Fall is finally here, and even though that doesn't mean much of an imminent change in the desert weather patterns, it does mean a whole lot more events for everyone to enjoy.
We've rounded up a list of all types of events this week, from the kickoff to a new Cher film series to a brand-new EDM festival — so nobody's allowed to say we didn't give you options.
Here's our picks for the top things to do the week of Monday, Oct. 5 in the Coachella Valley.
'Cher: On Film' Film Series
During the 1980s, Cher surprised audiences and critics alike by reinventing herself as one of Hollywood’s most compelling screen performers, even earning an Academy Award in the process. The Palm Springs Cultural Center is putting on a seven-film retrospective that showcases the roles that revealed
new dimensions of a beloved superstar —funny, vulnerable, resilient, romantic and unforgettable. Screenings will include special guests, introductions and post-film conversations. The slate for October includes "The Witches of Eastwick" (Oct. 5) and "Tea with Mussolini" (Oct. 19).
When: 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5 (and another Oct. 19)
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: $15
More info: psculturalcenter.org/pscc
Tacos y Tunes at Drift Palm Springs
Looking for a little weeknight escape? On select Tuesdays at Drift Palm Springs, both guests and locals alike can mingle around the hotel pool and enjoy live music. While you're dancing or lounging, you can also enjoy discounted drinks and tacos, with specials including $6 beers, $8 glasses of wine, $12 margaritas and tacos starting at $8. Need another excuse to enjoy this downtown Palm Springs hotel pool? Saturday/Sunday brunch at Maleza, Drift's on-site restaurant, now includes two pool day passes.
When: Tuesday, Oct. 6 and 13
Where: Drift Palm Springs hotel, 284 S. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: Free admission, with discounted food and drink items available for purchase
More info: drifthotels.co/palmsprings/
The Card Social
![Matt Janklow holds a trading card just signed by New England Patriots tight end Eli Raridon (82) before an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Patriots 35-6. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times‑Union]](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/authoring/authoring-images/2026/09/28/NFTU/91988127007-nfl-new-england-patriots-jacksonville-jaguars-082.JPG)
If you're a trading card enthusiast and looking to find your people, there's a new event coming to Palm Springs just for you. The Card Social is a weekly trading card and social event that will be held Wednesdays at the Saguaro Palm Springs. Guests can buy, sell and trade cards, like Pokémon and sports cards, or discover other unique items and collectibles. This is a family-friendly atmosphere made to foster connection among the community. Visitors also receive 10% off food and drinks during the event.
When: 4-10 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7 (as well as Oct. 14, 21 and 28 if you miss this week's event)
Where: Saguaro Palm Springs, 1800 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: Free admission, with food and drinks available for purchase
More info: instagram.com/thecardsocial/
21st Fall Joshua Tree Music Festival
The 21st fall edition of the Joshua Tree Music Festival returns with four nights and three days of live music, movement, mindfulness and magic in the Mojave desert this week. The curated lineup blends genres and generations, with performers such as Cure for Paranoia, Acido Pantera and The Breaks hitting the stage. Beyond the music, attendees will find 100+ movement, mindfulness and merriment playshops, Kidsville adventures and other opportunities for connection.
When: Oct. 8-11 (times vary, see website below for full schedule)
Where: Joshua Tree Lake Campground, 2601 Sunfair Road, Joshua Tree
Cost: Starting at $61.48 for single-day tickets; $332.95 for an all-weekend pass
More info: joshuatreemusicfestival.com
ONGOING: HWY 62 Open Studio Art Tours
The start of fall means a new season of creative adventures for desert locals and visitors alike. This month, dive into the artistic community of the high desert as more than 200 artists open their studios to the public for the 25th anniversary of HWY 62 Open Studio Art Tours. Now considered SoCal’s largest open studio event, HWY 62 Open Studio Art Tours allow guests to see where artists create and, if they're lucky, maybe even watch them in action and ask a few questions.
