From late summer through the end of the year, we’re proud to support a diverse lineup of events that showcase the best of our high desert community!
From art and astronomy to live music and outdoor adventure, there’s no shortage of exciting happenings lighting up Twentynine Palms this August through December. All of the events listed below are proudly supported by Visit 29 Palms through our Sponsorship and Event Grant Program, which helps bring vibrant cultural, creative, and recreational experiences to life in our city.
So mark your calendars, rally your crew, and experience it all in Twentynine Palms!
AREA 29: GALACTIC GATHERING
August 14 - 17, 2025
Presented By: Rediscover 29
Location: City-Wide Celebration + Venues
Join us for the 2nd Annual AREA 29: GALACTIC GATHERING, a weekend-long, citywide festival celebrating UFOs, aliens, sci-fi, stargazing, and out of this world fun! Rediscover 29 is proud to present a 2nd annual AREA 29 SCAVENGER HUNT and 21+ POOL PARTY, along with supporting our 50+ member businesses as they put on their own intergalactic events.
From poolside parties and alien-themed art shows to otherworldly performances, scavenger hunts, and stargazing under the stars, this citywide event brings together artists, musicians, and space lovers for a weekend that's truly out of this world. With tons of fun events scheduled, this will be another GALACTIC GATHERING to remember!
AREA 29 Galactic Gathering Screening Night
August 15, 2025
Presented By: Scorpion Lollipop
Location: Scorpion Lollipop
Join us as we share two episodes of adult animated comedy THE SECOND BEST HOSPITAL IN THE GALAXY! Aliens Dr. Sleech and Dr. Klak are best friends. They’re also brilliant surgeons who treat sci-fi illnesses all over the galaxy. When they take on a highly dangerous and potentially groundbreaking case, they could put existence itself in jeopardy. Although considering their dismal personal lives, oblivion might be an improvement…After the screening, enjoy a Q&A with iconic artist and “Second Best Hospital” production designer and co-producer Robin Eisenberg.
Screening will begin around 8:30 once it's dark enough. Adults only - mature themes.
PLUS:
• The return of Oakland-based psychedelic theremin sensation Rocky Angel
• “Emotional Encounters of the 29th Kind,” an interactive art installation by Flock Flock Flock
• Otherworldy wine tasting featuring Amy Atwood Selections
• Pre-screening UFO mixer with drinks, deals, Camp 62 merit badges, and more TBA!
29 QUEER FILM FESTIVAL
September 19-21, 2025
Presented By: 29 Queer Film Festival
Location: Theatre 29
Following the incredible success of our inaugural year, the 2nd Annual 29 Queer Film Festival returns to Theatre 29 with even bigger films, special guests, and unforgettable surprises! This year’s festival showcases bold new voices in queer cinema with a dynamic program of features, shorts, music videos, and live events—all dedicated to celebrating LGBTQ+ creativity and storytelling. With panels, performances, and premieres set against the stunning backdrop of the Mojave, we're continuing to make Twentynine Palms a destination for queer film lovers and desert dreamers alike.
At the heart of it all is our commitment to community. Theatre 29, one of Twentynine Palms’ most beloved cultural institutions, plays host to three days of connection, conversation, and celebration. Whether you're local or visiting, queer or an ally, the festival invites you to be part of a growing tradition—one that embraces the vibrant spirit of the high desert while spotlighting the global richness of queer experience.
BEAMED UP AT BEER CO.
October 1, 2025
Presented By: 29 Palms Beer Co.
Location: 29 Palms Beer Co.
Get ready for lift-off! An all-new art installation is touching down at the 29 Palms Beer Co. this fall.
Join us for the official kickoff of Beamed Up at Beer Co., an interactive photo experience designed to spark your imagination and your camera roll. Whether you're a curious kid or a kid-at-heart, this playful, space-inspired installation invites you to step into the beam and snap a one-of-a-kind selfie. Whether you're visiting for the first time or a local looking for something new, Beamed Up is a must-see (and must-share) addition to your desert adventure.
HWY 62 OPEN STUDIO ART TOURS
October 4/5, 11/12, 18/19, 2025
Presented By: Morongo Basin Cultural Arts Council
Location: Artists Studios Across the Morongo Basin
The 24th annual Hwy 62 Open Studio Art Tours is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for art lovers and collectors to create a free, self-guided tour of working artist studios across the high desert!
Over the first three weekends in October, visitors are invited to explore the spaces, stories, and settings of artists who have made their homes here over the last 50 years. Immerse yourself in the region’s vibrant creative community and purchase artwork directly from local artists and makers across a wide range of mediums and price points. Free and open to all!
JOSHUA TREE MUSIC FESTIVAL
October 9-12, 2025
Presented By: Joshua Tree Music Festival
Location: Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground
Joshua Tree Music Festival lineups are a diverse medley of genres and styles curated to seamlessly blend and build as the day progresses, whipping the dance floor into a frenzy by sunset! Music rotates between three stages from 10am - 2am creating a continuous sonic journey each day. PLUS we're bringing back the Late Night Headphone House, aka our version of silent disco, to the mix with rocking house sets 'til the early hours on Friday and Saturday nights.
During breaks from the dance floor enjoy yoga and workshops, indulge in a massage at the Healing Oasis, or take a stroll around the lake and the grounds to take in the art and the raw beauty of the desert landscape.
10TH ANNUAL NIGHT SKY FESTIVAL
October 24-25, 2025
Presented By: Sky's The Limit Observatory and Nature Center and Joshua Tree National Park Association's "Discover JTREE"
Location: Sky's The Limit Observatory and Nature Center
The Night Sky Festival is an annual event that celebrates Joshua Tree National Park’s night sky. This event is a major fundraiser for Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center and Joshua Tree National Park Association (Discover JTREE) non-profit organizations.
Held October 24–25, the event includes a night photography workshop, telescope clinic, solar viewing, astronomy-themed crafts, gold panning, and cyanotype photo-making. Saturday features guided tours of the solar system model at Sky’s The Limit Observatory, plus expert-led astronomy lectures. The festival culminates with the Night Star Party—20+ telescopes, constellation tours, storytelling, live music, and more under the desert stars!
JOSHUA TREE HALF MARATHON
November 1, 2025
Presented By: Vacation Races
Location: Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground
Get ready for Vacation Races’ 2025 Joshua Tree Half Marathon, presented by Visit 29 Palms! Quickly becoming a favorite in the race lineup since it launched, the Joshua Tree Half Marathon is a one-of-a-kind NIGHT RACE that takes you through the desert and under the stars with colorful lights leading you to the finish.
The 13.1-mile Joshua Tree Half Marathon course, set near Copper Mountain in the breathtaking Mojave Desert, offers an exhilarating adventure under the stars. With most of the route on dirt roads and trails, runners will navigate through varying degrees of loose and deep sand, adding to the thrill and challenge. The unique terrain provides an unforgettable experience, with a quarter mile at the start and a one-mile section in the middle offering a brief respite. Embrace the excitement of running through the stunning desert landscape, where every step is a testament to your endurance and spirit of adventure.
JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK ART EXPO
November 1-2, 2025
Presented By: Joshua Tree National Park Council for the Arts
Location: 29 Palms Art Gallery
The 13th annual Joshua Tree National Park Art Expo opening weekend celebration takes place Saturday and Sunday, November 1 & 2, 2025, at the historic 29 Palms Art Gallery! Daytime event hours are 10 am to 4 pm both days, with an awards reception on Saturday night from 4 to 7 pm.
Expo weekend features an art market with artist booths on the gallery grounds, art demonstrations, live music on the gallery stage, food and beverages, and a cash bar, plus the juried exhibition inside the gallery featuring artwork inspired by Joshua Tree National Park and created by 50+ artists from the desert region, across California and the U.S.
Note: The juried exhibition continues on display at 29 Palms Art Gallery through November 30, open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 11 am to 3 pm.
TWENTYNINE PALMS BOOK FESTIVAL
November 7-9, 2025
Presented By: Desert General
Location: Freedom Plaza + Other Venues Across Twentynine Palms
The Twentynine Palms Book Festival returns for its third edition from November 7–9, 2025, as a three-day celebration of storytelling, creativity, and the unique heritage of the Mojave Desert. With a dynamic program designed to inspire readers, authors, and industry professionals, the festival aims to expand its reach while preserving its small-town charm and authenticity.
CLIMB SMART 2025
November 21-23, 2025
Presented By: Friends of Joshua Tree
Location: Indian Cove Campground, Joshua Tree National Park
Climb Smart is now in its 30th year, gathering the climbing community across all levels from around the country around education and stewardship of our precious high desert natural and cultural resources.
Over 300 attendees are expected, reflecting the event’s continued growth and relevance in Joshua Tree’s evolving climbing scene. Held at the Indian Cove Group Campgrounds through a special arrangement with Joshua Tree National Park, Climb Smart offers a diverse lineup of hands-on clinics and workshops, including climbing systems and knots, placing protection and building anchors, multi-pitch and self-rescue techniques, women's and adaptive climbing, bouldering tours, and more. The mix of new and experienced climbers makes this a dynamic, inclusive event—celebrating community, education, and conservation in one of the country’s most iconic climbing landscapes!
Plan Your Visit to Twentynine Palms
Make the most of your event experience by staying in the heart of it all. Twentynine Palms offers the area’s largest and most diverse collection of lodging options, plus incredible dining, unique attractions, and one-of-a-kind boutique shops. Start planning your stay today.