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EVENTS

From art exhibits to a film fest, here's 12 things to do in the Coachella Valley this week

Looking to get out of the house this week? The Desert Sun's weekly events roundup can help.

Portrait of Niki Kottmann Niki Kottmann
Palm Springs Desert Sun

Awards season has sadly come and gone, but if you missed one of the Academy Award-winning performances, you can catch it at a local film festival this week.

From the Palm Springs Jewish Film Festival to several plays, concerts and art exhibits, there's plenty to do in the Coachella Valley this week. (And if you'd like your event to be in a future roundup, scroll to the bottom to learn how to submit to this events roundup.)

So, without further ado, here's our top picks for things to do in the Coachella Valley from Monday, March 10-Sunday, March 16.

12th Annual Palm Springs Jewish Film Festival

'A Real Pain' actor and filmmaker Jesse Eisenberg is interviewed backstage at the Palm Springs International Film Awards in Palm Springs, Calif., Friday, Jan. 3, 2025.

Films starring Jesse Eisenberg, Kieran Culkin, Lena Dunham, Anthony Hopkins and others will take center stage at the 12th annual Palm Springs Jewish Film Festival this week. The 12th annual event, which started March 8, will screen 16 feature films total, and will offer several Q&As with filmmakers and actors to give a behind-the-scenes look at the filmmaking process. Don't miss the screening of "A Real Pain," the dramedy that Kieran Culkin just won the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for, at 10:30 a.m. Monday.

When: Now through March 12 (check the website for the full schedule)

Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs

Cost: Single film tickets cost $12, while an all-access pass costs $150

More info: palmspringsjewishfilmfestival.org/buy-tickets

Coachella Valley Repertory presents 'Jesus Christ Superstar'

Christin Byrdsong plays Judas Iscariot in Coachella Valley Repertory's production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" at the Cathedral City theater.

CVRep is giving a familiar story a contemporary feel by staging this Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical this month As its press release states, in "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Judas is concerned that the followers of Jesus are getting out of control and may be viewed as a threat by religious and government leaders. He also warns Jesus about the impression his relationship with Mary Magdalene may be giving. ... Rice and Webber explore the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, and the uncompromising political powers of Jerusalem and the Roman Empire." Note: There will be an ASL Interpreted Performance at 2 p.m. on March 12.

When: Now through March 23 (see website for specific times and dates)

Where: Coachella Valley Repertory, 68-510 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City

Cost: $55-$125

More info: cvrep.org/productions

MAD.KAT Gallery presents 'SOUND & VISION 2025: The Visual Art of 16 Recording Artists'

Two art forms combine in this new show at MAD.KAT Gallery in Rancho Mirage. "Sound and Vision 2025" showcases over 100 visual art pieces by 16 recording artists: Cheryl Bentyne (Manhattan Transfer) Exene Cervenka (X) Marti Jones Dixon Jill Emery (Hole, Mazzy Star) Juliana Hatfield (Blake Babies, Lemonheads) Shinji Horimura (Japanese Taiko Drum Master) Gill Landry (Old Crow Medicine Show) Jon Langford (Mekons, Three Johns, Waco Brothers) Stefan Murphy (The Mighty Stef, The Sleeveens) Johnette Napolitano (Concrete Blonde) Jeb Loy Nichols Fredrik Nilsen (Los Angeles Free Music Society) Kurt Ralske (Ultra Vivid Scene) Nathaniel Russell Rennie Sparks (The Handsome Family) Deb Talan (The Weepies) Russ Tolman (True West).

When: Now through April 12

Where: MAD.KAT Gallery, 71-590 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage

Cost: Free admission, with artwork available for purchase

More info: gallerymadkat.com

Revolution Stage Company presents 'How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying'

Revolution Stage Company presents "How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying" March 12–29 at the Palm Springs theater.

Revolution Stage Company is staging the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" this month. As the press release states, "this razor-sharp satire of corporate America follows the ambitious J. Pierrepont Finch as he schemes his way from window washer to the top of the World Wide Wicket Company — without ever really working too hard. With music and lyrics by Frank Loesser (Guys and Dolls) and a book by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock, and Willie Gilbert, 'How to Succeed' blends clever comedy, show-stopping musical numbers, and timeless social commentary." Prepare to hear beloved musical classics like “I Believe in You,” “Brotherhood of Man,” and “The Company Way,” performed by valley locals under the direction of Broadway veteran Robert Johanson.

When: March 12–29

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

Cost: $29-$53

More info:revolutionstagecompany.com/how-to-succed-in-business

'Preservation Mirage Presents Richard Neutra’s Maslon House' Screening

A look inside Maslon House, from the Julius Shulman photography archive, 1936-1997.

If you missed your chance to see Preservation Mirage's first foray into filmmaking during Modernism Week, have no fear. Due to great demand, the documentary short film will have a local screening for one night only this month. Architecture fans, come enjoy this documentary about the Maslon House by Richard Neutra, which was built on the 12th fairway of Tamarisk Country Club in 1962, and was one of only three in the Coachella Valley designed by the prominent modernist architect. Razed in 2002, the demise of this architectural treasure sparked international outrage — and started a movement locally. This screening will be followed by a Q&A session with a filmmaker from Streeterville Productions.

When: 5-6 p.m. Wednesday, March 12

Where: Cinemark Century at the River and XD, 71-800 Highway 111, Suite A-137, Rancho Mirage

Cost: $5 donation to Preservation Mirage

More info: preservationmirage.org/event-details/

Eagle Eyes Live: A Tribute to the Eagles

Oscar's Palm Springs is located at 125 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way in Palm Springs.

