COMMUNITY INFORMATION: MAY AND JUNE 2026

CITY OF PALM DESERT

Palm Desert Civic Center

73510 Fred Waring Dr.

760-346-0611

Open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

PalmDesert.gov

DiscoverPalmDesert.com

Visitor Services

760-568-1441

Short Term Rental Hotline

760-862-6900

Code Enforcement Hotline

760-776-6360

Report Graffiti

760-340-5776

Palm Desert Police Department

Emergencies: 911

Non-emergencies: 760-836-1600

Palm Desert InTouch

Get information on City meetings, parks, trails, and public art, identify issues including graffiti and code violations, and report them directly to City staff.

More information: PalmDesert.gov/intouch

Stormwater Program

To report any concerns about overirrigation, damage, discharge, or illegal dumping into storm drains, basins, or channels, call 760-776-6450 Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. or email publicworks@palmdesert.gov

EngagePalmDesert.com

The City’s civic engagement platform allows residents a chance to ask questions, share comments, and contribute ideas on City projects.

 

 

ARTISTS CENTER PALM DESERT

72567 Highway 111

760-565-6130

artistscouncil.com

Upcoming Exhibitions and Shows:

Casting Shadows Exhibition and Sale

Apr. 22–May 24
Opening Reception: Thursday, Apr. 23, 5–7 p.m. Free to the public

Three-dimensional artwork created by Artists Council members.

Art Unleashed: Where Creativity Roams Free Exhibition and Sale

May 27–Jun. 28
Opening Reception: Thursday, May 28, 5–7 p.m. Free to the public

 

CSUSB PALM DESERT CAMPUS

37500 Cook St.

760-341-2883

csusb.edu/pdc

Campus Administrative Hours

Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Summer Hours (beginning Monday, Jun. 1)

Monday–Thursday, 7 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Friday–Sunday, closed

Closed: May 25 and Jun. 19

Educational Programs

Undergraduate and graduate degree programs, along with teaching credentials. New programs include Tourism & Hospitality Management, Entrepreneurship, Cybersecurity, Supply Chain Management, Social Work, Kinesiology.

Information: csusb.edu/pdc/our-programs

 

COACHELLA VALLEY ANIMAL CAMPUS

72050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms

760-343-3644

rcdas.org

Services include animal adoption and licensing.

 

COLLEGE OF THE DESERT

43500 Monterey Ave.

760-346-8041

collegeofthedesert.edu

COD Veterans Resource Center

760-773-2536

Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.–noon.
Provides services for veterans and dependents to support their success and educational needs.

 

DESERT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

75080 Frank Sinatra Dr.

DesertHorticulturalSociety.org

admin@deserthorticulturalsociety.org

 

DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT

Palm Desert Community Center

43900 San Pablo Ave.

760-568-9697

MyRecreationDistrict.com

Monday–Friday, 6 a.m.–9 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Closed Sundays

Beginning Fencing

Fridays, 6–7 p.m.

Beginning Keyboard

Saturdays, 12:15–1:15 p.m.

Tai Chi for Your Health

Mondays, Noon

Self-Defense for Women

Saturdays, 9:30–10:30 a.m.

Beginning Skateboarding and Inline Skating

Saturdays, 9–10 a.m.

Palm Desert Skate Park

Qigong for Adults with Mobility/Balance Issues

Monthly on Wednesdays, 12–12:30 p.m.

Portola Community Center

Summer Camp

Jun. 8–Aug. 7

Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Palm Desert Community Center

Unless otherwise noted, all classes are held at the Palm Desert Community Center. For pricing and other details, visit: MyRecreationDistrict.com

Palm Desert Resident Cards

Palm Desert Resident Cards, for use at Desert Willow Golf Resort, are issued by the Desert Recreation District at the Palm Desert Community Center.

Information: PalmDesert.gov/DesertWillow

Golf Center at Palm Desert

74945 Sheryl Ave.

760-779-1877

golfcenterpd.com

Check website for hours.

Home of the First Tee-Coachella Valley youth golf program. Includes a 9-hole course, driving range, putting greens, and more.

 

DESERT ROSE SOCIETY

desertrosesociety.com

Regular meetings occur on the second Tuesday of the month at Portola Community Center, 45480 Portola Ave. Social hour starts at 4:30 p.m., followed by a short meeting and guest speaker.

