We're fully in spooky season, my fellow desert residents, and it's time for us to give into the candy corn, pumpkin spice lattes and, most importantly, the haunted houses and other Halloween events.
This week, you can do everything from attend "Dracula" (but it's a comedy, so scaredy cats are safe) to check out the bran-new haunted house inside Cabot's Pueblo Museum, all without leaving the desert's nine cities.
Here's the 10 events we recommend checking out the week of Monday, Oct. 19, in the Coachella Valley.
ONGOING: Revolution Stage Company presents 'Dracula: A Comedy Of Terrors'
Revolution Stage Company is sinking its teeth into its first full production of its fourth season with "DRACULA:A Comedy of Terrors" by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen,
loosely based on Bram Stoker’s Dracula.This gender-bending vampire farce brings "gothic horror, outrageous comedy and Halloween mayhem to Palm Springs," as the press release states, and it's all led by "Nathan Wilson, who directed last season’s hit production, 'Pippin.' He has once again assembled a remarkable cast of local talent for this 90-minute farce, taking the world of gothic horror and giving it a decidedly irreverent makeover."
When: 7 p.m. now through Oct. 31 (see full schedule at the website below)
Where: Revolution Stage Company, 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: From $35
More info: revolutionstagecompany.com/tickets
Cher: On Film
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. This week, the series will screen "Tea with Mussolini."
When: Cher-themed pre-show starts at 5 p.m., movie screens at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: $15
More info: psculturalcenter.org/pscc
Cabot’s Haunted House
Are you ready to see Desert Hot Springs' most famous house in a totally different light? As the house museum's press release says, "The vortex beneath Cabot Yerxa’s house comes alive with blood-chilling results! The Pueblo transforms into a Haunted House packed with animatronics, hidden surprises and heart-stopping scares. ... Eerie music fills the grounds, while zombies, witches, ghosts and a séance await you inside." This new desert haunted house attraction also includes free activities like cornhole, Connect 4, ring toss and Jenga along with iconic Halloween movies. Beer, wine, food and nonalcoholic drinks will also be available for purchase. Note: If you don't want to go into the haunted house, all the lawn activities are free and appropriate for all ages.
When: 4-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, Saturday, Oct. 24, Friday, Oct. 30 and Saturday, Oct. 31
Where: Cabot’s Pueblo Museum, 67-616 E. Desert View Ave., Desert Hot Springs
Cost: $10 admission if you purchase online ahead of time
More info: cabotsmuseum.org
Palm Springs Cultural Center Sci/Fi Fest
Journey to the Red Planet through science and cinema at this Mars-themed film festival. "From alien invasion to fantastical adventure and scientific discovery, experience it all on the big screen," organizers say in the event description, adding that attendees can "get into the spirit with hands-on activities ... create your own foil hat, or become a Martian and craft an alien headband. Browse Mars-themed books and test your knowledge of the science versus fiction in 'The Martian' — what’s fact, and what’s Hollywood? Fuel your journey to the Red Planet with our famous hot buttered popcorn and a retro candy classic — a Mars Bar! Available at concessions throughout the fest."
When: Oct. 23–24
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: From $14.16
More info: psculturalcenter.org/pscc
Coachella Valley Firebirds vs. San Jose Barracuda: Oktoberfest
Hockey season is back, desert dwellers, and this week we're celebrating both hockey and another beloved fall tradition: Oktoberfest. So, throw on some lederhosen (if you happen to have that lying around) and head to Acrisure Arena to watch the Firebirds face off against the San Jose Barracuda. Order some beer, cheer extra loud and embody this German tradition while watching all your favorite players.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23
Where: Acrisure Arena, 75-702 Varner Road, Palm Desert
Cost: Starting at $34
More info: acrisurearena.com/events/
Saturday Savasana at Drift Palm Springs
This Palm Springs hotel isn't just for tourists. Drift now has several events open to the public, including a series of free Saturday Savasana yoga classes led by local instructor Karen Salgado on the hotel's Sol Studio balcony (note: this space is outdoors). Guests are asked to bring water and a mat with them, but a few mats are available for rent on a limited basis.
When: 9 a.m. Oct. 24 (and again on Oct. 31)
Where: Drift Palm Springs hotel, 284 S. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: Free admission
More info: eventbrite.com
East Coachella Valley Pride
The 10th annual East Coachella Valley Pride returns for a day full of community, celebration and plenty of pride. The day will include plenty of live music, opportunities to connect to resources, fun activities, food and more. The pride event is free to attend and open to all. Leading up to pride, there will be two events, including the kickoff at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20 at the library, and a look at how the Youth Participatory Action Research project helped identify a need for LGBTQ+ spaces in the eastern Coachella Valley, which will take place 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22 at The Center Coachella.
When: 3-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24
Where: Coachella Library, 1500 Sixth St., Coachella
Cost: Free admission
More info: instagram.com/ecvpride
Festival of Frights: Neon Monster Mash
Experience the ultimate thrill at the city of Palm Springs' Festival of Frights: Neon Monster Mash. This spooky family friendly event will feature a haunted maze, a photo booth, games and prizes, treats, a dance party and more.
When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24
Where: Sunrise Park, 401 S. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs
Cost: Free admission
More info: palmspringsca.gov/government/departments/
'HUSH-HUSH: Vintage Halloween Variety Show of the Highest Class and Caliber'
What do you get when you combine Bobbi DeCarlo and a full band? A night of spooky-sexy exotic acts. As the website description states, this show features "a thrilling mix of powerhouse vocals, swinging live music, comedy, burlesque, and astonishing variety acts. It’s vintage Las Vegas spectacle infused with mid-century Palm Springs sophistication — and just the right touch of Halloween mischief." Note: Dress code is glamorous and vintage, with a side of Halloween style.
When: 8-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24
Where: Agua Caliente Casino, 401 E. Amado Road, Palm Springs
Cost: $23.18
More info: eventbrite.com
10th Annual Cathedral City Halloween Spooktacular
Looking for a slightly spooky but still family friendly event for this weekend? People of all ages are invited to this 10th annual Spooktacular featuring trick-or-treating, a kids’ costume contest, candy, chances to win bicycles, and plenty of Halloween fun for kids and parents alike.
When: Noon-3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25
Where: Cathedral City Civic Center Plaza, 68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero, Cathedral City
Cost: Free admission
More info: discovercathedralcity.com/event/10th-annual-spooktacular/
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
