First and foremost, I LOVE Palm Springs and have been coming here for three decades! It’s like a second home. My dear mother Lillie Mae, and my brother Richard and his partner Michael, lived in Palm Springs for many years. In fact, Richard and Michael were married here. I have also performed at the McCallum Theatre numerous times for several charitable organizations. My partner, writer Jane Wagner, and I were honored with receiving a star on the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars in March of 2012. We have had so many friends living here over the years. I love the architecture, the mountains, all the great restaurants, the remarkable history, and of course, the weather.
What does it mean to you to be the first to perform at the newly renovated Plaza Theatre?
What an honor! … With its long and glorious history, its intimacy and now, with this glorious renovation, the Plaza is the crown jewel of Palm Springs. I am honored to be a part of its new debut!
What can audiences expect of your show?
Audiences can expect to see several of my classic characters, whom I “bring” to every show with their stories and life experiences. Audiences will have some great laughs with me and my characters, as well as an audience Q&A and maybe a gentle roasting of some current and past Palm Springs friends.
by
Photo
Jenny Risher
“Taking Care of Biscuits” with Fortune Feimster
December 6
What’s your connection to Palm Springs, Fortune?
Living in Los Angeles, Palm Springs has always been a great getaway. It’s so peaceful and relaxing. I started coming maybe 17 years ago for the Dinah Shore weekends, and then really reconnected with it during COVID times. We spent a lot of time in the desert and just really fell in love with the town and the people and the restaurants. It’s one of my favorite places to visit.
What does it mean to you to be among the first to perform at the newly renovated Plaza Theatre?
It’s a huge honor and we’ve already sold out both shows, so that’s really special. I heard it’s beautiful, so I’m excited to see it. There are so many great performers locally and within driving range, so I imagine it will be a very popular spot.
What can audiences expect of your show? It’s a brand new hour since my last special, "Crushing It," came out. As always, it’s very personal and delves into what’s happening in my life. It’s just fun, happy, real material, but also touches on some of the tougher things I’m going through. I always try to talk about things people can relate to. But for sure, everyone will have a great time.
by Todd Rosenberg
Photo
Photo by Doug Ellis
Jane Lynch’s “A Swingin’ Little Christmas”
December 15
What’s your connection to Palm Springs, Jane?
Palm Springs has always been a wonderful trip I would take from Los Angeles every couple of years. I have several friends who have relocated from Los Angeles to Palm Springs, and I’ve always loved hanging out with them and in your beautiful town. I find it so aesthetically pleasing as well. I love the desert landscape and all the midcentury modern architecture. And of course, I love the kitsch.
What does it mean to you to be among the first to perform at the newly renovated Plaza Theatre?
We were thrilled to be invited! We’ve been doing our show for about 10 years and love that we get to play so close to home, where many of us — the guys in the band included — have connections. We cannot wait to perform in this theatre! I’ve spoken to so many people in advance of this gig and they are also excited for us to see it and perform there. Kudos to all who were instrumental in getting this renovation done. Sounds like it’s going to be Palm Springs’ very own gem in the desert!
What can the audience expect of your show?
Your audience can expect a solid hour and a half of toe-tapping fun that will surely put you in the mood for Christmas! We have a five-piece band, the Tony Guerrero Quintet, with Kate, Tim, and me at the microphones. We love that late ’50s, early ’60s vibe and the tight harmonies, which I think will go so well with the vibe of Palm Springs. It’ll be a lot of Christmas songs you know and love, but set to a more jazzy feel, and in some cases, it almost sounds like a big band. We pride ourselves as a real throwback musically, and if I do say so myself, a real riot comedically.
Parade Season in Palm Springs: Like No Place Else!
Get ready for an exciting fall parade season in Palm Springs! Mark your calendars for these FREE special events celebrating the city’s rich diversity, including a poignant tribute to veterans, a vibrant LGBTQ+ Pride celebration, and the beloved Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade now celebrating its 33rd year.
Palm Springs High School Homecoming Parade
Wednesday, October 15, 3:30 p.m.
