January in Palm Springs brings plenty of shows, activities and events. With the best weather in the country and, assuming Christmas and New Year’s haven’t left you completely broke, here are some of the best things you can do in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indio, and the rest of the Coachella Valley.
Palm Springs Rich People Prom (and Film Festival) – January 3 – 14
Look, we all know the super-expensive and exclusive Palm Springs Rich People Prom (or as they call it, the Palm Springs International Film Festival Gala) gets all the attention because the wealthy people in town get to put on fancy clothes and be in the same room as people that make movies for a living – but there’s also an actual film festival with screenings of actual movies that, on occasion, have a Q&A attached to them featuring a director or star of the flick, which can be kind of cool. This year will also see the debut of a Hollywood club doing a pop-up during the fest, so that should be interesting.
(Palm Springs International Film Festival)
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Polo – All Month
Games begin again at the Empire Polo Club (the same spot where they hold Coachella and Stagecoach) on December 30 and run through March. Admission is just $20 per car, so be sure to carpool in with your friends. General admission includes bleacher seats and field-side tailgate spots on the east side of Field 1. Food and beverage service is available on site (there is also a VIP section, if that’s more your style). Sunday Polo games are scheduled at noon and two all season.
Resilience Night in the Desert – January 4
La Quinta Brewing has teamed up with Sierra Nevada to brew a special IPA, with proceeds from each pint going to those impacted by the Camp Fire. The kickoff event at thew brewery will include live music and a food truck.
Get more info here.
More: See all the cool stuff coming to Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley in February here.
Bell Biv Devoe – January 4
The trio behind such wise words as, “Never trust a big butt and a smile” come to Cabazon with a show at Morongo Casino. Tickets are $49 to $59.
Get more info here.
LiveWell Festival – January 5
The Desert's Largest Health & Wellness Event.
Start your new year off on the right foot with Palm Desert’s LiveWell Festival. Join us for the desert’s largest interactive health & wellness event of the year for a day filled with fun the whole family can enjoy. The festival will feature:A Huge 1.5 K Color RunLive Music & Entertainment A Kid’s Zone Fitness DemosComplementary Wellness Services … And it’s all Free and open To the public So join us for the Palm Desert’s LiveWell Festival, on Saturday, January 6, at Palm Desert Civic Center Park.For more info visit us at www.livewellfestival.org
Posted by The LiveWell Festival on Wednesday, December 6, 2017
The first weekend of 2019 will include a health and wellness festival in Palm Desert that will include vendors, a yoga event, and a kids zone at Palm Desert Civic Center Park.
Back to the 90s – January 12
Alright. Stop! Collaborate and listen. Coolio, C&C Music Factory featuring Freedom Williams, Tone Loc, and Vanilla Ice take to the stage at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio on Saturday, January 12. Tickets will run you $39 to $69.
Get more info here.
Jersey Boys – January 15 – 20
The McCallum Theater plays host to the musical chronicling the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. The musical includes the hits “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” and “December, 1963 (Oh What A Night).” Tickets will set you back $68 to $138.
Desert Classic – January 16 – 20
The newly renamed Desert Classic doesn’t have a sponsor this year, but it does have two concerts during the event with Sammy Hagar on Friday and Bad Company on Saturday after the golf ends. A one day ticket will run you $30 with other options available for multiple days at a higher price.
Southwest Arts Festival – January 24 – 27
The 32nd installment is scheduled to include the works of nearly 250 artists showcasing clay, drawing, glass, jewelry, metal works, painting, photography, sculpture, and textiles. The fest takes place at the Empire Polo Club in Indio and runs 10 am to 5 pm Thursday to Saturday and 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday so everyone can get home in time for 60 Minutes.
The Wizard of Oz – January 25 – 27
The national tour of the beloved musical comes to Palm Desert with a 5-show stop a the McCallum Theater. Getting to the show is easy, just follow the yellow brick road and grab your tickets which are priced between $65 and $125.
The Next Best Thing – January 25
Spotlight 29 kicks of their Friday night tribute concert with Queen Nation, a tribute to Queen. Tickets start at $10.
Get more info here.
This post will be updated as new events are announced, so be sure to check back. Anything we missed? Let us know about it here.
