FILM
25th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival
Festival officials have really gone out of their way to invite some of the biggest names, like Meryl Streep, Matthew McConaughey, Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Sandra Bullock and director Steve McQueen. And that's just for the Awards Gala on Jan. 4. The film festival, which opens Jan. 3 with "Belle", features more than 180 films including 77 premieres.
"Saving Mr. Banks"
Screenwriter Bill Ray (pictured at left) will take questions Jan. 4 following the 3:45 p.m. screening of "Saving Mr Banks" at Cinemas Palme d'Or in Palm Desert.
Jonah Hill
The actor, who is being honored by the Palm Springs International Film Festival with its Creative Impact in Acting award, will appear Jan. 5 for a Q&A session following the noon screening of "The Wolf of Wall Street" at Cinemas Palme d'Or in Palm Desert.
FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Galen 2014 New Year's Resolution 5K
The first running of this 5-kilometer run/walk Jan. 4 benefits the Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert. Each participant receives a T-shirt and dogs a special bandana.
Hats & Horses Polo Luncheon
Have lunch Jan. 5 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio to benefit the McCallum Theatre Institute complete with a champagne reception, two polo matches, lunch and several "Hat" awards.
ART
Phillip K Smith III
Royale Projects in Palm Desert brings Smith's "Lightworks" exhibition to audiences through Jan. 12. This is the same artist who created the amazing Lucid Stead project in Joshua Tree (December cover issue of Palm Springs Life), working with projected and reflected light.
"Iconic Images"
To salute the 25th anniversary of the Palm Springs International Film Festival, archangel gallery offers celebrity photographs by Taili Song Roth, official film festival photographer. Runs Jan. 3-13, and opening party is 5-8 p.m. Jan. 5.
IT'S A DOG'S WORLD
Kennel Club of Palm Springs
See "Chip", who won "Best of Breed" at the 2013 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship last month in Florida. The Soft Coat Wheaten Terrier is among the field at the Jan. 2-5 event at the Empire Polo Grounds in Indio. Read our profile of "Chip".
TRIP BACK IN TIME
Cabot's Pueblo Museum
Set in Desert Hot Springs, this architectural masterpiece shows the painstaking efforts by Cabot Yerxa. Roam 5,000 square feet, 35 rooms, 150 windows, 65 doors. Gain a sneak peek with our VIDEO.
POLO ANYONE?
And They're Off!
It's one of the fastest games on horseback. Just ask rider Jared Sheldon, who spends January through March at the El Dorado Polo Club in Indio. Opening matches start Jan. 5. Read his profile, see the photos.
LIVE MUSIC
The Rojer Arnold Band
Pappy & Harriet's in Pioneertown kicks off a music-filled weekend Jan. 2 with RAB (pictured at left) featuring a violin whizz in Bob Furgo and bassist Marv Schmelling.
The Fabulous Follies
Maureen McGovern takes over as guest star. Watch our VIDEO as founder Riff Markowitz reflects on this Palm Springs institution's 23-year run.
The Copa Palm Springs
Well Strung creates its own versions of songs ranging from classical to contemporary, and they sing, at the newest addition to the nightclub scene. Watch our VIDEO to gain a sneak peek of the Copa.
Frankie, Bobby, and Fabian
Three heartthrobs from the 1950s and '60s – Frankie Avalon (pictured right), Bobby Rydell and Fabian – bring their charismatic act Jan. 3 to the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio. Hear songs like "Venus", "Beauty School Dropout", "Wild One", "Volare", and "Turn me Loose".
The Beatles
As part of its tribute series, the Spotlight 29 Casino delivers the songs of the four guys from Liverpool Jan. 3.
Pleasure Principle
AKA William Reed, who has more than 10 "Best Of" awards as a DJ and promoter, will be playing his set Jan. 4 in the lobby of the Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs and poolside Jan. 5.
Jazzoo Concert Series
The Living Desert in Palm Desert comes alive with all formats of music during its 30th concert season, ranging from jazz to boogie to ballads to blues. Jan 5 features the Charlie Shoemaker Quintet.
MARTIAL ARTS
Up & Comers
The Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa becomes the setting for Mixed Martial Arts bouts Jan. 4 in Rancho Mirage.
CAR BUFFS
Cruisin' El Paseo
Back for its second year, El Paseo Cruise Night invites owners of classic cars to convene at the parking lot of the Gardens on El Paseo starting at 4 p.m. Jan. 3.
FOR THE BIRDS
Birds of the Outback
Gain an unclose and personal look at hundreds of Australian birds starting Jan. 4 at the Living Desert in Palm Desert. Guests can roam in a special contained aviary where the birds fly free and eat out of your hands.
EATS
Soup for You
January is National Soup Month, so why not try some of the offerings at Natural 9 Noodle Company at the Morongo Casino Resort in Cabazon.
For more events, visit our comprehensive calendar.
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