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Hello CV Locals, happy Thursday!
Did we make it through Superbowl Weekend? Lose any prop bets? Not to fear, St. Valentine is here. Cool clear skies are in store for the valley as we descend into Valentine’s and President’s Day Weekend.
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:
Indio Restaurant Named Best In Nation
Intersect Palm Springs Begins
Valentine’s Day Recs
El Mexicali Café II named one of USA TODAY’s 2026 Restaurants of the Year
“Shrimp Stuffed Yellow Pepper” was my nickname in High School
Indio’s longtime favorite just went national: El Mexicali Café II made USA TODAY’s Restaurants of the Year list, thanks to its homey, border-inspired classics and big family energy. Don’t be fooled by the strip-mall exterior—inside it’s a lively, hacienda-style room pouring strong margs and serving recipes rooted in owner Laura Sandez’s mom, Carmen Murguia, who started the original El Mexicali back in the ’80s. Order the cult-favorite Chiles Gueritos Rellenos de Camarón (shrimp-stuffed yellow peppers—hit them with a dash of soy at the table), the Especial de Mexicali (grilled skirt steak with sautéed cactus), or the Costillas de Puerco con Nopales. Sip a classic Mexicali margarita or go Spicy Pepino; beer folks, grab a Tamarindo chavela. Family-run, tradition-first, and now officially one of the best in the country.
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THIS WEEK/END:
National Date Festival Kicks Off - Indio Fairgrounds
Thursday Feb 12th
InfoIntersect Design + Art Show Begins - Palm Springs Convention Center
Thursday Feb 12th - Monday Feb 16th
InfoModernism Week Begins - Hyatt Palm Springs
Thursday Feb 12th
InfoValentine’s Day Menu - La Fe Wine Bar
3 course Prixe Fixe
Friday Feb 13th-Saturday Feb 14th
InfoValentine’s Day Prixe Fixe - 4 Saints, Rowan Hotel
Saturday Feb 14th
InfoThe TEN Tenors: Love Is in the Air – McCallum Theatre (Palm Desert)
Feb 12 – 15 (Various Times)The Australian vocal group returns with a show specifically designed for Valentine's week, featuring classic love songs, wedding ballads, and pop hits.
InfoThrow Some Axes - NOW OPEN: Palm Canyon Axe Club
Info
FLEA & FARMERS MARKETS 🥬 🏮
(Recurring):
Palm Springs Village Fest - Palm Canyon Drive
Thursdays
7-10pm
InfoPalm Springs Vintage Market - 200 N Indian Canyon Drive
First Sunday of the Month, Oct-May
7am-2pm
InfoOld Town La Quinta Farmer’s Market
Sundays Oct-May
8am-1pm
InfoNew: Desert Hot Springs Farmer’s Market
Every Other Sunday (starting Nov 16th)
8am-1pm
Info
UPCOMING:
Prime Date Night Weather…even if its only by yourself
THIS WEEK(ish):
Monster Trucks – Riverside County Fairgrounds (Indio)
Thursday, Feb 12 & Friday, Feb 13 @ 7:00 PMThe fair is the ultimate family outing this weekend. The Monster Truck rally is a huge hit with kids (bring ear protection!), and the carnival midway will be in full swing.
InfoValentines Day Crafts - Bermuda Dunes Community Center
Saturday Feb 14th
10am-12pm
Info"I'll Never Desert You" Family Paint Event – Pinot's Palette (Rancho Mirage)
Saturday, Feb 14 @ Morning/AfternoonA family-friendly painting session where you can create a desert-themed "Love" painting. It’s a guided class suitable for older kids and parents to do together.
InfoShields Date Garden Valentine's Walk – Shields Date Garden (Indio)
[Daily]
Take a family walk through the date grove (The "Walk" is open daily). Afterward, grab a round of date shakes. They are offering special Valentine's gift boxes with locally grown sweets.
InfoFables and Friends - Palm Desert Library
Tuesdays
10:30-11:30am
InfoPre- School Story Time - Indio Public Library
Wednesday Feb 18th and Feb 25th
11am-12pm
InfoFork Art - PS Library
Wednesday Feb 18th
1:30pm
Info
Plan Ahead:
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.
