October is upon us, but here at The Desert Sun, we're not quite ready to dip our toes into spooky season just yet.
Instead, we've rounded up a list of all types of events this week, from the Firebirds season opener to the return of a beloved music festival for queer women — aka the best ways to kick off fall in the desert.
Here's our picks for the top things to do the week of Monday, Sept. 28 in the Coachella Valley.
'A Palette of Possibilities' Art Exhibit
Kick off the new season at The Artists Center with this dynamic exhibit. As the press release says: "All is possible through imagination and artistic expression. 'A Palette of Possibilities' celebrates the limitless creative paths artists explore through color, technique, style, and vision. This exhibition honors artistic curiosity
and the transformative power of creativity across all media."
When: Now through Oct. 4
Where: The Artists Center, 72-567 Highway 111, Palm Desert
Cost: Free admission, with art available for purchase
More info: artistscouncil.com
Greater Palm Springs Spa Month
Experience the best spa and wellness offers of the year during Greater Palm Springs Spa Month before it comes to a close Sept. 30. For the last three days of the month, resort spas, day spas, wellness centers and natural hot springs across Greater Palm Springs are offering exclusive treatments, special packages and unique wellness experiences.
When: Now through Sept. 30
Where: Various locations in the Coachella Valley (see website below for more info)
Cost: Prices vary per location (see website below for more info)
More info: visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/spa-month/
The Dinah 2026
The Dinah, the legendary queer women's music festival held annually in Palm Springs, kicks off at the end of the month. The event begins with the first party of the weekend at 8 p.m. on Sept. 30 (which is free to attend), and continues with more parties, performances and fun all weekend long. Performers include Da Brat, Hayley Kiyoko, Sasha Keable, The Aces, Dinah DJs, dancers and more.
When: Wednesday, Sept. 30-Sunday, Oct. 4
Where: Hilton Palm Springs, 400 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, and Hotel Zoso, 150 S. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: $303.94 general admission; day passes also available from $123.75
More info: thedinah.com
Free Community Screening of 'The Goodbye Girl'
Come enjoy a screening of this award-winning 1977 American romantic comedy-drama written by Neil Simon and starring Richard Dreyfuss and Marsha Mason. "The Goodbye Girl," as the Palm Springs Cultural Center says on its website, was playing in June when the theater was evacuated during the fire that destroyed the theater's café. Now, they're bringing it "back to the big screen as an opportunity for everyone who missed the rest of the film that evening—and anyone who simply loves this warm, funny romantic comedy."
When: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: Free but must register at the link below
More info: eventbrite.com
Agua's Got Talent Semi-Finals Round 1
Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City recently launched Agua’s Got Talent, a new weekly competition showcasing local talent every Wednesday at Agave Caliente Tequila Bar. The free, weekly talent contest has been open to guests and performers ages 21 and older for the past month, inviting singers, acoustic vocal acts and comedians to compete. This week, it's time for the individual winners of each of the previous weeks to go head-to-head in the first round of the semi-finals (the second round will take place Oct. 7). The championship is scheduled for Oct. 9.
When: 7-10 p.m. every Wednesday, Sept. 30
Where: Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City, 68-960 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City
Cost: Free admission, with food and drink available for purchase
More info: aguacalientecasinos.com/agua-special/
Daughtry
The band Daughtry is making its grand return to the desert. Helmed by frontman Chris Daughtry, who finished in 4th place on "American Idol" Season 5, the band "had the top-selling album of 2007 and was the fastest selling rock debut album in Soundscan history," as the press release says. Their debut record was nominated for four GRAMMY Awards and won four American Music Awards, alongside seven Billboard Music Awards, including “Album of the Year.” In 2021, the band released their record "Dearly Beloved," with three singles all cracking the Top 10.
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30
Where: Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage
Cost: From $66.45
More info: aguacalientecasinos.com/agua-event/
Epson Tour Championship
Come watch some of the top young women in the sport of golf compete in the official “Road to the LPGA” tour. The Epson Tour, the official qualifying tour of the LPGA Tour, comes to a close this week with the Epson Tour Championship at the Indian Wells Golf Resort, and it will feature 80 players, determined by the 2026 Epson Tour Race for the Card standings following the Murphy USA El Dorado Shootout. The 72-hole championship in Indian Wells will feature a no-cut format. The total purse will begin at $250,000 in 2026, with the winner earning $100,000.
When: Oct. 1-4 (see full scheduled at website below)
Where: Indian Wells Golf Resort, 44-500 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells
Cost: From $19
More info: epsontourchampionship.com
Coachella Valley Firebirds vs. Ontario Reign: Opening Night
Are you ready for hockey season in the desert? The Firebirds 2026-27 season begins Oct. 2 with a special home opener against the Ontario Reign, so pull out your best red, blue and orange ensemble and get ready to scream for the Coachella Valley's home AHL team. Note: Both season tickets and individual game tickets are on sale now.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2
Where: Acrisure Arena, 75-702 Varner Road, Palm Desert
Cost: From $34
More info: acrisurearena.com/events/
'The Phil Collins Story'
There's indeed something "In The Air Tonight." Watch the story of music icon Phil Collins come to life at "The Phil Collins Story," a live docu-concert coming to the Special Events Center at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. This dynamic production celebrates the life of the lead vocalist of Genesis, from his chart-topping success with the aforementioned rock band to his many solo hits. Blending immersive storytelling, visuals and musicianship, this show created by Dean Elliott brings his legendary catalog to life.
When: Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2
Where: Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio
Cost: $42.50-$82.50
More info: fantasyspringsresort.com/entertainment/
Rickie Lee Jones
It isn't fully "season" yet, but the Plaza has plenty going on this September and October. This week, locals and visitors alike can enjoy a live show by a two-time Grammy Award winner and eight-time nominee "who has been inspiring pop culture for decades, beginning with her star-making self-titled debut and the seminal 'Pirates,'" as the theater's website says. Named the “premiere song-stylist and songwriter of her generation” by The New Yorker and “The Duchess of Coolsville” by Time magazine, Rickie Lee Jones Jones will offer an evening of music and storytelling based on her more than four decades of experience blending jazz, folk, rock and pop.
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3
Where: The Plaza Theatre, 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: From $79.05
More info: palmspringsplazatheatre.com/events/
To submit an event for The Desert Sun's consideration in future 10 things to do stories, send an email to niki.kottmann@desertsun.com 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.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: 3 major events return to the Palm Springs area this week. What to know