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10 and Sunday, Oct. 11 (and again Oct. 17 and 18)
Where: Various home studios across Morongo Valley, Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms (see detailed list at website below)
Cost: Free admission and open to all
More info: For information on the free event app, locations to pick up a tour catalog, or to request a mailed catalog, visit hwy62arttours.org
Head Trip
Get ready to dance until the wee morning hours atHead Trip. For the third time, the Los Angeles promoter behind Coachella and Stagecoach, Goldenvoice, will host a fall music festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio. Head Trip will follow in the footsteps of Desert Trip and Power Trip and will be held Oct. 10 and 11. The fest will feature beloved DJs Calvin Harris, Swedish House Mafia, Skrillex and many more. Limited passes are still on sale, so act now if you want to take part in this two-day, one-off festival.
When: Oct. 10-11
Where: Empire Polo Club, 81-800 Avenue 51, Indio
Cost: $589 for 2-Day GA + Shuttle; $899 for VIP
More info: headtripindio.com
Yum Food Festival
Experience the return of the Yum Food Fest & Night Market, where vibrant flavors, unique shopping and live entertainment come together in one spot. Explore international cuisine, handcrafted goods and a lively atmosphere — all in the name of good food — at this two-day event.
When: 3-10 p.m. Oct. 10-11
Where: The Shops at Palm Desert, 72-840 Highway 111, Palm Desert (southeast parking lot, next to American Car Wash)
Cost: $7 online; $10 at the door; free for children 12 and under, first responders, veterans and seniors
More info: yumfoodfest.com
Books, Films & Then Some with Corey Roskin
The Palm Springs Cultural Center presents a special National Disability Employment Awareness Month and National Dwarfism Advocacy Month edition of its Books, Films, & Then Some with Corey Roskin series. This event brings together artists, filmmakers and writers for an afternoon and evening of storytelling, comedy and disability representation. At 3 p.m., New York Times bestselling author Emily Rapp Black joins Roskin for a special literary conversation centered on her newest book, "I Would Die If I Were You: Notes on Art and Truth Telling," an exploration of art, honesty and the power of telling difficult truths. The 6 p.m. feature presentation, "Veronica," is the award-winning short film starring Selene Luna, Katey Sagal, Margaret Cho and Taryn Manning. The program also features filmmaker and actor Christophe Zajac-Denek’s "Buttinskis," followed by a live panel with Luna, John Stapleton and Zajac-Denek.
When: Begins at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: Free admission
More info: psculturalcenter.org/pscc
Bylines, Broadcasts and the Big Screen film series screening of 'The Insider'
The Coachella Valley Journalism Foundation is continuing its new film series showcasing some of the best journalism films in history with commentary by some of the biggest names in the industry. Next up is "The Insider," the 1999 American biographical thriller that centers on a controversial "60 Minutes" segment about tobacco industry whistleblower Jeffrey Wigand (Russell Crowe), and his and CBS producer Lowell Bergman's (Al Pacino) struggles to defend his testimony. "The Insider," directed by Michael Mann and also starring Christopher Plummer, Bruce McGill, Diane Venora and Michael Gambon, will be presented in 35mm film. After the screening, guests will be joined by Bergman and Sharon Tiller of PBS’ "Frontline" for a Q&A and reception.
When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: $25 for GA admission to this film, $80 for VIP admission to this film, and $550 for an all-access pass to all films in this series
More info: eventbrite.com
Salotto at the Ocotillo Lodge
Salotto at The Ocotillo is a new Sunday afternoon culture jam for desert dwellers and out of towners of all ages, hosted by the music duo of LoveyDove. Organizers welcome "poignant poets, keen comedians, musical maestros, wild wordsmiths and storied tellers" to join LoveyDove at this bi-monthly variety show. Performances will take place at the historic Ocotillo Lodge in Palm Springs.
When: 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11
Where: 1111 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: $10 (proceeds benefit the restoration of Ocotillo Lodge’s Candlewood room)
More info: Contact loveydoveinc@gmail.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
