September - Events and Things to Do in Greater Palm Springs
As the summer season begins to wind down, September in the Coachella Valley offers a refreshing shift in pace. While the temperatures may still be warm, the month is packed with exciting concerts, unique local traditions, and plenty of opportunities to stay cool and entertained. From live music and comedy to relaxing spa treatments, Greater Palm Springs has a diverse calendar of events waiting for you.
Local Events
September brings a wide range of live performances and weekly gatherings to the desert.
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Concerts and Comedy: The valley’s venues are set to host a lineup of nationally recognized acts:
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Jordan Davis at Acrisure on September 11, 2025
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Billy Idol at Acrisure on September 12, 2025
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Kansas at Agua Caliente Events Center on September 12, 2025
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John Lovitz at the McCallum Theater on September 13, 2025
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Rod Stewart at Agua Caliente on September 20, 2025
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Paul McCartney at Acrisure Arena on September 29, 2025
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Idyllwild Home Tour: This event offers a chance to explore unique homes in the mountain community.
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When: September 13, 2025
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More Info: https://www.idyllwildhistory.org/home-tour/
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Food Truck Fridays: Indio: Kick off your weekend with a variety of local food trucks, live entertainment, and fun in Downtown Indio.
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When: Every Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
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Where: Towne Street and Bliss Avenue
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VillageFest: This long-standing weekly tradition continues in Downtown Palm Springs, featuring artisan vendors, food booths, and live entertainment.
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When: Every Thursday from 7 PM to 10 PM
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Where: Palm Canyon Drive, Downtown Palm Springs
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Palm Springs Art Museum: Free Thursday Nights: Escape the heat and explore contemporary and modern art with free admission on Thursday evenings..
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When: Thursdays from 5 PM to 7 PM
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Where: Palm Springs Art Museum
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Indoor Activities
When temperatures climb, the desert has plenty of air-conditioned options for fun:
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Palm Springs Spa Month: September is Palm Springs Spa Month, a special event offering exclusive deals and packages at local spas.
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Indoor Pickleball: Facilities like Pickled Bar in Palm Desert offer air-conditioned courts and group play opportunities.
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Bowling Alleys: Try Fantasy Lanes or Palm Springs Lanes for classic bowling, arcade games, and casual dining.
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Escape Rooms: Popular locations like Palm Springs Escape Room provide immersive, air-conditioned fun for groups of all ages.
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Museums and Cultural Centers: In addition to the Palm Springs Art Museum, the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum and the Palm Springs Air Museum are excellent indoor options.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is one of the most popular ways to escape the desert heat without leaving the region. In just over 10 minutes, the rotating tram car ascends from the valley floor to over 8,500 feet at Mt. San Jacinto State Park, where temperatures can be 30 to 40 degrees cooler. At the top, visitors can enjoy hiking trails, scenic overlooks, a natural history museum, and two mountain restaurants.
Day Tripping
September is an ideal time to take advantage of day trips to nearby destinations with cooler temperatures or different scenery:
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Idyllwild, CA: This mountain town offers a charming small-town atmosphere with shaded forest hikes, art galleries, and local dining.
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Joshua Tree National Park: While it’s still hot, early morning visits to Joshua Tree are magical32. Enjoy scenic drives, rock formations, and desert landscapes before midday33. The drive is only about 40 minutes.
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Temecula Wine Country: Known for its award-winning wineries and rolling vineyard views, Temecula is an easy getaway for wine tasting and outdoor dining.
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Closest Beach Getaway: Newport Beach or Laguna Beach are both approximately a 2-hour drive west, depending on traffic. A great way to spend a full day with ocean breezes, coastal dining, and beachside walks.
Whether you're exploring the local scene, heading for higher ground, or seeking indoor adventures, September in Greater Palm Springs offers more than just sunshine.
