CV Weekly: ShortFest Wraps Up & Summer Heats Up the Coachella Valley
✨ Last Week Around the Valley
Happy Monday, Coachella Valley! As we head into the heart of summer, the desert community had a full and eventful week. Here's a look at what happened around the Valley:
🎬 Palm Springs International ShortFest Wraps Up
The 32nd annual Palm Springs International ShortFest concluded this weekend at the Festival Theaters in Palm Springs. One of the world's most prestigious short film showcases — and a qualifying festival for the Academy Awards, BAFTA, and Goya Awards — the event featured hundreds of curated short films, filmmaker Q&As, and industry panels. Awards and cash prizes were announced June 28, with a celebratory "Best of the Fest" screening on June 29. Congratulations to all the filmmakers who participated!
- 📍 Festival Theaters, Palm Springs
🤖 PS/NExT Summit Brings AI & Creativity Leaders to Palm Springs
The PS/NExT Summit (June 22–23) brought together innovators in artificial intelligence, design, technology, entertainment, and culture at the Palm Springs Convention Center. The two-day event, an evolution of the Palm Springs AI & Creativity Expo, offered a forward-looking program for business and creative leaders across the region.
🔥 Fire Temporarily Closes Palm Springs Cultural Center
A kitchen fire broke out at the Palm Springs Cultural Center on the evening of June 27, temporarily closing the beloved venue. Approximately 30 people were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported. The Palm Springs Fire Department deployed 31 firefighters and brought the blaze under control by 8:30 PM. A scheduled screening of Meet Me in St. Louis was canceled, with refunds issued to ticket holders. The cause remains under investigation. We wish the Cultural Center team a swift recovery and reopening!
🎉 Desert Hot Springs Kicks Off Summer
Desert Hot Springs celebrated the season with the Desert Nights on the BLVD Beach Party Summer Kickoff on June 27, featuring live music from Gilligan's Island The Band, food trucks, and a beer garden at 66120 Pierson Blvd. A great community night out!
🎵 Big Concerts Lit Up the Valley
It was a star-studded week for live music. Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert hosted Shakira (June 17) and Bob Dylan (June 20), while Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa in Rancho Mirage welcomed Jerry Seinfeld (June 6) and Rod Stewart (June 21). The Valley's entertainment scene continues to shine even in the summer heat!
🏆 Coachella Valley Rescue Mission Named 2026 California Nonprofit of the Year
Congratulations to the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission (CVRM), which was named the 2026 California Nonprofit of the Year! The Indio-based organization provides emergency shelter, hot meals, and life transformation programs for those experiencing homelessness. This recognition reflects the incredible dedication of their staff, volunteers, and donors.
🏨 La Quinta Resort Celebrates 100 Years
The iconic La Quinta Resort & Club is celebrating its centennial throughout 2026, marking 100 years since its founding in 1926 by Walter H. Morgan. Special "Centennial Classics" menus, spa treatments, and a "$100 for 100 Years" resort credit offer are all part of the celebration. A true Valley landmark!
🌡️ Stay Cool This Week
Temperatures across the Coachella Valley are regularly exceeding 110°F. Cooling centers are open throughout the region. Plan outdoor activities for early morning (before 10 AM) or after 5 PM, and check on neighbors and loved ones during the heat.
📅 Coming Up This Week
There's plenty happening across the Valley this week — from Fourth of July celebrations to farmers markets and live music. Here are some highlights:
🎆 Fourth of July Weekend Highlights
Cinderella's Tom Keifer & L.A. Guns — Thursday, July 2 at 7:30 PM
The Show at Agua Caliente Casino, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage
Get Tickets
Wyndwolf Puppets: Wild Encounters — Friday, July 3 at 11:00 AM
La Quinta Public Library, 78275 Calle Tampico, La Quinta — Family-friendly fun!
