Movies, Live Music, Events & Community Arts in Palm Springs
The Palm Springs Cultural Center is one of the city’s most dynamic gathering places—where film, live performance, art, and community all come together under one roof. A hub for creativity and connection in Palm Springs, a place shaped by both its Indigenous heritage and its ever-evolving arts scene.
From independent cinema and film festivals to live music, drag shows, and local markets, the Cultural Center offers a constantly evolving lineup of experiences for visitors and residents alike. It’s not just a venue—it’s a hub for creativity and connection in Palm Springs.
A Historic Theater Reimagined
The Cultural Center is rooted in the legacy of the historic Camelot Theatre, which opened in 1967 as a state-of-the-art cinema. Its debut screening of Doctor Zhivago set the stage for decades of film and cultural programming.
A second theater was added in 1971, expanding the complex and solidifying its role in Palm Springs’ entertainment scene. After closing in the early 1990s, the property was revived and eventually donated in 2016, leading to its transformation into the Palm Springs Cultural Center in 2018.
Today, the space blends historic character with a renewed mission: to serve as an inclusive, accessible center for arts and culture in the Coachella Valley.
A Year-Round Hub for Arts & Entertainment
What sets the Cultural Center apart is its sheer variety of programming. There’s almost always something happening—often several things at once.
Film & Festivals
The center is deeply connected to Palm Springs’ film culture, hosting screenings and special events and serving as a venue for major festivals, including the Palm Springs International Film Festival and the Palm Springs International ShortFest.
Cinema Diverse is dedicated to advancing and further strengthening our diverse gay community by establishing a world-class film festival that presents lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender cinema from around the world. It features an exciting and varied combination of Feature Films & Short Films from around the world, celebrating LGBTQ+ Cinema.
It also hosts themed screenings, retrospectives, and community film events throughout the year.
Live Music, Theater & Performances
From jazz nights and concerts to live theater and comedy, the Cultural Center offers an intimate venue experience where audiences are close to the action.
Programming often includes:
- Live music series (including jazz and special performances)
- Theater productions and staged readings
- Drag shows and variety performances
- Guest speakers and lecture events
It’s the kind of place where the schedule is always changing—in a good way.
Markets & Local Events
The Cultural Center regularly hosts:
- Certified Farmers' Market
- Artisan and maker markets
- Seasonal events like the popular Tiki Market
These events make the space feel less like a traditional venue and more like an active community gathering place.
A Space Built for Community
At its core, the Cultural Center is about connection. Its mission is to bring people together through shared cultural experiences—whether that’s watching a film, attending a performance, or browsing a local market.
The programming reflects Palm Springs itself: creative, inclusive, and always evolving.
Plan Your Visit
2300 E. Baristo Rd.
- Check the calendar for current events and showtimes
- Many events are ticketed, while others are free or community-based
- Ample parking is available on-site
Honoring Indigenous Culture & Desert Heritage
Palm Springs’ cultural identity is deeply connected to the traditions and history of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, whose ancestral lands encompass the region.
As a gathering place for storytelling, film, and creative expression, the Palm Springs Cultural Center continues the tradition of sharing perspectives and fostering understanding through culture.
Visitors interested in exploring this heritage further can experience it firsthand at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, where exhibits, artifacts, and immersive storytelling highlight the traditions and living culture of the Cahuilla people.
Together, these spaces reflect the full spectrum of Palm Springs culture—from its earliest roots to its evolving creative community today.
More Things to Do
Located just east of downtown, the Cultural Center is an easy addition to a day of exploring Palm Springs.
Explore Local Art - Continue your cultural experience by visiting art galleries and artist studios, or head downtown to visit the Palm Springs Art Museum.
Catch a Show: Discover Palm Springs Theater & Performing Arts Groups.
Local Events - View our event calendar
Music & Entertainment - Explore places to enjoy live music and entertainment.
Dine Nearby - From casual bites to full-service dining, you’ll find plenty of options a short drive away, and our Palm Springs dining guide will make it easy to pair an event with a meal.