Your Ultimate Guide to November Events in Greater Palm Springs: Concerts, Art & Veterans Day Celebrations

Looking for the best things to do in the Greater Palm Springs Area this November 2025? As the desert's shoulder season officially gives way to the vibrant winter social calendar, November is packed with must-attend events, from the internationally recognized La Quinta Art Celebration to major concerts and solemn Veterans Day ceremonies across the Coachella Valley. Here is your essential guide to enjoying the perfect fall weather with world-class entertainment and community gatherings.

🍻 Food and Spirits (Palm Springs Food Scene)

Indulge your palate with a festival dedicated to smoky flavors and local brews.

• Indio BBQ Festival

• • When: November 8, 2025

  • Details: Bring the whole family for a day of smoky, savory goodness, including BBQ dishes from local favorites, live entertainment, free games for the kids, face painting, and a beer garden. Don't miss this unforgettable BBQ experience!

• • Palm Springs Food and Wine Festival

• • More Info: https://palmspringsfoodandwine.org/

  • Description: Savor two days of culinary excellence at this premier gourmet event, showcasing top chefs, exquisite wine tastings, and mixology demonstrations, celebrating the desert's growing gastronomic scene.

• Props and Hops Craft Beer Festival

  • More Info: https://palmspringsairmuseum.org/props-and-hops-craft-beer-festival/

  • Description: A one-of-a-kind event where craft beer lovers can sample brews from dozens of breweries while surrounded by vintage aircraft at the Palm Springs Air Museum.

🇺🇸 Honoring Our Veterans: Ceremonies Across the Coachella Valley

Where are the Veterans Day celebrations in the Greater Palm Springs area? Communities throughout the desert host thoughtful ceremonies and events to honor those who served.

• City of La Quinta Veterans Day Tribute

• • More Info: https://www.laquintaca.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/731/794

  • Details: Join the community at La Quinta Civic Center to acknowledge veterans for their contribution. We invite everyone to enjoy music and refreshments during this patriotic celebration.

• Stars, Stripes and Songs: A Celebration of Veterans

• • When: November 10, 2025

  • Where: McCallum Theatre

  • Price: $30 inclusive of fees

  • Details: In partnership with The City of Palm Desert, this Inaugural Veterans Day Eve celebration welcomes Veterans, families, and community members. Festivities begin at the McCallum Theatre at 5:30 PM with a patriotic pre-show celebration, followed by a USO-style performance taking the stage at 7 PM. The evening concludes with a classic ice cream social.

• Veteran's Day 5k Run/Walk

  • When: November 11, 2025

  • Details: This is a family-friendly event for runners and walkers to honor and support the brave men and women who served this country.

🎤 Concerts: Who is performing at Acrisure Arena and the Casinos in November?

The desert stages are alive with talent this month, from pop sensations to classic rock legends and smooth jazz icons.

• Daryl Hall with Special Guest Glenn Tilbrook

• • When: November 1, 2025

  • Where: Fantasy Springs Resort Casino

  • Details: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Daryl Hall brings his tour to the desert. Note: The November 1st show at Fantasy Springs has been postponed. Please check the venue website for rescheduled date or refund information: https://www.fantasyspringsresort.com/daryl-hall/.

• Tate McRae: Miss Possessive Tour at Acrisure Arena

• • When: November 7, 2025

  • Where: Acrisure Arena

  • Details: Multi-platinum pop sensation Tate McRae announced the addition of 23 new dates on her highly anticipated Miss Possessive Tour, produced by Live Nation and sponsored by Neutrogena®. Find tickets here: https://seatgeek.com/tate-mcrae-tickets/palm-springs.

• ZZ Top

• • When: November 7, 2025

  • Where: Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa (Rancho Mirage)

  • Details: The legendary trio brings their timeless rock to The Show. Find tickets here: https://www.ticketmaster.com/zz-top-under-18-must-be-rancho-mirage-11-07-2025/event/Z7r9jZ1A7Q4je.