New members are welcome! Visit: desertrosesociety.com

 

DESERT SANDS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

47950 Dune Palms Rd., La Quinta

760-777-4200

dsusd.us

The DSUSD website lists information for individual schools, as well as student vacation days and District Board meetings. Visit: dsusd.us/calendar

 

DESERT WILLOW GOLF RESORT

38995 Desert Willow Dr.

760-346-0015

desertwillow.com

Visit website for current hours. To book starting times online, visit: desertwillow.com

Mother’s Day Brunch at the Terrace

Sunday, May 10, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Enjoy a chef-crafted buffet, a complimentary glass of champagne or mimosa (for adults), and panoramic views of the Firecliff Course and Santa Rosa Mountains.

Reservations required: desertwillow.com

Two Day Signature Golf Schools

Improve your skills with expert instruction from PGA professionals at the Palm Desert Golf Academy. Visit: desertwillow.com/golfschools

Mastering the Short Game Golf School

Focus on short game techniques with focused instruction designed to improve your putting, chipping, and more. Visit: desertwillow.com/golfschools

Group Golf Clinics

Become a stronger player with The Palm Desert Golf Academy’s Group Golf Clinics, offering expert-led sessions designed for overall improvement. Visit: desertwillow.com/daily-clinics

 

FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT

43930 San Pablo Ave.

760-341-9622

ymcaofthedesert.org

Summer Day Camps

YMCA Summer Day Camps offer kids a fun, safe, and active environment with games, sports, swimming, arts and crafts, and weekly field trips. With a variety of themed camps each week at the Palm Desert YMCA, children can try new activities and build new friendships. Flexible enrollment allows families to sign up for a week or the entire summer. Information: YMCAoftheDesert.org

Jean Benson Child Development Center

75433 Orange Blossom Lane

760-836-3336

Serving children 2–5 years of age by supporting their unique interests, skills, and needs through a play–based curriculum. The focus is on social, emotional, physical, and language development, which form the basis of lifelong learning. Free or low-cost tuition is available for qualifying families.

Information: ymcaofthedesert.org/jean-benson-child-development-center/

 

THE GARDENS ON EL PASEO

73545 El Paseo

760-862-1990

thegardensonelpaseo.com

 

HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF PALM DESERT & FIREHOUSE MUSEUM

72861 El Paseo

Open through May 26, Friday–Monday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Free admission

760-346-6588

hspd.org

 Friday Night Lecture Series

CactusToCloud Institute

Friday, May 15, 5:30 p.m., Palm Desert Library Community Room

Naturalist Colin Barrow of the CactusToCloud Institute will present on the unique plants and animals in the Coachella Valley.

The Museum will close for the season Tuesday, May 26, and will reopen in October.

 

JOSLYN CENTER

73750 Catalina Way

760-340-3220

JoslynCenter.org

Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sunday (through May 17), 3–4:30 p.m.

 Sunday Cabaret Series in the Arthur Newman Theatre

Sundays through May 17. Doors open at 2:30 p.m., show from 3–4:30 p.m.

 Programs

Onsite Programs

Exercise classes, bridge, bingo, indoor pickleball, Canasta, pinochle, Mah-Jongg, Scrabble, quilting, knitting, painting, table tennis, lawn bowling, art classes, line dancing lessons, Joslyn Singles, virtual book club, HI-CAP Q&A, free blood pressure screenings on Mondays, and more.

Information: JoslynCenter.org/Programs-and-Activities/Calendar

Outdoor Recreation

Lawn Bowling: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8:30–11 a.m.

Pickleball: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Information: AlexG@JoslynCenter.org, or 760-895-4652

Onsite Programs with our Partners

Braille Institute/low vision classes, Eisenhower Health lectures, Health Expos, JFS Let’s Do Lunch!, Riverside County Office on Aging Care Pathways, and more.

Information: 760-340-3220

Joslyn Center Wellness Programs

Programs include Go4Life®, Brain Boot Camp, a three-session memory training course, Problem-Solving Counseling & Support in English and Spanish, Better Brain & Balance, Fun Games for Mindfulness, Adult Bereavement Group, free Fitness Center, and more. Some programs have a fee. Information: 760-895-4656

Nutrition Programs

Joslyn Community Food Bank

Fridays, 8–10 a.m. (or until depleted)

Fresh produce and non-perishable food provided by FIND Food Bank, Hidden Harvest, Abound Food Care, and Albertsons Grocery. For further information, visit JoslynCenter.org/community-food-bank or contact Alex Garcia at 760-895-4652 or AlexG@JoslynCenter.org.

