Thursday, June 20
All Day: Palm Springs International ShortFest. Check the festival's website for times, days and locations of more than 300 films being screened: www.psfilmfest.org
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: The La Quinta Museum hosts "The Mysteriously Enchanting Salton Sea", a photographic look tells the story of this iconic spot in the desert from Christina Lange. See our story.
5-7 p.m.: Learn about advancements in women's health with a free event at the Heather James Fine Art in Palm Desert. Complimentary mini-facials from J. Russell! The Salon, hors d'oeuvres and wine. RSVP required at (800) 491-4990.
6 p.m.: The Riviera hopes to make a splash with its "Hot as Hell" pool parties from 6-10 p.m. There will be signature food items and cocktails plus live music. Read our preview.
6 p.m.: The Palm Springs Art Museum is showing a free film every Thursday throughout the summer. This week's offering is "Cairo 678" from Egypt. Three Cairene women from different backgrounds join together in uneasy solidarity to combat the sexual harassment that has impacted each of their lives.
Dinner suggestion: Nicolino's is the oldest Italian restaurant in the Coachella Valley with its original location in Cathedral City and another in Palm Springs. Read how they have stayed around since the 1980s.
Knott's Soak City
Friday, June 21
All Day: Palm Springs International ShortFest. Check the festival's website for times, days and locations of more than 300 films being screened: www.psfilmfest.org
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage is hosting "a day for dogs". Dogs and all pets under 40 pounds, stay for free at The Westin MIssion Hills when accompanied by their owner. With advance notice, the resort provides a bed, complimentary treats and water bowls.
Noon to 1:30 p.m.: The Association of Fundraising Professionals – Desert Communities Chapter will host its next meeting on "Understanding and Changing Your Business Model in 60 Minutes Flat" featuring speaker Jan Masaoka at the Agua Caliente Casino Resort and Spa in Rancho Mirage. Reserve a spot at www.afpcadesert.afpnet.org
7:05 p.m.: The Palm Springs Power proved to be human, losing its first game last weekend after winning its first 10. They host the High Desert Heart at Palm Springs Stadium.
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" beginning with "How to Train Your Dragon". The movie season runs through Aug. 23.
8 p.m.: Cyndi Lauper is back in the area, performing at Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, fresh from winning a Tony Award for Best Score in "Kinky Boots". See our profile of Cyndi.
8 p.m.: Listen to your Johnny Cash favs like "I Walk the Line" and "Folsom Prison Blues" with a free tribute concert at Spotlight 29 Casino in Coachella.
9 p.m.: "U Can't Touch This". The song that made MC Hammer famous and more is back with a concert at the Morongo Casino Resort and Spa.
Dinner suggestion: The popular Tour de France menus are back at Cuistot Restaurant on El Paseo in Palm Desert. Chef Bernard has created three-course menus, representing 12 regions in France and priced at $38 per person.
Lee Morcus, chef Francois de Melogue
Saturday, June 22
All Day: Palm Springs International ShortFest. Check the festival's website for times, days and locations of more than 300 films being screened: www.psfilmfest.org
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: The Pechanga Casino Resort in Temecula hosts its own BBQ Championships with live music from the Clay Colton Band. There will also be a beer and wine garden.
Noon: Figue Mediterranean Restaurant Chef Francois de Melogue leads an Italian Cooking Class where you will learn to make classic Italian dishes and feast on a three-course lunch in La Quinta. Reservations required. $75 per person.
1-3 p.m.: The Palm Springs Air Museum will open the cockpit of the P-51 Mustang, Bunny, for visitors to sit at the controls and take photos.
2-3:30 p.m.: Palm Springs psychologist Dr. Judi Hollis will speak on "The How of Eating is more Important than the What" at Coachella Valley Repertory Theater in Rancho Mirage. Dr. Hollis, who had her own weight struggles, has appeared on Oprah and Dr Oz. Read our preview.
7 p.m.: Listen to the music from Russell Thompkins, Jr. and New Stylistics, The Manhattans, The Honey Cone and Aalon all in one show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage.
7:05 p.m.: The Palm Springs Power host Arroyo Seco Saints at Palm Springs Stadium.
9 p.m.: "Welcome to the Jungle, baby" – hear all your Guns & Roses hits from a tribute band at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino's Rock Yard in Indio. A cover band starts the evening at 7 p.m. and then returns at 10:30 after the tribute band.
Dinner suggestion: Start with one of the best burgers in the Coachella Valley at Woody's in Palm Springs followed by an evening of jazz from the Stanley Butler Band in the back entertainment venue.
Mad for Plaid at Palm Springs Lanes
Sunday, June 23
All Day: Palm Springs International ShortFest. Check the festival's website for times, days and locations of more than 300 films being screened: www.psfilmfest.org
11 a.m.: "Mad for Plaid" is the theme for the Human Rights Campaign "Bowling for Equality" benefit at Palm Springs Lane. The event includes two games of bowling, shoe rental, unlimited fountain drinks and a one-year HRC membership. $35 per bowler. Wear that plaid attire!
2 p.m.: Karen Giorgio performs her one-woman show, "Trains & Boats & Planes, Oh May! Confessions of a globe-trotting songstress." She will be joined by pianist Shelly Markham and special guest Vinny di Figlia at the Arthur Newman Theater at The Joslyn Center in Palm Desert.
7:05 p.m.: The Palm Springs Power host the Orange County Waves at Palm Springs Stadium.
Brunch suggestion: Le Vallauris in Palm Springs features items like Limestone Lettuce with walnuts and apples ad nut oil dressing to Sautéed Veal Scaloppini with lemon and capers sauce.
Texaco Country Showdown
Hot Country
KX Hot Country will be at Palm Springs Nissan in Cathedral City broadcasting live from 10 a.m. to noon June 23 featuring a meet and greet with a finalist from the 32nd annual Texaco Country Showdown, the country largest Country Music talent show in the mode of American Idol. The competition begins in the spring with more than 450 local competitions with the National Final in Nashville where regional finalists compete for $100,000 and the title, "Best New Act in Country Music". Representing the Coachella Valley are: R Buckle Road, Kassie Ortega, Paul James, Sheyna Gee, Mike Lambert and Judith Dudra, who will compete from 5-8 p.m. June 23 at the Lit Lounge of the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio.
For more information on local events, visit our comprehensive calendar.