Celebrate May with Music, Art, and Community in the Coachella Valley

May in the Coachella Valley is alive with energy, creativity, and connections, providing something for everyone. With world-class music and film festivals, outdoor concerts, golf tournaments, and inspiring art exhibitions, this month is filled with events that highlight the vibrancy of our desert communities. Explore this month’s highlights and begin planning your May adventures!

THINGS TO DO

JOSHUA TREE MUSIC FESTIVAL: MAY 15-28

The Joshua Tree Music Festival offers a vibrant fusion of sound, art, and community spirit. This spring’s lineup features an eclectic mix of artists, including Wajatta—a dynamic duo of Reggie Watts and John Tejada blending beatboxing with electronic grooves—and High Step Society, known for their electrifying swing-infused dance beats. Set against the stunning desert landscape, the festival provides continuous live music across multiple stages, complemented by immersive art installations, wellness workshops, and family-friendly activities. It’s a celebration of creativity and connection under the open sky. 

For more information and to buy tickets, click HERE.

ARTHUR LYON’S FILM NOIR FESTIVAL: MAY 8-11

The Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary with a compelling lineup of classic and rare noir films. Opening with Cry Wolf (1947), starring Errol Flynn and Barbara Stanwyck, the festival offers a curated selection including Johnny O’Clock (1947), Angel Face (1953), and On the Waterfront (1954). Special guests such as Rory Flynn, Wyatt McCrea, and Eddie Muller will provide insights and participate in discussions. A highlight is the black-and-white screening of Guillermo del Toro’s Nightmare Alley (2021), followed by a Q&A with del Toro and co-writer Kim Morgan . 

For more information, click HERE.

MEMORIAL DAY AIR FAIR & FLOWER DROP: MAY 30

The Palm Springs Air Museum’s Memorial Day Air Fair and Flower Drop is a poignant tribute to fallen service members. The highlight is a flyover by “Semper Fi,” the only flying PBJ-1J Mitchell bomber, releasing over 3,000 red and white carnations in honor of those who served . The ceremony includes a Missing Man Formation and acknowledges local Gold Star Families. Attendees can enjoy flight exhibitions, live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities throughout the day. A special exhibit featuring Lockheed Martin’s DARKSTAR will also be on display inside the Miles Hangar.  

For more information, click HERE.

FILMS IN THE GARDENS - MAY 2, 9, 16

Sunnylands’ Films in the Gardens offers a delightful open-air cinema experience amid the estate’s serene desert landscape. Presented in partnership with the Palm Springs International Film Festival, this free series invites guests to enjoy classic and contemporary films under the stars. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and small picnics to enhance their viewing experience. The Sunnylands café is open during the events, offering a selection of snacks and beverages for purchase.

For more information and to register, click HERE.

CONCERTS IN THE PARK PALM DESERT: MAY 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Palm Desert’s beloved Concerts in the Park series returns this May, offering five weeks of free Thursday evening performances at the Civic Center Park Amphitheater. This year’s lineup features a dynamic mix of tribute acts and dance bands, including TLR, honoring The Eagles’ timeless hits; Stone Soul, delivering classic Motown grooves; Young Guns, celebrating country music superstars; Pop Vinyl, energizing the crowd with Top 40 dance favorites; and Jimmy’s Buffet, paying homage to the laid-back tunes of Jimmy Buffett . Attendees are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs and food trucks will be on-site offering a variety of culinary delights.

For more information, click HERE.

CITY OF PALM DESERT GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP: MAY 24-25

The City of Palm Desert Championship returns this Memorial Day weekend, offering a premier two-person team tournament at Desert Willow Golf Resort. Over two days, participants will tackle the Mountain View and Firecliff courses, each presenting unique challenges with their strategic layouts and stunning desert landscapes. The event features both Best Ball and Scramble formats, accommodating various skill levels. Attractive prizes, including a BMW Performance Center Drive and a Titleist Scotty Cameron putter, add to the excitement.

For more information, click HERE.

ENJOY SOME MUSIC

McCallum Theatre

• Lea Michele: May 30

For more information and to buy tickets, click HERE.

Fantasy Springs Casino

• Jason Bonham: May 24

For more information and to buy tickets, click HERE

Morongo Casino

• Missing Person & Stacey Q: May 22
• Foghat: May 23

For more information and to buy tickets, click HERE

Acrisure Arena

• James Taylor: May 5
• Simple Mingds: May 23

For more information and to buy tickets, click HERE

Agua Caliente Casino

• Morrissey: May 3
• Diana Krall: May 10
• Jason Mraz: May 16
• Tom Jones: May 23

For more information and to buy tickets, click HERE

Pappy & Harriett’s

• Yo La Tengo: May 7
• Nazareth: May 24
• Gang of Four: May 26

For more information and to buy tickets, click HERE

SEE LIVE THEATER

Palm Canyon Theatre 

• Forever Plaid: May 9-18

For more information and to get tickets, click HERE.

McCallum Theatre 

• Tina: The Tina Turner Musical: May 9-11
• COD Presents: Jesus Christ Superstar: May 16-18g

For more information and to get tickets, click HERE.

CVRep 

• Other Desert Cities: Through May 4
• The Beverly Hills Hotel Peace Talks: May 21 - June 1

For more information and to get tickets, click HERE.

ENJOY SOME ART

DESERT X: Through MAY 11

Desert X 2025 continues this month, showcasing site-specific installations that explore themes like Indigenous futurism, colonial power dynamics, and humanity’s impact on the land. Curated by Neville Wakefield and Kaitlin Garcia-Maestas, this edition features works by renowned artists such as Sanford Biggers, Agnes Denes, and Alison Saar. A highlight is Denes’s The Living Pyramid, now on view at Sunnylands.   

For more information, click HERE.

Palm Springs Art Museum

Thursdays from 5 to 8 pm, enjoy free admission to the art galleries and exhibitions, and explore the museum’s collection at your own pace.

Featured Exhibitions 

• Frey House II Tour: Every Saturday through May 31
• Meditations in Glass: Through Aug 31

For more information, click HERE.

Artists Council

The Artists Council is a nonprofit organization based in Palm Desert dedicated to promoting artists and art in the Coachella Valley and beyond through exhibitions, professional development, and community engagement.

Featured Exhibitions 

• “Through The Lens” Photography Exhibition: Through May 25
• “In Focus” Solo Show Featuring Eric H. F. Law: Through May 25

For more information, click HERE.