Reporting by Niki Kottmann and Ema Sasic, Palm Springs Desert Sun
It’s officially fall, Coachella Valley residents, and even though that doesn’t mean sweater weather here, we have a hack: at these events, you’ll be so transported, you’ll immediately imagine the crunch of leaves under your feat.
Want to lean into spooky season? Get a group together and head to anything from a Halloween-themed singles mixer to two of the area’s only pumpkin patches, and you’ll forget about our summer-like temperatures — at least temporarily.
Here’s our list of must-see attractions, activities and fall events in Palm Springs and the surrounding area
Spooktacular Boat Ride
The Spooktacular Boat Ride at the JW Marriott Lake returns just in time for Halloween. This 25-minute haunted experience allows visitors to cruise down the lake, complete with eerie sights, mysterious sounds, playful frights and sweet and savory bites.
Guests can choose between two scare levels, with Level 1 offering a standard experience for ages 15 and under and Level 2 taking it up a notch. Passage starts at $140 per boat for up to eight guests, and costumed children 12 and under will receive a complimentary spooky sip.
If you go: 6-9:30 p.m. Oct. 15–17, 22–24 and 29–31; JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, 74-855 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert; $140 per private boat ride accommodating up to eight guests; jwdesertsprings.247activities.com
7th Annual All Color Growers Inc. Pumpkin Patch
A pumpkin patch in the desert? Say it ain’t so! All Color Growers is back for its 7th annual fall season, and this patch features much more than just pumpkins for sale. Families can enjoy a petting zoo, corn pit, photo ops, food and craft vendors, beer garden, face painting, kiddie barrel ride, live music (5-8 p.m.) and much more.
If you go: 5-8 p.m. Fridays in October (Oct. 16, 23 and 30); noon-8 p.m. Saturdays (Oct. 17, 24 and 31); and noon-8 p.m. Sundays (Oct. 18, 25 and Nov. 1); 78-790 Darby Road, Bermuda Dunes; admission is $10 for adults (age 12 and up), $5 for children (ages 2-11), free for kids under age 11 before 3 p.m. every day, and activities are all individually priced; allcolorgrowers.com
Revolution Stage Company presents ‘Dracula: A Comedy Of Terrors’
Revolution Stage Company is sinking its teeth into its first full production of its fourth season with “DRACULA: A Comedy of Terrors” by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen, loosely based on Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
This gender-bending vampire farce brings “gothic horror, outrageous comedy and Halloween mayhem to Palm Springs,” as the press release states, and it’s all led by “Nathan Wilson, who directed last season’s hit production, ‘Pippin.’ He has once again assembled a remarkable cast of local talent for this 90-minute farce, taking the world of gothic horror and giving it a decidedly irreverent makeover.”
If you go: 7 p.m. Oct. 15-31 (see full schedule at the website); Revolution Stage Company, 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs; from $35; revolutionstagecompany.com/tickets
Halloween Movie in the Park
Interested in a little fright this Friday? Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for the city of Palm Springs’ annual Halloween Movie in the Park, featuring the 2006 film “Monster House.” This free event offers a relaxing (it’s PG after all, so we promise it’s not very scary) evening under the stars for all ages.
If you go: 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16; Sunrise Park, 401 S. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs; free admission; palmspringsca.gov/government/departments/
Annual Floating Pumpkin Patch
Get your fall on this weekend — SoCal style. Families are invited to take part in this unique water-based pumpkin patch that features activities such as pumpkin diving, arts and crafts, swimming and themed games in a fun and supervised environment.
If you go: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17; Palm Springs Swim Center, 405 S. Pavilion Way, Palm Springs; free admission; palmspringsca.gov/government/departments
Palm Springs Halloween Singles Mixer 2026
Looking for someone to do a couples costume with next Halloween? Join DateFaster at the Palm Springs Halloween Singles Mixer 2026 and expect a playful night of costumes, conversation, flirting, games, and meeting local singles face-to-face. Note: This mixer does not feature any timed dates or forced rotations, so attendees are simply encouraged to talk to whoever catches their attention.
If you go: 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17; location revealed after online registration; from $9.30; eventbrite.com
Festival of Frights: Neon Monster Mash
Experience the ultimate thrill at the city of Palm Springs’ Festival of Frights: Neon Monster Mash. This spooky family friendly event will feature a haunted maze, a photo booth, games and prizes, treats, a dance party and more.
If you go: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24; Sunrise Park, 401 S. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs; free admission; palmspringsca.gov/government/departments/
‘HUSH-HUSH: Vintage Halloween Variety Show of the Highest Class and Caliber’
What do you get when you combine Bobbi DeCarlo and a full band? A night of spooky-sexy exotic acts. As the website description states, this show features “a thrilling mix of powerhouse vocals, swinging live music, comedy, burlesque, and astonishing variety acts.
It’s vintage Las Vegas spectacle infused with mid-century Palm Springs sophistication — and just the right touch of Halloween mischief.” Note: Dress code is glamorous and vintage, with a side of Halloween style.
If you go: 8-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24; Agua Caliente Casino, 401 E. Amado Road, Palm Springs; from $23.18; eventbrite.com
Indio Movie Night: ‘Hocus Pocus’
Head to Indio’s Center Stage for a free movie night with the community. Next up on the big screen is “Hocus Pocus.” Just in time for Halloween, spend an evening with the hilariously wacky Sanderson sisters/witches as they are resurrected and attempt to regain their powers. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs, snacks and more, but free popcorn will be provided to all attendees.
