Weekender: Desert AIDS Benefit, Lonestar, Mixed Martial Arts

What's on your agenda? Here's our suggestions for July 18-21

JIM POWERS LGBTQ+

Thursday, July 18
5 p.m.: Coachella Valley Realtors can congregate for the quarterly social mixer at Wang's in the Desert. Members can bring friends.

7 p.m.: The Riviera serves up specialty drinks and food for its "Hot as Hell" Pool Parties from 7-10 p.m. every Thursday through Oct. 31. Read our preview.

6 p.m.: The free film screenings continue at the Palm Springs Art Museum with the comedy "Modest Reception" from Iran.

7 p.m.: Take a stroll during the Thursday Night Summer Village Fest. Lasts until 10 p.m. Just be careful in case the wildfire conditions impact your breathing.

7 p.m.:  "Pippin" will close out the season for Palm Canyon Theatre in Palm Springs. The play recently won the Tony award for "Best Revival of a Play". Read our preview.

8 p.m.: Out of Riverside, Calif., Voodoo Glow Skulls will rock The Hood Bar and Restaurant in Palm Desert. Cover is $10.

8:30 p.m.: "The Little Rascals" will screen at Luckie Park in Twentynine Palms for free. Bring your popcorn, blankets and enjoy a night under the stars.

Dinner suggestion: Who said you can't have breakfast food for dinner. Of course, no one did. Read our recommendations at Elmer's Restaurant in South Palm Springs.

"Bolt"

Friday, July 19
7 p.m.: Desert Theatreworks debuts with its first production, "Up", written by Bridget Carpenter, who wrote award-winning scripts for "Friday Night Lights". There are only three performances at the Arthur Newman Theatre inside the Joslyn Center in Palm Desert – also running 2 and 7 p.m. July 20. Read about this newest theatre company in the desert.

7 p.m.: The St. Joseph's Players present "Steel Magnolias" at the St. Joseph of Arimathea Church's Rusack Parish Hall, 56312 Onaga Trail, in Yucca Valley. Shows again at 7 p.m. July 20 and 2 p.m. July 21.

7:05 p.m.: The Palm Springs Power host the Bisbee Iron Men at Palm Springs Stadium.

7 p.m.: The Writer's Showcase at the Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre in Rancho Mirage features "Tales from the Twiight Cafe" with readings from four new plays or screenplays.

7:30 p.m.: Check out a free screening of "Wreck It Ralph" at Dateland Park, 85421 Bagdad Ave., in Coachella.

8 p.m.: "Pippin" will close out the season for Palm Canyon Theatre in Palm Springs. The play recently won the Tony award for "Best Revival of a Play". Read our preview.

8 p.m.: DJ Kimberley S will get the house bumping and grinding at the Mid Summer Dance Party to benefit the Desert AIDS Project. This year's theme is neon beach party attire. Go and glow. Read our preview.

8 p.m.: Knott's Soak City will stay open a few hours after its normal 6 p.m. closing time to bring kids and families its third annual "Dive-In Movie". Tonight's feature is "Bolt". The movie season runs through Aug. 23.

8 p.m.: The Paul Chesney Band performs for free at Pappy & Harriet's in Pioneertown – a 5-piece Rock n' Roll band.

9 p.m.: Lonestar is celebrating its 20th anniversary with more than 90 concert dates across North America, including the Morongo Casino Resort in Cabazon. Doublewide follows at 10:30 p.m.

9 p.m.: Well Hung and War Party entertain at The Hood Bar and Restaurant in Palm Desert. Free admission, 21 and over.

9 p.m.: Dancing, cool pool, eats and drinks sounds like a good recipe for your Friday nights at the "Caliente Pool Party" through Aug. 30. The Agua Caliente Casino Resort & Spa partner swith FM radio station KKUU (92.7) to turn the pool into an oasis nightclub. Read our preview.

9 p.m.: The Shadow Mountain Band brings its mountain-style harmonies and a sound being labeled as "desert grass" – only at Pappy and Harriet's in Pioneertown.

10 p.m.: Bart Davenport, an Oakland singer-songwriter will perform with Victoria DJ in the Amigo Room of the Ace Hotel & Swim Club, Palm Springs. Free admission, 21 and over.

Dinner suggestion: Trio in Palm Springs is offering a three-course prix fixe menu for $19 from 4-6 p.m. with many of their signature dishes available.

No Duh!

Saturday, July 20
7 a.m. – Noon: College of the Desert Street Fair located near the main entrance to the college off Monterey Avenue.

10 a.m.: The city of Palm Desert hosts a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the lower level of Westfield Mall, 72840 Highway 111.The goal is 100 pints and there will be giveaways.

Noon: DJ Shasta provides the musical backdrop to a day at the pool at the Riviera Palm Springs. Free to the public.

2 p.m.: Desert Theatreworks debuts with its first production, "Up", written by Bridget Carpenter, who wrote award-winning scripts for "Friday Night Lights". There are only three performances at the Arthur Newman Theatre inside the Joslyn Center in Palm Desert – also running 2 and 7 p.m. July 20. Read about this newest theatre company in the desert.

4 p.m.: City of Indio Open Air Market runs until 10 p.m. Free admission. Great for new and used, brand-name merchandise.

6 p.m.: Local contenders like Everett Cummings, Steven Stryker, Jason Gonzales and Jaime Sierra will compete in the Mixed Martial Arts UP and Comers event at the Agua Caliente Resort and Spa in Rancho Mirage. Read our preview.

6-9 p.m.: The works of Donald Lloyd Smith will be exhibited to honor the late Palm Springs artist and interior designer at Highest Form Gallery in Palm Springs. Read more about Smith's contributions.

7:05 p.m.: The Palm Springs Power host the Bisbee Iron Men at Palm Springs Stadium.

9 p.m.: No Duh! pays tribute to No Doubt. The band hits the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino's Rock Yard stage in Indio at 9 p.m. Cover band Kiss Me Deadly starts the evening at 7:30 p.m. and then returns at 10:30 after the tribute band.

Dinner suggestion: Figue in La Quinta has moved its Summer Culinary Tour to France featuring special menus, wines and cocktails, cooking classes, wine tastings and other activities.

Mark Reis

Sunday, July 21
2 p.m.: Mark Reis presents a cabaret-style concert at Arthur Newman Theatre in The Joslyn Center in Palm Desert. Reis, who was in the original production of "Fosse", presents "Diapers, Dishes and Dreams" which features stories, song and dance.

7 p.m.: Country group Gloriana, which has the hit single "Wild At Heart", will play at Wilson Creek Winery & Winery in Temecula. Proceeds will go to Project Touch to battle homelessness.

7:05 p.m.: The Palm Springs Power host the Arroyo Seco Saints at Palm Springs Stadium. The evening benefits The First Tee program, which provides golf to underprivileged kids. There will be a buffet with hot dogs, hamburgers, 2 sides and a soda for $15.

Brunch suggestion: Third Corner Wine Shop and Bistro in Palm Desert puts out a relaxing brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with almost "bottomless" Mimosas.