The Living Desert - Public Programs

Public Programs

JAZZ AT THE LIVING DESERT
November through April
Two performances each date:
Early Concert 4:00 p.m.; Late Concert 6:15 p.m.

Hear the sounds of an authentic American art form by some of the West Coast’s top jazz musicians. Bring your picnic dinner to this perennially popular series of concerts and enjoy world class jazz. All concerts feature five piece combos. Schedule of guest artists will vary subject to availability. Reserved cabaret style table seating only. Table numbers are assigned; no drop-ins, please. Performances are held indoors in the Education Center Building at The Living Desert. Seating capacity is limited, advance paid reservations are required. Tickets are not sold at the door. For further information or to make reservations, call Glenn Scott at 760-346-5694, ext. 2162.

Dates for the 2007-2008 Season
November 18, December 16, January 13, February 10, February 24, March 9, March 30 and April 6.

PARTY FOR THE PLANET
April 11-13, 2008, 9:00am – 5:00pm
Join The Living Desert and California Desert Nature Festival in celebrating Party for the Planet at The Living Desert! Both adults and children will enjoy this fun and informative weekend featuring seminars, field trips and tours, workshops, desert literature and art, lots of fun activities for the kids, free giveaways, and of course, all the cool animals at the zoo! There will also be many vendors and exhibitors, who are carefully chosen not only for the products they sell, but for their expertise and knowledge about desert life, education, preservation, and conservation. Party for the Planet visitors can learn about alternate fuel vehicles, saving energy and recycling, preserving wild lands and much more! A three day pass can be purchased for $13.50 or you can buy single day passes: Friday, $11.95; Saturday, $2.00 or FREE with a cell phone donation; Sunday $11.95. Be part of the solution and join Party for the Planet at The Living Desert!

Click here to view a schedule of events.
Click here to inquire about field trips.

For more information, please contact Kimberly Bowers at 760-346-5694, ext. 2610 or kbowers@livingdesert.org

WILDLIGHTS
With over 350,000 twinkling lights illuminating the park after dark, this annual event kicks off the holiday season Thanksgiving weekend. Traditional holiday scenes, North American and African animals are depicted in lighted displays that are larger than life. The event becomes more spectacular each year with the addition of more beautiful lights and displays than in previous years. Highlighting the event is the popular LGB model train exhibits. WildLife at WildLights, a nighttime version of our very popular WildLife Wonders live animal show performs nightly in the Tennity Amphitheater. Cozy, wood-burning fireplaces, food, crafts and nightly live entertainment round out the evening’s festivities, as well as a visit from Santa. And the return of the "iceless" skating rink! Dates for 2007: Nov. 23-25; Nov 30-Dec 2; Dec 7-9, 14-23; Dec 26-Jan 1. Gates open at 6pm to 9pm. Admission prices: Non-Members: $7.25; Members: $6.00; Children ages 3-12: $5.50.

HOWL-O-WEEN
Join us for four nights, October 27-30, 2007, of trick-or-treat fun at the Coachella Valley’s #1 Halloween event, all in a child-safe environment on the grounds of The Living Desert. More than twenty costumed “Merry Not Scary” trick-or-treat booths delight young and old as they hand out candy to all the ghosts and goblins! Costumed characters to greet you, "spooky" entrance, hay maze, carnival booths, live magic show, free Trick-or-Treat bags, lots of photo opportunities, food and of course - Tons of Candy! 6pm - 9pm. Admission: Non-members: $7 per person; Members: $6 per person.

ANNUAL SPRING PLANT SALE
March 29-30, 2008, 9:30am-4:30pm
March is a great time to plant and add to your desert garden, so come join us during the Annual Spring Plant Sale for a fabulous selection of desert native and desert adapted plants. The Living Desert’s Palo Verde Garden Center has long held a reputation for having one of the most complete selections of Southwest desert plants in the state. We carry more specimen plants than ever before and have many “Hard-to-Find” rare, desert plants. We now offer delivery services. As is our tradition, our special selection of desert appropriate books and garden décor, including pots, will also be discounted.