The 12 best things to do in Coachella Valley this weekend

October 16–18, 2026 · handpicked from everything on across Coachella Valley.

This weekend brings live music at nearly every turn—from intimate acoustic sets to Grammy-winning bands—plus theater, festivals, and community celebrations across the valley. Whether you're catching Steve Earle's storytelling, dancing at a pool party, or exploring the Coachella Valley Car Show, there's something for everyone.

Steve Earle - 51 Years of Songs & StoriesFriday · 7:30 PM · Plaza Theatre · Palm SpringsSteve Earle brings 51 years of songs and stories to the Plaza Theatre on Friday night. A legendary singer-songwriter and protégé of Townes Van Zandt, Earle is a master of American songwriting with a gift for narrative.Los Lobos w/ Los Lonely BoysFriday · 8:00 PM · Fantasy Springs Resort Casino · IndioLos Lobos and Los Lonely Boys bring their Brotherhood Tour to Fantasy Springs on Friday—two Grammy-winning bands combining their unique Latin-influenced sound for a night of live music.RENDEZVOUS at Oscar's | An Aerial AffairFriday · 7:00 PM · Oscar's Downtown Palm Springs · Palm SpringsMoonchild performs an intimate acoustic set at Fantasy Springs' twelve venue on Friday with free admission. You never know who might sit in on these intimate showcases.Second Annual La Quinta Fall Festival Celebrates Fall in the DesertFriday · 4:30 PM · La Quinta Park · La QuintaLa Quinta's Second Annual Fall Festival takes over La Quinta Park on Friday afternoon starting at 4:30 p.m., bringing community, music, and fall festivities to the family-friendly venue.Coachella Valley Car Show FestivalSaturday · 12:00 AM · CoachellaThe Coachella Valley Car Show Festival celebrates lowrider culture, custom cars, and music at the Riverside County Fairgrounds on Saturday. A vibrant community event showcasing regional automotive pride.Tacos, Tequila, & ChavelasSaturday · 4:00 PM · Veterans Memorial Park · CoachellaTacos, Tequila, & Chavelas returns to Veterans Memorial Park in Coachella on Saturday, October 17th—a lively festival featuring food, drink, and live music hosted by the city and local partners.Wanderlust Food Truck FestSaturday · 5:00 PM · Sunrise Park · Palm SpringsWanderlust Food Truck Festival sets up at Sunrise Park every Saturday with free entry and parking. Eighteen food trucks bring flavors from around the world, making it an easy weekend gathering spot.An Evening with: Jay BuchananSaturday · 9:30 PM · Pappy & Harriet's · PioneertownJay Buchanan performs at Pappy & Harriet's in Pioneertown on Saturday evening. Rock all ages show with tickets $30-$35, perfect for a desert night out.Cat on a Hot Tin RoofFriday · 7:00 PM · Palm Springs Cultural Center · Palm SpringsThe Bent's production of Tennessee Williams' Pulitzer Prize-winning Cat on a Hot Tin Roof opens Friday at the Palm Springs Cultural Center—a sizzling classic that kicks off the company's fifth season.GEORGE WASHINGTON'S TEETHFriday · 12:00 AM · The Place · IndioGeorge Washington's Teeth brings delightful zaniness to The Place in Indio on Friday. Mark St. Germain's comedy about a struggling historical society mixes false teeth, false history, and real laughter.10,000 ManiacsSunday · 7:00 PM · Plaza Theatre · Palm Springs10,000 Maniacs performs at the Plaza Theatre on Sunday night. The beloved alternative rock band brings their catalog of memorable hits to Palm Springs.Sunday T-Dance at Oscar'sSunday · 4:00 PM · Oscar's Downtown Palm Springs · Palm SpringsOscar's Downtown Palm Springs hosts Sunday T-Dance every afternoon with rotating DJs and happy disco-era sounds—a classic Palm Springs tradition, 4–8 p.m. through fall and winter.

Looking for the current weekend? See what’s on in Coachella Valley this weekend →