Happy Saturday, desert dwellers. Hope you're staying cool out there. Here's everything you need to know heading into Memorial Day weekend.
TOP STORY
Restaurant Week Returns May 29, and You Should Start Booking Now
Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week is back for its 19th year, running May 29 through June 7. Ten days of prix fixe menus at restaurants across all nine cities, from casual spots to high-end dining. Lunch starts at $15, dinner at $39. No passes, no tickets, no coupons. Just make a reservation and show up hungry.
A few spots worth noting: celebrity chef Richard Blais' Kestrel at Indian Wells Golf Resort, Shorebird in Palm Desert (great wine pairing), Foxy's in Rancho Mirage, and Saffron's modern Persian kitchen in Palm Springs. The Agua Caliente Casinos are also putting four of their restaurants into the mix.
Here's the best part: for every reservation booked through DineGPS.com, $1 goes to FIND Food Bank. So you eat well and do some good. Book early because the popular spots fill up fast.
Full restaurant list and reservations: visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/restaurant-week
YOUR MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND GUIDE
If you missed Thursday's edition, here's what's happening right now through Monday:
Desertopia Memorial Weekend (through Sunday): Still going at The Sonoran and 4707 Events in Palm Springs. Pool party today, club night tonight. The biggest LGBTQ+ event of the summer season.
Frey House II Tour (today, May 23): One of the most iconic mid-century modern homes in Palm Springs. If you love architecture, this is a rare chance to walk through Albert Frey's personal residence perched on the hillside above the Palm Springs Art Museum. Worth every minute.
La Quinta Concerts in the Park (tonight): Live music at SilverRock Park. Free, family-friendly, and a perfect way to kick off the weekend.
Memorial Day Flower Drop (Sunday, May 25): Palm Springs Air Museum, 1 PM. A B-52 releases 3,000 carnations over the museum grounds. Missing Man Formation at 1:45 PM. Vintage warbird flights, food vendors, live music. One of the most moving events in the valley each year. Free with museum admission.
Desert Hot Springs Memorial Day Ceremony (Monday, May 26): Veterans Park, 9 AM. A smaller, community-focused tribute. If you're in DHS, this is the one.
COMING NEXT WEEK
Palm Springs 70mm Film Fest (May 29-31): The 70mm format film festival returns for its second year. If you love cinema, this is a rare chance to see classic and contemporary films projected the way they were meant to be seen. Details and tickets at the Palm Springs Cultural Center.
Marilyn 100 Celebration: Coinciding with Restaurant Week, Palm Springs is marking what would have been Marilyn Monroe's 100th birthday with events and tributes throughout the city. The timing is no accident. This is the desert leaning into its Hollywood history.
Mana at Acrisure Arena (May 31): Second show added due to overwhelming demand. If you didn't grab tickets for the first date, this is your last shot.
QUICK HITS
Mid-90s all weekend with clear skies. Sunday dips to 92. Perfect pool weather, terrible hiking weather. Save the trails for October.
The Palm Springs Certified Farmers' Market has its last outdoor session today (Saturday) at the Cultural Center on Baristo Road. 8 AM to 1 PM. Stock up.
Reminder: the Coachella Valley Lakers are officially coming for the 2026-27 season. Season ticket deposits at coachellavalleylakers.com. Fully refundable until seat selection.
Firebirds update: check coachellavalleyfirebirds.com for the latest playoff schedule and results.
Know someone who'd love The Desert Rundown? Forward this email to a friend, neighbor, or anyone who wants to know what's happening in the valley. Every referral helps us grow and keeps this newsletter free.
