THE INDIO DATE FESTIVAL

During the annual INDIO DATE FESTIVAL AND RIVERSIDE COUNTY FAIR, held in Indio, the entire city springs into action with a week of activities and entertainment. An Arabian-themed play is held every night, world class entertainment comes to the town of 50,000+ residents, and livestock, camel races, beauty pageant queens and a huge carnival all keep locals focused on fun. 

Opening ceremony includes blessing of the dates, and award-winning Arabian Nights Musical Pageant starting at 6:15 p.m. at the Pageant Stage. An entertaining show that mingles contemporary humor with classic folklore, magic and mystery are at the heart of “Aladdin and the Heart of Agrabah”.

Also arriving on the first day are the Llamas, Dairy Goats, Poultry.  Opening Ceremony & Blessing of the Dates at 9:30am; Camel & Ostrich Races at 11am & 3pm – Arena; WGAS Motorsports Monster Trucks at 8pm – Arena and Carnival rides from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Affordable admission makes this event a great family outing and draws California vacationers and beach dwellers from as far away as 100 miles.

Location: Indio is located about 70 miles east of Palm Springs or 125 miles east of Los Angeles in Riverside County.  

Riverside County Fairgrounds

82-503 Hwy 111, Indio, CA 92201. Call: (800) 811-FAIR or (760) 863-8247. WWW.datefest.org

THE LIVING DESERT IS ALL THIS and so much more.

A single word could not begin to describe all that The Living Desert is and does. One must string words together, like beads: zoo and endangered species conservation center – botanical gardens – natural history museum – wilderness park – nature preserve – education center. The thread that holds all the beads together is the word “desert.” 

The Living Desert, located in the town of Palm Desert, California, provides a one-stop opportunity to explore all the great American deserts and learn about their plants and animals. The Living Desert occupies 1,200 acres of the California Desert, 200 of which are developed as a zoo, botanical garden and natural history museum.

 A visit to the Living Desert and Gardens is an opportunity to see remarkable native plants, animals and the natural landscape of the Palm Desert area. 

A walk along the well manicured winding paths brings you up close to desert flora and fauna in a natural setting.  You feel as though you are walking through a natural landscape. 

Meet over  400 different species, including Mexican wolves, bobcats and falcons. Visit the outdoor theater that offers live presentations twice a day.  Don’t miss the Butterfly and Hummingbird compound or the enormous model train exhibit that defies your imagination.

THE MODEL TRAIN EXHIBIT IS WORLD CLASS.

Throughout the year, The Living Desert is host to several annual events. WILD LIGHTS in December is a family tradition for many locals. Hundreds of thousands of lights decorate the trees and walkways creating a wonderland of light and color. Hot cocoa, chili and toasted marshmallows are served with a background of music and entertainment.  HOWL-O-WEEN is celebrated 2 nights each year with vendor booths and treats for children. 

A highlight to anyone’s visit to the Palm Springs area, The Living Desert is a great outing for the entire family

THE LIVING DESERT 47900 Portola Dr. Palm Desert CA 760 346 5694

http://www.livingdesert.org

Open to the public and the trade, the studios and galleries feature contemporary paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry and experimental artwork by knowledgeable and approachable artists.

Backstreet hosts a monthly ART WALK and open studio reception the FIRST WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH from 6:00-9:00 PM.  You can find poetry readings, book signings, private art classes, theatrical productions and monthly artist’s receptions at the various galleries.

 
The art district is located at Highway 111 and Cherokee Way behind the Mercedes-Benz Dealership. Look for the big red “ART” on the wall of the building. Most galleries are open Wed-Sun 11-4 and always by appointment.

We invite you to visit the websites of the following Backstreet Art District galleries

ART BY PETER

TED PHILLIP DENTON

ANNETTE MARIE ART COLLECTION

IMAGES BY GIDEON

REDDOT GALLERY

TREVOR GOSS

Come and experience the energy and relaxed vibe of the Backstreet Art District.

Greet the sun or bid it farewell as you drift in beautiful desert skies.

Hot air ballooning in the desert is one of the most peaceful experiences you could possibly hope for. While floating effortlessly in one of our colorful hot air  balloons, you will view breathtaking  vistas of some of the most picturesque landscapes in California. Vineyards, polo fields, world famous golf courses, and exotic orchards are just a few of the unbelievable sights you will experience.  Your flight direction is determined by the breeze.

Your pilot will give a guided tour as well as serving your champagne and cookies, while you are in the air. During the first few minutes, you will receive a guided tour of the valley.  Your picture will be captured during the celebration and attached to your flight certificate before your leave. 

