What time is it? It’s time to get out of the house with my list of free things to do in and around the Coachella Valley. Who doesn’t love free? Read on to find out more.
1. A Concert at Silverrock Park is One of Many Free Things To Do
Grab your blankets and lawn chairs and head on over to Silverrock Park in La Quinta on Saturday, September 24 for a free concert. Featuring the unique musical stylings of Sean Oliu & the Coastline Cowboys, dance to a combination of country, blues and old-time rock and roll. Food trucks will be on site, but feel free to bring your own picnic and non-alcoholic beverages. The fun starts at 6:30 p.m.
Click here for more information on concerts at Silverrock Park.
Can’t make it in September? The Beatunes, a Beatles tribute band, will be taking the stage at Silverrock on Saturday, October 15 at 5:30pm. Mark your calendars now.
2. A Full Moon Hike with Friends of the Desert Mountains Won’t Break the Bank
For an amazing nighttime adventure, take a guided Full Moon Hike with Friends of the Desert Mountains. Two hikes are happening in October. The first is the Bighorn Overlook Loop in Rancho Mirage on Thursday, October 6, and the second is at the top of the La Quinta Cove on Friday, October 7. Learn about the fragile beauty of the desert and surrounding mountains, search for creatures of the night and view the moon and stars with telescopes provided by their astronomers (weather permitting).
While tickets are required, they are free of charge. A $5 donation is suggested to assist the Friends of the Desert Mountains in their mission of land preservation, education and research in the Coachella Valley.
Click here for tickets and to find out more about the Friends of the Desert Mountains.
3. A List of Free Things to Do Must Include Villagefest
Every Thursday, downtown Palm Springs transforms into Villagefest, a pedestrian street fair. Hours vary based on the time of year but are currently from 7:00pm to 10:00pm. Browse the wares of street vendors, find delicious food to purchase, check out local artists and enjoy live entertainment.
Click here for vendor information at Villagefest.
4. Peruse Works of Art on Thursday Evenings for Free
Before heading over to Villagefest, make a stop at the Palm Springs Art Museum. Admission to the Palm Springs Art Museum is waived on Thursday evenings from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Current exhibits include Gonzalo Lebrija: Miracle of the Eternal Present, Pattern Play: The Contemporary Designs of Jacqueline Groag and Outburst Project: Gabriella Ruiz. A monthly self-guided activity focusing on a featured artwork is provided to aid in your exploration of the museum.
To learn more about the Palm Springs Art Museum, click here.
5. A Gratis Evening at 123 Farms Awaits You
123 Farms in Cherry Valley is hosting Lavender Nights now until October 23 on Thursday through Sunday nights. Admission to the event is free with paid $10 parking. What a deal! Savor everything lavender as you wander through lavender fields and olive groves decorated with half a million dazzling, twinkling lights. Play lawn games and listen to live music. Shop their Marketplace for unique gifts or try lavender-inspired food, sweets and drinks. It is sure to be a magical evening.
Click here to find out more about Lavender Nights at 123 Farms.
6. The Public is Always Welcome at Sunnylands Free of Charge
Sunnylands in Rancho Mirage was the winter home of Ambassadors Walter and Leonore Annenberg who hosted many dignitaries throughout the years including presidents of the United States. Open to the public since 2012, exploring the gardens and center is free of charge. Inspired by impressionist paintings, learn more about the plants, wildlife and design of the gardens by listening to an informational audio recording right from your mobile phone or tablet. For nature enthusiasts, free guided bird walks take place on Friday mornings.
Another fun and free event held at Sunnylands is their Films in the Gardens series. For three weeks in September, enjoy a classic Agatha Christie murder mystery on the Great Lawn.
To learn more about Sunnylands and view their events calendar, click here.
7. The Rock Yard Offers Free Live Music
Catch your favorite tribute band at the Rock Yard at Fantasy Springs Casino. Shows are outdoors and always free. The upcoming lineup includes Turn the Page (a Bob Seger Tribute), Dead Man’s Party (an Oingo Boingo Tribute) and Arena (a Duran Duran Tribute). Weekly drink specials are often themed to the band performing. Gather your friends for a rocking, good time.
For details on the shows at the Rock Yard, click here.
For more great ideas of things to do to get out of the house, click here.