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Thursday, April 16 | ☀️ 82°/57°
Welcome to Thursday, and the start of Weekend 2 of Coachella. It’s another chance to remind you that while Palm Springs hotels and vacation rentals are full this weekend, the streets of the city will be a bit emptier, so you should definitely get out and support local businesses. If you’re looking to score last-minute tickets, be prepared for some sticker shock. We checked the reseller sites this morning and found them ranging from $2,400 for one general admission ticket to $193,000 for an artist pass VIP experience. You’ll find us right over there ⬅️ on the couch watching on YouTube.
🎶 Setting the mood: "Dopamine" by Franc Moody
Leading Off
Spegody by Jack Howard-Potter was installed recently at Baristo Park.
City brings public art to the people, dedicating four new park sculptures
Four new public sculptures are now installed across Palm Springs neighborhood parks, the result of a three-year effort to bring contemporary art beyond downtown corridors and into everyday community spaces.
Driving the news: The works were formally dedicated Wednesday during a World Art Day ceremony at City Hall, completing the ArtScape in the Parks program. Mayor Naomi Soto issued a proclamation declaring the day — the birthday of Leonardo da Vinci — as World Art Day in Palm Springs.
Soto said placing art in shared spaces ensures "creativity is accessible to everyone — families, children, residents, visitors alike."
How it started: Public Arts Commission Chair Gary Armstrong said the idea traces back to a casual conversation in May 2023, when then-newly elected Councilmember Jeffrey Bernstein flagged gaps in where public art existed — specifically calling out Victoria Park and Gateway Park as underserved.
"Ideas became conversations. Conversations became sites," Armstrong said.
The works: The four sculptures are spread across the city: Shapes and Sizes by Ben Sinor at Desert Highland Park; Rover by Jeff Zischke at Victoria Park; Dancer #6 by Lyle London at Gateway Park; and Spegody by Jack Howard-Potter at Baristo Park.
Armstrong said each piece was selected to offer a distinct kind of interaction, from stylized cacti celebrating the city's diversity to abstract human forms that "hover between recognition and imagination."
The bottom line: Armstrong said the program's impact was captured before the ceremony began, when a Parks Department employee told him his 8-year-old daughter had visited one of the new sculptures and declared: "I love it."
"That's it," Armstrong said. "That's why we do this."
Briefly
Victoria Carpenter will become interim executive director of PSP next month. (Photo courtesy PSP)
✈️ City names interim airport director as additional staff changes announced
Palm Springs International Airport will be led by Interim Director Victoria Carpenter following the departure of Executive Director Harry Barrett Jr., City Manager Scott Stiles told the Airport Commission Wednesday. A national search for a permanent replacement is underway.
The leadership transition was compounded by a second departure: Deputy Director of Aviation, Marketing & Air Service Daniel Meier announced he is leaving for Tulsa International Airport. Stiles expressed confidence Carpenter can keep the airport on course.
Zoom in: The commission also approved designs for three new restrooms estimated at $9 million, part of a larger airport expansion plan. The restrooms will reflect the desert landscape and include smart accessories such as automated locks and occupancy counters. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2027, pending FAA grant approval.
A MESSAGE FROM
PALM SPRINGS CULTURAL CENTER
Join us for an unforgettable evening, Saturday, April 18, 7PM with Sierra Boggess, one of Broadway’s most beloved leading ladies, in a special concert event. In tribute to Dr. Tom Truhe, we celebrate twenty years of bringing Broadway talent to the desert. A night of music, legacy, and celebration—100% proceeds benefit Palm Springs Cultural Center.
📆 Featured Events
Lesbian and Queer Women's Chat
10:30 a.m. | The Center A welcoming chat group for queer women to connect, share, and find community. Contact Candice at 760-416-7790 or [email protected].
Mahjong Meetup
12 p.m. | Market Market
Weekly drop-in mahjong play with two mats and sets available; players are welcome to bring their own.
Nonesuch Nonfiction Book Club
2 p.m. | Welwood Murray Memorial Library
Monthly book club led by PSPL Librarian Sean R. Corbin, meeting the third Thursday of the month from September through May.
Charcuterie and Cheeseboards
3 p.m. | Mizell Center
Hands-on workshop with Chef Mark Van Laanen covering the selection of artisanal meats and cheeses and the art of presentation. Participants will learn to build showstopping boards from scratch.
Yappy Hour with Animal Samaritans
4 p.m.–6 p.m. | Riviera Resort
Dog-friendly fundraiser in the Desert Rose Garden with wine and appetizers; leashed, friendly dogs welcome. Proceeds benefit Animal Samaritans' lifesaving programs. ($20 donation at check-in)
Free Museum Admission
5 p.m.–8 p.m. | Art Museum & Architecture & Design Center
Free Thursday night admission to galleries and exhibitions, with a DJ, food, and drinks at the Art Museum; exhibitions and community programs at the Architecture & Design Center at 300 South Palm Canyon Drive.
Measure J Oversight Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
Monthly public commission meeting to review and recommend City Council use of Measure J funds, a 1% transactions, sales, and use tax. Typically meets the third Thursday of each month.
Thursday Night Live Music
6 p.m. | Hyatt Palm Springs
Thursday night live music with handcrafted cocktails in the heart of Downtown Palm Springs.
VillageFest
6 p.m.–10 p.m. | Palm Canyon Drive
Weekly Thursday street fair in downtown Palm Springs featuring art, entertainment, shopping, and food.
Charles Mingus Tribute
7 p.m. | Agua Caliente Casino
Live tribute performance celebrating the music of jazz legend Charles Mingus. ($27–$37.85)
📌 Save the Date
Palm Springs Parks Foundation listening session Friday at Mizell Center
2026 Spring Gala Fundraiser starring Sierra Boggess on Saturday at the Palm Springs Cultural Center
Modern Men presents: Sing Out! from Friday through Sunday at the Plaza Theatre
Palm Springs Speaks: Jennie Garth on April 21 at Plaza Theatre
Dining Out For Life on Thursday, April 23 at multiple area restaurants, bars and coffee shops
Barbra: The Birthday Concert on April 24 at the Annenberg Theater at Palm Springs Art Museum
Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus: Rhinestones & Rainbows from April 24 through 26 the Plaza Theatre
🚠 And Finally …
Bill Sanderson and Andy Wysocki's business, Townie Bagels, has been named Business of the Year by the DBA.
The Desert Business Association is ready to roll out the red carpet for some of the valley's most impactful business and community leaders at its 2026 DBA Impact Awards.
Driving the news: The awards ceremony takes place Monday, May 4, at 5 p.m. at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Tickets are $130 and include a buffet dinner.
The honorees: Townie Bagels — featured recently in this Eater article — was named Business of the Year, and Michael and Ernie Westman — known for GED Magazine, Montage Events, Cathedral City Days and Equality Wine Fest — were selected as Business People of the Year.
The Boys and Girls Club of Palm Springs was recognized as Outstanding Community Service Organization, and Julie Warren, affiliated with LGBTQ+ History & Archives of the Desert, Palm Springs Library and Palm Springs Speaks, was named Outstanding Community Service Leader.
Also on the program: Local vocalist Marisa Corvo, who appeared on NBC's "The Voice," will perform. The DBA will also recognize LGBTQ+ youth scholarship recipients through its partnership with Safe Schools Desert Cities.
Tickets and information: Visit www.DesertBusiness.org or email [email protected].
In Case You Missed It
Recently published stories
❤️🩹 Kendall loves that her dog still wants to play catch even if she’s just lying down.
🥯 Mark doesn’t eat a lot of carbs, but makes sure Townie Bagels is where he gets his fill!
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