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Discover Art in Action: 150 Artists Unveil Behind-the-Scenes Creativity at the Desert Open Studios Tour
The Desert Open Studios Tour returns to the Coachella Valley for its fifth annual edition from Friday, Jan. 24, through Sunday, Jan. 26. This unique event offers a rare chance for art lovers and curious minds to go behind the scenes, with 150 artists from Indio to Desert Hot Springs opening their studio doors from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily.
The Desert Open Studios Tour has grown significantly over the past five years, underscoring a rising demand for local art experiences. This three-day event provides access to intimate spaces rarely seen by the public, where visitors can view works in progress and purchase directly from artists, supporting the vibrant creative community of Southern California.
Attendees can explore a variety of artistic styles and mediums—in places ranging from small, personal studios to larger creative hubs—allowing them to experience the Coachella Valley’s art culture up close. A complimentary 50-page guide, along with digital and printed maps, offers art enthusiasts the opportunity to create their own personalized art adventure and navigate the studios at their own pace.
For more information, visit www.desertopenstudios.com. (Sponsored content)
Newly Protected Desert
The Coachella Valley is now part of a new national monument, and this designation will help protect migration patterns and the habitat of desert wildlife, while preserving Indigenous cultural traditions. Friends of the Desert Mountains has been inviting people across the valley to a series of Cheers for Chuckwalla meet-and-greets to celebrate this historic event. The final two are from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 23, at La Quinta Brewing Co. at 74714 Technology Drive, in Palm Desert; and 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 24, at Coachella Firehouse Bar and Grill, at 1517 Sixth St., in Coachella, Grab a beer, and pat the folks on the back who have worked so hard to preserve our natural resources. There is no fee for this event, although you do need to buy your own beer—and I am sure the organization would love a donation to ensure that their environmental work is able to continue. For more information, look to their Instagram page. —Charles Drabkin
Six-String Sounds
Enjoy sensational guitar all the way from Canada! At 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 23, guitar man Jesse Cook is set to perform at the McCallum Theatre, at 73000 Fred Waring Drive, in Palm Desert. Cook uses six strings to channel a wide variety of world music, pulling inspiration from all over the planet. The guitarist has awards in both flamenco and jazz performance, so don’t miss out on the varied sounds of this talented player! Tickets start at $48. For tickets and more information, visit www.mccallumtheatre.org. —Matt King
Needing Support?
We try to keep things light and fun here at 11 Days a Week. Still, given everything that is happening, we wanted you to know about a support space for everyone who’s been affected by the Los Angeles wildfires at the LGBTQ+ Community Center of the Desert’s Scott Hines Behavioral Health Clinic, at 1301 N. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs. At 2 p.m., Friday, Jan. 24, there will be a free drop-in support group. For people unfamiliar with the clinic, it offers therapeutic behavioral health therapy and services on a sliding scale. For more information, go to thecentercv.org. —Charles Drabkin
Soft Ballads on Vinyl
Some Coachella Valley indie-scene favorites are releasing a 7-inch record. At 5:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 25, somber indie-rock outfit Burgundy Blues will celebrate their record release at Little Street Music Hall, at 82707 Miles Ave., in Indio. The band is releasing the latest in their series of psychedelically enchanting soft ballads exclusively on vinyl, making this show the only place to hear these new songs. Ju!ian and the Band, Tarah Jade, Cálmala and Caña are set to open the show. Tickets are $10.24, available on Fanimal. —Matt King
Rare Rock
Local rocker Josh Heinz is bringing his heavy rock band out for a rare special show. At 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 25, Dufreign (one of the loudest bands I’ve ever seen live) is set to turn the Coachella Valley Brewing Co. at 30640 Gunther St., in Thousand Palms, into a bona fide rock stadium. Dufreign’s other members aren’t local, meaning that chances to see the intense band are few and far between! The event is free to attend. For more information, visit the Facebook event page. —Matt King
Desert Classical
The 11th season of Desert Hot Springs Classical Concerts kicks off at 3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 26, at Grace Church, at 17400 Bubbling Wells Road, with an Eclectic Music Afternoon, featuring three acts. Palm Springs-based musician Jeffrey Krieger will present contemporary classical music for electric cellos. Next, Vanessa Fountain and Joshua Phillips will perform music for harp and clarinet, combining the influences of Japanese folk music with classical, jazz, TV and film music. To wrap things up, Rogue Lemon Collective, a multi-genre string quintet, will performing original songs as well as pop, rock and film music. No tickets or reservations are required, but cash donations at the door are welcome. To find out more, visit dhsclassicalconcerts.org/2025. —Charles Drabkin
A Mexican Wine Dinner
Maleza in the Drift Hotel, at 284 S. Indian Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs, is bringing back its Desert Dinner Series at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 29, with “The Wines of Baja.” The vibrant flavors of Baja will collide with the spirit of the Coachella Valley as chef Ysaac Ramirez crafts a three-course, family style feast highlighting the region’s culinary traditions and pairing them with three wines; the cost is $80 per person. Winemaker Cesar Reyes of Ce Acatl Wines and Chris White of Palm Springs Bottle Shop will share their expertise and insights into Baja’s renowned vineyards. Learn more and make reservations here. —Charles Drabkin
Surf Punk at the Mall
How about some Latino surf punk in an art supplies store? At 5:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 31, Orange County’s reverb-soaked surf riffers 3LH are set to perform at Flat Black Art Supplies, at 72840 Highway 111, No. 108C, in Palm Desert. The wave-filled set will feature no shortage of flashy guitars and screaming vocals. The Inland Empire’s Integra Pink, and local acts Ju!ian and the Band and Beverly Bomber, are all set to open the show; there will also be an hour of local comedy. Tickets are $17.85, available on Eventbrite. —Matt King
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