BALLOON ABOVE THE DESERT

83232 E   44th  Ave  Indio
Call for reservations:   760   247-0410

A premier fine arts festival attracting thousands annually. The Indian Wells Arts Festival brings a splash of color to the beautiful grass concourse of the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

This spectacular venue transforms into an artisan village featuring 200 judged and juried artists and hundreds of pieces of one-of-a-kind artwork available for sale.

Watch Glass Blowing, Monumental Rock Sculpting, Wood Carving, Pot Throwing, Weaving and Mural Painting. Glass, Beadmaking and Canvas Stretching Demonstations ALL DAY!

Wine Tasting, Gourmet Market, Children’s Activities, Entertainment and Refreshment add to the festival atmosphere.

TICKETS
Adults – $10 at the gate
Children 12 & Under – FREE
10am – 5:30pm - Gates Close 4:30pm
FREE Parking - Valet Available

 For more information, please visit our website at www.indianwellsartsfestival.com

or call 760.346.0042

78200 Miles Avenue – Indain Wells Tennis Gardens
Indain Wells, CA 92210

 The BEST OF THE WEST JET RALLY is something you have to see to believe. Model airplanes that transend a “hobby” to being more of an obsession of the grown up guys that fly them.

The saying “Big Toys for Big Boys”  is very evident as you listen to the  model jet plane owners and pilots discuss their collections of $10,000-$50,000. planes.

See for yourself. From a distance, you will not believe the jets you are watching perform tricks are pint size models worth thousands!!

For more information go to:

A landmark botanical garden that has been delighting Palm Springs visitors for more than 60 years.

Meet Clark Moorten who will give you a personal tour of the “World’s First Cactarium,” a garden that includes 3,000 fine examples of desert cacti and other desert plants. 

A fascinating diversion from your typical resort vacation day: Visit this amazing garden of exotic Cactus and you will never look at those prickly plants the same. If you see Mr. Moorton himself, you may even be lucky enough to get a personal tour. At the very least he will give a great story or two about this most unique collection.

MOORTON BONTANICAL GARDENS

1701 South Palm Canyon Drive   Palm Springs, CA 92264
 

760 327 6555 

What began as a museum about the desert has evolved into an oasis for the arts with Modern and Contemporary American works by artists such as Robert Motherwell, Helen Frankenthaler, Duane Hanson, and Mark di Suvero; Contemporary California painting and sculpture by Sam Francis, Edward Ruscha, Robert Arneson, Nathan Oliveira, and others; Studio Art Glass by Dale Chihuly, Howard Ben Tré, and William Morris; and Classic Western American Art by Thomas Moran, Charles Russell, Frederic Remington, and others.

 The modern building, designed by renowned California architect E. Stewart Williams, is the focal point of the 125,000-square-foot complex that also houses collections of Native American and Mesoamerican Art.

Among the American photographers included in the Photography Collection are the Stephen H. Willard Collection and Archive, and the Bill Anderson Photography Collection.

Architecture holdings include the Albert Frey Archive and Frey House II, and the E. Stewart Williams Architecture Archive.
We invite you to enjoy some of our highlights!

PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM 760 322 4800

100 Museum Drive, Palm Desert Ca. http://www.psartmuseum.org

The Palm Springs Air Museum houses one of the nations largest collections of World War II flying aircraft. These planes are displayed in modern, well lighted, air-conditioned and clean hangars.

Our Buddy Rodgers Theater shows daily documentaries related to aviation in the military with an emphasis on World War II. In addition to planes and historic artifacts, the museum is host to a library of 6300 volumes primarily related to aviation and American military history.

The Palm Springs Air Museum is a non-profit educational institution whose mission is to exhibit, educate and eternalize the role of the World War II combat aircraft and the role the pilots and American citizens had in achieving this great victory. In addition to flying aircraft, related artifacts, artwork, and library sources are used to perpetuate American history.

The significance of World War Two is unparalleled in all of the history of the world in that it was the greatest, most costly conflict ever fought, taking the lives of more than 70 million people.

 It was Air Power that altered the outcome of that war and forever changed the lives of every person alive today. To accomplish this mission, the Palm Springs Air Museum uses the following components of the collection:

• One of the world’s largest collections of flying World War Two warplanes
• Rare and original combat photography
• Original artworks, including enormous murals
• Artifacts, memorabilia, and uniforms of WW2
• Comprehensive graphics and historical themes
• Continuous video documentaries

Complimenting our extensive displays, the museum sponsors Saturday commemorative educational programs for our visitors and members. These Saturday programs often include demonstration flights of our aircraft. On those days, members and visitors can participate in the sights and sounds of World War II or later conflicts as these programs dictate. This unique museum offers a wonderful way to spend the day while here on vacation.

PALM SPRINGS AIR MUSEUM         745 Gene Autry Dr.  Palm Springs, Ca           760 778 6262

http://www.palmspringsairmuseum.org