The 12 best things to do in Coachella Valley this weekend

Pride weekend dominates Palm Springs this November, but the valley offers plenty beyond it: desert art openings, theater, live music at casinos and food-truck nights, and a Día de los Muertos thread running through Friday and Sunday. Pick a town and a lane and you'll have a full weekend.

MTPresented in Partnership with LA Opera - Hercules vs VampiresFriday · 12:00 AM · McCallum Theatre · Palm DesertA musical reimagining of Mario Bava's 1961 sword-and-sandal creature feature, presented with LA Opera at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert. A rare chance to see opera-scale staging close to home.PCDel Shore’s Sordid LivesFriday · 7:30 PM · Palm Canyon Theatre · Palm SpringsDel Shore's cult-favorite Southern dark comedy about a Texas family gathering after the matriarch's death, staged at the intimate Palm Canyon Theatre. Sharp writing and plenty of heart.CRThe MinutesFriday · 7:00 PM · CV Rep · Cathedral CityA razor-sharp political satire about a city council meeting and one newcomer's questions about last month's minutes, staged by CV Rep in Cathedral City. Runs both Friday and Saturday.2PJoshua Tree National Park Art Expo Juried ExhibitionFriday · 10:00 AM · 29 Palms Art Gallery · Twentynine PalmsThe 14th annual Joshua Tree National Park Art Expo juried show at the historic 29 Palms Art Gallery, featuring 50+ desert and California artists. The opening weekend runs Saturday and Sunday.SRDesert Mountains Art FairSaturday · 9:00 AM · Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center · Palm DesertA monthly outdoor art fair at the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, with photography, paintings, ceramics and hand-painted silks. Good for finding local gifts.CCTastes & Sounds – Fields of ValorSaturday · 9:00 AM · Cathedral City Amphitheater · Cathedral CityTastes & Sounds' Fields of Valor Veterans Day evening at the Cathedral City Amphitheater, with live music, food vendors and a flag display on the festival lawn.MMJonathan Neal & Liane — Multiple appearances on the Tonight Show!Friday · 6:00 PM · Marvyn's Magic Theater · La QuintaVegas-style magic with a comedy flair at Marvyn's Magic Theater in La Quinta. A fun, intimate Friday night outing.CCTastes and Sounds of Cathedral CitySaturday · 9:00 AM · Cathedral City Festival Lawn & Amphitheater · Cathedral CityA weekly food and music series at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater through early December, with 5:00 to 7:30 pm sets on Tuesdays. A relaxed local fixture worth knowing about.MTIndigo Girls With SymphonySaturday · 8:00 PM · McCallum Theatre · Palm DesertThe Indigo Girls perform with a symphony at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert on Saturday night. A big-draw night for fans of their catalog.AFDia de los Muertos Aerial ShowcaseSaturday · 1:00 PM · Art Flying Aerial · Palm DesertA live aerial showcase at Art Flying Aerial in Palm Desert with silks, hammock and hoop set to Día de los Muertos music. Two shows, 1 PM and 5 PM, with limited seating.PS30th Anniversary Air Fair Dedication of America's First Publicly Displayed FSaturday · 1:00 PM · Palm Springs Air Museum · Palm SpringsThe Palm Springs Air Museum marks its 30th anniversary with the dedication of a Blue Angels F/A-18 Super Hornet. A distinctive one-off happening for aviation fans.AAAutumnFest at the Palm Springs Aerial TramwaySaturday · 11:00 AM · Palm SpringsA German-style Alpine autumn celebration atop the mountain at Pines Café, part of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway's second annual AutumnFest on Saturday from 11 AM to 3 PM.

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