Swing ‘N Hops kicks up its heels on El Paseo on February 3, 2018 making a fun-filled return to the “Rodeo Drive of the desert” for its third year as a PD First Weekend featured event. This outdoor street party celebrating swing dance, craft beer, and art begins at noon on Saturday, February 3, El Paseo will be closed between San Pablo Avenue and Larkspur Lane, for the free five-hour dance party that transports guests to a time when swing was king.
 
The Jennifer Keith Quintet is back, providing music that will have everyone jitterbugging and Lindy hopping all afternoon. For swing newbies, free dance instruction will be available at the event. Attendees are encouraged to revive the glamour of the swing era by wearing fun fashion representative of the 1920s through 1940s. Hair stylists and retro headbands will be available to help the ladies with their pin-up victory rolls. There will be a costume contest at 2:00 p.m. and a swing dance contest at 3:30 p.m. with prizes provided by El Paseo retailers including Uno de 50, Savory Spice Shop, Pacifica, Body Deli, L’Occitane, Spectacular Shades, Cactus Flower Shoes, BG’s, Bare Minerals, and more! 
 
A white picket fence around the event will allow attendees to mingle and enjoy their hops rather than being confined to a beer garden. Local brews from Coachella Valley Brewing Company, La Quinta Brewing Company, and Babe's Bar-B-Que & Brewhouse will be available for purchase. In addition to a multitude of food and retail vendors, party goers will be able to get creative at interactive art exhibits throughout the event and check out classic autos from the swing era courtesy of El Paseo Cruise Night.
 
For more information on Swing ‘N Hops and all other First Weekend events, click here.

Other February First Weekend Events Include:
El Paseo Cruise Night
Friday, February 02, 2018, 3-6 p.m.
The Gardens on El Paseo
Get a close-up look at lovingly cared for cars on the upper level of The Gardens on El Paseo parking structure, then watch them cruise the street between Highway 74 and Portola.
 
El Paseo Art Walk
Friday, February 02, 2018, 4-7 p.m.
El Paseo Art Galleries 
A self-guided tour of El Paseo’s art galleries – featuring exhibit openings, artist receptions, and more! 

Cuistot Extended Happy Hour
Friday, February 02, 2018, 4-9 p.m.
Cuistot Restaurant
Enjoy all-night happy hour at Cuistot on El Paseo every first Friday of the month. The special hours and prices are available in the bar and veranda of Cuistot's Restaurant. 

First Friday at The Galen
Friday, February 02, 2018, 4-9 p.m.
Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert
A free-to-all celebration with live music in the outdoor Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden. Docent tours of the current exhibition. Wine and beer from Cuistot will be available for purchase at 5:30 p.m. 

College of the Desert Street Fair
Saturday, February 03 – Sunday, February 04, 2018, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
College of the Desert
For over 30 years, this premiere open-air shopping experience has been a popular destination for visitors and residents alike! Offering more than 300 booths featuring artists, farmer’s market, boutiques, unique items, live entertainment, gourmet food and more. 

Desert Mountains Art Faire
Saturday, February 03, 2018, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center
Support local artists and find beautiful and unique gifts and desert mementos while enjoying the natural beauty of our desert mountains! Mediums may include photography, paintings, ceramics and more. 

Palm Desert Civic Center Park Public Art Tour
Saturday, February 03, 2018, 9-10 a.m.
Take a free, guided walking tour of the public art collection at Palm Desert Civic Center Park as part of Palm Desert's inspiring and fun filled weekend of art and culture. The tour begins in front of the Messenger of the Pul statue, located at the south entrance to the park off of Fred Waring. 

Desert Mountains Art Faire
Saturday, February 03, 2018, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center
Support local artists and find beautiful and unique gifts and desert mementos while enjoying the natural beauty of our desert mountains! Mediums may include photography, paintings, ceramics and more.

The Gardens 20th Annual Concert Series
Saturday, February 03, 2018, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
The Gardens on El Paseo
Join The Gardens on El Paseo for the 20th Annual Concert Series presented by Hotel Paseo. The concert takes place on the Center Lawn of The Gardens with ticket sales and wine reception preceding the concert. A $15 ticket purchase helps benefit local charities, and includes 2 glasses of wine and lite bites. Tickets go on sale at 4:30pm the day of the concert. Wine service starts at 5:15pm, with entertainment beginning at 6pm.  Performance by Lisa & The Gents benefiting YMCA of the Desert

Jazz for Jazz Lovers Concert*
Saturday, February 03, 2018, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Pete Carlson's Golf and Tennis
Featuring Gilbert Castellanos Quintet.
*Cost is $30 per person. 

Palms to Pines, What Happens in the High Desert?
Saturday, February 03, 2018, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Dramatic elevation changes in Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains give rise to five life zones, homes to a diverse array of plants and animals of Upper Sonoran and Transition Life Zones.