The parade will proceed along Palm Canyon Drive from Baristo to Alejo Roads in downtown.
39th Annual Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade and Festival
Sunday, November 9, 10:00 a.m.
The parade travels along Palm Canyon Drive from Tachevah to Amado Roads. The Pride Festival runs from November 6 to 9. For more information, please visit pspride.org.
28th Annual City of Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade
Tuesday, November 11, 3:30 p.m.
The parade will run along Palm Canyon Drive from Ramon to Alejo Roads. This year’s theme is “Honoring All Who Serve.” A patriotic concert and fireworks finale at Palm Canyon Drive and Amado Road will immediately follow the parade. NBC Palm Springs will broadcast live. For more information, please visit psveteransday.com.
33rd Annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade
Saturday, December 6, 5:45 p.m.
The parade starts at Palm Canyon Drive and Ramon Road. This signature holiday event features twinkling lights, magnificent marching bands, spectacular floats (including huge Macy’sstyle holiday floats), and, of course, Santa Claus. The parade is broadcast live on NBC Palm Springs beginning at 6:00 p.m. For more information, please visit psfestivaloflights.com.
39th Annual City of Palm Springs Black History Parade
Saturday, February 28, 2026, 11:00 a.m.
The parade kicks off on Palm Canyon Drive downtown. The Town Fair will immediately follow the parade at Downtown Park. For more information please visit EngagePalmSprings.com.
Celebrate the Season at VillageFest in Palm Springs
VillageFest in Palm Springs is turning up the festive charm this year with a vibrant lineup of familyfriendly events from Halloween through Christmas.
Held every Thursday evening along Palm Canyon Drive, VillageFest transforms the street into a bustling hub of music, food, art, and community, and this holiday season, there’s even more to enjoy! Don’t forget that extended fall hours for VillageFest — from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. — begin on Thursday, October 2.
October 30 – Halloween at VillageFest
Kick off the holiday season with fun at VillageFest’s Halloween celebration! This free event offers thrills for the whole family, with trick-or-treating, fun games, a haunted bus experience, an outdoor movie, and a costume contest.
November 6 – Honoring Those Who Serve
Join us in showing appreciation for our veterans. Visitors can write heartfelt letters
to veterans, which will be delivered at the city’s annual Veterans Lunch event. Parks and Recreation will also host a special craft activity.
November 20 – Indigenous People
Art Project
Explore the rich culture and creativity of Indigenous communities with hands-on crafts led by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. This event is an educational and inspiring way for families to engage with Native American heritage and artistry.
December 4 – Cookies with Mrs. Claus
Bring the kids for a magical evening of cookie decorating and holiday cheer! Mrs. Claus (and likely Santa, too) will be on hand for festive photo ops while guests enjoy a hot cocoa bar and fun crafts. A sweet start to the December festivities!
December 11 – Holiday Band Night & More
Get ready for a night of music and magic!
Live holiday music will light up the stage. There’ll also be a Nutcracker movie screening,
facepainting, and a trackless train ride for children to enjoy. It’s a can’t-miss night of seasonal celebration.
December 18 – Santa, Reindeer, & Holiday Fun
Santa returns for more photos, this time with live reindeer to pet and feed! Warm up with hot chocolate, and enjoy festive crafts hosted by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.
All December – Sugar Plum Village
Throughout the month of December, the spirit of the holidays takes over with Sugar Plum Village popping up weekly at our events. Expect festive decorations, twinkling lights, sweet treats, and plenty of family fun.
As always, VillageFest events are free! Whether you’re trick-or-treating, crafting with Mrs. Claus, or sipping cocoa under the stars, there’s something magical waiting for everyone in downtown Palm Springs this holiday season.
For more information about holiday events visit PalmSpringsHolidays.org
Holiday Season in Palm Springs: A Season to Remember
There’s no place quite like Palm Springs during the holidays, where the desert meets the dazzle — and where the community gathers to celebrate the season in iconic style!
Once again, the city will present its wildly popular Palm Springs Holidays initiative, featuring a plethora of festive, magical events and celebrations throughout the city starting in November.
