Eyes on the Skies
Looking for something stellar to do on Thursday, Aug. 7? Head to the Rancho Mirage Observatory, at 71100 Highway 111, in Rancho Mirage, where Public Exploration Nights offer an awe-inspiring—and free!—open-house-style look at the cosmos. Most Thursday nights throughout the year, from 9 to 10:30 p.m., people of all ages are invited to peer through the PlaneWave Instruments CDK 700 telescope, which always delivers jaw-dropping views (weather permitting, of course). Observatory staff and volunteer docents are on hand to answer questions, share fun facts, and help you feel like an expert astronomer. There’s no need to register; just show up. Learn more at ranchomiragelibrary.org/observatory. —Charles Drabkin
Desert After Dark
From 7 to 9:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 8—and every Friday through the end of August—learn more about the wild side of Palm Desert. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, at 47900 Portola Ave., opens its gates for WILD Nights, an after-hours event where visitors can explore the Wild Americas section, and view animals from mountain lions to bobcat kittens. Kids can cool off in the splash pad, while adults unwind with cocktails and drinks. Zookeepers will be on hand to answer questions and share desert trivia. WILD Nights is a reminder that the desert doesn’t sleep; it just waits for the heat to fade. General admission is $19.95 for adults, and $14.95 for kids 17 and younger; head to livingdesert.org/events/wildnights. —Charles Drabkin
Prix Fixe and Chill
Maleza, at 284 S. Indian Canyon Drive, at the Drift Hotel, is turning Palm Springs Sunday nights into something special. Executive chef Ysaac Ramirez and his team have launched The Sunday Table, a prix-fixe supper offered every Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m., designed for two and priced at $55. The menu changes weekly and leans into bold, locally inspired flavors. The inaugural menu featured a shrimp ceviche brightened with an aji-carrot aguachile, followed by a build-your-own carne plate with pickled vegetables, crema and tortillas. The prix fixe runs alongside Maleza’s usual à la carte menu, so you can still have charred beets or churros! Reservations are recommended: malezapalmsprings.co. —Charles Drabkin
Burgers, Fries, History
A beloved Indio haunt us back! At 9 a.m., Monday, Aug. 11, welcome back Burger Box, at 81201 Indio Blvd., during their ribbon cutting. The establishment has been serving up deliciousness since 1954, and foodies across the desert were crushed when the business closed their doors earlier this year—but Burger Box is back, now owned by some of the employees who have worked there for years. Come and taste some of the most historic food the desert has to offer. For more information, visit instagram.com/burgerboxindio. —Matt King
Music + Community
Enjoy a mixed-genre bill of Southern California music! At 7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 15, San Fernando Valley darkwave act Cruel Reflections is set to perform at the Coachella Valley Collective, at 1030 Sixth St., No. 8, in Coachella. The Los Angeles-based bedroom pop-outfit Lucys and indie rockers Coyote Aguilar are set to open, along with Coachella Valley dream-rock act South Cliff. Tickets are $13 at the door. Support local and out-of-town bands, but most importantly, support up-and-coming music venues! The event is being put on by Hot Stuff Booking. For more information, visit instagram.com/hotstuffbooking. —Matt King
Learn From an Actor
Learn from an accomplished creative! At 10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 16, actor, producer, comedian, screenwriter, director and playwright Richard Montoya will lead a talk at the Coachella Library, at 1500 Sixth St. Aside from acting in Nacho Libre and Encino Man, Montoya is also known for co-founding Culture Clash, a touring theater troupe that mixes activism and art for performances full of social critique. The actor will give a talk titled “Staying Creative and Productive During Challenging Times” and will surely touch upon how the arts can both struggle and strive during times of conflict. The talk is free to attend, but RSVPs are encouraged; do so here. —Matt King
Flutter Into the Forest
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 16, escape the heat and head to the pines for a day of wonder at Butterfly Daze. This family-friendly festival at the Idyllwild Nature Center, 25225 Highway 243, in Idyllwild, lets you get up close with monarchs and painted ladies inside a live butterfly tent; soak up some mountain vibes with live local music; and explore arts and crafts, as well as artisan vendors. Citizen scientist Bruce E. Watts will give a talk on butterfly behavior and conservation. Don’t miss the Pollinator Garden and the vibrant butterfly mural, perfect for those mountain photo ops. Bring a picnic; lace up your hiking boots; and make a day of it under the trees. Admission is free; learn more at rivcoparks.org/events/butterfly-daze-0. —Charles Drabkin
Get Probed
Have an out-of-this-world weekend! At 8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 16, rock out with the desert’s eclectic extraterrestrial eccentrics ALiEN PROBE, performing at the 29 Palms Inn, at 73950 Inn Ave., in Twentynine Palms. At an ALiEN PROBE concert, expect alien costumes, an astronaut suit, songs about spaceships, and interactive audience segments such as the question-and-answer based “ASK AN ALIEN.” This special ALiEN PROBE show is part of the Galactic Gathering festivities, dedicated to all things space and alien, taking place from Thursday, Aug. 14, through Sunday, Aug. 17. Space-themed attire is encouraged! There is a suggested donation at the door, with proceeds going to the Joshua Tree National Park Association. For more information, visit rediscover29.com/pages/area-29-galactic-gathering. —Matt King
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