Escape to the Desert for An Unforgettable January

As the new year begins in the Coachella Valley, it is bustling with activity. Our winter visitors are returning and settling into their desert homes, and we have a variety of activities that will appeal to snowbirds and locals alike. With a major film festival, our first pro golfing tournament of the year, and a range of other exciting activities on the horizon, the valley is primed to offer something for every interest!

EVENTS

PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL FILM Festival: JAN 2-13

The Palm Springs International Film Festival starts with the star-studded Film Awards on January 3. Honorees include Timothée Chalamet, receiving the Chairman’s Award for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown; Angelina Jolie, who was awarded the Desert Palm Achievement Award for her role as Maria Callas in Maria; and Nicole Kidman, who was honored with the International Star Award for her performance in Babygirl. Ariana Grande will receive the Rising Star Award for her role as Glinda in Wicked.

For screening schedules and to buy tickets, click HERE.

THE AMERICAN EXPRESS: JAN 13-19

The American Express golf tournament will feature top PGA Tour players like world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, No. 2 Xander Schauffele, and defending champion Nick Dunlap.  The event will be held across three courses at PGA WEST and La Quinta Country Club. This year the tournament’s Concert Series will showcase Grammy Award-winning country group Little Big Town on Friday, January 17, followed by Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Journey on Saturday, January 18.

For more information and to purchase tickets, click HERE.

Kennel Club Classic - Jan 2-5

The Kennel Club of Palm Springs is set to host its prestigious New Year Classic 2025 at the Empire Polo Club.  This event, recognized as one of the largest AKC Licensed All Breed Dog Shows in the United States, marks the commencement of the dog show calendar.  The four-day showcase will feature conformation shows, obedience and rally trials, and specialty breed competitions. The event is open to the public, providing an excellent opportunity for dog lovers to witness top-tier canine competitions in a picturesque outdoor setting.

For more information, click HERE.

Southwest Arts Festival - Jan 23-26

The Southwest Arts Festival returns to the Empire Polo Club, featuring over 200 artists showcasing traditional, contemporary, and abstract artworks, including fine art, pottery, jewelry, and crafts. Attendees can enjoy live music daily. This festival is recognized as one of the country’s leading juried art events, providing art enthusiasts with a vibrant and immersive journey through art and music.

For more information, click HERE.

Palm Springs Pinot Noir Festival - Jan 30-Feb 2

The 5th Annual Palm Springs Pinot Noir Festival will feature over 80 top winery owners and winemakers from California, allowing attendees to sample more than 200 exceptional Pinot Noir wines.  The festival includes exclusive dinners, seminars, and a Sunday brunch, offering an in-depth exploration of the distinctive qualities of Pinot Noir

For more information, click HERE.

THINGS TO DO

Tour The Sunnylands Estate!

The weather is perfect for spending time at the historic Sunnylands Estate. Several tours are available, including the Historic House Tour, which provides a guided exploration of the Annenbergs’ iconic midcentury modern residence, and the Open-Air Experience, a shuttle tour showcasing the estate’s 200-acre grounds. You can also enjoy the Birding on the Estate tour, focused on the estate’s rich avian life, or the Historic Walk, a guided walking tour highlighting Sunnylands’ history. Advance reservations are required.

For more information, click HERE.

Coachella Valley Firebirds - Jan 5, 8, 11, 12, 16, 26, 29

The Coachella Valley Firebirds have an action-packed schedule in January 2025, featuring seven home games at Acrisure Arena. The month features two special theme nights, “Hockey Is For Everyone” on January 5, promoting inclusivity in the sport, and “Pride Night” on January 11, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.  Fans can anticipate thrilling hockey games and vibrant community events all month long. 

For more information, click HERE.

Visit the Art Museum!

January is an ideal time to visit the Palm Springs Art Museum, featuring several interesting exhibitions and events. Visitors can explore “Particles and Waves: Southern California Abstraction and Science, 1945–1990,” running through February 24, 2025, and “David Hockney: Perspective Should Be Reversed: Prints from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation,” on view until March 31, 2025. Additionally, the museum’s annual gala, Art Party 2025, themed “Cosmic Odyssey,” is scheduled for January 25, 2025, offering an evening of art, entertainment, and fundraising.

For more information, click HERE.

Cactus Cup - Jan 3-4

The inaugural Coachella Valley Cactus Cup is set for January 3-4, 2025, at Acrisure Arena.  This NCAA Division I men’s hockey tournament features four teams: the UMass Lowell River Hawks, Michigan Tech Huskies, Holy Cross Crusaders, and Omaha Mavericks.  Tickets provide access to both games daily, offering fans an exciting showcase of collegiate hockey in the Coachella Valley. 

For more information, click HERE.

Let’s Go Ice Skating!

In January, the Berger Foundation Iceplex in Palm Desert offers daily public skating sessions, providing a fun activity for all ages. A highlight is the “Kickin’ it Country” themed skate on Friday, January 24, from 7:20 to 8:50 p.m., where attendees wearing a cowboy hat receive free skate rental. The event features country-themed mini-games and stick pony races.  The Iceplex operates from 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., providing plenty of opportunities for skating enthusiasts throughout the month. 

For more information, click HERE.

LAUGH A LITTLE

McCallum Theatre

• Rita Rudner: Jan 26

For more information and to buy tickets, click HERE.

Spotlight 29 Casino

• Leeanne Morgan: Jan 25

For more information and to buy tickets, click HERE.

Fantasy Springs Casino

• Nurse Blake: Jan 11

For more information and to buy tickets, click HERE.

ENJOY SOME MUSIC

Acrisure Arena

• Justin Timberlake: Jan 20

For more information and to buy tickets, click HERE.

McCallum Theatre

• Charo: Jan 11
• Burton Cummings: Jan 15
• Judy Collins: Jan 16
• Paul Anka: Jan 17
• Los Angeles Philharmonic: Jan 21
• Jesse Cook: Jan 23
• David Foster & Katharine McPhee: Jan 25

For more information and to buy tickets, click HERE.

Fantasy Springs Casino

• Temptations and The Four Tops: Jan 18

For more information and to buy tickets, click HERE

Spotlight 29 Casino

• Keith Sweat: Jan 17

For more information and to buy tickets, click HERE

Agua Caliente Casino

• One Vision of Queen: Marc Martel: Jan 11
• Collective Soul: Jan 24
• Johnny Mathis: Jan 25

For more information and to buy tickets, click HERE

ENJOY LOCAL THEATER

McCallum Theatre 

• The Book of Mormon: Jan 30-Feb 1

For more information and to get tickets, click HERE.

Revolution Stage Company 

• Spring Awakening: Jan 14-30

For more information and to get tickets, click HERE.

Palm Canyon Theatre 

• A Very Sordid Wedding: Jan 17-26

For more information and to get tickets, click HERE.

Dezart Performs 

• Fat Ham: Jan 17-26

For more information and to get tickets, click HERE.

CVRep 

• A Light in the Piazza: Jan 22-Feb 9

For more information and to get tickets, click HERE.

Desert Theatreworks

• Legally Blonde: Jan 17-Feb 9

For more information and to get tickets, click HERE.