More Info
The Commodores — Friday, July 3 at 8:00 PM
The Show at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa, Rancho Mirage
Get Tickets
12th Annual Fireworks Extravaganza — Saturday, July 4 at 7:00 PM
Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa, 32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage
More Info
🎪 Recurring Weekly Favorites
Palm Springs VillageFest — Every Thursday, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Palm Canyon Drive, Downtown Palm Springs
villagefest.org
Free Thursday Nights at Palm Springs Art Museum — Every Thursday, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 Museum Dr, Palm Springs
psmuseum.org
Concerts in the Park – Palm Desert — Every Thursday, 7:00 PM
Palm Desert Civic Center Park, 43900 San Pablo Ave, Palm Desert
engagepalmdesert.com
Indian Wells Certified Farmers Market — Every Thursday, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
44-175 Washington St, Indian Wells
cvcfm.org
Tastes & Sounds of Cathedral City — Every Tuesday, 5:00 PM
Cathedral City Community Amphitheater
discovercathedralcity.com
Indio Night Market — Every Friday, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Riverside County Fairgrounds, Indio
Rancho Mirage Certified Farmers Market — Every Friday, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Rancho Mirage Community Park, 71-560 San Jacinto Dr
certifiedfarmersmarkets.org
Palm Springs Certified Farmers Market — Every Saturday, 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Palm Springs Pavilion, 401 S Pavilion Way
certifiedfarmersmarkets.org
Indio Farmer's Market — Every Saturday, 9:00 AM
Corner of Towne Street and Bliss Avenue, Indio
La Quinta Certified Farmers Market — Every Sunday, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
78100 Main St, La Quinta
cvcfm.org
Old Town La Quinta Art & Farmers Market — Every Sunday, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
78100 Main St, Old Town La Quinta
Indio Certified Farmer's Market — Every Sunday, 9:00 AM
45235 Towne Street, Indio
cvcfm.org
Palm Desert Certified Farmers Market — Every Sunday, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
72559 Highway 111, Palm Desert
cvcfm.org
Open Mic Mondays at The Roost Lounge — Every Monday, 6:00 PM
The Roost Lounge, Cathedral City
theroostcc.com
Karaoke Tuesdays at The Roost Lounge — Every Tuesday, 6:00 PM
The Roost Lounge, Cathedral City
theroostcc.com
Poolside BBQ at Indian Wells Resort — Thu–Sun, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Indian Wells Resort Hotel
indianwellsresort.com
Happy Hour at IW Live — Tue–Sat, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Indian Wells Resort Hotel
indianwellsresort.com
Daytime Observatory Tour — Every Thursday & Friday, 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM
Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory
ranchomiragelibrary.libcal.com
La Quinta Summer Golf Experience — Every Saturday, 7:30 AM
Trilogy Golf Club at La Quinta, 60151 Trilogy Pkwy
lqgolftour.laquintaca.gov
Superfuzz Saturday Nights — Every Saturday, 8:00 PM
CCBC Resort Hotel, 68300 Gay Resort Dr, Cathedral City
More Info
I·CON·IC SUNDAYS Drag Brunch — Every Sunday, 12:00 PM
One Eleven Bar, 67555 E Palm Canyon Dr Suite A102, Cathedral City
Eventbrite
📅 Monthly Events (Check for This Month's Date)
Old Town La Quinta Art Walk — Monthly, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Old Town La Quinta
El Paseo Art Walk — Monthly, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
El Paseo, Palm Desert
discoverpalmdesert.com
La Quinta Music in the Park — Monthly, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
La Quinta Civic Center Campus
laquintaca.gov
Movies in the Park – La Quinta — Monthly, 7:30 PM
La Quinta Civic Center Campus
laquintaca.gov
Backstreet Arts District Art Walk — Monthly, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Backstreet Arts District, Palm Desert
Coachella Valley Healing Rooms — 1st & 3rd Saturdays, 9:30 AM – Noon
39001 Monterey Ave, Rancho Mirage
More Info
👉 See the full events calendar at desertbiz.net/events
🏪 Newly Added to Our Directory
These local businesses recently added their listings to Desert Biz Connect. If you're looking for trusted local services, check them out!
Tax Fluential Solutions — Accounting & Tax Services | Indio
Tax Fluential Solutions recently added their listing to our directory. Looking for tax and accounting services in the East Valley? Check them out at taxfluential.com.
Hammer 'N Nails — Home Services | Palm Springs
Hammer 'N Nails recently added their listing to Desert Biz Connect. Looking for home services in Palm Springs? Reach out to this local provider.
Millers Glass Tinting Solutions, Inc — Construction & Contractors | Palm Springs
Millers Glass Tinting Solutions recently added their listing to our directory. Looking for glass tinting or construction services? They're now listed on Desert Biz Connect.
Desert Elite Implant Institute — Dental Services | Palm Desert
Desert Elite Implant Institute recently added their listing to Desert Biz Connect. Looking for dental implant services in Palm Desert? Visit deserteliteimplantinstitute.com.
