12 things to do in the Coachella Valley this week, July 15-21
The Coachella Valley is home to a number of events and activities to enjoy — even as we get into the dog days of summer. If you're interested in filling your calendar with events to beat the heat, we've put together a list of 10 things happening this week in the valley and nearby communities.
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Check out the following events this week:
Youth Reptile Show
This kid-friendly community event is part of the Palm Springs Library Summer Reading Program and is the perfect way to get children out of the heat, plus get them motivated about summer reading. The event is meant to be engaging and educational for pre-K through 5th graders and their siblings by exposing them to everyday reptiles that lurk in our desert. Each week, the library hosts story time, games, prizes and live events for young visitors and valley natives. It also provides Assisted Listening Devices (ALDs) for those who are hearing-impaired.
When: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 17
Where: Youth Room, Palm Springs Public Library, 300 S. Sunrise Way
Cost: Free
More info: palmspringsca.gov
CV Rep Summer Cabaret Series presents Glenn Rosenblum's 'Broadway Showstoppers'
Come see a familiar face at the next event in the Coachella Valley Repertory Summer Cabaret Series. Glenn Rosenblum — who you might have seen in CV Rep's productions of "Ballroom," "Chess," and "Glenn Rosenblum is the Musical Man" — is the local theater company's very own "Broadway Musical Maven," and he's back this summer with another "Broadway Showstoppers" series. This week's theme is "Celebrating Broadway's Greatest Composers and Lyricists," and will feature special guests Eileen Barnett and Gwendolyn Coleman, with Michael Reno on the piano. Can't make it to the Wednesday show? Head to CV Rep the next evening for the next cabaret event featuring Brent Barrett & Bernie Blanks.
When: 6 p.m. social hour, 7 p.m. show Wednesday, July 17 (and Brent Barrett & Bernie Blanks are at the same time but on Thursday, July 18)
Where: Coachella Valley Repertory, 68-510 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City
Cost: $50
More info: cvrep.com
Eli Levi in Concert
Singer-songwriter Eli Lev aims to make the world a smaller place, one song at a time. Lev's lyrics and melodies are written for "everyday enlightenment — songs that resonate because they’re heartfelt, earthy, and offer the wisdom he’s gained through lifelong travel and self-discovery," as his official bio states. The Silver Spring, Maryland-based artist's latest project, EP "Walk.Talk.Dance.Sing," was inspired by the range of emotions we all experienced living through the COVID-19 pandemic, so if you're ready to get in your feels, head to his Thursday night show at Bart.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, July 18
Where: Bart Lounge, 67-555 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Unit 124, Cathedral City
Cost: Free admission, with drinks available for purchase
More info: bartlounge.com
Taste Buds Dining Series Featuring Chefs Armbay and Doutee Zakaria
Brothers and L.A. chefs Chefs Armbay and Dotee Zakaria are bringing Syrian-Circassian food to the Coachella Valley with Nawal, their pop-up restaurant which serves Syrian family recipes with a Circassian twist. This Friday, you can taste the brothers' cuisine at the King's Highway restaurant in the Ace Hotel as part of the venue's Taste Buds Summer Chef series. The fest also includes a pool party with DJ. Come enjoy some tasty, time-honored traditions like fatteh and a soujouk wrap this weekend.
When: Noon-10 p.m., Friday July 19
Where: Kings Highway at the Ace Hotel, 701 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: From $30
More info: acehotel.com
Screening of 'Pink Belt' benefitting the LGBTQ+ World History Museum
Come see a sneak preview of the human rights documentary "Pink Belt" following women's activist and 16-time women's martial arts national champion Aparna Rajawat of India. Filmmaker John McCrite is bringing his new film to the Coachella Valley for a special screening benefiting the relocation of the Museum of Ancient Wonders to — and the formation of the LGBTQ+ World History Museum in — Palm Springs.
