This October, the high desert’s creative spirit takes center stage as the HWY 62 Open Studio Art Tours returns, inviting art lovers to explore the studios, landscapes, and communities surrounding Joshua Tree National Park. Now in its 22nd year, the annual event transforms the desert into an immersive cultural experience, blending nature, art, and music in unforgettable ways.
Over 200 artists will open their doors across nearly 150 studios spanning the Morongo Basin, from Yucca Valley to Twentynine Palms. Visitors are encouraged to take self-guided tours during three weekends — October 4–5, 11–12, and 18–19 — meeting artists, seeing works-in-progress, and experiencing the magic of art in the very spaces where it is created.
“For over 20 years, the HWY 62 Art Tours has been where the desert’s creative energy meets community,” said Art Tours Coordinator John Henson. “This year’s Collective Exhibition and After Dark concerts deepen that connection, creating new ways for people to experience the art and spirit of the Joshua Tree area.”
Art by Day, Music by Night
The festivities begin with the Art Tours Collective Exhibition at the new Hi-Desert Artists Center in Yucca Valley, offering a curated preview of participating artists’ work. Open through October 19, 2025, the exhibition is sponsored by the Town of Yucca Valley and provides a perfect way to plan your studio visits.
Once the sun sets, the creative energy shifts to the stage with Art Tours After Dark, a series of 40+ live music performances across the Morongo Basin. Local bands and musicians will perform at beloved desert venues including Joshua Tree Saloon, Art Queen, Giant Rock Meeting Room, The Palms Restaurant, Red Dog Saloon, and Kitchen in the Desert. With art by day and music by night, the tours highlight the desert’s thriving arts and music scene in equal measure.
A Community Celebration
Presented by the Morongo Basin Cultural Arts Council (MBCAC) and supported in part by the California Arts Council, the HWY 62 Open Studio Art Tours is made possible through the sponsorship of Visit 29 Palms. Their support ensures that every aspect of the event — from the studio tours to the concerts — remains free and accessible to the community.
The tours have long served as a vital bridge between artists and audiences, fostering meaningful connections and celebrating creativity in one of California’s most inspiring landscapes.
Plan Your Visit
The event is free and open to the public, but given its scale, visitors are encouraged to plan ahead. Tour catalogs and a free event app are available at hwy62arttours.org, along with information on locations, schedules, and resources to help design your route.