We're so close, desert dwellers. Just a few more weeks of relying on air-conditioned or nighttime activities and then it'll be patio season, and our friends in cold places will be jealous all over again.
From free movie screenings to a roller derby game, there's plenty of events to get you through this next hot week.
So, here's our top 10 events to check out the week of Monday, Sept. 7 in the Coachella Valley.
Indio Movie Night
Head to Indio's Center Stage for a free movie night with the community. Next up on the big screen is "Bee Movie." The animated film follows Barry B. Benson, a bee who wants more out of life than just making honey. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs, snacks and more, but free popcorn will be provided to all attendees.
When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10
Where: Center Stage, 82-881 Miles Ave., Indio
Cost: Free admission and parking
More info: indio.org/home
Never Forget: Palm Springs 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
The Palm Springs Fire Department invites the community to come together on Sept. 11 to remember and honor the lives lost on that date 25 years ago, and to recognize the first responders who answered the call to service. Head to this event if you're looking for a space to reflect, remember and pay tribute to all those whose lives were forever changed on 9/11. Note: The ceremony will be held at Palm Springs Fire Station 2, and attendees are asked to arrive 15 minutes before it begins.
When: Be there by 8:15 a.m., ceremony starts 8:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11
Where: Palm Springs Fire Station 2, 300 N. El Cielo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: Free admission
More info: instagram.com
Sunnylands Films in the Gardens presents 'The Hidden Life of Trees'
Celebrate the return of Sunnylands for the fall season with the return of its September film series. This year, the theme is "Roots and Reveries," and it all kicks off Sept. 11 with "The Hidden Life of Trees," which is a 2020 documentary based on Peter Wohlleben's bestselling book of the same name. "The forester wrote vividly about his belief that trees can communicate with each other," the press release says," which is a "thesis explored in the documentary based on the book. (IMDb)/" Rated: PG. Run time: 1 hour 21 minutes.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11
Where: Sunnylands Center & Gardens, 37-977 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage
Cost: Free admission and parking
More info: sunnylands.org/event/
Island Fest
Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage will transform into the ultimate island escape for Island Fest, a special event headlined by J Boog with Katchafire, Anuhea and Eli-Mac. From the casino floor to the restaurants, poolside and every corner of the resort, experience a full day of authentic island vibes featuring live music, hula dancers, cultural entertainment and island-inspired food and cocktails.
When: 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12
Where: Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage
Cost: From $50
More info: aguacalientecasinos.com/agua-event/
¡VIVA INDIO! National Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
The second annual ¡VIVA INDIO! is back just in time for National Hispanic Heritage Month. Head to downtown Indio to kick off the month of festivities early with a vibrant celebration of Hispanic heritage and culture. Expect vendors selling everything from tacos to micheladas, a kid zone, pinata making, and live entertainment including ballet folklorico performances, mariachi performances and a headlining concert by Latin soul band Luna Roja.
When: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12
Where: Center Stage, 82-881 Miles Ave., Indio
Cost: Free admission, with food available for purchase
More info: instagram.com
McCallum Theatre Community Block Party and Ozomatli
The McCallum Theatre kicks off its 2026–2027 season with its first-ever free Community Block Party. Beginning at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 12, enjoy live music, local Hispanic and Latino-owned businesses, food vendors including Las Carretas Taco Shop, shopping, dancing, family-friendly activities and more with DJ Alf Alpha. Afterward, Los Angeles-based group Ozomatli takes the stage (ticket required).
When: 5:30 p.m. (Community Block Party) and 8 p.m. (Ozomatli ticketed concert) Saturday, Sept. 12
Where: McCallum Theatre, 73-000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert
Cost: Free (Community Block Party); starting at $50 (Ozomatli)
More info: mccallumtheatre.org/productions/
Coachella Valley Derby Girls vs Bad Fish Roller Derby Game
Don't miss the Coachella Valley Derby Girls taking on the fierce Bad Fish Roller Derby team in an adrenaline-packed, in-person roller derby game. Whether it's your first time watching a roller derby game or you've seen plenty, attendees can expect fast moves, big hits and plenty of drama as these teams battle it out on the track.
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12
Where: Palm Springs Air Museum, 745 N. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs
Cost: $10
More info: skatecvdg.com
Chuy Lizárraga
Mexican singer-songwriter Chuy Lizárraga is kicking off his new U.S. tour, El Chou de Chuy Lizárraga, presented by Live Nation and Rancho Humilde, Sept. 12 at Acrisure Arena. Lizárraga (and Luis Ángel “El Flaco”) will take to the Acrisure stage to bring "together some of the greatest names in Sinaloan music," the press release states.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12
Where: Acrisure Arena, 75-702 Varner Road, Palm Desert
Cost: Starting at $60.60
More info: acrisurearena.com/events/
Bylines, Broadcasts and the Big Screen
Calling all film and news enthusiasts: The Coachella Valley Journalism Foundation is launching a new film series showcasing some of the best journalism films in history with commentary by some of the biggest names in the industry. The series kicks off with a screening of "Citizen Kane," often considered one of the greatest movies of all time, which paints a fascinating portrait of newspaper magnate Charles Foster Kane following his death. Following the film, special guests Josh Mankiewicz, a "Dateline NBC" reporter, and Ben Mankiewicz, the host of Turner Classic Movies," will discuss the film. They are the grandsons of screenwriter Herman Mankiewicz, who co-wrote "Citizen Kane."
When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: $25 individual ticket; $200 film pass; $550 all-access pass
More info: cvjf.org
Weird Al Yankovic: Bigger & Weirder 2026 Tour
Weird Al brings his legendary full-production multimedia comedy rock show back to the concert stage with the Bigger & Weirder 2026 Tour, playing his iconic hits as well as some never-performed-live-before fan favorites. His long-time band is joined by four additional players to create a super-sized concert experience.
When: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13
Where: Acrisure Arena, 75-702 Varner Road, Palm Desert
Cost: From $40.25
More info: acrisurearena.com/event/
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: 10 things to do in the Coachella Valley this week, Sept. 7-13
