The Coachella Valley’s premier intellectual forum is gearing up for another landmark season. For over thirty years, Desert Town Hall has transformed the desert into a global stage, hosting everyone from presidents to Pulitzer Prize winners. This week, Andy Clark joined Fred Roggin to pull back the curtain on the highly anticipated 2026 Speaker Series.
The 2026 season kicks off on January 18th and promises a mix of national security insights, high-stakes political reporting, and artistic storytelling. The roster includes:
KT McFarland (Jan 18): Former U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor.
Bret Baier (Feb 12): Chief Political Anchor for Fox News.
Platon (Mar 2): A world-renowned photographer who has captured more world leaders than anyone in history and a verified "fan favorite" from a decade ago.
Ben Shapiro & Van Jones (Mar 26): A grand finale featuring a "spirited debate" between two of the most prominent opposing voices in American media.
Beyond the main stage, the Youth Town Hall remains the heart of the organization’s mission. The program invites 150 students from 22 local high schools for each event. These "young ambassadors" enjoy a private session with the speakers, followed by dinner and a satellite viewing of the main presentation. Andy Clark emphasized that this exposure is life-changing for Valley students, fostering a unique environment where the youth can engage directly with global pioneers.
Tickets for the four-event series start at $450, with full dinner and Q&A packages available for $1,500. As the series traditionally sells out, organizers encourage residents and students interested in the ambassador program to apply through their schools soon.
By: NBC Palm Springs
December 18, 2025