For information about Joslyn Center activities or to become a member, visit JoslynCenter.org/Membership, or contact the Joslyn Center at 760-340-3220. Yearly membership is $40.

 

THE LIVING DESERT ZOO AND GARDENS

47900 Portola Ave.

760-346-5694

LivingDesert.org

Open daily through May 31, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (Last admission 4 p.m.)

Jun. 1– Sept. 30, 7 a.m.–1:30 p.m. (Last admission 12:30 p.m.)

Tours and Experiences

Giraffe Feeding

9 a.m.–3 p.m., through May 31

8 a.m.–12 p.m., Jun. 1– Sept. 30

Additional fee with paid park admission

Rhino Encounter

8:30 a.m., through May 31

8 a.m., Jun. 1– Sept. 30

Additional fee with paid park admission

Rats to the Rescue Encounter

May 1–Sept. 30

Information on dates, times, and fees: LivingDesert.org

Special Programs/Events

Oasis Splash Pad

Open Daily, 8 a.m.–1 p.m.

This interactive family water feature offers plenty of room to relax, splash, and play. Guests of all ages are invited to hang out this summer and beat the heat. Splash Pad access is included with membership or paid park admission.

Members Walking Club

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8–9:30 a.m. through May 31

Jun. 3–Oct. 1, 7–8:30 a.m.

Walk with fellow members on a three-quarter-mile stroll or a one-and-a-quarter-mile walk to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Zoo. To become a member, visit: LivingDesert.org/Membership

Coffee and Conversation (members only)

Saturday, May 2, 9–10 a.m.

Hear first-hand stories about conservation projects and field adventures from the teams leading the charge. To become a member, visit: LivingDesert.org/Membership

Private Safari Zoo Tours

Daily two-hour morning tour, with private shuttle and giraffe feeding.

Reservations required. Visit: LivingDesert.org for pricing and details

Summer ZooCamp

Tuesday – Thursday, 8 a.m.–12 p.m.

Sessions: Jun. 9–11, Jun. 16–18, Jun. 23–25, and Jun. 30–Jul. 2

ZooCampers in grades K-10 will learn about wildlife through STEM activities, arts and crafts, up-close animal encounters, and more.

Registration is required. Visit: LivingDesert.org/ZooCamp

Event Rental Summer Special

From June through September, enjoy special discounts and exclusive perks when you book a birthday party at the splash pad or private event at Bighorn Cafe. For details, visit: LivingDesert.org/PrivateEvents

 

LEARNING IN RETIREMENT

The Shops at Palm Desert

lirpalmdesert@gmail.com

lirpalmdesert.com

Dozens of classes custom-built for seniors, offered in-person or via Zoom. Take up to five classes for just $45. Visit: lirpalmdesert.com

 

MCCALLUM THEATRE

73000 Fred Waring Dr.

760-340-ARTS (2787)

McCallumTheatre.org

Box Office: Monday–Friday, 12–5 p.m.

2026–2027 Season On-Sale

Tickets for the McCallum 2026–2027 Season go on sale Friday, May 22, with expanded programming and more than 30 new shows. Visit: McCallumTheatre.org for details and pricing.

Open Call Talent Project

Friday, May 1, 7 p.m.

Saturday, May 2, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Outstanding local performers of all ages are presented in this exciting talent competition, a visually stunning and energy-filled production with a full cast finale. Audience members vote for their favorite performer and winners are announced at the final performance.

McCallum Theatre Jazz Experience

Saturday, Jun. 13, 9 a.m., 1 p.m., and 7 p.m.

This inaugural event features three dynamic sessions: a free morning Jazz Lab at the Palm Desert Library with hands-on activities and a family-friendly concert, an afternoon Community Jazz Jam highlighting local talent, and an evening Jazz Spotlight with the Pacific Jazz Orchestra Quartet and pianist/composer David Benoit.

Jazz Lab is free to the public, Community Jazz Jam features special $15 pricing (inclusive of fees), and Jazz Spotlight tickets start at just $33 before fees. Tickets: McCallumTheatre.org/JazzExperience

 

PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER

73751 Magnesia Falls Dr.

760-565-7467

pdpool.com

Dive Back In! Grand Reopening Celebration

Monday, May 25, 10 a.m.– 4 p.m.

