Under the Big Top (in a Library)
Bring the family to a fun and free display of skill—and sweet jams! At 3 p.m., Thursday, June 26, the touring display of tricks and tunes, Christopher Yates’ Rock N Roll Circus, is set to appear at the Indio Library, at 45130 Oasis St. If you’ve ever wanted to learn some circus tricks, or play an instrument, or both, then this show is for you! Yates will pull out all the juggling, stilt-wearing, acrobatic stops for lovers of the circus, and the rockin’, rollin’ and rhythmic noise for the future rockers of the Coachella Valley. The event is free. For more information, visit www.instagram.com/indiolibrary. —Matt King
Be Adorable
Step into the world of kawaii—the Japanese word for “cute”—that’s become a global aesthetic, rooted in bold fashion, pastel dreams and joyful self-expression, at Harajuku J-Fashion Night! If your soul is enriched by bubblegum pop, then head to Murasaki Kakurega Manga Lounge, at 37209 Cook St. No. 106, in Palm Desert, and immerse yourself from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, June 27. Whether you’re into kawaii fashion, vintage flair or full-blown cosplay, this is your chance to serve looks, snap pics and soak in a dreamy, candy-colored world. Expect temporary tattoos, J-pop karaoke, chill beats, dance-offs, runway struts and many photo ops. Your $15 entry fee includes giveaways, contests, and a few hours of full kawaii immersion. Get your tickets here. —Charles Drabkin
Like an Old Saturday Morning
For Generation X, the ritual of Saturday morning cartoons gave us a reason to get up each weekend. The 31st annual Palm Springs International ShortFest, taking place at the Festival Theaters, at 789 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, is showcasing more than 300 short films from around the globe, including Oscar-qualifying thrillers and international dramas. But there is one program that doesn’t have any grown-up baggage: Shorties!, at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, June 28. It is the festival’s family-friendly selection of animated and live-action shorts curated with the little ones in mind. Expect a soap-box race, unfamiliar words and hungry bear cubs. It’s a perfect outing for families—or anyone who needs a break from the existential dread of adulthood. Tickets are $20. Find the full ShortFest lineup, including Shorties!, at psfilmfest.org. —Charles Drabkin
Art in Motion, Community in Focus
The Nickerson-Rossi Dance Company doesn’t just choreograph movement; it builds bridges. With INTEGRATED, their latest production, audiences get a front-row seat to professional dance that’s not only visually arresting, but rooted in community connection. The first act showcases their professional repertoire company, featuring new works developed through their DIRECT/LINK and Apprenticeship programs. The second act is a series of short performances by students from all 21 elementary and middle schools in the Palm Springs Unified School District. At 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, June 28 and 29, join the celebration as the dancers move across the stage at the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Annenberg Theater, at 101 Museum Drive. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at psmuseum.org/events/nrd-0625. —Charles Drabkin
Trippy Tunes
Get weird up in the mountains with 12 sonically creative performers. At 5 p.m., Saturday, June 28, the second annual Idyllwild Experimental Music Fest returns, providing an evening of strange sounds at Audiowild Studios, at 54240 Ridgeview Drive, in Idyllwild. Enjoy creative musical journeys from Crayons teo Perfume, Sheep Ditch, Black Sand Desert (pictured), Oort Smog, Umbra Vita, Paul Lai, War Hippy, Rust Worship, Mitchell Brown, Haydee Jimenez, Smokey Emery and Conscious Summary. Expand your sonic horizons for trippy, electronic and abstract tunes. Tickets are $15 online, or $20 at the door. For tickets and more information, visit audiowild.studio. —Matt King
Coffee, Records, Serenades
How about some intimate afternoon serenades? At 4 p.m., Sunday, June 29, local Latin queens (who sometimes feature a percussionist) Las Tías are set to perform at Gré Records and Coffee, at 278 N. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs. The group will perform traditional Spanish songs, some modern faves, and plenty of love songs for what will be Gre’s final “Living Room Sessions” show until fall. Get up close and personal with some of the desert’s most talented musicians! The event is free to attend, and it is an all-ages show. For more information, visit instagram.com/lastiasmusic. —Matt King
Glam Fourth
Get ready to kick off your Fourth of July weekend with fireworks—and not just the kind in the sky. All-female powerhouse Pulp Vixen brings its country alter ego, Country Vixen, to Yucca Valley High School, at 7600 Sage Ave, at 6 p.m., Friday, July 4, for a performance that blends classic country anthems with pure party energy. With a setlist that ranges from Shania to Carrie, with a little Dolly thrown in, these women are equal parts sassy and soulful, with high-octane instrumental flair. Their Fourth of July show is tailor-made for two-stepping at this all-ages, free community event. For more information, check out pulpvixenband.com or www.facebook.com/townofyuccavalley. —Charles Drabkin
Poolside Beats
Blast some alternative pop at a pool party. At noon, Saturday, July 5, producer and artist Princess Superstar presents The Serve, an ultimate pool party pop-off at The Saguaro, 1800 E. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs. Princess Superstar, a rapper/singer/producer behind some ’00s hits, is bringing a day full of heavy beats and fun music to the desert. New-wave keytar shredder Plasmic (pictured) and the electronic bilingual star Maryze are also set to perform. Tickets are $28.52, available on Eventbrite; admission is free for hotel guests staying through the July 4 weekend. For tickets and more information, visit thesaguaro.com. —Matt King
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