The Living Desert: Zoo and botanical garden, desert animals, African wildlife, hours as of Sept. 1, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily, final admission at 4 p.m., 47-900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert, free parking. 346-5694, www.livingdesert.org

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: From Valley Station to Mountain Station on Mount San Jacinto, rotating cable cars rise 6,000 feet, offer spectacular views of the Coachella Valley, surrounding mountains. Hiking, camping, restaurants at top. Highway 111 and Tramway Road, Palm Springs. 325-1391, www.pstramway.com

Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument: Visitors Center, book store, desert garden, open daily, 51-500 Highway 74, Palm Desert. 862-9984

Children's Discovery Museum: Hands-on activities for kids, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday, 71-701 Gerald Ford Drive, Rancho Mirage. 321-0602, www.cdmod.org

Cabazon Cultural Museum: History of Cahuilla Indians, baskets, artifacts, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. 84-245 Indio Springs Drive at Fantasy Springs Casino, Indio. 342-2593, ext 3276

Agua Caliente Cultural Museum: History, culture of Cahuilla Indians, baskets, artifacts, photographs, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday, 219 S. Palm Canyon, Palm Springs. 323-0151.

Palm Springs Desert Museum: The Museum resumes normal operations as of Oct. 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; noon-8 p.m., Thursday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday; 101 Museum Drive, Palm Springs, 325-0189, www.psmuseum.org

Palm Springs Air Museum: One of world's largest collections of flyable World War II aircraft and memorabilia, vintage automobiles, large-scale model ships. 745 N. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. daily through Sept. 30. 778-6262, www.palmspringsairmuseum.org

VillageFest: Live entertainment, arts and crafts, food, farmers market, downtown Palm Springs on Palm Canyon Drive between Baristo and Amado roads, 6-10 p.m. Thursday, stores along the street stay open late. 320-3781

College of the Desert Street Fair: and Farmers' market, vendor booths, food booths, 7 a.m.- noon Saturday, Sunday, Fred Waring Drive and Monterey Avenue, Palm Desert. 568-9921, www.codstreetfair.com

First Friday On North Palm Canyon: Browse shops, restaurants, galleries in Palm Springs' Uptown Heritage District, North Palm Canyon Drive from Amado Road to Tachevah Drive, 4-9 p.m., first Friday of every month. 325-8979 or 778-8415

Indio Open Air Market: 4-10 p.m. Wednesday, Saturday, National Date Festival and Riverside County Fair grounds, 46-350 Arabia St., Indio, 50 cents; children age 12 and younger free, free parking. (800) 222-7467

Taos Society of Artists: Ernest and Jean Hahn and Augusta Morse Galleries, Denney Western American Art Wing, Palm Springs Desert Museum, 101 Museum Drive, Palm Springs, 325-0189, www.psmuseum.org

20th Century Sculpture: Weiner Sculpture Terrace, Barbara and Frank Sinatra Sculpture Court, James and Jackie Lee Houston Atrium, and Elrod and Marcuse Sculpture Gardens, Palm Springs Desert Museum, 101 Museum Drive, Palm Springs, 325-0189, www.psmuseum.org

Western American and Native American Art: Ernest and Jean Hahn, Kathleen and Ralph Waycott and Margaret and Michael W. McCarthy, Anne and Kirk Douglas, Augusta Morse, and Alexandra and Sidney Sheldon Galleries, Denney Western American Art Wing, Palm Springs Desert Museum, 101 Museum Drive, Palm Springs, 325-0189, www.psmuseum.org

Mesoamerica: Art from Ancient Lands: Marilyn and Bruce Throckmorton Gallery, Palm Springs Desert Museum, 101 Museum Drive, Palm Springs, 325-0189, www.psmuseum.orgq

Old Town StreetAffaire - Old Town LaQuinta -The 1st and 3rd Wednesday evening each month from 5:00 - 9:00PM. Enjoy an evening of strolling, shopping and dining at Street Affaire and dance in the streets to the sound of exciting entertainment. For more information call 777-9454.

Desert Art Center - Since 1950 550 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs (located in historical Frances Steven Park) Fine art gallery and studio featuring local artists representing a variety of Art. Changing shows of contemporary and traditional paintings, sculpture, photography, ceramics, glassware and prints. Art classes and workshops are held at the center for all skill levels taught by established artists. Hours are Tues-Sun 10 am -4 pm and First Fridays. The art association is a non-profit organization. New members are welcome. Call 323-7973 for information.

The Wine & Music Concert Series at the Gardens on El Paseo raises funds for different charities every Sat. evening. This weekly event begins at 5:30