10 things to do in the Coachella Valley this week, June 30-July 6

Anyone who's ever said there's nothing to do in the Coachella Valley in the summer is wrong. This week, visitors and locals alike can enjoy an art walk, the last day of a film festival, a karaoke night and many more fun outings.

If you're interested in filling your calendar, we've put together a list of 10 things happening this week in the valley and nearby communities.

Here's our picks for the top things to do in the desert Monday, June 30 through Sunday, July 6. (And if you'd like to submit an upcoming event of your own for a future roundup, see the bottom of this article for directions.)

Last Chance Event: Artist Council Show 'Fun + Games'

The Artists Center, which hosts several Artists Council exhibits every year, is located at 72-567 Highway 111, Palm Desert.

The Artists Council at the Artists Center presents its final exhibit and sale of the 2024-25 season, "Fun + Games." This show provides a platform for local artists to not only showcase their work, but "highlight the whimsical creativity" within them, as the press release states. If you're stopping by the day this article comes out, Sunday, June 29, check out the gallery's People's Choice Awards and year-end celebration 2-4 p.m. Sunday, June 29.

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When:On view now through June 29

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

Cost:Free admission, with art available for purchase

More info:artistscouncil.com

31th Annual Palm Springs International ShortFest Best of Fest

Palm Springs International Film Society Artistic Director Lili Rodriguez gives opening remarks before the first screening of ShortFest at Festival Theaters in Palm Springs, Calif., Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

Didn't get to catch a screening at ShortFest last week? Never fear, you have one last chance! Best of Fest is a day full of screenings of audience favorites and award-winning short films from this year's festival. Purchase aBest of Fest passto get unlimited access to all Best of Fest screenings, or you can purchase individual tickets online beginning Sunday, June 29, when the lineup is announced.

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When:11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday, June 30

Where:Festival Theaters, 789 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs

Cost:$75 for a Best of Fest pass, or visit the website below on June 29 to check prices for individual screening prices

More info:psfilmfest.org/shortfest-2025/

Karaoke Night

Need some help getting through the week? Take a karaoke break at Hunters every Tuesday with host and DJ Michael Malfavon. Grab a drink, grab the mic and belt your heart out while escaping the heat in this beloved Arenas District watering hole, which is always kept at at cool 72 degrees.

When: 8 p.m.-midnight every Tuesday (including Tuesday, July 1)

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Where: Hunters Nightclub, 302 E. Arenas Road, Palm Springs

Cost: No cover charge, but drinks available for purchase

More info: hunterspalmsprings.com

Backstreet Art District's First Wednesday Art Walk

Backstreet Art District holds its First Wednesday Art Walk from 5 to 7 p.m. every first Wednesday of the month across its various Palm Springs galleries.

Palm Springs Backstreet Art District invites the public to come and enjoy anevening of fine art, live entertainment, food offerings and beverages while strolling through several uniquegalleries 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:5-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 2

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

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Cost:Free

More info:backstreetartdistrict.com

City of Coachella Independence Day Celebration

Fireworks are displayed at an early Independence Day celebration at Bagdouma Park in Coachella, Calif. on Wednesday, July 3, 2019.

The City of Coachella is hosting a family-friendly Independence Day Celebration for residents. Festivities include fireworks, games, local food vendors, live music and fun for people of all ages.Need a break?Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

When:6:30-10 p.m. Thursday, July 3

Where:Bagdouma Park, 51-723 Douma St., Coachella

Cost:Free admission

More info: coachella.org/residents/events

Red, White and Chill Party

The Ace Hotel & Swim Club will host a Red, White and Chill Fourth of July party from 3 to 9 p.m. on Friday, July 4 at the beloved Palm Springs hotel pool.

Want to enjoy your Fourth of July poolside at one of Palm Springs' most iconic hotels? Grab a day pass to visit The Ace Hotel, where you can grab a KH Smash Burger, sip ice-cold beers and cocktails poolside and enjoy music spun by DJ Dtomp and friends. Note: Pool floats encouraged but not required.

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When: 3-9 p.m. Friday, July 4

Where: Ace Hotel & Swim Club Palm Springs, 701 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

Cost: Free to hotel guests and $44 for a day pass for non-guests

More info: acehotel.com/palm-springs/going-on/

Fireworks are set off during Indio's 10th annual Fourth of July Festival at the Riverside County Fairgrounds in Indio. July 4, 2006.

City of Indio Independence Day Bash Drone Show

The Coachella Valley Music and Art and Stagecoach country music festivals aren't the only celebrations taking place at the Empire Polo Club in Indio this year. The Independence Day Bash will have live music from Radio Ready (which performs everything from 1940s jazz standards to today’s hits), food, drinks and a kids’ zone, and it all culminates with a patriotic drone show at 9:30 p.m. The fun runs from 6 to 10 p.m., and it’s free and open to all ages.

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When:6-10 p.m. Friday, July 4

Where:Empire Polo Club, 81-800 51st Ave., Indio

Cost:Free admission

More info: tinyurl.com/IndioFourthOfJuly2025

City of Palm Desert Independence Day Celebration

The Swing Cats Big Band performs during the Independence Day Celebration at Civic Center Park in Palm Desert, Calif., July 4, 2024.

Looking for a mid-valley Fourth of July celebration? This evening event officially kicks off at 7:30 p.m. at the Civic Center's amphitheater with a free concert. A variety of food trucks and vendors will be on hand with tasty treats and beverages, and attendees can also bring picnic dinners, but alcoholic beverages, smoking and portable barbeques are prohibited. At 9 p.m., the sky will light up with a 20-minute fireworks display synchronized to patriotic-themed songs simulcast on two local radio stations.

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When:7:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, July 4

Where:Civic Center Park, 43-900 San Pablo Ave., Palm Desert

Cost:Free admission

More info: discoverpalmdesert.com/event/

Desert Hot Springs Fireworks Spectacular

Residents enjoy the City of Desert Hot Springs post Fourth of July fireworks show on Saturday, July 5, 2014 in Desert Hot Springs.

Join the City of Desert Hot Springs for a patriotic evening filled with food, music and exciting fireworks. Live music will be playing throughout the night, and food vendors will be on-site once cravings hit. The firework show is expected to begin at 9:14 p.m.

When:6-10 p.m. Saturday, July 5

Where:Mission Springs Park, 14-510 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs

Cost:Free admission

More info:cityofdhs.org/event/fireworks-spectacular-2025/

Los Tucanes de Tijuana Concert

Legendary Mexican norteño band Los Tucanes De Tijuana, renowned for their distinctive norteño and corrido style, will bring their tour to Palm Desert this weekend. With a career spanning decades, Los Tucanes De Tijuana have built a powerful musical legacy, captivating fans across many countries with their energetic stage presence and signature sound. The band continues to be a dominant force in Latin music today, blending classic norteño rhythms with contemporary flair.

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When: 8 p.m. Saturday, July 5

Where: Acrisure Arena, 75-702 Varner, Palm Desert

Cost: $53

More info: acrisurearena.com/event/los-tucanes-de-tijuana/

To submit an event for The Desert Sun's consideration in future 10 things to do stories, send an email to [email protected] 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 article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Things to do in Palm Springs: 10 events to check out in the desert