April 11 Daily Briefing: Art fest preview, vendor fair coming, celebrating Baristo Park, and more

Happy Friday! In case you’ve forgotten, there’s a little music festival happening this weekend a couple miles east, so be prepared for heavier traffic on city streets (and possibly the occasional “influencer” filming a TikTok video in the middle a street). As popular as Coachella is (and also Stagecoach, which arrives later this month), local businesses don’t expect heavy foot traffic at their shops and restaurants this weekend. Contrary to popular belief, attendees of the festivals tend to book a hotel in Palm Springs, take a shuttle to the festivals, and spend all day there rather than taking time to window shop downtown. Now would be a great time to head out and give our local businesses some love as the next three weekends siphon visitors down valley.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Abracadabra” by Lady Gaga

LEADING OFF

World Art Day Festival brings colorful celebration to Downtown Park

Downtown Park is going to be an explosion of color and activity this weekend as it’s taken over by artists and art lovers for the World Art Day Festival.

Driving the news: The city is celebrating in style on Saturday with a free festival with plenty of activities for art lovers of all ages. Attendees can watch artists in action, learn about art programs, and make hands-on projects.

What to expect: There will be a student art gallery, food, vendors, entertainment, and a kids play zone. The Public Arts Commission will have a booth with a map showing the city’s public art locations, post cards, and a “one word” activity where visitors can write their reactions to public art pieces.

Why it matters: “Our goal is to create an event that allows the public to take part in educational programs and activities, an opportunity to showcase artists and businesses that pride themselves in supplying creative services, and an experience that will leave guests feeling a sense of inclusion and joyful spirits.” organizers said online.

What to watch for: The official World Art Day is April 15 (which is Leonardo da Vinci’s birthday). On that day, the Public Arts Commission has planned a formal dedication ceremony for the “Crawler” sculpture in front of the Palm Springs Art Museum.

Details: The fun this weekend is all going down at Downtown Park on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Find more information on the festival’s website.

💬 Our take: Kendall can basically only draw stick figures, but even her talent level is welcome at the festival!

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BRIEFLY

💼 Coachella Valley Local Government Vendor Fair returns this month

The second annual Coachella Valley Local Government Vendor Fair is coming up and it’s a chance for local businesses to understand the process of securing contracts with public agencies.

• Five of the valley’s nine cities are participating, including Palm Springs. College of the Desert and Riverside County Office of Economic Development are also participating. They’re looking for businesses specializing in landscaping, painting, plumbing, electrical work, janitorial services, security, web development, technology consulting, printing, graphic design, marketing, and more.
  
• The fair will feature educational sessions on how to navigate the government contracting process, followed by opportunities for vendors to meet directly with department decision-makers from various local agencies.
  
• Details: The event is on Wednesday, April 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Sign up for the free registration here.

🚨 Woman arrested for threats against Palm Springs Chabad 

A 36-year-old Desert Hot Springs woman was arrested this week after allegedly threatening to send explosives to the Palm Springs Chabad and expressing intent to kill people associated with the Jewish organization.

• Police said the investigation began on April 3 when the threats were first reported to authorities. She was arrested at her home.
  
• The suspect faces charges of criminal threats and hate crime, with bail set at $500,000. She is being held at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning and is expected to appear in court today.
  
• Bottom line: “The Palm Springs Police Department takes all threats of violence and hate-motivated crimes extremely seriously. We remain committed to protecting the safety and security of all members of our community,” officials stated in a news release.

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YOUR WEEKEND

MULTIPLE DAYS

• The 70s Show at the Cultural Center. ($25)
  
• “The Shark is Broken” at Revolution Stage Company. ($30)
  
• Desert X at multiple locations, running through May 10.
  
• Festival Weekend Poolside at Ace Hotel all weekend. ($50)
  
• Goldenvoice Surf Club at the Palm Springs Surf Club on Saturday and Sunday. ($49)

TODAY

• Foodie Fridays at the Cultural Center from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.
  
• Lush Presents Comedy Night at Lush Bar & Lounge at 8 p.m. ($17)

SATURDAY

• Certified Farmers’ Market at the Cultural Center starting at 8 a.m.
  
• World Art Day at Downtown Park starting at 10 a.m.
  
• Upper West Side Norg Annual Meeting at Miralon Amenity Center at 10 a.m.
  
• Flagging in the Desert at Ruth Hardy Park at 11:30 a.m.
  
• Full Moon Drum Circle at Downtown Park at 6 p.m.
  
• Bingo with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence at one eleven bar at 6 p.m.
  
• Country Western Dancing at 7 p.m. ($5)

SUNDAY

• Bid Whist & Spades at Play Lounge & Café at 2 p.m.
  
• Sunday T-Dance at Oscar’s at 4 p.m.

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AND FINALLY …

To say Baristo Park has come a long way in a few short years would be a massive understatement. 

Driving the news: The park at 296 South Calle Encilia, once considered so troubled that families avoided it and the city briefly closed it, has been transformed into a vibrant community hub through a $400,000 renovation. 

• On Thursday, city officials, staff, Parks and Recreation Commission members, and neighbors gathered at the park to celebrate its transformation, cutting a ceremonial ribbon and making some brief remarks.

What they’re saying: “For those who had been here two years ago, they didn’t have … the kids over here playing on the playground,” Mayor Ron deHarte said during the ceremony. “We really turned a neighborhood park back into a park for the neighborhood.”

Zoom in: Where a facility once deemed “detrimental to the health and safety of the public” once stood, there’s now inclusive playground equipment and modern amenities that welcome children of all abilities.

• Among the improvements are shade structures, climbing walls, and equipment for younger and older children.

Why it matters: The project is the third redesigned park in Palm Springs in less than a year, part of a broader initiative that has already improved Victoria and Demuth parks, with Ruth Hardy Park and others slated for future enhancements.

Dive deeper with our complete story