15 things to do in Palm Springs include Black History Month event

15 things to do in Palm Springs include Black History Month event

Looking for something to do in the valley this week? The Desert Sun's weekly events roundup is here to help.

It's the month of love, dear readers, and my love language is calendars.

That's why I have an extra robust list of event offerings for you this week. From plays and art exhibits to the kickoff of a free outdoor concert series, I'm confident you and your loved ones can find something to do in the desert.

Here are The Desert Sun's picks for the top events to attend the week of Monday, Feb. 2 in the Coachella Valley and surrounding communities. (If you’d like to submit an upcoming event of your own for a future 10 things to do roundup, see the bottom of this article for directions.)

Desert Town Hall continues its lecture series this month with Fox Chief Political Anchor and host of Special Report with Bret Baier, Bret Baier. This longtime broadcast journalist — who's covered everything from White House happenings to the Sept. 11 attack on the Pentagon — will offer his thoughts on "politics, history, and the nation’s path forward as America approaches its 250th birthday," as the press release states.

When: Doors open at 5 p.m., lecture begins at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2

Where: Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, 44-400 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells

Cost: Series tickets (for all four events) only, single tickets are not available. Prices start at $450

Comedy Riot Finals at Revolution Stage Company

Ready to see the best of the valleys' comedy scene compete in this final competition? Rising comedians have been competing at Revolution Stage Company every Monday since Jan. 5 to get their very own headlining comedy show at the Palm Springs theater. This show marks the culmination of it all. Note: Cash only at door night of show. Buy in advance with credit card.

Where: Revolution Stage Company, 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

More info: revolutionstagecompany.com/comedy-riot

Backstreet Art District's First Wednesday Art Walk

Palm Springs Backstreet Art District invites the public to come and enjoy an evening of fine art, live entertainment, food offerings and beverages while strolling through several unique galleries and art studios. Support the Coachella Valley art community while viewing the latest works by talented creatives. Come see why Backstreet Art District was voted a "Best of Coachella Valley, 2023"!

When: 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4

Where: Backstreet Art District, Corner of South Cherokee Way and Matthew Drive (behind Estate Sale) in Palm Springs

More info: backstreetartdistrict.com

City of La Quinta 'Concerts in the Park' Series at SilverRock Park

The City of La Quinta is kicking off a new season of its popular Concerts in the Park series this week at SilverRock Park. This completely free and family-friendly community event aims to bring residents and visitors together for a night of live music, local food and outdoor fun. It all starts this week with an energetic performance by The Stellar Band, who will play an array of hits from the ‘80s to now. A variety of local food trucks will be on-site with pre-concert activities for families and children beginning at 6 p.m. Note: Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs for seating.

When: 6 p.m. gates open (with activities and food trucks available); and 7-9 p.m. live performance Wednesday, Feb. 4

Where: SilverRock Park, 51-900 SilverRock Way, La Quinta

More info: playinlaquinta.com/venue/silverrock-event-site/

'Artists Council Exhibition: Timeless Traditions - Modern Context' Juried Exhibition & Sale

Get in touch with your creative side at this new Artists Council exhibit, where, as the press release states, "art from the Coachella Valley and beyond pushes the boundaries of history and contemporary perspectives. This featured exhibition of more than 130 artworks showcases a dynamic collection of juried submissions selected from the diverse talent of our over 700 Artists Council members."

When: Opening reception 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5; exhibit runs Feb. 4-March 1

Where: Artists Center, 72-567 Highway 111, Palm Desert

Cost: Free admission, with art available for purchase

'Opening Celebration: A Century of Black History Commemorations' at the Palm Springs Art Museum

Kick off Black History Month with this special evening of free programming at the Palm Springs Art Museum honoring 100 years of Black History Month celebrations with the 2026 national theme, "A Century of Black History Commemorations." The museum will host a special series of Black History Month programs occurring every Thursday in February, and it all starts with this opening celebration featuring performances by the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center drumline and drill team, remarks from the Palm Springs Black History Committee, Joann McGrath Executive Director at Palm Springs Art Museum Christine Vendredi and Palm Springs Mayor Naomi Soto. Violinist Poetic Moor will open and close the program with a live musical performance.

