There is a moment in late afternoon when the deep purple shadows begin to stretch across the Santa Rosa Mountains, casting a cool, violent hue over the fairways at Rancho La Quinta. As the high desert heat softens into dusk, you can catch the subtle scent of night-blooming jasmine drifting across private patios from La Quinta to Rancho Mirage.
September is our valley’s quiet opening act. It is the golden interlude when our desert community awakens from summer, outdoor living returns to center stage, and the social calendar begins to fill. The anticipation is building.
Whether you are scouting neighborhoods for your second home, returning to your desert getaway, or planning a weekend with friends, this guide delivers my handpicked itinerary of September highlights—plus a few insider secrets you will not find anywhere else.
Greater Palm Springs Wellness & Signature Performances
Greater Palm Springs Spa & Wellness Month
When: September 1–30, 2026 | Daily (Appointment times vary)
Where: Participating luxury resort spas across the Valley, including The Parker Palm Springs, The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage, and Sensei Porcupine Creek.
Details: September is dedicated to self-care across the desert. Premier resort spas offer customized packages, sound bath therapy, and holistic wellness treatments.
Whether you are craving a solo reset before autumn or looking to gather a small group of girlfriends for a full spa day, this experience delivers pure relaxation through morning sound baths, quiet mineral pool sessions, custom facials, and poolside lunches.
Chicago & Styx: The Windy Cities Tour
When: Wednesday, September 2, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Where: Acrisure Arena, 75702 Varner Rd, Palm Desert, CA 92211
Details: Two iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame powerhouses join forces for an energetic night of timeless classics at our state-of-the-art regional arena.
Gather your favorite people—from close pals to adult kids—for an elevated arena concert where legendary rock anthems unite every age group over pre-show dining, luxurious suite seating, and unforgettable shared memories.
Cinema Diverse: The Palm Springs LGBTQ+ Film Festival
When: September 17–27, 2026 | Daily screenings from 11:30 AM (Opening Night: Sept 17 at 7:00 PM)
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E Baristo Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Details: A beloved annual cultural highlight celebrating independent cinema, compelling documentary shorts, and engaging director Q&A panels in a historic art-house venue.
Indulge in a solitude-filled matinee to absorb rich cinematic storytelling, or meet up in the heart of Palm Springs to experience a glamorous premiere screening before unwinding together over drinks and spirited conversation.
Ballet B.C. Presents: Dance Me – The Music of Leonard Cohen
When: Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 8:00 PM
Where: McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Details: Ballets Jazz Montréal brings an extraordinary homage to poet and songwriter Leonard Cohen to the McCallum stage. Blending athletic choreography with Cohen’s soulful music, it promises an unforgettable evening.
Enjoy the El Paseo experience with a delicious dinner before enjoying a top-tier stage performance, or simply secure an orchestra seat to immerse yourself in an emotionally resonant masterpiece of movement, verse, and dramatic artistry.
Palm Springs VillageFest
When: Every Thursday in September | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Where: Palm Canyon Drive (between Baristo Rd and Amado Rd), Downtown Palm Springs, CA 92262
Details: Every Thursday evening, Palm Canyon Drive closes to vehicles and transforms into a lively street fair illuminated by twinkling palm trees, featuring local art, crafts, and gourmet small bites.
Bring everyone together to sample handcrafted treats and live street tunes or take advantage of the warm summer evening and enjoy patio cocktails, local artisan shopping, and an easygoing open-air dinner.
Countryside Escapes & Regional Excursions
Lavender Nights at 123 Farm
When: Wednesdays through Mondays in September 2026 | Weekdays: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Weekends: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Closed Tuesdays)
Where: 123 Farm at Highland Springs Ranch & Inn, 10600 Highland Springs Ave, Cherry Valley, CA 92223
Details: Just under 40 minutes west of Palm Springs, over 500,000 warm twinkling lights illuminate the farm's olive groves and lavender pathways as dusk falls. Enjoy live acoustic music, wood-fired sourdough pizzas, organic wine tastings at the Black Bench Wine Bar, and wagon rides past 1,000-year-old oak trees.
