From food trucks to an ELO concert: 10 things to do in the Coachella Valley this week
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, 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:
Food Truck Fridays
Looking for a community event that’s easy on the wallet and is family-friendly? Come round out the work week with food and fun in Indio. Indio’s Food Truck Fridays have become a tradition in the city, held downtown at the corner of Towne Street and Bliss Avenue. A rotating selection of different food trucks are available for customers to enjoy, so there’s always something new. Once you’ve got your food, sit back and enjoy the live music and other activities. It’s a great way to start the weekend.
When: 5-10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23
Where: The corner of Towne Street and Bliss Avenue in downtown Indio
Cost: Free admission, with various items available for purchase
More info: indio.org
Squeeze & Boy George in Concert
Boy George is simply a legend. This Irish-Catholic kid from Kent, England helped to usher in a new genre of music, new wave, in the 1980s and became one of the biggest music sensations of that era, rivaled only by that other new-waver, Madonna. His music still resonates today with millions of fans, plus a new generation of diehard followers for his hit songs and unapologetic androgyny that have become his moniker. Since he blasted onto the music scene with Culture Club singing "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me," he has maintained a solid career and thrills audiences with megahits like "Time (Clock of the Heart)" and "Karma Chameleon.” He’ll be performing with the English rock band, The Squeeze,” who have been making hit music in the UK for 50 years.
When: Doors open at 6:30 p.m., concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23
Where: The Show at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage
Cost: $110-$175 + meet/greet packages available
More info: aguacalientecasinos.com
Palm Desert Aquatic Center's Hot Summer Nights
Did you know that one of the desert's hot dancefloors is at a public pool? Until Aug. 30, head to the Palm Desert Aquatic Center every Friday to experience all the center's typical amenities — open recreational swimming, water slides, diving boards, an obstacle course, a rope swing, and a snack bar — as well as a dance party fueled by DJs spinning all the hits.
When: 7:30-10:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23
Where: Palm Desert Aquatic Center, 73-751 Magnesia Falls Drive, Palm Desert
Cost: $8 per person, children under 2 years old are free
More info: pdpool.com
The Average White Band in Concert
There’s no better way to wrap up the 2024 summer concert season in the Coachella Valley than to lay down some funk with The Average White Band. Although their roots are in Scotland, AWB became one of the biggest, most classic R&B/funk bands to hit the airwaves, especially after their performance on Don Cornelius’ "Soul Train." Their songs “Let’s Go Round Again,” “Cut the Cake” and “Pick up the Pieces” were club favorites, and the latter was on the soundtrack of the movie “Swingers.” Most notably, their ballad, “A Love Of Their Own” is still played on classic R&B radio. Their extensive discography has inspired many, and this is their final tour, so don’t miss it.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23
Where: Spotlight 29 Casino, 46-200 Harrison Place, Coachella
Cost: $10-$60
More info: spotlight29.com/entertainment
Kings of Leon in Concert
Platinum band Kings of Leon hasn't been nominated for 13 Grammy Awards (and won four) for nothing. This spirited group birthed from a Southern-rock tradition, has crossed over into mainstream rock in the U.S. and abroad with megahits like “Use Somebody” and “Sex on Fire.” “Sex on Fire” stayed on the UK Singles Charts for 42 consecutive weeks. The band consists of three brothers (Jared, Caleb, and Nathan Followill) and one cousin (Matthew Followill), and is currently on tour promoting its latest album, “Can We Please Have Fun.” Also performing is electronic rock duo Phantogram. Don’t miss them at Acrisure Arena this Friday.
When: 8 p.m Friday, Aug. 23
Where: 75-702 Varner Road, Palm Desert
Cost: Starting at $34.50
More info: acrisurearena.com
2024 Dragonfly Gala for the Malki Museum
Join the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and Dorothy Ramon Learning Center in celebrating the Dragonfly Awards, which honor “high-soaring achievements in saving and sharing Native American cultures to Malki!” The awards will feature the ritual of bird singing, native songs and dance, plus a silent auction. Come help the Malki Museum celebrate its 60th year. The event is sponsored by Dorothy Ramon Learning Center.
When: 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24
Where: Morongo Community Center, 13-000 Fields Road, Banning
Cost: From $60
More info: malkimuseum.org
Wine Tasting & Tapas
Join wine enthusiasts for the final event in the Cocktails & Culinary series this week at the W Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, which boasts the theme “Noche Espa?ola.” Led by an award-winning chef, attendees will be guided through a tasting selection of traditional Spanish wines, and will get to sample the most famous Spanish drink, sangria. All of this will be accompanied by savory tapas, aka those Spanish appetizers served in bars and eateries across the country.
When: 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24
Where: JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, 74-855 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert
Cost: $129-$159
More info: marriott.com
Jeff Lynne’s ELO in Concert
“Don’t Bring Me Down,” and “Evil Woman” are well-known ELO hits, but this classic rock band has over 50 years of time-honored songs in its archive that you’ll enjoy this Saturday during their stop in the valley. ELO, also known as Electric Light Orchestra, is a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee. The band is famous for its electrifying melodies and orchestration that blends rock 'n' roll with classical-sounding composition. Plus, they have had 20 Billboard Hot 100 hits. Come out this week to hear Jeff Lynn’s ELO and hits like “Mr. Blue Sky” at Acrisure Arena.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24
Where: 75-702 Varner Road, Palm Desert
Cost: From $125
More info: acrisurearena.com
Comedian Ron Funches Live
Comedian and TV veteran Ron Funches, the voice of Bloofy in this summer’s blockbuster hit, "Inside Out 2," is bringing his zany stand-up show to Agua Caliente in Palm Springs. Funches has cut his teeth in the industry through repeated voice and acting roles in shows like "Blackish," "Trolls: Trolls Topia," "Undateable," and "Harley Quinn." He is currently starring on the show "LOOT" on Apple TV. But his greatest success has come with his hilarious stand-up act where he jokes about everything from weight loss to raising a child with autism. Don’t miss Funches this Saturday.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24
Where: Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs, 401 East Amado Road, Palm Springs
Cost: $40-$100
More info: aguacalientecasinos.com
Monument Night Adventures and Night Sky Viewing Stars & Planets
Not interested in heading to a theater this weekend? Get outdoors instead and join the Friends of the Desert Mountains for Monument Night Adventures. You’ll see that there’s more to the desert than meets the eye, especially when the sun goes down. Learn about the nocturnal desert ecosystem and the night sky that overlooks it. Attendees will be taken on a short walk through the Art Smith Trailhead and use blacklights to view the desert beyond twilight. Volunteers will also have telescopes set up for Night Sky Viewing, where attendees can take a closer look at distant planets and stars. RSVP is required for both events, and it is recommended that you bring your own blacklight, water, bug spray and close-toed shoes.
When: 8-10:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24
Where: Art Smith Trailhead, Highway 74, Palm Desert
Cost: Free (bring water and wear appropriate shoes)
More info: desertmountains.org
Alex Grauel is The Desert Sun's summer 2024 intern. He's a rising senior journalism student at Arizona State University, and a native of Rancho Mirage. You can email Alex at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: 10 things to do in the Palm Springs area this week, Aug. 19-25
