Things to Do in Palm Springs This Weekend | Local Events & Ideas
Looking for things to do in Palm Springs this weekend? This guide covers what’s actually worth doing across Greater Palm Springs, including Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, La Quinta, and nearby cities.
This isn’t a bloated event dump or a tourism board wishlist. It’s a practical, locally informed rundown of weekend events, easy outings, and low-effort ideas that make sense for a desert weekend.
Last updated for the weekend of: January 23 – 25, 2026
Quick reality check: Distances in the desert are deceiving, midday heat is undefeated, and holiday weekends change everything. Plan outdoor activities early, leave buffer time between cities, and don’t assume “it’s only 15 minutes away” means anything.
Happening This Weekend in Greater Palm Springs
Happening This Weekend in Greater Palm Springs
Southwest Arts Festival (Fri–Sun) — Indio (Empire Polo Club)
Why it’s worth it: One of the valley’s biggest art events of the year with more than 200 artists showing paintings, sculpture, jewelry, photography, and more across a beautiful polo club setting.
Good to know: Ticketed, outdoors, and a full-day experience if you want to browse deeply. Best earlier in the day for cooler weather and lighter crowds.
Details: Event info
Hijos de Barrón at Spotlight 29 Casino (Fri) — Coachella
Why it’s worth it: Live norteño music from a popular regional touring act at the casino showroom — good energy and a real desert night experience.
Good to know: Ticketed, indoors at the casino, and easy to combine with dinner or slots before/after.
Details: Event info
Katt Williams at Acrisure Arena (Sat) — Palm Desert
Why it’s worth it: National comedy headliner in the valley’s big arena — a chance for an actual “event night” with laughs on Saturday.
Good to know: Ticketed and indoors; parking and crowds are typical arena-scale, so plan arrival accordingly.
Details: Event info
El Flaco & Julio Preciado at Fantasy Springs (Sat) — Indio
Why it’s worth it: Regional Mexican music legends share a stage for a high-energy Saturday night show.
Good to know: Ticketed, indoors at the casino showroom; great for fans of banda and norteño sounds.
Details: Event info
The Whispers with Morris Day & The Time at Spotlight 29 Casino (Sat) — Coachella
Why it’s worth it: Classic R&B and funk from legendary artists — a fun night of familiar hits.
Good to know: Ticketed show at the casino showroom; indoor and easy to pair with dinner.
Details: Event info
Easy Weekend Ideas (Across Greater Palm Springs)
These are the “we want to do something but don’t want to overcommit” options. No tickets. No schedules. Minimal regret.
1) Walk Palm Canyon Drive (Palm Springs)
If you’re anywhere near Downtown Palm Springs, this is the easiest win. Coffee, shops, galleries, and people-watching with zero planning. The key is actually stopping somewhere instead of just pacing in the sun.
2) Indian Canyons (Palm Springs)
One of the most reliable outdoor options near Palm Springs, especially in cooler months. Go early, bring water, and don’t assume shade is guaranteed. For a shorter, more manageable visit, Andreas Canyon is usually the best bet.
3) Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
If the valley feels brutal, the Tram is the cheat code. Cooler temperatures, different scenery, and an easy way to reset without leaving the area. Lines can get long on weekends, so timing matters.
What to know before riding the Tram
4) A short, realistic hike
Greater Palm Springs has plenty of hikes that won’t derail the rest of your day. Keep it short, start early, and don’t confuse “popular” with “easy.”
- Tahquitz Canyon — Palm Springs — A short, well-marked hike to a waterfall with cultural significance and actual payoff. Best done early in the morning before the heat and crowds stack up.
- Andreas Canyon — Palm Springs — Flat, scenic, and educational, with shade from palm groves and a creek. Ideal if you want something outdoorsy without committing to a full hike. Morning or late afternoon works best.
- Bump and Grind Trail — Palm Desert — Popular for a reason, but still manageable if you start early. Steady incline, big views, and no technical nonsense. Avoid midday unless you enjoy regret.
Food & Drink Worth Leaving the House For
Sometimes the weekend plan is just eating well and not being rushed. Greater Palm Springs is very good at this.
1) Breakfast or brunch done right
Eat first, then do things. Otherwise you’ll end up standing in line, sunburned and irritated, debating pancakes versus “something light.”
Best breakfast spots in Palm Springs
2) Happy hour that still feels like a deal
Happy hour in the desert ranges from excellent to deeply disappointing. The good ones are consistent. The bad ones rely on location and optimism.
Best happy hours in Palm Springs
3) One standout dinner pick this weekend
This is where you rotate in something timely: a seasonal menu, a new opening, a live-music night, or a reliable favorite that makes sense right now.
- Workshop Kitchen + Bar — Palm Springs — A consistent, upscale-but-not-precious dinner that works when you want something memorable without gambling on a brand-new opening. Best for couples, visitors who want a “Palm Springs night out,” or locals who just want a meal they know will land.
If You’re Only Here One Day
If you’re squeezing Greater Palm Springs into a single day, don’t try to cover multiple cities aggressively. Pick one main area and build around it.
- Morning: Coffee + short outdoor activity (Indian Canyons, easy walk, neighborhood stroll)
- Midday: Lunch indoors with air conditioning
- Afternoon: Shops, galleries, or pool time
- Evening: Dinner + a show, live music, or a cocktail spot
Related Guides
Disclaimer: Events, hours, prices, and availability change frequently, especially seasonally. This guide reflects the most reliable information available at the time of updating. Always confirm details directly with venues and organizers.
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Written by : Casey Dolan
Casey is the founder of Cactus Hugs and also works with local businesses on their websites and digital marketing. Learn more (and hire!) him here. Please, send him your news tips and your whiskey!