January 2026 Coachella Valley Events & Things To Do
A new year in the desert is always a wonderful idea. January is one of the best months to enjoy life in the Coachella Valley—mild weather, seasonal residents returning, and a packed calendar of arts, culture, sports, and outdoor events. Whether you’re a full-time local or just spending the winter here, here’s what’s happening around Palm Springs and the surrounding cities this January.
Palm Springs International Film Festival
January 2–12, 2026 | Palm Springs
One of the biggest cultural highlights of the year, the Palm Springs International Film Festival brings acclaimed international films, red-carpet premieres, industry buzz, and celebrity sightings to downtown Palm Springs. Screenings and events take place at venues throughout the city.
Coachella Valley Cactus Cup – NCAA Hockey
January 3–4, 2026 | Acrisure Arena
College hockey lands in the desert at Acrisure Arena with two days of fast-paced NCAA action. It’s a fun change of pace from the usual winter sports lineup and a great excuse to check out one of the valley’s newest entertainment venues.
Rock the Park Concert Series – Bee Gees Tribute
January 7, 2026 | Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Palm Desert’s popular Rock the Park concert series continues with a Bee Gees tribute band performing classic disco hits under the stars. These concerts are casual, outdoor, and very “desert winter season.”
Greater Palm Springs Events Calendar
The Judy Show at The Purple Room
January 11–March 15, 2026 | The Purple Room, Palm Springs
Don’t miss The Judy Show at the iconic Purple Room Supper Club — a lively homage to Judy Garland with music, comedy, and classic entertainment in an intimate supper club setting. It’s a long-running seasonal engagement with dinner and a show that celebrates legendary songbook favorites and theatrical flair. Palm Springs
Venue: Purple Room Supper Club — 1900 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Purple Room Entertainment Calendar & Tickets
Tip: Shows at Purple Room include dinner and performance; reservations and tickets are typically required through the venue or TicketWeb.
Southwest Arts Festival
January 23–25, 2026 | Empire Polo Club, Indio
This long-running fine arts festival features artists from across the country showcasing paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry, and mixed media. It’s held at the Empire Polo Club and is a favorite for collectors and casual art lovers alike.
VillageFest – Downtown Palm Springs Street Fair
Every Thursday Evening | Palm Canyon Drive
VillageFest is a year-round favorite and a must-do if you’re in town on a Thursday night. Palm Canyon Drive closes to traffic and fills with food vendors, local artists, musicians, and street performers.
Motown Legends Live: The Temptations & The Four Tops
January 17, 2026 | Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
Two legendary Motown groups share the stage for an evening of classic hits and nostalgia. These shows tend to sell quickly, especially during peak winter season.
Charity Golf & Community Events – First Tee Coachella Valley
January 2026 | Various Locations
January is a busy month for charity golf tournaments and community fundraisers throughout the valley. First Tee Coachella Valley regularly hosts events supporting youth golf and education.
Why January Is One of the Best Months to Be in the Desert
January weather is nearly perfect for outdoor activities, festivals, and evening events. It’s also when seasonal residents return, restaurants are lively again, and the social calendar fills up fast. If you’re considering making Palm Springs or the Coachella Valley home—full-time or seasonally—this is the month that really shows off the lifestyle.
For more local insights, real estate updates, and things to do around the desert, visit: The Paul Kaplan Group
