Friday thru Sunday, December 5th – 7th
First Weekend Palm Desert, held the first weekend of every month through May 2015, features art and culture along with dining specials and shopping fun. This month First Weekend features specialty activities taking place with a backdrop of holiday light displays and décor.
The City of Palm Desert puts a special emphasis on this First Weekend woven into the magic of the season. From December 5 – 7, residents and visitors to the Valley have the opportunity to partake in PaintNite and art tours, enjoy a classic car display and live entertainment, visit the museum, and more.
There is so much to do this First Weekend of December – and the best part is most of these events are free!
Friday, December 5
El Paseo Cruise Night
3:15 to 6 p.m.
(760) 346-8965; www.elpaseocruisenight.com
The cool, shiny, lovingly cared-for cars begin arriving around 3:15 p.m. at the upper level of parking structure behind The Gardens on El Paseo. Get a close-up look at these beauties and talk to the owners before 4:30 when they take over the street between Highway 74 and Portola until 6 p.m. Grab a spot (preferably at a patio table of one of El Paseo’s wonderful restaurants) and watch the polished chrome show!
El Paseo Art Walk
4 to 8 p.m.
www.elpaseoartwalk.com
Art Galleries offer exhibit openings, artist receptions and more! There is so much to see, from the Palm Desert Art Museum in Pam Desert’s Free First Friday events, to each gallery and stops along the way, traveling in style on the El Paseo Courtesy Carts!
Cuistot
4 to 10 p.m.
72595 El Paseo
(760) 340-1000 Website: www.cuistotrestaurant.com
Dinner and drink specials
Melissa Morgan Fine Art
73040 El Paseo
(760) 341-1056; melissamorganfineart.com
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
New works by artist Ashley Collins, teaser preview of Judith Kindler’s new body of work, “The View.” And an installation of Cathy Sarkowsky’s series: “In/Visible.” The exhibition also features a new series of works by Mike Weber.
El Paseo After Dark Extended Shopping Hours
El Paseo between Highway 74 and Portola Avenue
6 to 8 p.m. (877) 735-7273; www.elpaseocatalogue.com/elpaseo
Enjoy extended hours at a world-class shopping and dining destination with over 250 shops, boutiques, restaurants, art galleries and more. Treasures every step of the way!
Free First Friday at the Galen
Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert,
72567 Highway 111
(760) 346-5600; www.psmuseum.org
5 to 9 p.m.
Enjoy free admission to the museum, live music and award winning craft beer from Babe’s Bar-B-Que & Brewhouse in the Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden, along with a screening of “McCabe and Mrs. Miller” at 5:30 and a live performance at 7:30 by Chris Kallmyer.
Venus Studios Art Supply
The Art Place, 41801 Corporate Way Suite 7
6 to 9 p.m.
(760) 340-5085; www.venusstudiosartsupply.com
Artists’ reception for the “Small Image” art show; includes tastings from Da Kine Hawaiian Grill and music by DJ Habanero!
Saturday, December 6
Free Guided Public Art Tour
Palm Desert Public Library, 73300 Fred Waring Drive
(760) 837-1664; www.palm-desert.org/arts-culture/public-art/art-tours-and-maps
9 to 10 a.m.
A trained docent provides insight into many of sculptures in the Library. Reservations not required. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water.
Saturday ArtVentures
Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert, 72567 Highway 111
(760) 346-5600; www.psmuseum.org/palm-desert/special-event/december-artventures
11 a.m. to noon
Discover how different cultures celebrate Winter Solstice and listen to “Lights of Winter: Winter Celebrations Around the World” by Heather Conrad. Create a paper lantern to leave in the Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden and one to take home.
Sunday, December 7
PaintNite at Cuistot
72595 El Paseo
$45; reservations required
www.paintnite.com/pages/events/view/palmsprings/854870
4 to 5:45 p.m.
Painting and Happy Hour with artist Trish Dixon-Carpico on the heated patio. Everything you from canvas, paints, brushes and even a smock are provided as create your own masterpiece.
