Hello CV Locals, happy Thursday!

Did we survive the rain? While many parts of Coachella Valley were flooded out by the last week’s heavy rain, the region escaped the worst of the damage as a result of the downpour. Respect to the La Quinta Art Show for patronizing the arts despite the rain (it was really dumping). We can look forward to sunnier skies and a host of Thanksgiving events and celebrations in the coming week.

If you are new here, The CV Scene delivers just the right amount of news and events for locals of Coachella Valley. No crime, no politics, no spam—just the good stuff. We scan newspapers, blogs, social media, business journals, and Google alerts so you don’t have to.

In Today’s Scene:

After years of work, downtown Palm Springs’ 1936 Plaza Theatre is almost ready for its close-up. A $30M restoration—mix of public and private dollars—kept the historic look but upgraded everything behind the scenes for modern shows. They’re still a couple million short, but organizers say they’ll close the gap by year’s end.

What to expect: national acts and hometown talent—think touring headliners alongside local choirs, orchestras, and community groups. Want a sneak peek? Hit the community open house on Nov 22: street closures, live music, tours, and mini-performances every 30 minutes. The first official show lands Dec 1 with Emmy/Grammy winner Cynthia Erivo.

Palm Desert, CA – The holiday season is set to sparkle as The Shops on El Paseo holds their annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. The community is invited to enjoy the complimentary activities from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025. 

The evening will be filled with holiday cheer featuring festive DJ entertainment, roaming Christmas carolers, colorful face painting for kids, a Santa letter-writing station, and a merry visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. There will also be complimentary handmade and freshly baked Winston Pie bites, and warm organic Buena Matcha. The beloved tree-lighting will take place at 6 p.m. on Ocotillo and El Paseo, in between Porta Via and California Pizza Kitchen. Opening remarks will be given by Palm Desert Mayor Pro Tem Evan Trubee and President Fred Fern with Chartwell Properties, the management group for The Shops on El Paseo.

[we’re working on it, ok?]

Thanks! Hope to see you next Thursday! If you have an event or a scoop that you want to share with The Scene, give us a buzz at [email protected], I read every email.