• Kenny G

• • When: November 15, 2025

  • Where: Spotlight 29 Casino

  • Details: The smooth jazz saxophone legend performs live. Find tickets here: https://www.bandsintown.com/e/1035931826-kenny-g-at-spotlight-29-casino.

• Gin Blossoms

  • When: November 21, 2025

  • Where: Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa (Rancho Mirage)

  • Details: The multi-platinum alternative rock band performs their greatest hits. Find tickets here: https://aguacalientecasinos.com/agua-event/gin-blossoms/.

🎨 Arts and Culture (Top Art Festivals in the Desert)

• La Quinta Art Celebration

• • More Info: https://www.laquintaartcelebration.org/

  • Description: Recognized as one of the top fine art festivals in the nation, this four-day event features over 200 world-class juried artists showcasing paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and more. Enjoy the stunning lakeside setting, live music, and gourmet bites.

• Desert Arts Festival

  • More Info: https://www.westcoastartists.com/events

  • Description: A vibrant outdoor showcase of fine art and contemporary crafts, featuring local and regional artists in an accessible community setting.

🏟️ Sports and Other Events

• Acrisure Series (College Basketball)

• • When: November 25–28, 2025

  • More Info: https://acrisurearena.com/event/acrisure-series/2025-11-25/

  • Description: A major college basketball event hosted at the state-of-the-art Acrisure Arena. This multi-team tournament features over 20 NCAA Division I men's basketball programs. Notable teams participating include:

• • Acrisure Classic: Iowa, Ole Miss (Mississippi), Utah, and Grand Canyon.

  • Acrisure Invitational: Stanford, Minnesota, Saint Louis, and Santa Clara.

  • Acrisure Holiday Classic: Washington, Colorado, Nevada, and San Francisco.

  • Solo Games: Fresno State, Pepperdine, Cal Baptist (California Baptist), and San Diego.

• Desert Dressage

  • More Info: https://deserthorsepark.com/desert-dressage/

  • Description: Experience the elegance and precision of equestrian sport at the Desert International Horse Park, home to world-class dressage competitions and a spectacular display of athleticism and grace.

🦃 Thanksgiving Events

As November concludes, the focus shifts to giving thanks with fun community runs and gourmet dining.

dining.

• Martha's Village & Kitchen 19th Annual Thanksgiving Day 5K
  • When: Thursday, November 27, 2025 (8:00 AM)

• • More Info: https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/PalmDesert/FortemFinancialThanksgivingDay5K

• • Description: Start Thanksgiving morning with a purpose! This annual run/walk fundraiser takes place on El Paseo in Palm Desert. Join thousands of participants to raise vital awareness and funds to combat hunger and homelessness in the Coachella Valley.

• Palm Springs Wild Turkey Trot 5K

  • When: Thursday, November 27, 2025 (Thanksgiving Morning)

  • More Info: Event details will be available on the organizer's site.

  • Description: Start your Thanksgiving Day on the move! This fun, certified 5K course runs through iconic downtown Palm Springs, welcoming runners, walkers, strollers, and even dogs. A portion of the proceeds supports the Mizell Center's Meals on Wheels Program, and participants receive a finisher medal and fun, themed socks.

• Gourmet Thanksgiving Dining

  • When: November 27, 2025

• • Details: Skip the cooking this year! Numerous top-rated restaurants across the Greater Palm Springs Area—from La Quinta Cliffhouse to Spencer's Restaurant—offer special prix-fixe menus and elegant buffets for an effortless and delicious holiday feast.

November is a truly special time in the Greater Palm Springs Area, offering a perfect mix of cultural richness, outdoor enjoyment, and community celebration. With the cool desert nights and sun-drenched days, it’s the ideal month to explore the best of the Coachella Valley.

Ready to explore the desert lifestyle? If you are considering making the Greater Palm Springs Area your home or have questions about the local communities that host these wonderful events, I am here to help.