The best arts & culture spots in Palm Springs

“S. Rotating mineral exhibits, meteorites, petrified wood, and, yes, a serious crocodilian roster keep locals coming back.”

From the Riverside newsletter, September 14, 2026

“At Brandstater Gallery, the university-run space at La Sierra curates smart, rotating exhibitions that spark conversation, often blending scholarship, faith, and service. Shows have featured artists like John Divola, so pop in when you need a thoughtful visual reset and something to chat about over coffee.”

From the Riverside newsletter, September 19, 2026

“Just a quick hop from Desert Hot Springs, The Herb Alpert Gallery of Art treats you to docent-led tours, guided interpretation, and hands-on moments that connect his trumpet energy to paint and towering sculpture. Step Behind the Red Door and see 1,200+ works that feel like music for your eyes.”

From the Coachella Valley newsletter, September 8, 2026

“This non-profit features 2 19-century buildings with history exhibits, plus walking tours.”

“Big Mike Art - Gallery & Studio showcases Michael “Big Mike” Arnone’s geometry-driven paintings that riff on mid-century design, Cubism, and the desert’s light, all built in lush layers of graphite, oil stick, and paint... the kind of abstract work locals love living with.”

From the Palm Springs newsletter, September 14, 2026

“The Shag Store is the official gallery for SHAG (Josh Agle), serving up limited edition fine art prints and a playful mix of merch like drinkware, coasters, pillows, lamps, and tote bags. New releases pop up often, so it’s easy to find something very Palm Springs.”

“Built in 1893 from recycled ties of the short-lived Palmdale Railroad, Cornelia White House packs more local lore than a coffee shop line. Make time to see the bungalow once used at the first hotel in Palm Springs and hear curators spin stories about a fearless, plumbing-savvy pioneer.”

From the Coachella Valley newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Janssen Artspace kicks off its 2026-2027 season with a special preview exhibition of gallery artists, and an opening reception on Saturday, September 26 in tandem with Rubine Red Gallery for two shows in one night in Palm Springs. Look for work by Steven Janssen, Kristen Guest, and Ross Collado.”

From the Coachella Valley newsletter, September 20, 2026

“Riverside Heritage House is a historic home offering tours that bring Riverside’s stories to life, from the Museum of Riverside. If you’ve lived here forever or just long enough to have a favorite taco spot, a quick visit this week is a charming reset from the usual routine.”

From the Jurupa Valley newsletter, August 27, 2026

“The Maxine Frost Performing Arts Center hosts Ramona High’s Riverside Arts Magnet shows that overdeliver... think polished student musicals, plays and showcases that feel surprisingly big-league. Make it a plan this week, clap extra loud for the kids, then brag you saw them before they were famous.”

From the Riverside newsletter, August 29, 2026

“Whether you're tracking a new single, cutting crisp voiceovers, narrating an audiobook, or finally launching that podcast, Melrose Recording Studios Palm Springs brings pro-level recording, ADR, mixing, and mastering with chill desert vibes. Lock in a session this week, let the oasis energy do its thing. Check it out.”

From the Coachella Valley newsletter, August 5, 2026

“Got the salsa itch this week, a future first dance, or just need a fun excuse to move again? Step By Step Dance Studio teaches everything from foxtrot and Argentine tango to bachata, salsa, swing, plus ballet and dance cardio, with private or group lessons for all ages that keep it lively and local.”

From the Palm Springs newsletter, August 4, 2026

“Need a quick wow this week? March Field Air Museum lines up more than 100 historic aircraft, from the B-17G and B-29A to a B-52D and MQ-1B Predator, and it sits by an active flight line, so you might spot modern military aircraft while you wander.”

From the Moreno Valley newsletter, September 15, 2026

“Sneak in a small dose of inspiration this week. Symphony Mural is a sweeping public artwork in Riverside with a curved, wall-hugging design that punches up your day in under five minutes, perfect for a quick detour when you need some color and calm.”

