August is nearly over, and you know what that means, desert rats: just a few more weeks left of the summer slump.
If you want to emerge from your air-conditioned cave a little early this week, we have a few ideas for ways to enjoy yourself, from a night of TEDxRanchoMirage lectures to a special Palm Springs Surf Club pool party for a cause.
So, without further ado, here's our top 10 events to check out the week of Monday, Aug. 24 in the Coachella Valley.
TEDxRanchoMirage 2026
TEDxRanchoMirage returns in August, bringing together the Coachella Valley's brightest minds and passionate voices to share talks on topics ranging from science and the arts to business, culture and beyond. This year's theme is "Under the Same Sky," and it marks the first year the organizations
asked for submissions from the community. After reading 499 submissions (including ones from all over the world), five speakers were selected. They are: compostpreneur Prema Walker, Guinness Record holder Ivan Borzenko, Oxford-trained psychologist Dr. Romi Ran, author and grief expert Dr. Lynda Reid and mentalist Dr. Carl Christman. The 2026 event will be held Aug. 25 at the Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory.
When: Doors open at 6 p.m., event begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25
Where: Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory, 71-100 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage
Cost: Free, but seating is on a first-come, first-served basis
More info: tedxranchomirage.com
Bayou Blues guitarist-vocalist Tab Benoit
"Louisiana's Living Legend," as the press release calls him, "Bayou Blues guitarist-vocalist Tab Benoit continues his 2026 year-long high-energy Soul Of The Swamp Tour with a local performance at renowned California desert live music venue Pappy & Harriet's" this weekend. "Benoit is a 4x Grammy nominated singer, songwriter and guitarist who has built a remarkable 30-year career on the foundation of his gritty and soulful Delta swamp blues, acquiring a devoted legion of fans along the way, as well as 5 Blues Music Awards, including BB King Entertainer of the Year (twice) and an induction into The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame."
When: 9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25
Where: Pappy & Harriet's, 53-688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown
Cost: $54.14
More info: pappyandharriets.com
5th Annual Hunter Lopez Lightsaber Vigil
Aug. 26 marks the fifth anniversary of the August 2021 attack at Afghanistan's Kabul International Airport that killed 13 American military members, including desert local Marine Cpl. Hunter Lopez. Locals can honor Lopez and other service members at a special vigil at the La Quinta Civic Center Campus this Wednesday "to remember their service, courage, and dedication to our country," as the press release says. Note: Guests are encouraged to bring a framed photo of a loved one who served in the military or as a first responder.
When: 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26
Where: La Quinta Civic Center Campus, 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta
Cost: Free
More info: laquintaca.gov/Home/
Agua's Got Talent
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 is open to guests and performers ages 21 and older, and invites singers, acoustic vocal acts and comedians to compete. The weekly winner will receive a $250 Agua Fuel Gift Card and will advance to the Agua’s Got Talent semi-finals, which will take place Sept. 30 and Oct. 7. The championship is set to take place Friday, Oct. 9.
When: 7-10 p.m. every Wednesday, including Wednesday, Aug. 26
Where: Agave Caliente Tequila Bar at Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City, 68-960 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City
Cost: Free admission, will drinks available for purchase
More info: aguacalientecasinos.com/agua-special/
Food Trucks on Requa
Believe it or not, this weekly food truck festival has an AC component (thought we should let you know that right up front). The new(ish) food truck park at 83-197 Requa Ave. in Indio is open Friday through Sunday, and offers not only local food from a rotating lineup of vendors, but also live music, lawn games, outdoor and indoor A/C seating, and a family friendly atmosphere.
When: 6-10:30 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Where: 83-197 Requa Ave., Indio
Cost: Prices vary depending on vendor and items
More info: instagram.com/foodtrucksonrequa/
Tiki Night Pool Party for a Cause at Palm Springs Surf Club
This is the excuse to go dancing that you're looking for. Heads to Palm Springs Surf Club for a special Friday night pool party benefiting the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. As the website's description says, "Slip into your favorite Hawaiian shirt, grass skirt, flip-flops, tropical attire, or Tiki-inspired outfit and join for an unforgettable evening of swimming, dancing, music, and giving back." Note: This is a 21-and-up event, and the parts of the club that will be open are the lazy river, lounge island pool, splash pad and restaurant (restaurant will have happy hour going 5-7 p.m. with $8 house wines and $8 well drinks).
When: 7-10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28
Where: Palm Springs Surf Club, 1500 Gene Autry Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: $35 for early bird admission tickets, $200 for a day bed
More info: psanimalshelter.org/events/
Gretchen Wilson live at Agua Caliente Casino
Gretchen Wilson took the country music world by storm when she released her No. 1 hit song "Redneck Woman" in 2005, which landed her an opening slot with Brooks & Dunn and later Kenny Chesney. Since then, she's stepped onto center stage to perform her own shows and take over the Billboard country music charts with 13 singles.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28
Where: Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage
Cost: Starting at $39
More info: aguacalientecasinos.com/agua-event/
Desert Nights on the BLVD
Desert Nights on the BLVD is Desert Hot Springs' latest local concert/food truck festival, and this week, you'll experience the second and last August iteration of this bi-monthly event. Enjoy a free concert headlined by Selena tribute group Anything for Salinas, and come hungry, because an array of local vendors will be waiting for you. Come for the music, stay for the Bar One beer garden and a variety of food trucks and vendors offering everything from gourmet tacos to sweet treats.
When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29
Where: 66-120 Pierson Blvd., Desert Hot Springs
Cost: Free admission, food prices depend on vendor
More info: cityofdhs.org/events/
Amanda Miguel live at Spotlight 29 Casino
Argentine-born Mexican singer-songwriter Amanda Miguel is celebrated as one of the most powerful and distinctive voices in Latin music. Bursting onto the international scene in the early 1980s, she captivated audiences with her debut album "El Sonido Volumen 1," which produced classics such as "Él Me Mintió," "Así No Te Amará Jamás" and "Castillos." Over the course of her four-decades spanning career, Miguel has sold millions of albums worldwide and earned widespread recognition for her artistry.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29
Where: Spotlight 29 Casino, 46-200 Harrison Place, Coachella
Cost: Starting at $38
More info: spotlight29.com/entertainment/
Ramon Ayala live at Acrisure Arena
Widely known as the "King of the Accordion," Ramon Ayala has been a defining force in regional Mexican music for more than 50 years. With an unmatched catalog of beloved songs and a legacy that spans generations, his live performances continue to draw passionate crowds across the country.
When: 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29
Where: Acrisure Arena, 75-702 Varner Road, Palm Desert
Cost: Starting at $89
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: You won't want to miss these 10 greater Palm Springs events this week
