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Dan Savage’s HUMP! Saturday, May 17
Dan Savage’s HUMP! brings 23 brand-new, smokin’-hot indie adult short films to the big screen this Saturday
Join a movement that’s as entertaining as it is revolutionary! Yes, it’s an adult film fest, but these aren’t stereotypical adult films. These shorts (each under 5 minutes) are steamy, sultry and sexy, of course. But they’re also hilariously funny, stunningly beautiful, completely unexpected and deeply humanizing. Why? Because they are created and submitted by real people for real people.
A breathtaking romp in a hand-dug kaolin clay pit. An off-the-wall musical comedy starring a hungry sock. A slasher film sendup. A peek into real life work at an adult theater. You’ll see all that and so much more in Part One of the 2025 lineup—films that push boundaries, redefine the adult genre, and encourage conversation.
HUMP! isn’t “just” an adult film fest. It’s a powerful work of human connection that encourages audiences to embrace themselves, and each other, exactly as they are.
2025 HUMP! Part One is playing at the Camelot Theatres at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, at 2300 E. Baristo Road, on Saturday, May 17, with 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. screening times (18+ with valid ID). Get tickets here. (Sponsored Content)
Reel Visibility
Featuring heartfelt shorts, boundary-breaking features and more, the Down Syndrome International Film Festival returns to the Mary Pickford Is D’Place Theater, at 36850 Pickfair St., in Cathedral City, from Friday, May 16, through Sunday, May 18, with a lineup that celebrates talent, identity and joy. Co-founded by Steven Roche and Paul Belsito in honor of their nephew Ryan, the festival puts actors, directors and writers with Down syndrome front and center. This year’s keynote speaker is Zack Gottsagen (The Peanut Butter Falcon), joined by Jamie Brewer (American Horror Story) and John Tucker from Born This Way. Expect screenings, panels, parties and signings of Down Syndrome Out Loud by journalist Melissa Hart. Proceeds benefit Ezekiel’s Gift of Love Coachella Valley Down Syndrome Foundation. All-access passes are $250 with individual tickets starting at $28.52. Details on all the films and tickets at can be found at thefilmmakersgallery.org. —Charles Drabkin
Working-Class Laughs
Comedy offerings are increasing seemingly every day in the Coachella Valley. At 8 p.m., Friday, May 16, enjoy a hilarious night with comedian Chris Estrada at Spotlight 29 Casino, at 46200 Harrison Place, in Coachella. You may know Estrada from his Hulu show This Fool, or his time on Comedy Central. Enjoy some comedy straight from the heart of a former working-class man who celebrates culture and chuckles. You must be 18 or older to attend. The show will take place inside the Chairman’s Room upstairs. Tickets start at $33.85. For tickets and more information, visit Eventbrite. —Matt King
Rock Opera Resurrection
Prepare for College of the Desert’s Performing Arts Department to bring down the house—and perhaps part the heavens—with its production of Jesus Christ Superstar at the McCallum Theatre, at 73000 Fred Waring Drive, in Palm Desert. If you’re somehow unfamiliar with this Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice classic musical: It tells the story of Jesus’ final days through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. The rock opera has all the toe-tappers you could want, with raw emotion and a cast of students who’ve poured their hearts into this iconic work. Performances are 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, May 16 and 17; and 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18. Tickets start at $40 and can be purchased here. —Charles Drabkin
Cosmic View
Debra Ann Mumm has spent years curating the Coachella Valley’s creative scene, but now, it’s her turn to shine. From 7 to 9 p.m., Saturday, May 17, head to Stone Gallery in the Lofts Art District, at 610 S. Belardo Road, in Palm Springs, to experience her first art exhibition in 10 years, Planetary Alignment. Mumm will unveil a universe of ethereal moonscapes and vivid planetary portraits. It’s an evening that promises to be a celebration of color, imagination and celestial wonder. For more information, visit stonegallerypalmsprings.com. —Charles Drabkin
Game, Set, Heart
From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, May 18, the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa, at 74855 Country Club Drive, in Palm Desert, will serve as center court for the inaugural “Play for the Beat” Pickleball Invitational, a new event benefiting the American Heart Association-Coachella Valley. The tournament promises a full day of high-energy play, sweaty camaraderie and fundraising with purpose. This all-levels event allows two-person teams to square off with four guaranteed matches. For $150 per team, players get gear, lunch, drinks, a swag bag and bragging rights if they make it to bracket play. Want in? Register or get more info at bit.ly/2025PlayForTheBeat. —Charles Drabkin
Tuesdays Are for Hardcore
Get familiar with the rising local hardcore music scene! At 6 p.m., Tuesday, May 20, a great group of hard-hitting metal and punk bands will be bringing high-energy performances and loud riffs to Coachella Valley Brewing Co., at 30640 Gunther St., in Thousand Palms. The show is a tour kickoff for Inland Empire outfit Bad Mouth, and features opening performances by IE deathcore band Ritual of Despair, Orange County hardcore group Disintegrate, and LA/OC hardcore band Pain Spiral, was well as local heaviness from I Lay in Static. Hot Stuff Booking is running a two-for-one ticket deal, so if you haven’t experienced Coachella Valley hardcore just yet, now’s your chance! Tickets are two for $14.36; get them at Eventbrite. —Matt King
Saturdays Are for Indie Rock
Also on the rise is our local indie rock scene! At 5 p.m., Saturday, May 24, check out Open a Can of Kickass, an indie-rock show featuring both local and nonlocal talent, happening at Little Street Music Hall, at 82707 Miles Ave., in Indio. Coachella Valley bands Gear and Lazuli Bones will perform alongside Monday (LA indie rock), Bug Stomp (San Diego indie rock), Zombieloaf (San Fernando Valley rock) and The Renters (Oceanside indie rock). Experience the best of what our local music scene has to offer, and support the touring bands who choose to come perform in our beautiful desert. Presale tickets are $13.04, available on TickPick. —Matt King
A Half-Century of Heinz
Celebrate a special birthday of one very special local. At 9 p.m., Saturday, May 24, local legend Josh Heinz is celebrating his 50th birthday with a big party at The Hood Bar and Pizza, at 74360 Highway 111, in Palm Desert. This pillar of our local music community has poured his heart and soul out for desert music, through his yearly Concert for Autism benefit, by hosting open mic nights, and just attending shows and supporting the scene—so make sure you go celebrate him! Heinz’s band DUFREIGN and Joe Kidd and the Gash are set to perform. Tickets are $5 at the door. For more information, visit the Facebook event page. —Matt King
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