PALM SPRINGS - When: October-May 6 to 10 p.m. June - September 7 to 10 p.m.  Location: Palm Canyon Drive from Baristo to Amado.

Villagefest opens up the streets to celebrating on Thursday nights with a festival of sights, sounds, free entertainment and late night shopping at many stores. This weekly program takes place in downtown Palm Springs.

Palm Springs Thursdays VillageFest invites visitors to join locals in beautiful downtown Palm Springs on Thursday evenings for the valley's fun event. Every Thursday evening you'll discover a street party of sorts ... entertainment, activities and attractions include: music, art, crafts, food, vendors. The event is dog-friendly, too!

Villagefest began over 15 years ago and contineud to grow in popularity. On each block there is street entertainment and over 200 vendors selling art, handcrafted items and foods ranging from appetizers to sandwiches and entrees. Palm Springs outdoor cafes come alive at night, making great entertainment as you watch shoppers stroll by.

Stroll along Palm Canyon Drive as the sun sets, maybe taking in a romantic ride in the horse-drawn carriage, or watching the kids climb the rock wall. 

A unique program, BOLT (Business Open Late Thursday) suggests that you look for stores with a bolt sticker in the window signifying they stay open late on Thursdays