This even is a family and date-night favorite! Gather your loved ones for a rustic getaway where children explore wagon rides and s'mores bonfires, while couples and companions savor farm-to-fork dining, courtyard wine flights beneath olive branches, and tranquil twilight walks along luminous purple rows.
Temecula Valley Wine Country Sunset Tastings
When: Select Weekends in September 2026 | Twilight Tastings & Evening Flights
Where: Estate Wineries, Temecula Valley Wine Country (~55 minutes from Palm Springs)
Details: Take a scenic drive into the rolling hills for private vineyard tours and wine tastings as sunset colors sweep across the valley.
Escape to the countryside for a serene getaway to curate your personal cellar for upcoming hosting season, or gather a close group to ride in style with a dedicated chauffeur for an unforgettable weekend of tasting top vintages.
Riverside Symphony & Fine Arts Season Preview
When: Late September 2026 | 7:30 PM
Where: Fox Performing Arts Center, 3801 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501 (~50 minutes from the Valley)
Details: Set inside the restored historic Fox Theater adjacent to the iconic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, this season preview performance showcases classical masterpieces in a majestic architectural setting. Perfect for an elevated date night or weekend cultural excursion.
Experience an extraordinary evening of classical masterpieces as the Riverside Symphony presents its Season Preview inside the magnificently restored, historic Fox Theater. Located adjacent to the iconic Mission Inn, this cultural landmark offers a breathtaking backdrop for a weekend getaway, bringing top-tier orchestral music to life in a grand architectural setting.
Desert Local’s Choice
Here are a few of my personal, off-the-record secrets for making the absolute most of your September in the desert:
The Golden Hour Glow: If you are touring listings in South La Quinta—around The Hideaway, Tradition, or Mountain View Country Club—schedule your private showings between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM. The sun drops behind the Santa Rosas just right, washing the outdoor loggias and pool decks in warm amber light.
123 Farm Parking Secret: When visiting Lavender Nights, book the 6:30 PM entry slot on a Thursday evening. You'll breeze past highway traffic coming out of the valley, land prime parking right by the main courtyard, and hit the Black Bench Wine Bar just as the acoustic musicians begin their set under the olive trees.
Pre-Show Dining along El Paseo: Heading to McCallum Theatre for Dance Me? Reserve a table at Mastro's or Wilma & Frieda along El Paseo for 5:45 PM. Mention you have a show, and you will get effortless service without feeling rushed before curtain call.
Market Pulse: Why September Matters in the Valley
September is known as "the strategic month" for Greater Palm Springs real estate:
For Buyers: It offers a sweet spot to preview desert inventory in different areas of the Coachella Valley and lock in premier properties before the primary winter influx arrives in late October and November.
For Sellers: Late summer and early fall are ideal for completing minor renovations, capturing high-end architectural photography, and positioning properties to capture early seasonal luxury buyers.
Beyond the lifestyle calendar, September carries a distinct rhythm in local real estate. It is our quiet "setup month" before the primary seasonal market opens in mid-October.
If you have your eye on fairway homes in Indian Wells, mid-century architectural gems in Palm Springs, or private golf estates in La Quinta, September offers a sweet spot. Inventory begins to surface ahead of the fall season, giving early buyers first pick of choice properties and unhurried private tours—well before competition picks up in the late fall.
September is proof that the desert lifestyle is a year-round state of mind and not just a seasonal escape. If you're looking for an opportunity to learn more about the Coachella Valley, let's connect!
See you in the desert,
Kimberly Oleson
Realtor® | Attorney | Advisor
CalDRE #02040875 | CalBar #166291 (inactive)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the weather like in Palm Springs in September?
September brings noticeable relief from mid-summer heat, with average daytime highs around 100°F (38°C) dropping quickly into comfortable 70°F–80°F (21°C–27°C) evenings. It marks the return of patio dining and evening outdoor events.
Is September a good time to view real estate in the Coachella Valley?
Yes. September is considered one of the best months for buyers. Inventory begins to expand ahead of the high season, and buyers face less competition than during peak winter months.
How far is 123 Farm from Palm Springs?
123 Farm in Cherry Valley is approximately 35–40 minutes west of Palm Springs via I-10 West, making it a quick and enjoyable afternoon or evening road trip.
