Top 10 things to do in the Coachella Valley this week: July 9-15

Niki Kottmann, Palm Springs Desert Sun

July 9, 2023 at 9:00 AM·6 min read

There are always plenty of things to do in the Coachella Valley (and in nearby communities). We've put together a list of events and entertainment happening this week.

To submit an event for consideration, send an email to niki.kottmann@desertsun.com with a brief description.

Here are 10 things to do this week:

'Mean Girls' High School Version

The cast of Palm Canyon Theatre's summer production of "Mean Girls" strikes a pose.

Tina Fey's teenage commentary "Mean Girls" was an instant comedic classic when it was released in 2004. Since it left movie theaters, the story has been adapted into a Broadway musical, soon-to-be musical film, and, most important for locals, a high school stage show that's opening July 7 at Palm Canyon Theatre. Local teenagers will perform the tale of Cady Heron and her quest to infiltrate the "Plastics" popular girl group at North Shore High, adding a layer of authenticity to the beloved story. This musical is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

When: Now through July 16, 2023 (showings at 2 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. depending on day, check website)

Where: Palm Canyon Theatre, 538 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

Tickets: $17-$38

More info: palmcanyontheatre.net

'Christmas in July' All-Holidays Wreath Decorating Contest/Auction

The Roost Lounge in Cathedral City is now collecting wreaths for its auction at the upcoming Christmas in July Drag Brunch and Dinner Concert on July 23.

Get your jingle on and create an all-holiday wreath this month for The Roost Lounge's Christmas in July contest and auction. Although this activity is technically done from home, it all leads up to the venue's Christmas in July Drag Brunch and Dinner Concert on July 23. Attendees at that event will have the chance to win cash prizes, all while raising funds for Tools For Tomorrow's arts literacy program helping students throughout the Coachella Valley. If you'd like to create a wreath to be auctioned off at the fundraiser later this month, it should be under 30 pounds and, if lit, use battery-powered lights.

When: Wreaths will be accepted for the contest now through 9 p.m. on July 22 (to be auctioned on July 23)

Where: Drop off your wreath at The Roost Lounge, 68-718 E. Palm Canyon Drive #203, Cathedral City

Tickets: Wreath contest entry is free; drag brunch $99; dinner concert $149 (buy tickets online starting July 5)

More info: theroostcc.com

Monday Night Bingo & Trivia

Bella de Ball hosts Monday night bingo at The Ace Hotel & Swim Club.

Monday Night Bingo is back with beloved Palm Springs queen Bella da Ball hosting, calling numbers, performing and giving away prizes at this weekly event. Bingo is 7-9 p.m., and trivia is 9-11 p.m. Bingo reservations are strongly recommended as space is limited, and they can be made on OpenTable. Trivia is first come, first serve.

When: 7-11 p.m. every Monday

Where: King's Highway, 701 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

Tickets: $30 food and beverage minimum

More info: acehotel.com/palm-springs

Keisha D at PS Air Bar

Singer and humanitarian Keisha D will perform Wednesday evening at PS Air Bar & Lounge.

Never experienced live music at an airplane-themed bar? (Most of us haven't, don't beat yourself up about it.) Head to this speakeasy inside Palm Springs liquor store Bouschet to hear beloved local songstress Keisha D every Wednesday evening. Her set list will include classic jazz, pop and soul hits. Reservations highly recommended.

When: 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays

Where: PS Air Bar & Lounge, 611-633 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

Tickets: Free admission

More info: psairbar.com/events

IW Live at Indian Wells Resort

The arena isn't the only local venue featuring live music this summer. If you're looking for a more intimate concert experience, the Indian Wells Resort Hotel presents weekly live music with Patrice Morris on Wednesdays, Christine Love on Thursdays and Marc Antonelli on Fridays and Saturdays. This Wednesday, celebrate Morris' birthday with a special evening featuring the music of Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston ($10 for birthday show only).

When: 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays

Where: Indian Wells Resort Hotel, 76-661 Highway 111, Indian Wells

Tickets: Show is included with dinner

More info: indianwellsresort.com

Cocktail Cinema Screening: 'Moonlight'

The Palm Springs Art Museum presents Cocktail Cinema, a screening series featuring four iconic films and cocktails inspired by each of them. This month, the film is "Moonlight," which folllows the main character through his childhood, adolescence, and early adult life to explore the difficulties he faces with his sexuality and identity.

When: Cocktails start at 5 p.m.; film begins at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 13

Where: Palm Springs Art Museum's Annenberg Theater, 101 Museum Drive, Palm Springs

Tickets: Free with registration

More info: psmuseum.org

Noche Latina Thursdays

Every Thursday is Noche Latina at Pretty Faces nightclub in Palm Springs.

In the mood to dance the night away? Every Thursday at Pretty Faces, you can catch DJ LF mixing everything Latin to get the dancefloor going. Enjoy music from a variety of genres, including reggaeton, bachata, cumbia and more. Partyers can also snag Thursday-night deals such as $5 Modelos and tequila until midnight (or book a special VIP deal of $150 tequila or vodka bottles for up to six, tax and gratuity excluded). 21+

When: 9 p.m.-2 a.m. every Thursday

Where: Pretty Faces Nightclub, 150 S. Indian Canyon Drive, Suite B, Palm Springs (next to Hotel Zoso)

Tickets: No cover until midnight

More info: prettyfacesnightclub.com

Food Truck Fridays

Those willing to brave the summer heat in search of good food will be rewarded this month. And they don't have to search long, because the City of Indio presents Food Truck Fridays this summer with a variety of food trucks for any type of craving.

When: 5-10 p.m. Fridays

Where: Bliss Avenue and Towne Street, Indio

Tickets: Free entry; food prices vary

More info: indio.org

Palm Desert Dive-In Movie Screening:

Erik Benitez, 6, of Coachella plays in the pool at Palm Desert Aquatics Center in Palm Desert, Calif., on Thursday, June 29, 2023.

Palm Desert Aquatic Center continues its popular Dive-In Movie Series this week with a screening of "Sonic the Hedgehog 2." This fun tale follows the manic Dr. Robotnik's return to Earth with a new ally, Knuckles the Echidna — and how Sonic and his new friend Tails are all that stands in their way. Head to the pool the movie along with a rope swing, a rock climbing wall and more. Note: Select pool areas will be open, and water slides will be open from 7:30 to 8 p.m. only. Food trucks will be on hand selling snacks and treats. With limited seating poolside, guests are encouraged to bring towels for the grass areas. No outside chairs/furniture, food or beverages are allowed (except bottled water in plastic containers).When: Gates open at 7:30 p.m. and the movie begins at sundown on Friday, July 14

Where: Palm Desert Aquatic Center, 73751 Magnesia Falls Drive, Palm Desert C

Tickets: $5 per person, with no charge for children under 2 years old (tickets can now be pre-purchased at the front desk window at PDAC, or at the time of event until sold out)

More info: (760) 565-7467 or www.pdpool.com

Rock Yard

Listen to various tribute bands at The Rock Yard outdoor concert stage each weekend. This week features Nirvana & Pearl Jam tributes Nirvanish & Vitalogy on Friday and Zz Top tribute band Fandango on Saturday. Food and drinks are available for purchase. Ages 18-plus.

When: 7 p.m. every Friday and Saturday

Where: Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio