Free concerts under the desert sky. A nighttime half marathon. Weekends filled with art, books, and climbing. This October and November, there are plenty of reasons to plan a getaway to Twentynine Palms.
Visit 29 Palms is proud to support these upcoming events through our Events Program, helping bring memorable experiences to our visitors and community. Whether you’re coming for the music, meeting your next favorite author, or heading out for a desert adventure, make a weekend of it and discover more while you’re here!
Two More Saturdays of Free Levitt AMP Concerts
October 17 & 24 | Freedom Plaza
There’s still time to catch the fall Levitt AMP Twentynine Palms Music Series! Bring your chairs and blankets to downtown Freedom Plaza for two more evenings of free, family-friendly live music.
On October 17, neo-folk world-rock duo HuDost takes the stage, with Yucca Valley-based Palo Xanto opening the evening. On October 24, Mark Taylor brings his feel-good ’90s country sound to the season finale, joined by High Desert trio Los Poncho Tones, whose music blends blues, roots, rock, soul, funk, and desert influences. The plaza opens at 6 p.m., with music from 7–9 p.m. Come early for dinner downtown, then settle in for a night of music under the open sky. Explore the concert details for October 17 and October 24.
Run Under the Desert Sky
Joshua Tree Half Marathon | November 7
Vacation Races’ Joshua Tree Half Marathon comes to Twentynine Palms this November, bringing runners and their supporters together for a distinctive nighttime desert race. Visit 29 Palms is proud to serve as Title Sponsor and welcome the race community to our city.
Let the adventure go beyond the finish line. Spend Saturday morning exploring downtown, enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, and make time for the Joshua Tree National Park Art Expo happening the same weekend. Explore Joshua Tree Half Marathon details.
See the Desert Through an Artist’s Eyes
Joshua Tree National Park Art Expo | Opening Weekend November 7–8
The 14th annual Joshua Tree National Park Art Expo celebrates the landscapes, natural wonders, and cultural history that inspire artists to create. Head to the historic 29 Palms Art Gallery for an opening weekend featuring artist booths, art activities, live music, food and beverages, and a juried exhibition showcasing work by more than 50 artists from the desert region, across California, and throughout the country.
Opening weekend activities run 10 a.m.–4 p.m. on November 7 and 8, with an awards reception Saturday from 4–7 p.m. Admission is free. Can’t make opening weekend? The juried exhibition runs November 6–29, with regular gallery hours Friday through Sunday, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Explore the Art Expo opening weekend and juried exhibition.
Make a Weekend of Words and Wonder
Twentynine Palms Book Festival | November 13–15
Meet authors, discover new voices, and follow your curiosity at the Fourth Annual Twentynine Palms Book Festival, presented by Desert General Store. Bringing together more than 100 authors, the three-day festival spans poetry, memoir, crime fiction, Indigenous storytelling, children’s literature, California history, conservation, music, veterans’ voices, and more.
The Twentynine Palms Community Center at Freedom Plaza anchors the festival with a Book Fair featuring more than 50 independent authors, small presses, bookstores, writers associations, and cultural organizations. Panel discussions, talks, workshops, screenings, book signings, and activities for young readers offer plenty to explore.
Offsite readings take the festival into distinctive locations around Twentynine Palms, giving you even more reasons to get to know the city between sessions. Admission is free. Explore the Twentynine Palms Book Festival.
Connect, Learn, and Climb
Climb Smart | November 20–22
Celebrate the start of Joshua Tree’s climbing season with Climb Smart, hosted by Friends of Joshua Tree. This weekend of climbing, education, stewardship, and community brings participants together in Joshua Tree National Park. Professional climbing guides lead hands-on mini-clinics and climbing sessions covering a range of skills and experience levels.
Evening programs keep the connections going with catered dinners, presentations, entertainment, gear giveaways, and opportunities to meet fellow climbers, guides, and outdoor brands. Education and responsible recreation are at the heart of the experience. Explore Climb Smart details and registration information.
Stay for More of 29 Palms
Build your fall getaway around an event, then leave room for a little discovery. Browse local shops and galleries, explore downtown murals, enjoy the Saturday Farmers Market, or spend time in Joshua Tree National Park. From historic desert inns and welcoming motels to design-forward hotels, vacation rentals, and RV stays, find a home base that fits your adventure. Find your stay in 29 Palms and explore our full events calendar for more to enjoy during your visit.