Celebrate the Grand Reopening of the Palm Desert Aquatic Center on Memorial Day, May 25, featuring a live DJ, fun activities, giveaways, and a brand-new obstacle course. Join the festivities and enter for a chance to win summer and annual pool passes while enjoying a refreshed facility. For more information, visit: PDPool.com

Hot Spot Café

The Palm Desert Aquatic Center’s Hot Spot Café is serving up tasty treats, including breakfast burritos, buffalo wings, waffle fries, snacks, beverages, and more! In addition to purchasing items at the pool, you can also walk up to the window from Civic Center Park to grab a snack.

For detailed lap and recreational swim schedules, visit: pdpool.com

Full facility rentals are available. Contact pdacprograms@desertymca.org for more information.

 

PALM DESERT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

72559 Highway 111

760-346-6111

pdacc.org

El Paseo Cruise Night at the PD Area Chamber

Friday, May 1, 2–4 p.m.

If you enjoy cruising in your classic car, or just love checking them out, join us in the Chamber parking lot to see all the rides before they cruise El Paseo.

PDACC Annual Business Awards

Wednesday, May 6, 5 p.m.

Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce

Each year, the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce honors outstanding individuals, businesses, and organizations that exemplify the best of the community. The Annual Awards recognize those who go above and beyond to help keep Palm Desert a premier place to live and work.

Putt-Putt on El Paseo

Wednesday, May 27, 4 p.m.

Putt Putt on El Paseo is a lively, team-based mini golf experience that transforms El Paseo into a walkable course, with local businesses hosting creative putting holes along the way. Participants enjoy drinks and bites at each stop before finishing with a festive after-party and awards celebration.

 

PALM DESERT PUBLIC LIBRARY

73300 Fred Waring Dr.

760-346-6552

PalmDesertLibrary.org

Hours

Monday–Wednesday: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Thursday–Saturday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sunday: 1–5 p.m.
Closed: Monday, May 25
For details, visit: PalmDesertLibrary.org

Library Programs

Summer Reading Program: Summer Reading Cup

June 8–July 24

The Palm Desert Library’s Summer Reading Program, Summer Reading Cup, invites readers of all ages to set goals, explore new stories, and participate in a season of fun, literacy, and community connection. Enjoy weekly performances, craft activities, and opportunities to earn prizes while reading throughout the summer.

Summer Reading Program Family Performers

Thursdays, 12 p.m.

June 11: Ina and the Sunshine Storyteller with Chazz Rozz

June 18: Hey Hey Entertainment Puppet Show

June 25: Wonders of Wildlife

For details, visit: PalmDesertLibrary.org

See article this issue

Palm Desert Reads Book Club (Adults)

Monday, 1–2 p.m.

May 18: The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave

June 15: Solito: A Memoir by Javier Zamora

Teen Book Club

Tuesday, Jun. 23, 4–5:30 p.m.

The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly

Teenscape Tuesdays

Tuesdays, 4–5:30 p.m.

May 5: Anime

May 12: Diamond Paint and Sip

May 19: Comic Mirage

May 26: Mandalas and Chai

June 2: Anime

June 9: Comic Mirage

June 16: DIY Toploaders: Show Off Your Favs

June 23: Y’all Read This? Teen Book Club

June 30: Oshikatsu Picnic

Film Noir Series (Adults)

Thursdays, 3:20–5 p.m.

May 7, 14, 21, and 28

Film Screening: Pixar’s Soul

Monday, Jun. 8, 3–4:30 p.m.

Poet’s Oasis: Summer Session

Wednesdays

June 3, 1–2:30 p.m.

June 17, 5:30–7:00 p.m.

Friday Night Lecture Series

May 15, 5:30–6:30 p.m.

Desert Conservation with the CactusToCloud Institute

Chinese Calligraphy Workshop with Emmy Lam

Friday, May 1, 2–3 p.m.

Pokémon Programs (All Ages)

Wednesdays, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

May 13 and 27: Pokémon Library League

June 10 and 24: Pokémon Smash Bros World Cup

Guitar League

Tuesdays, May 19 and Jun. 23, 6–7:30 p.m.

Coachella Valley Garden Club

Wednesdays, May 13 and Jun. 10, 10:30–11:30 a.m.

Adult Craft (Adults)

Thursday, May 14, 1–2 p.m.: Craft Redo!

Monday, Jun. 22, 5:30–6:30 p.m.: See website for details

Tech Tutor (Adults)

Select Days by Appointment, 1–2:30 p.m.

