January 2026 Coachella Valley Events & Things To Do

A new year in the desert is always a wonderful idea. January is one of the best months to enjoy life in the Coachella Valley—mild weather, seasonal residents returning, and a packed calendar of arts, culture, sports, and outdoor events. Whether you’re a full-time local or just spending the winter here, here’s what’s happening around Palm Springs and the surrounding cities this January.

Palm Springs International Film Festival

January 2–12, 2026 | Palm Springs

One of the biggest cultural highlights of the year, the Palm Springs International Film Festival brings acclaimed international films, red-carpet premieres, industry buzz, and celebrity sightings to downtown Palm Springs. Screenings and events take place at venues throughout the city.

Website:
https://www.psfilmfest.org
More visitor info:
https://www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/events/palm-springs-international-film-festival/

Coachella Valley Cactus Cup – NCAA Hockey

January 3–4, 2026 | Acrisure Arena

College hockey lands in the desert at Acrisure Arena with two days of fast-paced NCAA action. It’s a fun change of pace from the usual winter sports lineup and a great excuse to check out one of the valley’s newest entertainment venues.

Arena info:
https://acrisurearena.com
Event listings:
https://www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/events/

Rock the Park Concert Series – Bee Gees Tribute

January 7, 2026 | Palm Desert Civic Center Park

Palm Desert’s popular Rock the Park concert series continues with a Bee Gees tribute band performing classic disco hits under the stars. These concerts are casual, outdoor, and very “desert winter season.”

City of Palm Desert events:
https://www.palmdesert.gov/residents/events
Greater Palm Springs events calendar:
https://www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/events/

The Judy Show at The Purple Room

January 11–March 15, 2026 | The Purple Room, Palm Springs

Don’t miss The Judy Show at the iconic Purple Room Supper Club — a lively homage to Judy Garland with music, comedy, and classic entertainment in an intimate supper club setting. It’s a long-running seasonal engagement with dinner and a show that celebrates legendary songbook favorites and theatrical flair. Palm Springs

✨ Venue: Purple Room Supper Club — 1900 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Purple Room entertainment calendar & tickets:
https://www.purpleroompalmsprings.com/entertainment

Tip: Shows at Purple Room include dinner and performance; reservations and tickets are typically required through the venue or TicketWeb.

Southwest Arts Festival

January 23–25, 2026 | Empire Polo Club, Indio

This long-running fine arts festival features artists from across the country showcasing paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry, and mixed media. It’s held at the Empire Polo Club and is a favorite for collectors and casual art lovers alike.

Festival website:
https://www.southwestartsfestival.org
Location info:
https://empirepoloclub.com

VillageFest – Downtown Palm Springs Street Fair

Every Thursday Evening | Palm Canyon Drive

VillageFest is a year-round favorite and a must-do if you’re in town on a Thursday night. Palm Canyon Drive closes to traffic and fills with food vendors, local artists, musicians, and street performers.

VillageFest info:
https://www.villagefest.org
Downtown Palm Springs events:
https://www.palmspringsdowntown.org/events

Motown Legends Live: The Temptations & The Four Tops

January 17, 2026 | Fantasy Springs Resort Casino

Two legendary Motown groups share the stage for an evening of classic hits and nostalgia. These shows tend to sell quickly, especially during peak winter season.

Fantasy Springs events:
https://www.fantasyspringsresort.com/entertainment
General events calendar:
https://events.kesq.com

Charity Golf & Community Events – First Tee Coachella Valley

January 2026 | Various Locations

January is a busy month for charity golf tournaments and community fundraisers throughout the valley. First Tee Coachella Valley regularly hosts events supporting youth golf and education.

First Tee Coachella Valley:
https://firstteecoachellavalley.org
More local events:
https://www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/events/

Why January Is One of the Best Months to Be in the Desert

January weather is nearly perfect for outdoor activities, festivals, and evening events. It’s also when seasonal residents return, restaurants are lively again, and the social calendar fills up fast. If you’re considering making Palm Springs or the Coachella Valley home—full-time or seasonally—this is the month that really shows off the lifestyle.

For more local insights, real estate updates, and things to do around the desert, visit:
https://www.paulkaplanhomes.com