It’s that time of the year in the desert. The temperatures start to rise, and the snowbirds fly back to their summer homes. Hopefully, this leaves the locals with a little more free time on their hands. What should they do? They should get out of the house with my latest list of free things to do in and around the Coachella Valley.
Visit Joshua Tree National Park for Free
Just an hour or so away, Joshua Tree National Park offers hiking, camping and rock climbing amid gorgeous desert vistas. It normally runs anywhere from $15-$30 to enter the park, but on Saturday, April 22, entrance fees are waived in honor of National Parks Week. Load up your friends and family for a fun-filled day of exploration for free.
Thinking of leaving town that weekend? More than 400 national parks across the country participate in Free Entrance Day. Find out more here.
Celebrate the City of La Quinta’s Birthday
La Quinta is turning 41! In celebration, the city is throwing a birthday party and picnic on Saturday, April 29 from 9:00am to 12:00pm at Civic Center Park. The whole family will enjoy non-stop entertainment, giveaways, games and much, much more. The best part is it’s free!
A Star Party is One of Many Free Things to Do
Have you ever glanced up at the desert sky at night and wondered about all those stars? Well, now you can learn about them at a Star Party sponsored by Friends of the Desert Mountains. Join members of the Astronomical Society of the Desert and take a “sky tour” using binoculars and telescopes.
Events are held on select Saturday nights through May and are free. The location of the parties rotates between the Sawmill Trailhead Parking Lot in Pinyon Pines and the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center in Palm Desert. Parties are family friendly, but all minors must be accompanied by an adult. To access the event calendar with more information, click here.
Films in the Gardens is Back at Sunnylands
Grab your low-back chairs and blankets, pack a yummy picnic with your favorite non-alcoholic drinks and head to Sunnylands in Rancho Mirage for Films in the Gardens this May. This popular and free event is back with intriguing, food-centric movies on select Friday nights starting at 8pm. Gates open at 7pm, so you have plenty of time to snag a good seat. I am thinking sushi might by in order for dinner on May 19.
- Big Night (1996) – May 5
- The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014) – May 12
- East Side Sushi (2014) – May 19
Concerts in the Park are One of Our Favorite Free Things to Do
Cooper and I are so excited for the return of Palm Desert’s Concerts in the Park Series. Concerts take place at the Palm Desert Civic Center Park every Thursday night in May. The music begins at 7pm, but get there early to set up your spot and enjoy the cooler desert evenings. Food trucks are available on site or fill up a cooler with tasty nibbles and drinks (alcohol is prohibited). Shows are family friendly, and well-behaved pups are welcome.
- Upstream (May 4) Reggae, Calypso, Soca and Steel Drum Music
- We Belong (May 11) Pat Benatar and Neil Geraldo Tribute
- AMFM (May 18) Favorite Jazz Standards to the Newest Top 40
- Yachty by Nature (May 25) Soft Yacht Rock Tunes from the 70’s and 80’s
Desert X Continues Through May 7
If you haven’t had a chance to check out Desert X, you still have time. Read all about it in my blog post, Unique Desert X Installations to Explore with Your Dog. Cooper and I still have a couple of exhibits to investigate ourselves. We might see you out there.
What are your favorite free things to do in the desert? Tell me about them in the comment section below.