Desert Flora for the Win
Plant Bingo turns learning into a game celebrating the Coachella Valley’s unique desert landscape. At 10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 8, at Temalpakh Farm, at 1 Roberta Way, in Coachella, players of all ages are invited to test their botanical knowledge while finding out more about the plants that shape the region. Tickets are $50 and include food and refreshments, with winners taking home hand-selected plants! It is an easygoing way to spend a summer day while supporting local conservation efforts. For more information or to purchase a ticket, click here. —Charles Drabkin
Hello? Is It Me You’re Looking For?
Hits of the ’70s and ’80s will be on full display thanks to two servings of soulful star power! At 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 8, music legends Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind and Fire unite for an evening of funk-tastic jams at Acrisure Arena, at 75702 Varner Road, in Palm Desert. Earth, Wind and Fire will open the show, groovin’ through “September,” “Shining Star” and hits not beginning with the letter “s,” before Lionel Richie honors his Commodores tenure (“Brick House,” “Three Times a Lady”) and his solo career (“Hello,” “All Night Long”). The show is sure to be a dancin’ good time! Tickets as of this writing start at $105.30. For tickets and more information, visit acrisurearena.com. —Matt King
Awesome Animation
Fans of animated films, rejoice! Studio Ghibli Fest 2026 is rolling on, celebrating the iconic Japanese animated film studio, and the latest screening is the 1991 movie Only Yesterday. The emotional film explores themes of childhood trauma, so bring a box of tissues. The film will screen on Sunday, Aug. 9, and Tuesday, Aug. 11, at several locations (including Cinemark Century La Quinta and XD, Cinemark Century at the River and XD, Regal Rancho Mirage and IMAX, and Mary Pickford is D’Place). Some screenings feature the original Japanese film with English subtitles, and others feature the English-dubbed version. Tickets are $15 plus fees. For times and tickets, visit the Fandango link. —Matt King
Dance Like No One’s Watching
For some, dancing comes with baggage—worrying about looking awkward, keeping up with the beat, or remembering the right moves. Ecstatic Dance sets all of that aside. At 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 13, participants are invited to a guided session of music and movement where you can move however you please. The Sukah Life, at 2500 N. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs, will host a DJ providing a soundtrack that shifts from calm and meditative to energetic and expansive, encouraging dancers to follow their own rhythm rather than anyone else’s. Tickets are $25. For more information, visit www.frequencyevents.net. —Charles Drabkin
Reach for the Stars
This time of year, I usually try to head up to the mountains for some cooler air. SkyFest Big Bear, taking place Friday through Sunday, August 14-16, offers an amazing excuse to do so. The three-day celebration turns Big Bear into a gathering place for astronomy buffs, curious beginners and anyone who appreciates a sky that’s dark enough to really see the stars. The daytime AstroFest runs from noon to 4 p.m. each of the three days at the Big Bear Lake Convention Center, at 42900 Big Bear Blvd, with NASA and DarkSky International speakers, astronomy exhibits, vendors and an immersive planetarium experience. Once it gets dark, head to Snow Summit, at 880 Summit Blvd, where attendees can ride the Sky Chair, join guided night hikes, and stargaze through telescopes. Families can also stop by the free DiscoverFest at the Big Bear Discovery Center, at 40971 North Shore Drive, for nature walks and hands-on activities focused on nocturnal wildlife. One-day SkyFest passes start at $70 (or $15 for kids), with three-day passes available for $99. Additional ticketed experiences, including astrophotography workshops and forest sound baths, are offered separately. For more information, visit visitbigbear.ticketspice.com/skyfest-big-bear. —Charles Drabkin
Anime Art
“Whenever someone creates something with all of their heart, then that creation is given a soul.” That quote, from filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, describes Artist Alley. From 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 15 (and the third Saturday of each month) at Murasaki Kakurega, at 37029 Cook St., Suite 106, in Palm Desert, the free gathering brings together anime artists selling original prints, stickers and commissions. Whether you’re hunting for unique artwork, adding to your reading list or exploring a newfound interest, the event offers a laid-back place to spend an afternoon. For more information, visit murasakikakurega.com. —Charles Drabkin
Country Crooner
Southern rock is heading to Southern California! At 8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 15, country artist Brantley Gilbert will perform at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, at 84245 Indio Springs Parkway, in Indio. With his unique combination of rock, rap, pop and more under the country umbrella, Gilbert will mosey into the desert to showcase his No. 1 honkytonk hits and signature sound. Get ready for beer-drinkin’ and cowboy-hat wearin’ sing-alongs to Gilbert’s gems like “Bottoms Up” and “Country Must Be Country Wide.” Tickets start at $72.50. For tickets and more information, visit www.fantasyspringsresort.com. —Matt King
Far-Out Sounds
Celebrate the Perseid meteor shower with a free concert. At 9:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 15, electronic icons Tangerine Dream are set to perform at Pappy and Harriet’s, at 53688 Pioneertown Road, in Pioneertown. The band’s performance was set to be one of the main events of the Space Craft festival, celebrating space and music during the weekend following the peak of the Perseid meteor shower. After the festival was cancelled, organizers decided to still host the concert—and make it free for everyone. Immerse yourself in spacey, ambient sounds, then take a step outside to gaze at the marvelous meteors. The show will be first come, first-in based on capacity, so don’t be late! For more information, visit pappyandharriets.com. —Matt King
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