It's hard to ignore 100,000 people at the first weekend of Coachella, but there are a few other things to do in Palm Springs and the desert.
GO: Coachella – April 12-14
Keep tabs of what’s going on at the Empire Polo Grounds and some exclusive parties with behind-the-scenes coverage on our Instagram and Facebook platforms.
Be sure to catch local group Ocho Ojos at Coachella on Sunday (April 14). Read their profile and five other local bands that headline the desert vibe.
And for advice on the first weekend from who to see to what to wear, check out the Q&A we did with 10 festival acts from both Coachella and the upcoming Stagecoach.
WATCH: Love, Sex, & the IRS — April 5–14
This Desert Theatreworks production at the Indio Performing Arts Center follows two straight male roommates who fake a marriage to fend off the IRS. Read our robust review of this laugh-out-loud comedy.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY DESERT THEATREWORKS
Tessa Walker plays Kate while Lee Paddick plays Jon.
WATCH: Grand Hotel — April 5–14
See the Palm Canyon Theatre’s take on the Tony-winning musical, a story of love and intrigue in the Roaring ’20s at a luxurious Berlin hotel. Read our review of this "grand" production.
SEE: A Celebration of the Smoke Tree — April 1–30
Painter Terry Masters and photographer Millicent Harvey pair up to present an artful exhibition centering on an underappreciated desert plant at Desertpainter Studio Gallery in Palm Springs. Read our story on this exhibition, click HERE.
GO: Palm Springs Fashion Week — April 11–13
Swim and resort wear take center stage at this three-day style extravaganza that transforms the Riviera Palm Springs pool into a runway.
GO: Coachella Pre-Party Poolside — April 12-14
The Hilton Palm Springs offers a weekend of water, sun, and music with acts like Amtrac, Rufus Du Sol, and Camelphat.
GO: DESERT WEEKENDER 1 - APRIL 12-14
The ultimate three-day pool party featuring poolside deejays. Make sure to RSVP at the website in order to get in.
LAUGH: Cedric the Entertainer — April 12
The Madagascar star, who counts Steve Harvey and former first lady Laura Bush among his fans, performs a stand-up show at Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa. Read our Q&A with the star from the CBS comedy, In the Neighborhood.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY CONTACTMUSIC. COM
Cedric the Entertainer: "There are moments when you recognize you have the ability to transform someone from one space or attitude to laugh really good. That’s one of the things that inspired me the most."
GROOVE: Chris Botti — April 12–13
The Grammy-winning jazz trumpeter has collaborated with such stars as Lady Gaga, John Mayer, and the desert’s beloved Frank Sinatra. Hear his soulful sound at the McCallum.
GO: Joshua Treenial — April 12–14
This annual High Desert event features installation and performance art celebrating “all that Joshua Tree inspires and makes possible.”
GROOVE: Paquita la del Barrio — April 13
Vivacious ranchera singer Francisca Viveros Barradas (better known by her stage name, which translates to “Paquita from the hood”) sings her girl-power tunes at Spotlight 29 Casino.