Signature events include the much-loved Official City of Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting, kicks off on Friday, December 5 at 5:15 p.m. at Frances Steves Park. The spectacular 22-foot tree lights up the night sky, marking the season with warmth and wonder. Families can enjoy holiday caroling, free cookies, cocoa, and plenty of hands-on fun with arts and crafts for the kids. Be sure to arrive early for the Holiday Student Banner Awards at 4:00 p.m., a celebration of local creativity that sets the perfect tone for the evening. But the holiday cheer doesn’t stop there!
On Thursday December 4, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m., join Palm Springs Holiday Market at VillageFest. Get into the holiday spirit with the exciting kickoff event, “Jingle All the Way.” This outdoor gift market is the perfect place to jumpstart your holiday shopping. Stroll down Palm Canyon, adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations, as you explore a diverse selection of unique and handcrafted gifts.
On Saturday, December 6, the streets of downtown will come alive with the 33rd Annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade. The magic begins at 5:45 p.m. sharp along Palm Canyon Drive, with a surprise grand marshal, special guests, and a highenergy procession that’s not to be missed. From dazzling lighted floats and magnificent marching bands to giant inflatable balloons and a much-anticipated appearance by Santa Claus, this is the parade that defines holiday spirit in the desert, Palm Springs-style! You can expect a night full of festive energy and community pride.
Whether you’re a lifelong local or visiting for the holidays, Palm Springs invites you to join in the magic — where tradition, community, and a whole lot of sparkle always make the season unforgettable.
For more information and view a listing of festive holiday events throughout the Palm Springs season, visit PalmSpringsHolidays.org.
PSP Update
Palm Springs International Airport continues to grow, evolve, and deliver more of what travelers love. This season brings a wave of exciting updates — from new flights that expand our map coast to coast, and fresh touches of midcentury modern design at the terminal curb, to even more ways to plan and enjoy the airport experience. Together, these changes highlight PSP’s commitment to offering more options, more comfort, and more of the unique sense of place that sets our airport apart.
New Flights
• Santa Rosa – Alaska Airlines
Starting October 26, PSP travelers can once again trade desert palms for vineyard views as Alaska Airlines brings back nonstop service to Santa Rosa. With five weekly flights aboard Alaska’s E175 jets (that’s right — no middle seats), the route makes it easy to slip away to Sonoma County for wine, food, and fresh air, all just a quick flight away.
• Austin – Delta Air Lines & Southwest Airlines
Travelers heading to Texas’ capital will have more airline options than ever this season. Delta launches nonstop Saturday service from Palm Springs to Austin on November 15, while Southwest follows on March 7 with weekend flights on both Saturdays and Sundays. Together, the two carriers give Coachella Valley travelers more flexibility, more competitive fares, and more ways to experience Austin’s vibrant mix of music, culture, and business — all from the convenience of PSP.
• Newark – United Airlines
United Airlines is making it easier than ever to get from Palm Springs to New York City. Beginning December 18, nonstop service to Newark returns for the first time in several years, with flights operating five to seven days a week. The new route adds PSP’s third nonstop option to the New York metro area, complementing existing service on Alaska and Delta and making PSP an even stronger gateway to the East Coast.
• Charlotte – American Airlines
Travelers heading east will have a new connection starting December 20, when American Airlines begins weekly Saturday service to Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Running through April, this new nonstop offers seamless access to American’s major East Coast hub, opening one-stop connections to dozens of cities across the U.S. and abroad. It’s a big win for PSP as we continue expanding coast-to-coast access for our travelers.
Midcentury Modern Comfort, Right at the Curb
PSP’s famous first impression just got an upgrade. New benches now line the front of the terminal — but they’re not just any benches. Designed in true midcentury modern style, and replicated from PSP’s original 1960s terminal seating, the furniture is functional while giving a stylish nod to the airport’s iconic past. The refreshed look gives airport guests a comfortable spot to pause, while carrying forward the design legacy that makes Palm Springs unlike anywhere else. Visitors can even experience the new look themselves
curbside, then explore beyond with PSP’s Stay & Play Visitor Pass, which allows non-travelers to explore the terminal, enjoy dining and shopping, and take in our distinctive architecture. Get your free pass at FlyPSP.com/StayandPlay.