When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5

Where: Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 Museum Drive, Palm Springs

Cost: Free admission (with small bites available for purchase)

More info: psmuseum.org/events/

The staging of this musical couldn't be more timely. "Set amid the cultural revolution of the late 1960s," as the theater's press release says, "'Hair' follows a tribe of young people searching for meaning and belonging in a world shaped by war, protest, and social change. Through iconic songs including 'Aquarius,' 'Good Morning Starshine,' and 'Let the Sunshine In,' the musical celebrates individuality, community, and the courage to live authentically.

When: Feb. 6-March 1 (see website below for showtimes)

Where: Palm Canyon Theatre, 538 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

Cost: $20 for children and seniors, $46 for adults

More info: palmcanyontheatre.net

Annual Tacos, Tequila, & Chavelas Festival

Kick off your Super Bowl weekend with this festival in downtown Coachella — and come hungry. The city, in partnership with the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians, present this evening featuring local food vendors, a live band and DJ, mechanical bull rides, roping and corn hole games, food booths and refreshing aguas frescas. Come watch one of the taco vendors be crowned “Best of Festival” title, and wash down your dinner with a signature handcrafted chavela.

When: 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7

Where: Veterans Memorial Park, 1500 Fourth St., Coachella

Cost: Free admission with food and drink available for purchase

More info: gcvcc.org/event/tacos-tequila-chavelas-2/

'The Importance of Being Earnest (in New York)' at Plaza Theatre Palm Springs

Tony Award winner David Zippel brings his celebrated storytelling expertise to Plaza Theatre series rePLAYas Artistic Director, collaborating with producer Debbie Green Miller to craft this innovative project, as the theater's website states. "'The Importance of Being Earnest (in New York)' launches a three-production rePLAY series that continues throughout the spring, pairing iconic American comedies with legendary directors and performers for a limited run of script-in-hand events at the Plaza."

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7

Where: Plaza Theatre, 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

More info: palmspringsplazatheatre.com

History Speaks: How Do Your Gardens Grow?

Enrich your understanding of Desert Hot Springs history and learn more about desert horticulture at this engaging talk. The Desert Hot Springs Historical Society's website describes the event as follows: "As we transition from Winter months looking forward to Spring, native plants and gardens begin to come back into focus. And Monarch Butterflies arrive on the scene! Larry Peters, our VP of DHS Historical Society, takes us on an exciting journey through understanding the migration, diet and stages of Monarch Butterflies. We’ll also discuss our very own DHSHS butterfly garden, and plans for free plant distribution on Earth Day. ... have a front-row seat as Larry presents a video of the plan and historical significance of a Painted Hills cactus garden on a nearby ranch." Guests will also get a sneak peek at plans for a DHS Desert Rose Garden and Plumeria Walk.

Where: Historic Rock House Museum, 66-050 Third St., Desert Hot Springs

Cost: Suggested donation of $5 per person

More info: dhshistoricalsociety.org/event/

Indio Black History Month Celebration and Concert

Palm Springs isn't the only city kicking off Black History Month with a special event this week. The City of Indio and the Indio Black History Committee invite the community to celebrate Black History Month at this day of free, family-friendly events in downtown Indio. Festivities kick off at noon with a community celebration featuring a dynamic lineup of guest speakers, panel discussions, live entertainment, games, resource booths, food vendors, a free kids zone and more. Those who stick around after the celebration will be treated to a special concert headlined by E&J Movement, who will perform Motown favorites from 6-9 p.m. Note: Beginning at 6 p.m., and while supplies last, the first 100 attendees will receive a free burger from Papa Headz across the street from Center Stage (head to the window on the side of the Gabino’s Creperie East building).

