PALM DESERT, CA — Fall is in the air across the Coachella Valley, bringing cooler mornings and a fresh lineup of outdoor activities, entertainment and seasonal escapes.
From a conservation walk at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens to a free movie night at Sunnylands, here are five things to do in and around Palm Desert this weekend.
Turn a morning walk into support for wildlife conservation during the Desert Ranger Challenge at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.
Participants will complete a 2.1-mile walk or run honoring the 21-kilometer challenge undertaken by wildlife rangers. The local event supports the Wildlife Ranger Challenge and the Black Mambas Anti-Poaching Unit, an all-women ranger team protecting South Africa's Greater Kruger region.
The walk begins at 7 a.m. Saturday. Black Mambas founder Craig Spencer will speak at 8:30 a.m., followed by a virtual question-and-answer session with team members in South Africa. Participants will also receive event items and a chance to win a dual zoo membership.
When: 7 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19
Where: The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, 47900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert
More information: Desert Ranger Challenge
Sunnylands' free Films in the Gardens series continues Friday with a showing of Tim Burton's "Big Fish."
The 2003 fantasy drama follows a son attempting to separate fact from fiction in the larger-than-life stories told by his father. The movie begins at 7:30 p.m. on the Great Lawn.
Guests may bring lawn chairs, blankets and small picnics. Alcohol, smoking and pets are not permitted.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18
Where: Sunnylands Center & Gardens, 37977 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage
Cost: Free
More information: Films in the Gardens
Visitors can also spend part of the weekend exploring the former winter home of ambassadors Walter and Leonore Annenberg.
The guided Historic House Tour takes guests inside the 25,000-square-foot midcentury modern home. An Open-Air Experience offers a guided shuttle ride through the 200-acre estate.
Tours are offered Saturday and Sunday. Advance reservations are recommended because space is limited.
When: Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19-20; tour times vary
Where: Sunnylands, 37977 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage
Cost: $58.19 for the Historic House Tour; $30.11 for the Open-Air Experience
Tickets: Sunnylands events and tours
Comedian and social media personality Matt Mathews brings his "Not What I Ordered" World Tour to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage.
Known for pairing stories about farm life with observations about family, relationships and everyday mishaps, Mathews will perform Saturday and Sunday.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19; additional show Sunday, Sept. 20
Where: The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage, 32250 Bob Hope Drive
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Tickets: Matt Mathews tour information
Fall can also begin with a little rest and relaxation as Greater Palm Springs Spa Month opens this weekend.
Participating resorts and spas across the Coachella Valley are offering treatment specials, day passes, wellness experiences and stay-and-spa packages. Options include massages, facials, sound baths, yoga and mineral-pool experiences.
Most specials require advance reservations, and prices vary by location.
When: Beginning Friday, Sept. 18
Where: Participating Palm Desert and Greater Palm Springs spas
Cost: Varies
More information: Greater Palm Springs Spa Month
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