From the Riverside newsletter, September 20, 2026

“From the photo-playful Lake Verea: DarkRooms and Other Games to the spellbinding A Queer Arcana, Palm Springs Art Museum is serving fresh exhibitions, plus the Architecture and Design Center, the Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden, and the Annenberg Theater. Make it your midweek reset, then gloat to your group chat.”

From the Palm Springs newsletter, August 13, 2026

“Museum dedicated to combat aircrafts from WWII to present years, plus art, a gift shop & a cafe.”

“Frey House II is a hillside landmark where Albert Frey wrapped steel, glass, and corrugated aluminum around a giant boulder to capture jaw-dropping valley views. You can get inside through special tours with The Modern Tour or during museum events, so put it on your list this week and be ready when a spot opens.”

From the Palm Springs newsletter, August 23, 2026

“Step into Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center, a restored 1961 E. Stewart Williams glass and steel beauty where floor-to-ceiling windows frame the San Jacinto Mountains and exhibitions like Alternative Palm Springs: Other Desert Architectures spotlight our design DNA.”

From the Palm Springs newsletter, August 19, 2026

“Palm Canyon Theatre is rolling into Season 30 with community-fueled productions that punch way above our desert town’s weight. Keep an eye on Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in October, then Sordid Lives and The Producers after, because nothing beats live theater when the nights finally cool off.”

From the Palm Springs newsletter, August 24, 2026

“CK Dance offers high-quality dance training in Palm Springs, celebrating 30 seasons with classes from Ballet and Pointe to Jazz, Contemporary, and Hip-Hop. Their students have performed at the McCallum Theatre and Disneyland, so your weekly class... not exactly boring.”

From the Cathedral City newsletter, August 26, 2026

“Palm Springs Dance Academy has working pros leading classes in ballet, jazz, hip-hop, modern and more, with options for adults and for kids from tiny twirls to pre-pro.”

From the Palm Springs newsletter, August 29, 2026

“Miss Jane's Glamour Puss Studios brings campy, sequin-sparkled tap classes to Palm Springs, welcoming absolute beginners with two-left-feet confidence and almost-intermediates who want sharper shuffles. Join anytime and learn from a Melbourne legend who now calls Palm Springs home...”

From the Palm Springs newsletter, August 14, 2026

“PS Underground serves up immersive dining with live entertainment in Palm Springs, curated experiences that feel part supper club, part secret show. Grab a friend, pick an upcoming experience this week, and let them handle the plot while you handle the plates.”

From the Cathedral City newsletter, August 29, 2026

“Andecor has been brightening downtown Palm Springs since 2007 with vibrant, creative, fun and eclectic art and home decoration. Expect whimsical Allen Designs clocks, playful Carlos & Albert pieces, plus aprons, bags, compact mirrors and planters that make your place feel a little less beige desert, a little more you.”

From the Palm Springs newsletter, August 30, 2026

“If your Palm Springs walls feel a little meh, Leah Langefeld Painting and Murals brings 20 years of interior painting, decorating chops, and clever furniture repurposing to dial in sleek lines, smart color schemes, and those subtle accents that make your space finally feel like, well, yours.”

From the Palm Springs newsletter, August 20, 2026

“Cat City parents, got a kid who twirls through the living room? Dance with Miss Lindsay turns that energy into real steps with Toddler Time, Pre-Ballet/Tap, Twinkle Toes, plus Youth, Prime, and Intensive programs, taught by warm teachers who keep it positive and fun, and even offers Birthday Blast.”

From the Cathedral City newsletter, August 20, 2026

“Nonprofit gallery for local artists, open since 1950 & offering frequent classes & workshops.”

“If you’ve been meaning to get off the couch, Fox Performing Arts Center is stacking the week with easy wins, from the Little Shop of Horrors 40th Anniversary Screening this Friday Aug 14 to Los Yonics Zamacona on Saturday Aug 15. Grab a seat, let Riverside handle the entertainment.”

From the Colton newsletter, August 14, 2026

“Public Art "Wings" is that bright, photo-friendly angel mural that turns a coffee break into a little moment of magic. Swing by this week, line up your halo, and remember what we love about living here... art popping up where the everyday meets the fabulous.”

From the Palm Springs newsletter, August 28, 2026