Welcome to TUG!
I live in the area. There is more to do and see than time will allow.
October is when the golf courses are over-seeded. Bermuda grass is replaced with Rye. Some courses will be closed. Many will be open during your stay. However, if allergic to grass pollens, bring your medicine. It will be in the air, everywhere.
Best prices valley-wide can be had 24 hours in advance of play, by calling 760- 321-book. Typical discount is 50%.
Desert Willows Golf Resort, located across from JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa on Country Club Drive, is owned and managed by the City of Palm Desert. Unique, award winning, beautiful desert-scape courses are a must play, one of a kind experience.
While there, stop in to City Wok at the adjacent shopping center. Great Chinese food, fresh ingredients, cooked to order. Take out also.
Several independent restaurants I recommend:
Only Omri - Hwy 111, Palm Desert. California/Mediterranean. fogedabodet!
Shame on The Moon, Frank Sinatra Drive , just off Hwy 111, Rancho Mirage.
Piano, cocktails, patio, varied excellent menu, fine dining, pleasant service.
Fusion One Eleven. Not much to look at from the street, located in a strip center on Hwy 111, Palm Desert, Very good late night dining.
Europa - at Villa Royale in Palm Springs. Continental. Intimate dining room, or outdoor patio. Wine aficionados love it.
Everything else you want to know (and some things you did not know you wanted to know) can be found here:
http://www.palmspringsusa.com/events-partners.cfm
http://www.palmspringslife.com/medi...-Events/Palm-Springs-Popular-Events/index.php
Have fun!
Fredm