Palm Springs, CA
There’s something electric about early evening in the Coachella Valley when the air is warm, the light is golden, and people gather to celebrate community. The 2025 Business Expo & Taste of Palm Springs—hosted by the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce on the evening of September 17 at the historic North Indian Canyons Golf Resort—felt like the perfect symphony of business, food, and culture. Over 100 local businesses, more than 50 restaurants, live entertainment, tastings of wine and beer, all framed by the rugged beauty of the San Jacinto Mountains—it was a feast for every sense.
Walking through the tents, I was greeted by familiar faces and new names. I sampled Sherman’s brisket, which was smoky and tender; Alice B’s red pepper jam, tangy and imaginative; and the monster cookie from Hot Cookie, which I admit I hoarded a few extra of to take home. These little bites felt like love letters to our valley’s culinary spirit. It wasn’t just about food though—the business side was alive and well. I connected with the folks from Desert Works Theater about their upcoming season. I even managed to get a flu and COVID shot thanks to Desert Care Network’s booth, all in one evening.
Music lifted the atmosphere. The tribute band for Prince reminded us with every note why live performance still holds power—when a crowd listens, moves, and shares a moment together. As dusk fell behind those mountain silhouettes, the lights, the laughter, the clinking glasses—it all wove into a tapestry of what Palm Springs does best: bringing people together.
If there’s one thing to take from this evening, it’s this: mark your calendar for next year. The Business Expo & Taste is more than a showcase; it’s a reminder that business, art, food, and connection flourish when we gather—not just for commerce, but for joy.
The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce serves as a vital engine for business and community growth in the Coachella Valley. Established in 1937, it works to aggressively promote business through networking opportunities, educational programs, and community initiatives that uplift both long-standing enterprises and emerging ventures. They advocate for business-friendly policies while also creating spaces for connection among local merchants, nonprofit groups, and civic leaders—because when one part of the valley thrives, the whole region benefits.