree area.
Consider checking out the following events:
'Res Basel' art exhibit
If you want to support BIPOC artists, this is the place to do it. Res Basel is a showcase of some of the most current work from Native, Chicano and Latinx artists who blur lines between the fine art world and the street art world(s), as the event description says. These artists are all entrenched in their communities, and their works signifies how important culture and sub-culture has become in creating cultural shifts. Curated by artist Douglas Miles Sr., this exhibit shows works by Shizu Saldamando, Keo Xmen, Mike Miller, Douglas Miles Jr., Al Diáz, Sienide, Thomas BREEZE Marcus, Rebekah Miles, Indie 184, Deity, Carlos Ramirez, Vyal One, Dwayne Manuel, and Douglas Miles Sr. Note: During this show's opening reception, The Marks Center will also host a COD Student Art Market from 4 to 6 p.m.
When: Nov. 12-Dec. 13 (opening reception 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, which features a performance by Desert and Mountain Cahuilla Bird Singers. Free parking available in Lot 28)
Where: The Walter N. Marks Center for the Arts, College of the Desert, 43-500 Monterey Ave., Palm Desert
Cost: Free admission, with pieces available for purchase
More info: collegeofthedesert.edu/community
Acrisure Arena Holiday Tree Lighting
Kick off the holiday season at Acrisure with a 55-foot Christmas tree, the (self-professed) largest in the Coachella Valley. The community is invited to experience a variety of activities at this event, including writing letters to Santa, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and the Coachella Valley Firebirds mascot Fuego, entertainment from DJ Modgirl and holiday treats. Got some extra cash to spend? Grab some tickets to stick around for Mariah Carey's concert after the tree lighting.
When: 5 p.m. Nov. 13
Where: Acrisure Arena, 75-702 Varner Road, Palm Desert
Cost: Free admission
More info: acrisurearena.com/event
Hot Spot Bingo with Deven Green and Handsome Ned
Looking for an escape this week? Head to Hot Spot Bingo at Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City to enjoy music, fun, games, trivia and prizes. Note: This is a digital bingo game on your phone, so make sure to charge it beforehand. Must be an Ace Club Member to play, but membership is free. No reservation necessary.
When: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13
Where: Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City, 68-960 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City
Cost: Free entry
More info: devengreen.com
Opening Reception for 'Off the Wall'
The Artists Council is kicking off the holiday season early with its new "Off the Wall" Show & Sale. Art aficionadas and community members alike are invited to experience the talent of local artists up close and personal at this unique exhibit, which will showcase an array of more than 100 2D and 3D artworks created by Artists Council member artists.
When: Opening reception is 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, but the exhibit runs Nov. 13-Dec. 8
Where: Artists Center at the Galen, 72-567 Highway 111, Palm Desert
Cost: Free admission, with art available for purchase (and admission is free during the Artists Center's regular hours, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday)
More info: artistscouncil.com
La Quinta Art Celebration Encore
Experience the fall version of one of the Coachella Valley's top art events this week. This outdoor affair will showcase 165 juried artists from across the nation and abroad. The creators exhibit their original artworks in styles ranging from classical to whimsical, which span 12 mediums: 2D mixed media, 3D mixed media, ceramics, digital art, drawing & pastel, fiber, glass, jewelry, painting, photography, sculpture and wood. Attendees can also enjoy dining offerings from popular local restaurants, premium top-shelf beverages and live music.
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14-Sunday, Nov. 17
Where: La Quinta Civic Center, 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta
Cost: From $27
More info: laquintaartcelebration.org
Opening Reception for Art Exhibit 'Elysium Of Distorted Harmony' by Darwin Leon
Kick off your weekend at Musonium Gallery for a free evening of dynamic art, wine and light refreshments. Be among the first to see this solo exhibition by Darwin Leon "exploring the juxtaposition of chaos and tranquility, reflecting on the complexities of human emotions and the paradoxes of modern life."
