Save This List of Hidden-Gem Events in the Desert!
The Coachella Valley is buzzing with things to do this week, whether you’re looking to unwind, explore or try something new. From scenic outdoor adventures to vibrant dining spots and one-of-a-kind experiences, there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the desert magic. Here’s exactly what’s on the agenda in Palm Springs this week!
Palm Springs VillageFest
Date: April 17
Kick off your weekend early with VillageFest, Palm Springs’ beloved open-air street fair. Each Thursday night, Palm Canyon Drive transforms into a vibrant pedestrian hub buzzing with energy. Shop handmade goods, enjoy live music, taste local bites and soak up the desert vibes at this community-centered outdoor market.
Location: Downtown (Palm Springs)
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (Weekend 2)
When: April 18-20
Ready for weekend two? Coachella is the ultimate destination for music lovers. It brings together global superstars and emerging artists for two weekends of unforgettable performances. For 2025, headliners include Lady Gaga, Green Day and Post Malone, along with standout acts like Missy Elliott, Charli XCX, Megan Thee Stallion and more. Beyond the music, attendees will be captivated by larger-than-life art installations, mouthwatering food vendors, and the iconic Ferris wheel.
Local Insight: Looking for more things to experience in Indio before or after the festival? Check out our guide!
Location: Empire Polo Club (Indio)
A Very Brat Pool Party
Date: April 18
Kick off Coachella Weekend II with a splash at A Very Brat Pool Party, hosted by Club Decades at The Saguaro. Expect bratty bops, Y2K vibes and surprise guest DJs spinning poolside all day. Colorful floats, curated cocktails and bold outfits set the scene. It’s your desert era, loud and proud.
Location: The Saguaro Palm Springs
Food Truck Fridays
Date: April 18
For the ultimate casual night out, head to Food Truck Fridays in Downtown Indio, where a rotating lineup of vendors serves everything from gourmet street tacos to indulgent desserts. Enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, and themed nights. Then dig into some of the best bites the Coachella Valley has to offer.
Location: Towne Street and Bliss Avenue (Indio)
Mineral Water Yoga at The Spa at Séc-he
Date: April 19
Start your morning with serenity and strength at Mineral Water Yoga, a rejuvenating 45-minute class held in the sacred mineral pool at The Spa at Séc-he. Led by Vanessa Johnson, this low-impact water yoga boosts strength, balance and flexibility while easing stress in mineral-rich waters.
Heated pools offer gentle resistance, ideal for post-surgery recovery or simply a mindful way to unwind and stretch deeply. Open to spa guests only, each class is limited to just six participants for an intimate, personalized experience.
Location: The Spa at Séc-he (Palm Springs)
Desert X
When: Now through May 11
Art meets landscape in a breathtaking way at this year’s Desert X, where the desert terrain becomes the backdrop for powerful, thought-provoking installations. Spanning across Greater Palm Springs, this immersive experience features works from globally recognized artists, all responding to the theme of “nonlinear narratives of time.” Expect pieces that reflect on ancestry, Indigenous heritage, and today’s social currents—woven seamlessly into the raw beauty of the desert. The exhibition is free to explore and encourages visitors to journey off the beaten path—sometimes literally—to uncover art in unexpected places.
Location: Greater Palm Springs
Dates: Now through April 28
After sunset, The Living Desert comes to life in the most luminous way. Glow in the Park is a stunning nighttime celebration featuring larger-than-life lanterns that illuminate pathways with glowing animals, vibrant nature scenes and cultural motifs. Wander through a wonderland of color and light, enjoy live performances, and grab a bite from local food vendors while soaking up the festive atmosphere. Perfect for all ages, this family-friendly event in Palm Desert blends art, nature, and culture into an unforgettable evening beneath the stars.
“font-weight: 400;”>Location: The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens (Palm Desert)