Come honor the legendary California country rock band The Eagles at this live show in downtown Palm Springs. This group of Vancouver, B.C. musicians is known for their precise vocal harmonies and service to the smallest of details in performing songs spanning the extensive Eagles Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame-honored career (including a few selections from Eagles members' solo careers).

When: Doors open at 5 p.m., show at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 13

Where: Oscar's, 125 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs

Cost: From $25

More info:oscarspalmsprings.com/product/

Movie Night at Center Stage presents 'Encanto'

Mirabel (voiced by Stephanie Beatriz, center) is the only ordinary child of the magical Madrigal family in Disney's musical "Encanto."

Indio's monthly free movie night events continue this month with a special screening of the Disney film "Encanto." Head to Downtown Indio with some loved ones and a blanket or folding chair, and enjoy a fun (and affordable) night out. All attendees will receive free popcorn, and the first 100 kids to come up to the Papa Headz (PH Burger) vendor booth will get a free burger. Indio's next movie night screening will take place on April 10 and will screen "Selena."

When: 6 p.m. Thursday, March 13

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

Cost: Free admission, free popcorn and other food available for purchase

More info:indio.org

Palm Canyon Theatre presents 'Victor/Victoria'

Palm Canyon Theatre's latest production, directed by Derik Shopinski and starring Christine Tringali-Nunes as Victoria and David Brooks as Toddy, follows a woman pretending to be someone who she isn't. As the theater's website states, "On the brink of starvation, Victoria Grant achieves stardom by masquerading as a man, 'Count Victor Grazinski,' who performs as a female impersonator. When macho businessman King Marchan develops feelings for 'Victor,' and Victoria reciprocates, the whirlwind of complications begin, ultimately revealing a moving story about self-discovery, tolerance, and second chances."

When: March 14-April 6 (check website for times)

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

Cost: Tickets are $38 for adults; $34 for seniors; $17 for students, and group discounts are available

More info: palmcanyontheatre.net

Desert Ensemble Theatre presents "God of Carnage" March 14-23 at Palm Springs Cultural Center.

Desert Ensemble Theatre presents 'God of Carnage'

Desert Ensemble Theatre's latest production, "God of Carnage," follows a playground altercation between two boys that, as the website says, "brings together their four parents for a meeting to resolve the matter. As the meeting progresses, and the rum flows, tensions emerge and the gloves come off, leaving the couples with more than just their liberal principles in tatters."

When: March 14-23

Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs

Cost: $40

More info:desertensembletheatre.org/god-of-carnage-2/

Fashion Week El Paseo

A model walks the runway during a show of Istituto Marangoni Miami student designs at Fashion Week El Paseo in Palm Desert, Calif., Wednesday, March 20, 2024.

Fashion Week El Paseo, which calls itself the "largest consumer fashion week on the West Coast," takes to the runway this week. Participating brands and designers include Bienvenue Pierre Cardin, Ace Harper, LaQuan Smith, Istituto Marangoni and many more. It all ends March 19 with The Best of Saks featuring Etro Spring 2025, a fashion show featuring "Spring/Summer 2025 menswear and womenswear from the best brands at Saks Fifth Avenue" and Italian designer Etro, as the fashion week's website states.

When: Friday, March 14 through Wednesday, March 19

Where: Various locations on El Paseo in Palm Desert

Cost: From $95

More info: fashionweekelpaseo.com

Tramway History Presentation And Book Signing

A descending tram car passes it's uphill companion on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway line in Palm Springs, Calif., Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025.

If you have an interest in history, engineering, or simply have always wanted to know more about the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, this event is for you. This informative presentation and book signing will feature author and historian Steve Lech to discuss his book, "Crocker’s Folly," which details the long and difficult journey by the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway founders in building one of Palm Springs' most beloved attractions. Lech, a native of Riverside County, has been researching the area for more than 40 years, and has written or co-written more than a dozen books and over 300 articles on various aspects of Riverside County’s history. In addition to writing and researching articles and books, he serves as co-editor of the Riverside County Chronicles (the Riverside County Heritage Association’s journal of local history), he is on the editorial board of the Journal of the Riverside Historical Society, and he serves as president of both the Riverside Historical Society and the Riverside County Heritage Association.

When: 11 a.m.– 1 p.m. Saturday, March 15

Where: Francis Crocker Room at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Mountain Station (aka at the top of the tram), 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs

Cost: Event is free with general tram admission, which is $32.95 for adults, $29.95 for seniors 65 and older, and $18.95 for children ages 3-10. Tram cars depart at least every 30 minutes (and the book is available for purchase in the Mountain Gift Shop)

More info: Call 888-515-TRAM or 760-325-1391, or visit pstramway.com

Hockney + You: Experiential Community Art Workshops for Coachella Valley Children

A series of free art workshops offering the opportunity for children across the Coachella Valley to discover the art of renowned artist David Hockney comes to a close this weekend. Sponsored by Jordan D. Schnitzer and his family foundation to educate and enrich children, this is an immersive experience giving kids of all ages from toddlers up, step-by-step instructions to create their own masterpiece. The workshops coincide with the current exhibition "David Hockney: Perspective Should Be Reversed" at the Palm Springs Art Museum on display through March 2025.

When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, March 16

Where: Downtown Park, at the corner of Museum Way and Belardo Road in Palm Springs

Cost: Free admission

More info: palmspringslife.com/hockneyandyou

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.