When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15 (exhibit runs through Dec. 7)
Where: Musonium Gallery, 1090 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite I, Palm Springs
Cost: Free admission
More info: musoniumgallery.com
Palm Springs Hospitality Association Inaugural Pickleball Tournament
Kick off your Saturday in true Palm Springs fashion: with a game a pickleball. Enjoy a day of action-packed competition and charity presented by Palm Springs Hospitality & Restaurant Association. Don't miss the main event, a local celebrity pickleball match in which Palm Springs Chief of Police Andy Mills will take on Kim Jagd, star player for the Coachella Valley Scorpions in the National Pickleball League. This event will benefit the Palm Springs Hospitality Association Scholarship Fund and the Boys & Girls Palm Springs, with all proceeds supporting local youth and community programs.
When: Registration starts at 8 a.m., play starts at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 16
Where: Demuth Park, 4375 E. Mesquite Ave., Palm Springs
Cost: Registration costs start at $50
More info: palmspringshospitality.org
Kewet Native American Learning Day & Market
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians presents this annual Kewet Native American Learning Day and Market. This free-admission event shares culture and history with community members and visitors. Kewet, the Cahuilla word for fiesta, will feature activities including bird singers and dancers; demonstrations and hands-on activities such as basket weaving.
When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16
Where: Palm Springs High School, 2401 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: Free admission
More info: aguacaliente.org/kewet
Coachella Valley Journalism Foundation presents Author Michael Lee in Conversation with Hank Plante
The Coachella Valley Journalism Foundation invites the public to enjoy a conversation between retired journalist Hank Plante and author Michael Lee surrounding Lee's new book "When the Band Played On: The Life of Randy Shilts, America’s Trailblazing Gay Journalist." Leehas had a dynamic, decades-long career of LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS organizing, human services, research, writing, and teaching, and his new book tells the story of Shilts, the first openly gay reporter assigned to a gay beat at a mainstream paper.
When: 7-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: From $27
More info: cvjf.org
Public unveiling of 'NEIGHBORS' by artist John Cerney
Renowned California muralist John Cerney will unveil a new public artwork titled "NEIGHBORS" this weekend, according to a press release, following the success of his celebrated "POPSICLES," the popular installation in south downtown Palm Springs installed by the Palm Springs Public Arts Commission. That piece, which was up from 2021 to 2023, became a viral internet sensation that drew visitors from all over the world. This highly anticipated new outdoor art piece, which is a private collaboration between the artist and the site owner, will stand where "POPSICLES" once stood, and will feature five monumental figures of Palm Springs legends, each standing between 10 and 12 feet tall.
When: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17
Where: 605 E. Sunny Dunes Road, Palm Springs
Cost: Free admission
More info: facebook.com/events/7956227967810212
Palm Springs Art Museum Family+
Bring your family to the Palm Springs Art Museum every third Sunday of the month for Family+, a free event that transforms the museum into a creative hub where artists, makers and musicians come together to offer a variety of activities and workshops for people of all ages. This month’s Family+ event features four options: You can join Crissy Hastings of Soulzenter for a relaxing, family-friendly yoga mini session; you can use natural botanical stencils, poems, writings, and personal findings to create unique cyanotype prints; you can attend a screen printing and quilting workshop responding to current museum exhibit "Particles and Waves"; or you can join Nathaniel Gabor Professor of Quantum Physics at University of California Riverside for a workshop that combines art and science.
When: Noon-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17
Where: Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 N. Museum Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: Free
More info: psmuseum.org
Joshua Radin & Ron Pope
Get ready for a cozy night of live acoustic folk at this intimate show. Nashville-based singer-songwriter Ron Pope's heartfelt music is inspired by everything from a tornado hitting his hometown to effectively becoming a stay-at-home dad, while Cleveland native Joshua Radin is known for his breakout song "Winter" that first played over an emotional scene on the NBC show "Scrubs" (at the suggestion of friend and star Zach Braff). Radin and Pope have performed on stages and sold-out venues across the globe, and now these acclaimed storytellers are headed to Pappy & Harriett's.
When: Doors at 8 p.m., show at 9 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17
Where: Pappy + Harriet's , Indoor Stage 53688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown
Cost: From $39
More info: pappyandharriets.com/live-music
(This story was updated to add information.)
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.
Tip: Send your submission as early as possible to make sure we have it in time, and to make sure your event jumps out in our inbox, put "10 things to do submission" in the email subject line.
Desert Sun reporter Ema Sasic contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: 12 things to do in the Palm Springs area Nov. 11-17