November 2026 Events in Greater Palm Springs: Art, Food & Holiday Fun
November is when my “we should go do something” list starts getting a little ambitious. Art shows, food festivals, live music, classic cars, and holiday lights all compete for a spot on the calendar. A quiet weekend is still an option, but the desert is making a pretty strong case against it.
If you’re looking for things to do in Greater Palm Springs this November, there is plenty left to enjoy. Here are some upcoming highlights across the Coachella Valley, from Palm Springs and Cathedral City to Palm Desert, La Quinta, and Indio.
View the Full November 2026 Events Calendar (PDF)
November 12–15: La Quinta Art Celebration ENCORE
Where: La Quinta Civic Center Campus
When: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. daily
Give yourself time to browse original artwork and talk with the artists at this outdoor fine art event. If you’re looking for something special for your home, or simply enjoy seeing what creative people can do, this is an easy one to build an afternoon around.
November 13–15: Palm Springs Food & Wine Festival
Where: Downtown Park, Palm Springs
Tastings and chef demonstrations put food and wine at the center of this downtown weekend. Check the individual ticket options and session schedule before choosing your day. This is the kind of outing I would plan around the food first and figure out the rest later.
November 14: Indio BBQ Festival
Where: Downtown Indio
When: 4–9 p.m.
Barbecue and live entertainment make a good excuse to spend Saturday evening in Downtown Indio. My planning advice for a food festival is simple: arrive hungry and leave a little room to try something you weren’t planning on ordering.
November 17: Tastes & Sounds of Cathedral City
Where: Cathedral City Community Amphitheater
When: 5–7:30 p.m.
Shades of Billy brings a Billy Joel tribute to this outdoor music and food series. Admission is free, with food available for purchase. It’s a nice option when you want an evening out without committing your entire weekend.
November 20–22: McCormick’s Classic Car Auction
Where: Palm Springs Convention Center
You don’t need to be shopping for a classic car to enjoy looking. McCormick’s brings a weekend of automotive nostalgia to Palm Springs, with free public admission on Friday and paid spectator admission Saturday and Sunday. Check the schedule if there’s a particular auction session you want to catch.
Auction schedule and admission
November 20–22: Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival & Food Truck Fiesta
Where: Cathedral City, with activities at multiple locations
Balloon launches, balloon glows, food trucks, and entertainment make this a weekend with several ways to participate. Choose the activities you want to see before heading out, since schedules and locations vary. Balloon activities also depend on weather conditions.
Beginning November 20: Magic of Lights
Where: Empire Polo Club, Indio
Dates: November 20, 2026–January 2, 2027
Ready for a little holiday sparkle? Magic of Lights is a drive-through display that lets you enjoy the lights from your own vehicle. Add it to your list for an evening when you want something festive with a different pace from a busy festival.
The official schedule lists 5:30–9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5:30–10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
November 21: Coachella Valley Filipino Festival
Where: Downtown Park, Palm Springs
When: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
This free community festival celebrates Filipino food, music, art, and culture. It’s another opportunity to explore the valley through the people, flavors, and traditions that help make it such an interesting place to live and visit.
November 26: Thanksgiving Morning 5Ks
Looking for an active start to Thanksgiving? Two local options begin at 8 a.m.:
- Palm Springs Wild Turkey Trot 5K: Starts downtown at Palm Canyon Drive and Tahquitz Canyon Way. Registration and details
- Martha’s Village & Kitchen Thanksgiving Day 5K: A run and walk on El Paseo in Palm Desert supporting the organization’s work addressing hunger and homelessness. Registration and details
November 28: Art on Main Street
Where: Old Town La Quinta
When: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Finish the month with an art outing in Old Town La Quinta. Browse the show, then leave time for a coffee or lunch nearby. It’s a relaxed way to turn Thanksgiving weekend into a little more exploring.
Get to Know the Coachella Valley Beyond the Home Search
One of the things I love about this area is that each city gives you another reason to get out and explore. These events offer a glimpse of everyday life here, whether you’re visiting, spending part of the year in the desert, or considering a move.
Have a favorite local event I should include in a future guide? Let me know! And if your exploring turns into questions about buying or selling in Greater Palm Springs, I’m happy to help.
Event details checked November 9, 2026. Schedules, admission, and availability may change. Visit the linked event websites before making plans. This curated guide was inspired by First American’s November community calendar, with additional event research.
Lisa Angell, REALTOR® | LPT Realty | CA DRE#02122706 | Equal Housing Opportunity.
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