BROUGHT TO YOU BY
We are grateful for our advertisers. Become one today
Monday, May 11 | 🥵 107°/75°
Welcome to Monday, everyone! A few weeks ago we let you know where we like to check for recent earthquake activity when we feel a rumble. We hope you had it bookmarked yesterday, because a swarm of quakes near Brawley certainly got everyone’s attention. It also got us thinking about preparedness in case of emergencies. Fortunately, the city has put some thought into that as well, and has compiled everything you need to know here. It’s probably a good time to review that information.
🎶 Setting the mood: "French Exit" by Dua Lipa
Leading Off
Post Photo Illustration
XOXO Palm Springs festival seeks participants for inaugural run
A new citywide arts and culture festival is taking shape in Palm Springs, with organizers calling on local and visiting artists, organizations and performers to submit events ahead of the inaugural XOXO Palm Springs, scheduled for June 11-22.
Driving the news: An email sent to the community invites submissions across a range of disciplines, including film, dance, culinary arts, architecture, design, theater, music, literary arts and fine arts.
Those interested in participating can submit events through the Visit Palm Springs website here.
What's included: The 12-day festival features a mix of free and ticketed programming, opening June 11 with art walks, live music and a burlesque performance. A current list of scheduled events can be found here.
The opening weekend of June 12-14 adds architecture tours, drag brunches, film screenings, a whiskey tasting, an outdoor art fair in Downtown Park and the Desert Shakespeare Festival's production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at the Plaza Theatre.
By the numbers: Organizers point to a city of fewer than 50,000 residents that is home to more than 70 live music and performance venues, four or more museums, five theater companies, two symphonies, two dance companies, an opera guild and more than 100 galleries and studios.
The final stretch: The closing weekend of June 19-21 includes a Juneteenth comedy show at the Cascade Lounge, a free Tina Turner tribute concert in Downtown Park, a Family Day at the Palm Springs Art Museum and rotating film screenings and theatrical performances at the Cultural Center.
What's next: The festival closes June 22 with the launch of the PS/NExT Summit 2026 at the Palm Springs Convention Center, a new experiences in technology event that bridges XOXO Palm Springs with the Palm Springs International Short Film Festival: ShortFest.
Briefly
Crews will be performing diamond grinding operations along Highway 11 through the Vista Chino and Gene Autry Trail corridors all this week.
🚧 Caltrans to close Highway 111 lane nightly this week in Palm Springs
Caltrans will close a travel lane along sections of Highway 111 in Palm Springs each night this week, with closures running from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. through Thursday morning.
Crews will perform diamond grinding operations along the Vista Chino and Gene Autry Trail corridors to improve road smoothness. Work will shift nightly, covering northbound segments Monday and Tuesday, and southbound locations Wednesday and Thursday.
Details: The No. 1 lane will close in segments of approximately two miles at a time. Motorists should expect delays, reduce speed in work zones, and follow posted signage. More information is available at sr111roadwayproject.com.
A MESSAGE FROM
DAP HEALTH
Simple preventive care that’s 100% covered by insurance and Medi-Cal can protect children’s oral health. In particular, the routine application of fluoride varnish strengthens enamel and stops early tooth decay. It's an easy, safe step parents can take to support their kids’ overall health and confident smiles.
📆 Featured Events
Yoga With Mariana
9 a.m. | Palm Springs Pavilion
Affordable drop-in yoga open to all. ($10–$12)
Water Aerobics
10 a.m. | 405 South Pavilion Way
Low-impact water aerobics with instructor Donna Newton. Residents with an annual membership pay $5/class.
Alzheimer's/Dementia Caregiver Support Group
2:30 p.m. | Mizell Center
A weekly confidential support group for those caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Participants receive education on dementia and guidance on caregiving skills and problem-solving. All caregivers welcome.
HangingOUT! – Men's Monday Coffee
4:30 p.m. | Social Cafe & Lounge
Drop-in coffee social with Happy Hour drinks and snacks — no RSVP needed. Arrive by 4:45 p.m. if you'd like to join the group for dinner afterward.
Mon Petit Salon
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
An evening of live music from award-winning high desert ensemble Mon Petit Mojave. ($22)
Human Rights Commission Regular Meeting
5 p.m. | City Hall
The city's Human Rights Commission meets on the second Monday of each month. Find the agenda online here.
Tap Dancing Classes with Miss Jane
6:30 p.m. | Palm Springs Pavilion
Tap classes for all levels: Intermediate at 6:30 p.m. and Absolute Beginners at 7:30 p.m. Two left feet optional; sequins encouraged. ($20–$25)
📌 Save the Date
Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Thursday ($95)
Agave Paradiso Cocktail Party benefiting Palm Springs Animal Shelter on Saturday ($25-$250)
Ride of Silence at Ruth Hardy Park at 6:30 p.m. on May 20
Pool Party for Cause at Palm Springs Surf Club at 6 p.m. on May 22 ($25)
Memorial Day Air Fair & Flower Drop at Palm Springs Air Museum at 10 a.m. on May 25 ($23)
Heroes on the Diamond Charity Exhibition Baseball Game at Palm Springs Stadium at 5:30 p.m. on May 31
Palm Springs 70mm Film Festival at Palm Springs Cultural Center runs May 29-31 ($22)
Marilyn 100 Celebration runs May 29 through June 1
PS/NEXT Summit 26 at Palm Springs Convention Center runs June 22-23
🚠 And Finally …
Before and after images of Dominic, who arrived at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter severely matted.
A Palm Springs dog with a heartbreaking backstory is now a finalist in a national grooming contest — and local votes could mean real money for the shelter that took him in.
Driving the news: Dominic, a severely matted dog who arrived at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter after his owner was found deceased, has been named one of three finalists in the 15th annual Wahl Dirty Dogs Contest.
Groomers Jasmina and Stephanie transformed him into, as the contest organizers put it, "a whole new dog" — and he's now available for adoption. If he wins first prize, the shelter and his groomers would each receive $5,000.
How to vote: Voting is open throughout May, which is also National Pet Month. To cast a vote, you’ll need to go to the TikTok pages of @WahlPets or @WahlAnimal and comment #WahlDirtyDogsContest on Dominic's video
There is no limit on the number of comments per person, and comment totals determine the winners.
In Case You Missed It
Recently published stories
🏝️ Kendall wishes she had Dua Lipa’s life. It seems like she’s literally always on vacation.
🛟 Mark’s “spool” is almost warm enough to float in!
WORK WITH US
Our network of publications has nearly 50,000 email subscribers and we send 125,000 newsletters each week! That gives advertisers unmatched reach to engaged local readers across the Coachella Valley. Click the button below to learn more or receive our rate card.
EXPLORE & SUBSCRIBE
We deliver free news to communities throughout the Coachella Valley and a roundup on Saturdays. Click below to subscribe to our other newsletters!
Proudly produced in District 1. Typos are intentional.