Diamond Demolition — Construction & Contractors | Palm Springs
Diamond Demolition recently added their listing to our directory. Looking for demolition and construction services in the Palm Springs area? They're now on Desert Biz Connect.
👉 Explore the full local business directory at desertbiz.net/directory
🆕 New to the Valley
Here's what's genuinely new or newly celebrated in the Coachella Valley business community, confirmed via chamber of commerce sources:
Total Youth Training Development Center — Rancho Mirage
The Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce has a ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled for June 30, 2026 for the Total Youth Training Development Center — a new addition to the Rancho Mirage community. Stop by and show your support!
🔗 Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce
Rancho Mirage Animal & Emergency — Rancho Mirage
A ribbon cutting is scheduled for July 14, 2026 for Rancho Mirage Animal & Emergency, a new veterinary and emergency animal care facility coming to Rancho Mirage.
🔗 Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce
Giuseppe's Pizzeria — Rancho Mirage
Giuseppe's Pizzeria is celebrating a milestone with a ribbon cutting and anniversary celebration on July 9, 2026, hosted by the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce.
🔗 Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce
Know of a new business opening or milestone in the Valley? Let us know at desertbiz.net/submit!
🤝 Ways to Serve the Community
Looking to give back this summer? The Coachella Valley has a vibrant network of nonprofits making a difference every day. Here are some organizations where you may be able to get involved:
FIND Food Bank — Indio
According to their website, FIND Food Bank is currently welcoming volunteers for warehouse sorting (ages 17+), food distribution (ages 18+), homebound delivery driving, and teen-specific shifts (ages 14–17). Contact Juan Perez at (760) 542-2176 ext. 132 or visit their volunteer hub to sign up.
🔗 findfoodbank.org/volunteer-opportunities
Martha's Village and Kitchen — Indio
According to their website, Martha's Village and Kitchen is currently welcoming volunteers for thrift store operations, the emergency food pantry, food services (kitchen roles require age 16+), administrative support, and recurring events. Register through their VolunteerHub portal.
🔗 marthasvillage.org/get-involved/volunteer
Coachella Valley Housing Coalition (CVHC) — Indio
According to their website, CVHC is currently welcoming volunteers for youth tutoring, office assistance, and housing construction. Submit an application and waiver to [email protected] or visit their office at 45701 Monroe Street, Suite G, Indio.
🔗 cvhc.org/volunteer
Coachella Valley Rescue Mission (CVRM) — Indio
According to their website, CVRM is currently welcoming volunteers for kitchen service, maintenance, their New Life Resale Boutique, mentorship and ministry, group service days, and special events. The process includes an application, background check, and mandatory orientation. Call the Volunteer Hotline at 760-347-3512 ext. 223 to get started.
🔗 cvrm.org/ways-to-give/volunteer
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert
Check with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert to see if they're currently accepting mentors and volunteers — reach out to learn more about current opportunities.
🔗 Find them on Idealist
Friends of the Desert Mountains
If you're interested in trail maintenance and environmental stewardship, contact Friends of the Desert Mountains to explore current volunteer opportunities with their trail crews and Weed Warriors program.
🔗 Visit Greater Palm Springs Voluntourism Guide
Joslyn Center — Palm Desert
The Joslyn Center may be looking for volunteers for Meals on Wheels, reception, and educational programs — reach out to learn more about how you can get involved.
🔗 Visit Greater Palm Springs Voluntourism Guide
Every act of service makes our Valley stronger. Thank you to all the volunteers and donors who show up for our community! 💛
📬 Stay Connected with CV Weekly
CV Weekly is your Monday morning roundup of everything happening in the Coachella Valley — from community news and local events to new businesses and ways to give back.
- 📧 Subscribe to our newsletter at desertbiz.net/newsletter to get CV Weekly delivered to your inbox every Monday.
- 📅 Explore upcoming events at desertbiz.net/events — your go-to calendar for what's happening across the Valley.
- 🏪 Discover local businesses at desertbiz.net/directory — support the businesses that make our community thrive.
- 📝 Submit your event or business listing at desertbiz.net/submit — it's free and easy!
Have a wonderful week, Coachella Valley. Stay cool, stay connected, and keep supporting your local community! 🌵☀️
Ready to Grow Your Local Business?
Join the next Desert Biz Connect community postcard and get your business in front of thousands of local households.