📬 August 2026

It may be the middle of summer but there’s a lot going on in Palm Springs.

Inside this month's Desert Dispatch:

So grab something cold to drink, settle into the shade, and enjoy everything happening around our desert oasis. ☀️🌴

Palm Springs has another reason to raise a glass.

The popular Palm Springs tiki bar, The Reef, has been named one of USA TODAY's 2026 Bars of the Year, earning a spot on the publication's list of the best bars in America. The annual roundup recognizes standout watering holes across the country, from neighborhood dives to destination cocktail lounges, with The Reef selected as California's honoree.

Known for its immersive tropical atmosphere, handcrafted tiki cocktails, and Polynesian-inspired décor, The Reef has become a favorite gathering spot for both locals and visitors since opening in South Palm Springs.

Read more: The Desert Sun has the full story on what earned The Reef national recognition and why it continues to be one of the desert's most distinctive places to enjoy a drink.

Mrs. O’Donnell has something to say about this, see below. 😉

Sequins, samba and celebrity are headed to the Coachella Valley. The first-ever Dancing with the Stars Con takes over Acrisure Arena July 31–Aug. 2, bringing fan-favorite pros, judges and special guests together for a weekend of performances, panels and behind-the-scenes experiences. Among those scheduled to appear is Ezra Sosa, who recently shared why Palm Springs is the perfect place to launch the event.

Read our full story →

If you've driven past the burned-out church at Baristo and Belardo over the past decade, you've probably wondered: Will anything ever happen there?

The long-delayed Orchid Tree Hotel project has taken an important step forward, with new permit applications submitted on time and construction now projected to begin as early as June 2027.

While there's still work to do before shovels hit the ground, it's the strongest sign yet that one of downtown Palm Springs' most talked-about vacant properties could finally be transformed.

👉 Click here to read the full story to see what's planned and why neighbors are cautiously optimistic.

Looking for something delightfully different this season? The Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy is bringing a one-of-a-kind immersive cocktail experience to the desert, where literature, theater, and mixology come together in unforgettable fashion.

During the 90-minute experience, Poe's haunting tales come to life through live performances by "Poe Historians," with each of four classic stories paired with its own themed craft cocktail (or mocktail). Set inside a richly gothic atmosphere, it's part theater, part cocktail tasting, and all wonderfully eerie.

If you're a fan of spooky stories, creative cocktails, or simply unique nights out, this touring experience is worth adding to your calendar. Tickets are limited and often sell out quickly.

Mrs. O’Donnell’s Local Intel

Our sharp-eyed Palm Springs correspondent has the month’s dish.

🍹 Congratulations to The Reef for being named one of the best in the country by USA Today. They also have a killer happy hour Monday through Thursday from noon-5. You might just catch us there!

🥢 Everyone has been asking when will One More Bite Dumpling House will open on Palm Canyon Drive. We hear they are still waiting for final review and approval from the city. Hopefully, we can all get our dim sum on by late September! 🤞🏼

🧘 Mark your calendar: Greater Palm Springs Spa Month is set for September. Namaste!

🛍️ There’s a chic new place to shop on Palm Canyon. It’s called COMMÁ Concept Store founded by Kertu Palo and it feel like all that. Check out!

📍 The City of Palm Springs has launched a cool new map portal where you can find all kinds of things like hiking trails, bike routes, and affordable housing locations.

Wanderlust Food Truck Fest runs every Saturday evening from 5-10 p.m. at Sunrise Park for food, family fun, and a laid-back vibe.

Palm Springs Vintage Market returns Sunday, August 2 indoors and air-conditioned at The Pavilion (403 S Pavilion Way), 7 a.m.–2 p.m. Entry $10 early, $5 after 8 a.m. — prime hunting for MCM furniture and decor.

— Jason & Troy

💌 Enjoying Desert Dispatch? Pass it along.

Forward this to someone who needs a little more sun and silence in their inbox.
→ Subscribe to Desert Dispatch
→ Follow @desertdispatchnewsletter and @oldranchinn