Thursday, Jan. 10
6 p.m.: What about the Mojave Desert Tortoise? This is not some fable, but a discussion hosted by UCR Palm Desert on the politics and economics of conservation using the turtle as a point of reference. Speaker is Dr. Emily Thorn from Colorado State University's Department of Sociology.
6:30-10 p.m.: Carolyn Martinez and The Trio perform at Vicky's of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. Martinez has a repertoire of lively jazz standards, ballads and Brazillian boss novas.
"Make it Work: Material Matters in Art and Design" is closing in on the end of its run at The Galen at the Palm Springs Art Museum. The art and design pieces are distinguished by the way their makers manipulated materials. Closes Jan. 20.
Dinner suggestion: January price fixe at Pomme Frite in Palm Springs (excludes Saturdays).
Friday, Jan. 11
7 p.m.: Elvis would have turned 78 on Jan. 8. "The King" is the first of four celebrity tributes to be held at the Indian Wells Theater at Cal State San Bernardino's Palm Desert campus. This one features Elvis tribute artist Greg Miller.
8 p.m.: The Desert Symphony plays themes from your favorite movies – from "Star Wars" to "Lawrence of Arabia" at McCallum Theatre.
The artwork of local high school students is showcased through Jan. 20 at the Desert Art Center in Palm Springs. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.
Dinner suggestion: Foodie Friday at Tommy Bahamas Restaurant & Bar in Palm Desert.
Saturday, Jan. 12
Noon to 5 p.m.: Phoebe Price, designer of Phoebe Price Designs, will appear at her "Hat Show" at D. Marco Inc. on El Paseo in Palm Desert.
8 p.m.: Hear "Celebrate", the Kool and the Gang song used by more sports teams and arenas, at Spotlight 29 Casino.
A salute to motorhome living. 100 motor homes on display, 150 vendors and a parade. The Motorhome Rally and Exhibition at the Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival fairgrounds is hosted by the Western Motor Home Association.
V. Gene Robinson, the first openly gay Anglican Bishop, will conduct services on Jan. 12-13 at The Church of St. Paul in the Desert in Palm Springs. Services are at 4 p.m. Jan. 12 and 8 and 10:30 a.m. Jan. 13.
Dinner suggestion: Florida stone crab claw at Sullivan's Steakhouse on El Paseo in Palm Desert.
Sunday, Jan. 13
3-7 p.m.: "Operation Smile Saver" hosts a benefit barbecue and concert at the Palm Desert Country Club. Proceeds go to dental hygiene products, educational supplies and toys to 400 kids within the Oasis and Westside Elementary Schools in Thermal.
5 p.m.: Closing night film of the Palm Springs International Film Festival is "Unfinished Song" at Palm Springs High School. Terrance Stamp, who stars in the fill along with Vanessa Redgrave, will attend the screening.
American painter Forrest Moses crafts landscape paintings based on his travels from Maine got George and New Mexico at the Michael H. Lord Gallery in Palm Springs. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.
Brunch suggestion: Spencer's Restaurant in Palm Springs.
Take a Drive
While the Palm Springs International Film Festival finishes up this weekend, there is another. The Idyllwild CinemaFest 2013 runs Jan. 9-13 at three venues: Rustic Theatre, Astrocamp and Caine Learning Center. Screenings start at 10 a.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
For more ideas, check our comprehensive calendar.