Whether you're in a spooky mood and want to celebrate Halloween, or you simply want to celebrate the reopening of several local theaters after summer break, I promise there's something for you to do this week in the desert.
This week offers everything from a Halloween movie screening and haunted house to two cult classic theater productions ("Sordid Lives" and "Rocky Horror Picture Show"), and we've rounded it all up for you in one convenient guide.
Here's the 10 events we recommend checking out the week of Monday, Oct. 26, in the Coachella Valley.
CV Rep presents 'The Minutes'
Cathedral City's only professional theater is kicking off its 2026-27 season this week, and it's a show that will get you to think. CV Rep describes the plot of "The Minutes" as the following: "In a small
Midwestern town, the City Council meets to find that one of the newest members is asking questions about last month's minutes," adding that it's a "razor-sharp political satire that peels back the polished surface of small-town democracy to reveal secrets, power plays, and the chilling truth. 'The Minutes,' by Tracy Letts, delivers biting humor and shocking revelations that hit closer to home than you'd expect as we produce this play on Indian land."
When: Oct. 28-Nov. 15
Where: Coachella Valley Repertory, 68-510 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City
Cost: From $74
More info: cvrep.org/theminutes
Indio Movie Night: 'Hocus Pocus'
Head to Indio's Center Stage for a free movie night with the community. Next up on the big screen is "Hocus Pocus." Just in time for Halloween, spend an evening with the hilariously wacky Sanderson sisters/witches as they are resurrected and attempt to regain their powers. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs, snacks and more, but free popcorn will be provided to all attendees.
When: 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29
Where: Center Stage, 82-881 Miles Ave., Indio
Cost: Free admission and parking
More info: indio.org/home
VillageFest Halloween: Monsters on Main Street
VillageFest is always a fun way to spend a Thursday night browsing local vendor booths and enjoying downtown Palm Springs attractions, but add a dash of Halloween fun and you've got something entirely unique. Expect games, candy stations, a haunted bus and a costume contest set to begin at 7 p.m. sharp.
When: 6-10 p.m. (or until the candy runs out) Thursday, Oct. 29
Where: Intersection of South Palm Canyon Drive and East Tahquitz Canyon Way in downtown Palm Springs
Cost: Free admission
More info: instagram.com
Halloween Carnival & Haunted House
The little ones are not going to want to miss this. Celebrate Halloween a day early with this free community carnival and haunted house experience. Enjoy games, candy and a range of activities in a safe and welcoming environment for people of all ages.
When: 4-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30
Where: James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center, 480 W. Tramview Road, Palm Springs
Cost: Free admission
More info: palmspringsca.gov/government/departments/
Sloshed: 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' — The Musical
Kick off Hallo-weekend the most campy way possible: with a live "Rocky Horror Picture Show" shadow cast performance, of course. "Rocky Horror" is meant to be experienced with a crowd, and this film screening + performance promises to embrace everything that's made the film a phenomenon for generations — with their own "Sloshed" twist. While the cult classic plays onscreen, this cast — which will feature certain performers getting drunk throughout — will bring the madness to life with costumes, props, callbacks, audience participation and more.
When: 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30
Where: Spirit Animal at Hotel Zoso, 150 S. Indian Canyon Drive, #Suite B, Palm Springs
Cost: $23.18
More info: eventbrite.com
'Haunted Hacienda' Halloween Fundraiser
Looking for a way to celebrate spooky season and give back at the same time? At this special Halloween event, all proceeds benefit VFW Post 3699 of Indio. Take a tour of the "Haunted Hacienda," and enjoy decorations, costumes and more.
When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30
Where: 58-300 Almonte Drive, La Quinta
Cost: $10 per person
Palm Canyon Theatre presents Del Shores' 'Sordid Lives'
Kick off Greater Palm Springs Pride by attending this cult classic made famous by the queer community that embraced it. "Sordid Lives" is a dark comedy following "a Texas family gathering after the unexpected death of its matriarch. Packed with outrageous characters, sharp wit and touching moments, the play explores family dynamics, acceptance and redemption in a way only Del Shores can tell it, with plenty of Southern charm," as the theater says. Note: If you can't go this week, consider attending the Nov. 6 performance, which is an official Palm Springs Pride event and will feature a special live post-show Q&A with playwright and creator Del Shores.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 (with other dates running through Nov. 15, see full schedule at website below)
Where: Palm Canyon Theatre, 538 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: $20-$46
More info: palmcanyontheatre.net
Candlelight: Halloween Classics
Set against a mesmerizing backdrop of thousands of candles, the Candlelight experience returns to the desert this Halloween with a live musical program built around mystery and the supernatural. Featured programming will include "Funeral March of a Marionette," "Danse Macabre," "Night on Bald Mountain," the theme from "Stranger Things," selections from "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and Michael Jackson's "Thriller."
When: 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30
Where: The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage, 68-900 Frank Sinatra Drive, Rancho Mirage
Cost: From $46.50
More info: feverup.com/m/692013
Notes of the Living Dead with Billy L'Amour & The Love Notes
This night of live music promises to be an event everyone's "dying to attend." The event description says it'll be a "monstrously entertaining musical spectacular" headlined by Billy L'Amour & The Love Notes that's "filled with spine-tingling vocals, outrageous comedy, dazzling costumes and enough Halloween spirit to wake the dead." This cabaret-style show will feature both spooky and non-Halloween songs, so be ready for an evening that offers a bit of everything.
When: 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: $55.20
More info: eventbrite.com
Arenas District Palm Springs Halloween Weekend
Nobody does Halloween like the LGBTQ+ community. So, naturally, Palm Springs' biggest and most famous Halloween celebration is the one that takes place across two days in downtown's official LGBTQ+ district, the Arenas District. It all kicks off Friday, Oct. 30 with a dance party led by DJ K-Swift, Meaty Beats by Juan, DJ Modgirl and DJ Jeffree, but the main event is on Saturday for Halloween itself. Head to East Arenas Road where all the queer bars are and you'll find the ultimate street party with drinks, dancing and a costume contest that never disappoints. MkX, DJ Modgirl and Meaty Beats by Juan will keep a dance party going all night, and pop band Klymaxx will cap off the evening with a free headlining concert.
When: First dance party of the weekend takes place 4-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10; and second (and main) Halloween party of the weekend takes place 4-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31
Where: The Arenas District of downtown Palm Springs (enter at the intersection of East Arenas Road and South Indian Canyon Drive)
Cost: Free admission, but organizers suggest a $10 donation
More info: halloweenpalmsprings.com
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