May 11, 13, and 27

WEEKLY AND ONGOING PROGRAMS

Fables & Friends Storytime for Preschoolers

Tuesdays, 10:30–11:30 a.m.

Tales & Tots Storytime for Babies and Toddlers

Wednesdays, 10:30–11:30 a.m.

Little Learners Lounge (Ages 0–4)

Mondays and Fridays, 10–11:30 a.m.

Lego Open Build (Children)

Tuesdays and Fridays, 3:30–5 p.m.

After School Discovery (Children)

Thursdays, 4–5 p.m.

Chinese Mahjong Group (Adults)

Tuesdays, 1–3 p.m.

 

PEGASUS THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTER

P.O. Box 13508

Palm Desert, CA 92255
760-772-3057

PegasusCV.org

Pegasus provides equine-assisted therapy to children and adults with a wide range of physical, developmental, and emotional needs. No horse experience? No problem! We provide all the training you'll need. Programming runs Wednesday through Saturday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

We are looking for volunteers to assist with our programming! Spend your mornings in a beautiful, supportive environment while connecting with incredible animals and people.

Visit: PegasusCV.org or call 760-772-3057

 

SANTA ROSA & SAN JACINTO MTNS

NAT’L MONUMENT VISITOR CENTER/

FRIENDS OF THE DESERT MOUNTAINS

51500 Highway 74

760-862-9918

DesertMountains.org

Open Thursday–Monday, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

Tortoise Chat

Select Saturdays and Sundays, 8:30 a.m.

Come visit our desert tortoise enclosure and learn about conservation efforts to study and protect our wild population. You can also meet Bowser, our adopted Mojave Desert tortoise! Visit: DesertMountains.org/calendar for dates.

Yoga with the Ranger

Thursdays, May 7 and 14, 9 a.m.

Thursdays, May 21 and June 18, 6:30 p.m.

Join National Monument Park Ranger Meg for an outdoor yoga session designed for all skill levels.

Monument Night Adventures

Saturdays, May 23 and June 6, 8 p.m.

Discover how the desert comes alive after dark! Using blacklights, participants take a short walk along the Art Smith Trail basin looking for the many nocturnal creatures that inhabit our desert. Reservations required.

Night Sky Viewing: Stars and Planets

Saturdays, May 23 and Jun. 6, 8 p.m.

Stop by any time to view an ever-changing display of fascinating objects, from stars, constellations, bright planets, and the moon, to meteors. Reservations required.

Star Party at the Monument

Saturdays, May 9, 7:30 p.m. and Jun. 20, 8 p.m.

The Astronomical Society of the Desert will conduct “sky tours” and direct observations of the night sky through telescopes and giant binoculars. Reservations required.

Star Party in the Mountains

Saturdays, May 16, 7:30 p.m. and June 13, 8 p.m.

Join members of the Astronomical Society of the Desert for fun “sky tours” and direct observations of the night sky through telescopes and binoculars. Reservations required.

Events are subject to change. Reservations required: DesertMountains.org/calendar or call 760-862-9918.

 

THE SHOPS AT PALM DESERT

72840 Highway 111

760-346-2121

shopsatpalmdesert.com

 

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

RIVERSIDE/PALM DESERT CAMPUS

75080 Frank Sinatra Dr.

760-834-0800

palmdesert.ucr.edu

Stay Curious! OLLI at UCR

OLLI at UCR offers a dynamic selection of online and in-person courses in Palm Desert and Riverside. OLLI offers adults a vibrant community for lifelong learning – engaging courses, no tests, no grades, just the joy of discovery. And you might make some friends along the way! Learn more: olli.ucr.edu

 

Variety – Children’s Charity of the Desert

42600 Cook St., Suite 150

varietyofthedesert.org

760-773-9800, ext. 101

Developmental Screening Events

Wednesdays, May 6 and Jun. 3, 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

Developmental Screenings offer early assessment in communication, problem-solving, personal and fine motor skills, and social emotional levels for children 5 years and under, as well as autism (M-CHAT) screenings for ages 16–30 months. All families making an appointment to attend this event will receive a free pack of diapers and a toy. Info: varietyofthedesert.org

Sensory Arts & Crafts

Wednesdays, May 13, and Jun. 10, 3:30–5 p.m.

This interactive art experience offers art, crafts, and painting that includes touch, and ways for each child to develop motor skills and improve cognitive development. Ages 0–18.

Registration is required. To sign up and learn more, contact: 760-773-9800 or help@varietyofthedesert.org