When: Noon-5 p.m. celebration, 6-9 p.m. E&J Movement concert Saturday, February 7

Where: Downtown Indio's Center Stage, 82-881 Miles Ave., Indio

Opening Reception for 'Sweet Jazz' at Rubine Red Gallery

Step into the mind of a late revered artist at "Sweet Jazz," an exhibition celebrating the life, legacy and artistic output of Malcolm H. Myers (1924–2002), one of the most influential figures in American intaglio printmaking. As the gallery press release says, "Widely regarded as a master printmaker, painter, and educator ... whose career spanned more than six decades, Myers produced an astonishing body of work across multiple media. His art is instantly recognizable for its lively animal characters, mythic figures, musicians, and fantastical imagery ... During World War II, while stationed in New York City with the Merchant Marine, he frequented the jazz clubs of 52nd and 57th Streets — venues that have since vanished beneath the city’s skyline. These formative experiences left a lasting imprint, inspiring visual tributes to jazz in watercolor, etching, intaglio, oil, and acrylic."

When: Opening Reception is 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7; exhibit runs Feb. 7-March 2

Where: Rubine Red Gallery, 668 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 102, Palm Springs

Desert Hot Springs Classical Concerts presents Oakwood Brass

End your weekend on the right note with a relaxing late-afternoon classical concert. As Desert Hot Springs Classical Concerts states via press release, this show will examine "the artistic concept of improvisation as applied both historically and in modern works: a bright and energetic concert featuring works ranging from Renaissance era composer Tylman Susato to traditional 2nd Line pieces from New Orleans. Established in 2009, Oakwood Brass presents music that is fun and lively to audiences using the classical brass quintet sound. ... Oakwood Brass is a modern brass quintet aiming to revitalize chamber music performances using contemporary media to attract new listeners to classical instrumentation."

Where: Grace Church, 17-400 Bubbling Wells Road, Desert Hot Springs

Cost: Free admission, but cash donations at the door are appreciated

More info: dhsclassicalconcerts.org/2026

Desert TheatreWorks presents 'Neil Simon’s Laughter on the 23rd Floor'

If you need a laugh this weekend, this show has you covered. Desert TheatreWorks promises "the coffee is strong, the jokes are sharp, and the egos are enormous" in its latest show. "Inspired by Simon’s own days in the writers’ room of 'Your Show of Shows,' this behind-the-scenes comedy captures the outrageous antics, razor-sharp banter, and heartfelt camaraderie of a team of comic geniuses." Rating: PG-13. Runtime: 2 hours with intermission.

When: Now through Feb. 15 (see various dates and times at website below)

Where: Desert TheatreWorks, 45-175 Fargo St., Indio

More info: showpass.com/dtw-laughter-23rd-floor/

Prism Theater presents 'Camp Morning Wood'

Palm Springs' newest theater opened last month with a show that's sure to turn some heads. Fresh from its Off-Broadway run, "Camp Morning Wood" is being staged for the first time outside of New York (making its West Coast premiere) here in Palm Springs. The theater press release describes the plot as follows: "When a newly engaged couple’s car breaks down, they find themselves unexpectedly stranded at a gay nudist camp. What follows is a laugh-out-loud mix of cheeky humor, toe-tapping songs, outrageous dancing, and strategically placed props that keep things covered ... mostly. Bold, irreverent, and full of surprises, this musical promises a wildly entertaining night you won’t soon forget." Note: This show is 18+ because it contains adult themes, nudity, strong language, sexual content.

When: Runs through March 22 (see website below for specific times)

Where: Prism Theater, 391 Indian Canyon Way, Palm Springs

More info: prismtheater.org/shows

To submit an event for The Desert Sun's consideration in future 10 things to do stories, send an email to niki.kottmann@desertsun.com with the time, date, location and price of admission for your event, as well as a brief event description. Photos are not required, but are highly encouraged as part of the submission.

Tip: Send your submission as early as possible to make sure we have it in time, and to make sure your event jumps out in our inbox, put "10 things to do submission" in the email subject line.

(This story was updated to add a new video and a couple new events.)