When: 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, July 19
Where: Mary Pickford is D'Place movie theater, 36-850 Pickfair St., Cathedral City
Cost: $25-$200
More info: eventbrite.com
Flo Rida in Concert
“Hit the flo’” with Grammy, Billboard and American Music Award-nominated musical artist Flo Rida on Friday as he performs hits such as “Low” (feat. T-Pain), “Good Feeling,” “My House,” plus club favorites like “Right Round” (feat. Ke$sha), and “Wild Ones.” His debut album, "Mail on Sunday," had multiple hits, and his 2012 album "Wild Ones" charted on the US Billboard 200. He's also a crossover king, with a fanbase of rap, hip-hop and pop enthusiasts. Get ready for an experience Friday at Spotlight 29 Casino.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, July 19
Where: Spotlight 29 Casino, 46-200 Harrison Place, Coachella
Cost: Starting at $62.90
More info: spotlight29.com/entertainment/
The Show presents Ziggy Marley
Reggae legend Ziggy Marley brings his “Circle of Peace” tour to The Show at Aqua Caliente Casino this Friday. The Jamaica-born artist has carried on the family tradition of reggae, but has married it with other genres like the blues and rock, creating up-tempo music with a Caribbean beat. He is a top-selling reggae artist, and some of his albums, such as "Love is my Religion" and "Family Time," have won him Grammys for Best Reggae Album and Best Musical Album for Children. This Friday, come brighten up your night at The Show.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, July 19
Where: The Show at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage
Cost: $75-$150
More info: aguacalientecasinos.com/agua-event
Guitarist & Bluesman Bill Magee at the Cascade Lounge
Mississippi-born Bill Magee brings his soulful band and good old-fashioned blues to the Cascade Lounge at Agua Caliente Casino this Friday. Magee is known for his down-home rhythm that reflects his roots, and he has accompanied many greats in the industry such as Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker and B.B. King. He began his career at age 14. Among his career highlights, he's been voted the Best Blues Band in the San Diego metroplex by the San Diego Music Association.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, July 19
Where: The Cascade Lounge at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs, 401 E. Amado Road, Palm Springs
Cost: $15-$45
More info: eventbrite.com
Taste of Summer at Rancho Mirage
From Thai food to steak houses and French cuisine, the dining experience in Rancho Mirage is enough to satisfy every foodie’s palate. And for two weeks beginning this Friday, guests of the valley and natives can get a “passport to flavor town” with a $10 wristband that grants you access to a variety of promotions offered by local restaurants. Come in from the heat and enjoy recipes from top chefs and local favorites as the city continues its annual Taste of Summer event that supports local restaurants and nonprofits.
When: July 19-31
Where: Various locations, check website for details
Cost: Various prices, check website for details
More info: tasteofsummerranchomirage.com
Open Cockpit Saturday
The Palm Springs Air Museum is ranked one of the top aviation museums in the world by CNN. But it is more than just a museum: it’s a place of adventure, stimulation, and all-around fun with actual American war veterans as docents and guides. Now, when you visit between 10 a.m. and noon on Saturdays this summer, you're allowed to sit at the controls and pose for pictures inside a selected aircraft made accessible to the public. This Saturday, visitors can see the F-104 Starfighter up close and in person.
When: The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Sunday, but Open Cockpit Saturdays take place between 10 a.m. and noon every Saturday (including Saturday, July 20)
Where: Palm Springs Air Museum, 745 N. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs
Cost: $24 for adults, $22 for seniors, retirees, veterans and teenagers, and children under 12 are free with adult admission
More info: palmspringsairmuseum.org/programs
Get Air Trampoline Park Summer Bash
If you’re looking for an indoor, family-friendly activity to beat the triple-digit heat, Get Air Trampoline Park has you covered. The indoor park features “wall-to-wall” trampolines, foam pits, slamball, an open-air jumping space for the entire family and a kiddie court — all inside of a massive, air-conditioned space. At Summer Bash this Saturday, you can jump for three hours for the price of two. With a live DJ to add music to the festivities, this is definitely the place to cool off from the heat. Pizza and snacks can be purchased separately.
When: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, July 20
Where: Get Air Trampoline Park, 34450 Gateway Drive, Suite 110, Palm Desert
Cost: $26
More info: getairsports.com/palm-desert
Christmas in July benefiting Tools For Tomorrow
Celebrate Christmas in July at The Roost with two different events benefiting Tools for Tomorrow this week. Choose from a soul food brunch featuring local songstress Keisha D. and her gospel choir or Rebecca Clark’s Hello Gorgeous Barbra Streisand tribute dinner show. Regardless of what you choose, your purchase will help fund Tools For Tomorrow’s free after-school arts literacy program for Coachella Valley children between the ages of 8 and 11.
When: 10 a.m. Sunday, July 21 for the gospel brunch; 5 p.m. Sunday, July 21 for the dinner concert
Where: The Roost Lounge, 68-718 E. Palm Canyon Drive #203, Cathedral City
Cost: $99 for gospel brunch or $129 for the dinner show
More info: theroostcc.com or (760) 507-8495
Features Editor Niki Kottmann contributed to this report.
Inclusion in The Desert Sun's weekly community calendar is solely at the editors' discretion. Priority is given to free and community-oriented events.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: 12 things to do in the Coachella Valley this week, July 15-21
