Most of us have buckled down and trimmed our entertainment budgets due to the rising costs around us. Concert ticket prices have skyrocketed, and the fees are ridiculous. But we must get out of the house, right? Luckily, the Coachella Valley is full of free live music in March. The shows below are guaranteed not to break the bank.
Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City Offers Free Live Music
Agua Caliente Casino in Cathedral City is hosting not one, not two, but three live music events in March. Each show takes place at the Agave Caliente Terraza, a 12,000 square-foot outdoor venue boasting magnificent mountain views.
- Lovely the Band plays Friday, March 3, 2023, at 7:00pm. With hits including Broken, Sail Away and These Are My Friends, this band from Los Angeles will give alternative music lovers something to sing about. The show is presented by ALT 101.5 and hosted by the Woody Show.
- The Dreamboats appear on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at 8:00pm. Prepare to be All Shook Up by your favorite Elvis tunes as these Canadian boys take the stage with their Forever the King show.
- Darby O’Gill and the Little People perform on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at 8:00pm. Continue your St. Patrick’s Day celebration with this Irish Drinking Band from Las Vegas.
While there is no charge for each concert, you must reserve a free event pass. Click here to find out more.
The City of Indio Hosts Second Saturdays
Don’t miss Second Saturdays hosted by the City of Indio on the second Saturday of each month (thus the name). The event takes place in a fenced, safe “outdoor living room” downtown at Smurr Street and Indio Blvd. In addition to the live concert, enjoy food vendors, craft beer and family-themed activities. In March, the featured concert is Nutty, classic rock mixed with a heavy dose of jazz. I have seen them and think they are awesome. Come on down on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 5:00pm for this free and fun event.
Catch Free Live Music at Two Local Establishments
The desert is an oasis for great live local music. Covering everything from the 1960’s to the Grateful Dead to Modern Dance, these bands have it all. The River at Rancho Mirage stages their Saturday Night Music Series beginning March 4, 2023, with Crimson Crow. Over in Indio, Big Rock Pub offers a wide variety of musical acts throughout the month of March starting with #SK Jive.
Concerts in the Park Returns to La Quinta
The city of La Quinta brings back their popular Concerts in the Park on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at 6:30pm. Held at SilverRock Park, March features The Beatunes. This Beatles tribute band focuses on the music. You won’t find wigs or costumes here. Bring your low-back chair and a picnic or purchase food from one of the food trucks on site. Come Together for a night of free live music.
The Rock Yard Returns with Free Live Music in March
Starting with the Journey tribute band, Don’t Stop Believing, free live music returns to the Rock Yard at Fantasy Springs Casino on March 10, 2023. The outdoor stages will be rocking with a variety of acts. Each show starts at 7:00pm, and guests must be at least 18 years old to attend. Look forward to the following:
- Don’t Stop Believing (Journey Tribute Band) with Almost Famous – Friday, March 10
- Grand Royale (Beastie Boys Tribute Band) with Brobots – Saturday, March 11
- Hollywood U2 (U2 Tribute Band) with Know Illusion – Friday, March 17
- Damage Inc. (Metallica Tribute Band) with Rock Stallion – Saturday, March 18
- The Who Generation (Who Tribute Band) with Dick the Citizen – Friday, March 24
- Which One’s Pink? (Pink Floyd Tribute Band) with Steel Rod – Saturday, March 25
- Arena and INXS’D (Duran Duran and INXS Tribute Bands) with Steel Rod – Friday, March 31
Swing to Songs of the Rat Pack at the Purple Room
One of my favorites in Palm Springs, the Purple Room, offers free live music on weekday evenings. Rose Mallett (a legend in her own right) covers the songs of Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington and other jazz greats. Wednesdays, the trio of Charles Herrera, Darci Daniels and Michael Holmes swing to the songs of the Rat Pack. Sharon Sills takes to the mic on Thursday nights with songs, sex and sass.
Read more about what makes the Purple Room iconic here.
So, put on your dancing shoes and hit up one of these amazing locales for a night of spectacular free live music. You cannot go wrong!
Hold up! Cooper has something to say…
For all of you dog lovers out there, Cooper highly recommends the New York Dog Film Festival taking place on March 24, 2023, at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Grab your pupcorn and enjoy a selection of canine-themed short films sure to delight. General admission tickets are just $10 with a portion of each ticket going to a local animal rescue. To find out more and purchase tickets, click here.
