SEE: Desert X - through April 21
The final weekend approaches for the second iteration of the site specific art installation across the desert. The exhibition, which is free and open to the public, I s missing a couple of the installations that have already shut down, but a majority are still there for you to enjoy..Desert X hubs in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, and Indio are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday through Sunday, and bus tours launch every Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
See related story: View Desert X in less than 48 hours
SEE: A Celebration of the Smoke Tree — through April 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 more about this unique partnership.
GO: Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival — April 19–21
Childish Gambino, Tame Impala, and Ariana Grande top the lineup at this year’s iteration of the world’s sunniest music fest. Be sure to carve out some time to check out a few new bands, too. View our BTS of Weekend 1.
WATCH: The Great Escape — APRIL 18
Thanks to a gift from the Rancho Mirage Writer’s Festival, movie buffs can check out a monthly classic film at the Rancho Mirage Public Library. This month’s is The Great Escape starring former desert resident Steve McQueen. Screen time is 3 p.m.
SEE: Idyllwild Arts Academy Student Reception - April 18
Idyllwild Arts Academy & Summer Program will conduct a visual arts reception at the new Melissa Morgan Fine Art Gallery in Palm Desert from 5-9 p.m. The exhibition was curated by Visual Arts Chair David Reid-Marr and features works selected from 32 artists in a variety of mediums, including painting, ceramics, mixed-media, sculpture, drawing, photography and printmaking.
GO: Easter Events— April 20-21
Desert cities across the valley are engaging in traditional Easter Egg hunts, including one under water. We have a complete list along with other opportunities to enjoy the weekend.
PHOTOGRAPH BY GETTY IMAGES
GO: 420 Day - April 20
The Leaf El Paseo will host its inaugural 4/20 celebration from noon to 4:20 p.m. featuring a live DJ, street tacos and churros, and vendor education stations. Ttrained cannabis consultants will also be on hand to answer questions and offer product recommendations. Visitors will also have the opportunity to join The Leaf‘s loyalty program, which allows members to earn points toward future purchases, and get regular updates about upcoming promotions and products. Must be 21 or older to enter.
WATCH: Cinema Under the Stars - April 20
What better setting to watch Close Encounters of the Third Kind than out in the open air under the stars at the Rancho Mirage Amphitheatre. See the Steven Spielberg film starring Richard Dreyfus and Francois Truffaut. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Film starts at sundown.
GO : Pageant! - though May 12
Judges selected from the audience actually vote and determine the winner who, therefore, may be different at each performance. The show at Desert Rose Playhouse in Rancho Mirage takes its shots not by mocking the pageant from the outside, but by being an actual contest. The six contestants compete for the title of Miss Glamouresse.
GO: Graceland and Asleep on the Wind — April 26-28
Desert Ensemble Theatre closes its 2018-19 season with a charming pair of one-act plays by Ellen Byron. In Graceland, two ardent Presley fans, Bev and Rootie, are camped out before the gates, each determined to be the first to enter the sacred precincts. Asleep on the Wind takes place 10 years prior in the Louisiana Bayou, where we learn about a family event that served as a catalyst for Rootie’s life path.