Book Smarter, Fly Easier
Finding your next flight from PSP has never been simpler. Our booking tool at FlyPSP.com/DEALS lets travelers search routes, compare airlines, and book directly, all in one place. It’s convenience designed with PSP’s signature ease in mind, helping travelers connect the desert to the world.
Scan to view our booking tool!
Wind Wall along N. Gene Autry Trail Set
for Completion in January 2026
The area along North Gene Autry Trail has long been plagued by frequent road closures due to unsafe driving conditions caused by blowing sand and severely reduced visibility — a major frustration for both residents and visitors that turns a simple drive into an unpredictable detour. Relief is finally on the way!
Construction is now underway on a nearly 600-foot-long brick wall designed to shield drivers from the area’s infamous wind and sandstorms. The new wall is expected to dramatically improve visibility, road conditions, and safety for everyone travelling in this key corridor.
The Palm Springs City Council officially approved the project during its April 23, 2025 meeting, awarding the construction contract to Deark E&C Inc. for just over $2.1 million. The majority of the funding comes from Measure A, a halfcent sales tax measure approved by Riverside County voters that invests in major regional transportation improvements.
This much-needed project will continue through January 2026. Stay updated and informed on the latest construction updates, including possible lane closures and detours, on EngagePalmSprings.com.
Palm Springs Public Library: A New Chapter Begins with a Temporary Home
The Palm Springs community recently gathered to say goodbye to the Palm Springs Public Library’s longtime home at Sunrise Park with a festive closing party, marking the start of an exciting transformation.
Thanks to $30 million in funding from the California State Library, Measure J, and municipal bonds, the Palm Springs City Council has approved a full renovation of the 50-year-old building, with construction beginning in late August and expected to take 18 to 36 months.
During the renovation, the Palm Springs Public Library will operate from a temporary 6,000-square-foot location at Rimrock Plaza (4721 East Palm Canyon Drive) near Gene Autry Trail. This thoughtfully designed space will offer many core services, including public computers, a capsule collection of books, DVDs, newspapers, children’s story times, the Spanish Book Club, and passport acceptance services by appointment.
Programming will continue throughout the city:
• Adult programs at the Welwood Murray Memorial Library, the Mizell Center, the LGBTQ
Community Center of the Desert, and other community venues.
• Teen programs near the high school, for convenient access.
• Children’s programs at Rimrock Plaza and pop-up locations.
The library will maintain its regular hours and offer plenty of parking at the new location, which is also accessible via the SunLine 1WV bus route.
Looking ahead, the fully renovated library will include expanded children’s and adult areas, a 180-seat community room, improved accessibility, and updated infrastructure.
Until the grand reopening — anticipated in summer 2027 — the Rimrock Plaza location will continue to serve as a vital hub for learning and connection.
For updates and hours of operations, please visit palmspringslibrary.org or EngagePalmSprings. com, or call 760-322-READ (7323). Follow the library on social media — and for the latest news, sign up for the monthly e-newsletter.
PS Chamber New Members
George Holliday CPA
27765 Landau Blvd. #104 Cathedral City, CA, 92234 (760)534-1642 www.hollidaycpa.com
Elite Iron and Electric, INC
303 W.Radio Road Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (760)325-0025 eliteironps.com
Marlles Law, PC 1555 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Ste. D101 Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (760)989-1834 www.marlleslaw.com
Passion Church at Palm Springs 1696 El Cielo Road Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (270)558-8555 www.worshipwithpassion. com
Oasis Inn & Ste.s 29 Palms Hotel Joshua Tree 71809 Twentynine Palms Hwy. 29 Palms, CA, 92277 (760)361-4009 www.oishotel.com
Caliber Collision Centers
650 S. Oleander Road Palm Springs, CA, 92264 (760)548-6392 www.caliber.com
Care Roofing Inc 74710 CA-111 Palm Desert, CA, 92260 (760)408-0197 www.careroofingsolutions. com/palm-desert-ca
