Return of the Duk
A beloved local cover band returns! At 8:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 30, ’80s cover band Long Duk Dong returns from a lengthy absence to perform at the Big Rock Pub, at 79940 Westward Ho Drive, in Indio. A number of local musicians lend their talents to this tribute act, including Chelsea Sugarbritches (Yóves), Dominic Jimenez (Wyte Guy), Martin Barrera (5th Town) and more. These local legends combine forces for a killer ’80s show, honoring some of the best sounds and hits of the decade with precision and energy! Tickets are $10. You must be 21+ to attend. For more information, visit the Facebook event page. —Matt King
Aloha to Summer
Raise a toast to tropical sunsets and sandy vibes during a celebration that blends waterpark thrills with island vibes, when the Palm Springs Surf Club, at 1500 S. Gene Autry Trail, presents The Luau at Drifters, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 31. Start the day on the lazy river, wave pool and slides, then stay for a Hawaiian-inspired dinner at 6 p.m., followed by a dazzling Polynesian show at 7 p.m. featuring hula dancers, Tahitian moves, and fire performances. Guests are welcomed with a fresh lei and served traditional dishes like kalua pig, huli-huli chicken, and grilled mahi mahi. Admission is $60. Find out more here. —Charles Drabkin
Men (and Women and Everyone) in Black
Don your dark makeup and black clothing for an evening of emo jams! At 9 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 31, Emo Nite returns to the desert for an evening at Pappy and Harriet’s, at 53688 Pioneertown Road, in Pioneertown. Emo Nite is not a band, but a duo who blast 2000s angsty hits, lead crowds in sing-alongs, and celebrate the era that was never just a phase. Expect choice cuts from My Chemical Romance, Paramore, The Killers and more. Chris Freeman from the band Hot Mulligan is scheduled to make an appearance. Tickets to the 21-and-up event are currently $32.90. For tickets and more information, visit pappyandharriets.com. —Matt King
Break Out the Pedal Steel
Enjoy some world-class folk in the high desert! At 7:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 1, pedal-steel virtuoso Luke Schneider is set to perform at Mojave Gold, at 56193 Twentynine Palms Highway, in Yucca Valley. The Tennessee based musician is set to bring his soulful guitar stylings, crafted with a twangy and slidin’ pedal steel, alongside some other folk artists from deserts: Locals Sister John Angela, who make spooky and touching instrumentals with guitar and upright bass, and Arizona’s Derek Monypeny are also set to perform. Tickets are $16.36. For more info, visit mojavegolddesert.com. —Matt King
Bold Visions
The Artists Council kicks off its 2025–26 season with A Palette of Possibilities, a juried exhibition that celebrates bold ideas and fresh perspectives. Running Thursday, Sept. 4, through Sunday, Oct. 5, at the Artists Center, at 72567 Highway 111, in Palm Desert, the show features artists willing to work beyond their comfort zones. The opening reception, from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 4, is free and open to the public, offering a first look at this wide-ranging collection of work. The exhibition also marks a milestone: the anniversary of the Artists Center under the leadership of the Artists Council, a period that has seen the center evolve into a hub for creativity, community and innovation. This show sets the tone for what promises to be another vibrant season for the valley’s art scene. Learn more at www.artistscouncil.com. —Charles Drabkin
Last chance! Round 1 voting ends Friday!
Game On
Enter a fantasyland and immerse yourself in a role-playing game! At 5:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 5 (and the first Friday every month), get your imaginary swords ready for Beginner’s Dungeons and Dragons Night, hosted at The Dragon’s Den, at 72221 Highway 111, Suite 101A, in Palm Desert. Dungeons and Dragons (commonly referred to as D&D) is a tabletop game in which you roleplay as mythic beasts, elves, giants and other creatures, and go on adventures—like exploring a dungeon or fighting a dragon. The game can be a little tricky to understand at first, so this beginners’ night is a perfect starting point for your mythical adventure! The event is free if you are a member of The Dragon’s Den; otherwise it’s $20, or $10 for students and veterans. For more information, visit www.instagram.com/thedragonsden_cv. —Matt King
Jazz Hands at the Ready
Get ready for sequins, sass and a whole lot of … side-eye: The CV Lip Sync Battle is back at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, at 2300 E. Baristo Road, in Palm Springs, at 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 6. Hosted by comedian Shann Carr and co-presented by the LGBTQ+ Community Center of the Desert, the battle has grown into one of the summer’s most anticipated events, pairing valley nonprofits with pop-star swagger in a no-holds-barred competition. Nine teams will hit the stage this year, representing groups from various community organizations. They’ll be competing for a $1,000 donation and bragging rights with costumes, choreography and comedy. As tradition dictates, last year’s competitors return as judges and coaches, offering tips (and maybe some shade) to this year’s fresh crop of contestants. Tickets are $53, with VIP seating at $83, and can be purchased here. Proceeds benefit The Center. —Charles Drabkin
Sip, Learn, Repeat
This September, Palm Springs Wine Tasting and the Palm Springs Bottle Shop are teaming up to launch Sunday School, a four-part tasting series at Market Market, at 1555 S. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs. Designed for everyone from beginners to seasoned aficionados, each session is interactive, approachable and fun, with a focus on wines from around the world, including LGBTQ+ and BIPOC producers. Classes run every Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m., beginning with Wine 101 on Sept. 7, designed to take the intimidation out of wine. Learn the fundamentals, from how to swirl and sniff to the vocabulary that professionals use. The following weeks feature Passport to Wine, Old vs. New World and a Blind Tasting Challenge. This series is about sharpening your palate, meeting fellow wine-lovers, and exploring bottles you may never have tried. Tickets are $36.98 per class; click here for more information. —Charles Drabkin
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