Palm Springs comes to life in spring.
But aside from the blooming wildflowers and abundance of local critters like baby cottontail rabbits, spring in the desert also means music festivals, pride parties and new attractions to keep everyone entertained.
Coachella Fest brings massive crowds of music lovers to the Empire Polo Club in Indio — Photo courtesy of Coachella Fest
The Coachella Music and Arts Festival will span two weekends in April, and its sister country festival, Stagecoach, will take over the Empire Polo Club in Indio the following weekend. Couldn't get tickets? Palm Springs has you covered. This year, a new (and free) player will entertain music lovers between the two Coachella Fest weekends: Tachevah. Hosted by Coachella Fest and Stagecoach producer Goldenvoice, Tachevah will have more of a block party vibe in downtown Palm Springs, showcasing three local bands chosen by an online poll and a mystery headliner handpicked by Goldenvoice. Did we mention it's free?
March and April also bring the White Party and Dinah Shore Weekend to downtown Palm Springs, two of the largest and most popular LGBT festivals in the world. The White Party (March 29-April 1), a gay dance music festival, is one of the most popular Palm Springs events, having hosted headliners like Lady Gaga, Ke$ha, Robyn and Mary J. Blige. Just as the White Party winds down, Dinah Shore Weekend (April 3-7), one of the largest lesbian parties and music festivals in the world, gears up.
Hopeless by Wang Ziwei is part of the "Beg, Borrow and Steal" exhibit at the Palm Springs Art Museum's two locations — Photo courtesy of Wang Ziwei, Hopeless (Woman Crying), 2007, acrylic on canvas, courtesy of Rubell Family Collection, Miami © Wang Ziwei
For low-key fun, you can check out the "Beg, Borrow and Steal" exhibit at both Palm Springs Art Museum locations. This is the first time the museum has had an exhibit at both the Palm Springs and Palm Desert locations simultaneously. The exhibit, which originated with the Rubell Family Collection in Miami, focuses on the idea of "borrowing" or "stealing" from existing works to create new art. Catch it soon - the exhibit runs through June 2nd.
Knott's Soak City recently opened for the 2013 summer season. — Photo courtesy of Knott's Soak City
As temperatures spiked into the mid-90s in March, it was no wonder Knott's Soak City opened its wave pool and water slides on March 9th. Pack the swimsuits and sunscreen so you can beat the heat at this cool attraction.
