Eat Local, Help Local
Summer in the desert just got more delicious. From July 24 to Aug. 17, Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage returns, offering a passport of savings at more than 30 local restaurants. Purchase a wristband for $10 from the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce office, or from one of the nonprofit partners, and unlock exclusive summer specials at eateries like Brandini Toffee, Cowboy Cantina, Pinzimini, The Edge Steakhouse, and many others. This community celebration serves as a fundraiser for local nonprofits, while participating restaurants get a boost in business during these slower months. Wristband sales support causes including Friends of the Desert Mountains, Animal Samaritans, Voices for Children, GirlFriend Factor and many others. Plan your culinary crawl at tasteofsummerranchomirage.com, and enjoy all the deliciousness Rancho Mirage has to offer. —Charles Drabkin
Healthy Mountain Vibes
If you need a break from the triple-digit temps, head for the hills. The fifth annual Wellness Connected Festival is returning from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, July 26, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, July 27, with a fresh name and a brand-new lakeside location at Chateau Big Bear Boutique Hotel, at 42200 Moonridge Road, in Big Bear. Formerly known as the Natural Healing, Yoga and Artisan Fair, this mindful market is a perfect excuse to trade scorching sidewalks for shady pines and breezy air. The free two-day event features local artisans, yoga instructors, intuitive healers and wellness practitioners from Big Bear and the surrounding area. Expect interactive booths, restorative sessions, and vendors offering handcrafted goods and holistic products. For more information, visit wellnessconnectedfestival.com. —Charles Drabkin
Beam Up for Laughs
Through mid-September, the Palm Springs Cultural Center, at 2300 E. Baristo Road, is celebrating a Sci‑Fi Summer. At 7 p.m., Saturday, July 26, Galaxy Quest beams aboard in the big theater. The party starts at 6 p.m., so there is an hour to grab a cocktail and nerd out before show time! This 1999 cult classic, a hilarious spoof of Star Trek, stars Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, and Sam Rockwell as TV actors who accidentally end up commanding a real starship when aliens mistake their show for documentary footage. The result is heroic mishaps, campy space battles and heartfelt moments. So grab a date, or a bunch of Trekkies, for a night of interstellar charm. Tickets are $13.65, available here. —Charles Drabkin
Pioneertown Punk
A punk-rock frontman will perform a stripped-down set in Pioneertown. At 9:30 p.m., Saturday, July 26, Scott Russo (of Unwritten Law) makes a pit stop in the desert on a small acoustic tour, performing mellow versions of the punk-energy-filled jams at Pappy and Harriet’s, at 53688 Pioneertown Road, in Pioneertown. Not only will this special evening feature a performance from Russo and his daughter; the show will be opened up by local duo Desert Moons, who perform acoustic versions of punky songs from local band The After Lashes. Don’t miss locals and stars together at an iconic venue! Tickets are $26.68, at pappyandharriets.com. —Matt King
Awesome Acoustic
Deal with the heat by enjoying a performance from a local legend. At 3:30 p.m., Sunday, July 27, prolific performer and rocker Josh Heinz will perform acoustically at Coachella Valley Brewing Company, at 30640 Gunther St., in Thousand Palms. Heinz, known for his annual Concert for Autism and his rock band, Dufreign, has a lifetime of original songs with vibes that are heartbreaking, inspiring, political, punk and beyond. CVB is always a great community hang, so come out to support Heinz, see old friends, make new friends, and have a relaxing Sunday afternoon. The event is free. For more information, visit Josh Heinz’s Facebook page. —Matt King
A 1970s-Style Songstress
Get ready for an evening of high-energy rock and powerful vocals. At 7 p.m., Wednesday, July 30, heavy blues guitarist/vocalist Ronda Ray brings her ’70s influenced and kickin’ tunes to the Cascade Lounge at Agua Caliente Palm Springs, at 401 E. Amado Road. Described as “a modern day Lita Ford meets Joan Jett,” this songstress combines shredding, emotion and raw feel into her live shows, honoring the blues genre and crafting some anthemic jams along the way. Get ready for blues rock power! Tickets start at $21.05, available on Eventbrite. —Matt King
Backpacks and Belly Rubs
Getting ready for school just got a little … furrier? The Thousand Palms Library, at 1189 Robert Road, and Animal Samaritans are teaming up for a Back-To-School Supply Drive and Puppy Storytime that combines generosity with, well, puppies! From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, July 31, drop by the library with donations of notebooks, backpacks, crayons and other school supplies, then stick around for story time with Animal Companion Therapy (ACT) dogs from Animal Samaritans. It’s a paws-itively joyful way to give back to local students while helping young readers fall in love with books and four-legged listeners! For more information, click here. —Charles Drabkin
Hip-Hop in Rancho Mirage
A rapper is making his way to the desert after performing at Coachella more than 15 years ago. At 8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 2, Alabama rapper Yelawolf brings hits and history to The Show at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage, at 32250 Bob Hope Drive. The hip-hop voice behind “Till It’s Gone” and Eminem collaboration “Best Friend” made a name for himself in the 2010s, signing with Eminem’s Shady Records and making songs with everyone from A$AP Rocky to Waylon Jennings. Now the performer and his noteworthy Southern flow are returning to the Coachella Valley after many years of hit songs and stories. Tickets start at $37.94, available here. —Matt King
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