If you go: 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29; Center Stage, 82-881 Miles Ave., Indio; free admission and parking; indio.org/home
VillageFest Halloween: Monsters on Main Street
VillageFest is always a fun way to spend a Thursday night browsing local vendor booths and enjoying downtown Palm Springs attractions, but add a dash of Halloween fun and you’ve got something entirely unique. Expect games, candy stations, a haunted bus and a costume contest set to begin at 7 p.m. sharp.
If you go: 6-10 p.m. (or until the candy runs out) Thursday, Oct. 29; intersection of South Palm Canyon Drive and East Tahquitz Canyon Way in downtown Palm Springs; free admission; https://villagefest.org/event/monsters-on-main-street/
Halloween Carnival & Haunted House
The little ones are not going to want to miss this. Celebrate Halloween a day early with this free community carnival and haunted house experience. Enjoy games, candy and a range of activities in a safe and welcoming environment for people of all ages.
If you go: 4-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30; James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center, 480 W. Tramview Road, Palm Springs; free admission; palmspringsca.gov/government/departments/
Sloshed: ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ — The Musical
Kick off Hallo-weekend the most campy way possible: with a live “Rocky Horror Picture Show” shadow cast performance, of course. “Rocky Horror” is meant to be experienced with a crowd, and this film screening + performance promises to embrace everything that’s made the film a phenomenon for generations — with their own “Sloshed” twist. While the cult classic plays onscreen, this cast — which will feature certain performers getting drunk throughout — will bring the madness to life with costumes, props, callbacks, audience participation and more.
If you go: 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30; Spirit Animal at Hotel Zoso, 150 S. Indian Canyon Drive, #Suite B, Palm Springs; $23.18; eventbrite.com
‘Haunted Hacienda’ Halloween Fundraiser
Looking for a way to celebrate spooky season and give back at the same time? At this special Halloween event, all proceeds benefit VFW Post 3699 of Indio. Take a tour of the “Haunted Hacienda,” and enjoy decorations, costumes and more.
If you go: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30; 58-300 Almonte Drive, La Quinta; $10 per person
Candlelight: Halloween Classics
Set against a mesmerizing backdrop of thousands of candles, the Candlelight experience returns to the desert this Halloween with a live musical program built around mystery and the supernatural. Featured programming will include “Funeral March of a Marionette,” “Danse Macabre,” “Night on Bald Mountain,” the theme from “Stranger Things,” selections from “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”
If you go: 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30; The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage, 68-900 Frank Sinatra Drive, Rancho Mirage; from $46.50; feverup.com/m/692013
Palm Desert Boo Bash Craft and Vendor Market
Head to this fun-filled Halloween weekend market for two days of festive shopping, family-friendly entertainment and, of course, plenty of spooky seasonal vibes. The Palm Desert Boo Bash Craft & Vendor Market, as its website description says, will feature several local vendors offering handmade goods, Halloween décor, fall favorites, unique gifts, sweet treats, costumes, accessories and much more.
If you go: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31 and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1; The Shops at Palm Desert, 72-840 California 111, Palm Desert; free admission; eventbrite.com
Notes of the Living Dead with Billy L’Amour & The Love Notes
This night of live music promises to be an event everyone’s “dying to attend.” The event description says it’ll be a “monstrously entertaining musical spectacular” headlined by Billy L’Amour & The Love Notes that’s “filled with spine-tingling vocals, outrageous comedy, dazzling costumes and enough Halloween spirit to wake the dead.” This cabaret-style show will feature both spooky and non-Halloween songs, so be ready for an evening that offers a bit of everything.
If you go: 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31; Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs; $55.20; eventbrite.com
PS Underground presents Graveyard Shift
PS Underground returns this season with another “frightfully fun” Halloween-themed dinner. “Chef Dave is conjuring a secret, multi-course, devilishly delectable menu, designed to tempt even the most restless spirits. … Our bartenders will be shaking, stirring, and summoning a bottomless stream of wicked potions and elixirs, along with our free-flowing full bar, all included in your ticket,” as the event website says. Guests are encouraged to come in costume and prepare to boogie to the sounds of The Gand Band.
If you go: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31; PS Underground, 1700 S. Camino Real, Suite 2, Palm Springs; $199; eventbrite.com
Joshua Tree area fall events
Halloween on Mane Street
Looking for a daytime spooky season event in Pioneertown? Halloween on Mane Street promises a festive afternoon of frights featuring shopping, food, drink, spooky decorations, and more for all ages. Note: Costumes encouraged but not required.
If you go: 3-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31; Pioneertown Film Museum, 53-641 Mane St., Pioneertown; free but reserve a spot online; eventbrite.com
Haunted Masquerade
If you want an excuse to dance this Halloween, look no further. The Haunted Masquerade combines three wildly different desert acts — Jesika von Rabbit, LANDROID, and Carnal Circus — for one bewitching night of “psychedelic spectacle, cinematic dreamwave, theatrical chaos, and rock ’n’ roll,” as the official event description says. Note: When the performances are over, this event will turn into a dance party with SunTribe DJs, so come in a costume that allows you to move.
If you go: 8-11:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31; Coyote Run Studio, 3625 Porter Blvd., Joshua Tree; $15-$28.52; eventbrite.com
Did we miss an event? Email NKottmann@gannett.com to inform us of a fall event our readers should know about.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun.
Related: The ultimate Coachella Valley and beyond events guide for October
