The Palm Springs International Film Festival returns January 7–18, 2027, bringing filmmakers, actors, industry professionals, and movie lovers from around the world to Palm Springs for nearly two weeks of cinema, conversation, and special events.
The festival's 38th edition will feature an international lineup of films, filmmaker conversations, special presentations, and events culminating in the prestigious Palm Springs International Film Awards & Gala.
2027 Palm Springs International Film Festival
- Dates: January 7–18, 2027
- Film Awards: January 7, 2027
- Location: Palm Springs Convention Center for the Film Awards Gala
- Tickets/Passes: Now on sale
What Is the Palm Springs International Film Festival?
The Palm Springs International Film Festival is one of the desert's signature annual cultural events and one of Southern California's largest film festivals. Presented by the Palm Springs International Film Society, the festival celebrates international cinema and provides audiences with opportunities to discover films from around the world.
The festival brings together a broad mix of feature films, documentaries, international productions, and other cinematic works. Screenings are complemented by filmmaker Q&As, conversations, and special events that give audiences a chance to learn more about the people and creative work behind the films.
For visitors, the festival offers a chance to experience Palm Springs alongside an international film community while seeing movies that may not yet have a wide theatrical release.
When Is the Palm Springs International Film Festival?
The festival traditionally takes place in January, making it an important part of Palm Springs' winter cultural calendar. The 2027 Palm Springs International Film Festival runs January 7–18.
The festival opens with the Palm Springs International Film Awards & Gala, then continues with film screenings and other programming throughout the festival. Because January is one of Palm Springs' most popular times to visit, the festival can affect hotel availability and rates. If you're planning to attend, we recommend booking your accommodations early.
What Happens at the Film Festival?
The festival is much more than a single awards ceremony. Throughout the event, audiences can attend screenings of films from filmmakers and production companies around the world. Many screenings include opportunities to hear directly from filmmakers, actors, or other members of the creative team.
Festival programming changes from year to year, but visitors can generally expect a mix of:
- Feature films
- International cinema
- Documentaries
- Special screenings and presentations
- Filmmaker and cast Q&As
- Conversations and industry events
- The Palm Springs International Film Awards & Gala
The Film Society announces the annual program, so check the official festival website for the current lineup and schedule.
The Palm Springs International Film Awards & Gala
The Palm Springs International Film Awards & Gala is one of the festival's most prominent events. The evening celebrates outstanding achievements in film and regularly attracts internationally recognized actors, directors, and filmmakers. It has also become an important stop on the awards-season calendar, with past honorees including some of the biggest names in contemporary cinema.
The gala features awards presentations, a red-carpet arrival, and an opportunity for the film community to celebrate the year's notable performances and creative achievements.
The 2027 Film Awards & Gala takes place January 7 at the Palm Springs Convention Center.
The list of annual honorees and award recipients changes each year. For current 2027 honorees, awards, and gala information, visit the official Palm Springs International Film Festival website.
Why Is the Festival Important to Palm Springs?
Film has been part of Palm Springs' cultural identity for decades, and the International Film Festival has helped establish the city as an important destination for cinema and the creative arts. The festival also brings an international audience to Palm Springs during the city's winter season. Visitors can combine film screenings and festival events with Palm Springs' architecture, restaurants, museums, galleries, spas, and outdoor activities.
For filmmakers and industry professionals, the festival provides opportunities to present their work to audiences and connect with other members of the international film community. For movie lovers, it offers the chance to see a wide range of films and participate in conversations that aren't part of a typical moviegoing experience.
Palm Springs is also home to film events year-round, including festivals and programs celebrating LGBTQ+ cinema, film noir, and other aspects of the art form. Explore our Film Festivals in Palm Springs guide for a look at cinema events beyond January's International Film Festival.
How to Attend the Palm Springs International Film Festival
You can participate in the festival in several ways, depending on the current year's program.
Individual tickets allow visitors to attend specific film screenings and events.
Festival passes provide access to multiple screenings and can be a good option for visitors planning to see several films during their stay. Pass levels and benefits vary each year.
Some special events, including the Film Awards & Gala, have separate ticketing and seating arrangements.
Tickets, passes, pricing, screening locations, and on-sale dates change annually. Visit the official festival website for the most current information before planning your schedule.
Planning Your Palm Springs Film Festival Visit
The festival takes place during Palm Springs' peak winter travel season, so plan ahead.
- Book your hotel early. January is a popular month in Palm Springs, and festival dates can increase demand for accommodations.
- Plan your screenings before you arrive. Once the annual schedule is released, review the lineup and build your itinerary around the films and events you want to see.
- Allow time between screenings. Festival programming can take you to different venues, so leave enough time to travel, find parking, and get seated.
- Explore Palm Springs between films. The festival makes a great centerpiece for a longer Palm Springs getaway. Spend your free time visiting the Palm Springs Art Museum, exploring midcentury architecture, hiking Indian Canyons, relaxing by the pool, or enjoying the city's restaurants and nightlife.
- Make restaurant reservations. Popular restaurants can be busy during festival dates, particularly in the evenings and on weekends.
Stay in Palm Springs for the Festival
Staying in Palm Springs puts you close to the festival's events while giving you easy access to everything else the city offers. You'll find midcentury modern resorts, boutique hotels, historic properties, full-service resorts, and vacation rentals throughout the city.
Use our Places to Stay Guide to explore accommodations, or see our Best Areas to Stay in Palm Springs guide to find the neighborhood that best fits your trip.
Palm Springs International Film Festival FAQ
When is the Palm Springs International Film Festival?
The 2027 Palm Springs International Film Festival takes place January 7–18, 2027. The Palm Springs International Film Awards & Gala is scheduled for January 7.
Where is the Palm Springs International Film Festival held?
The festival uses venues throughout Palm Springs for film screenings and events. The 2027 Film Awards & Gala will be held at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Check the official festival schedule for current screening locations.
What kind of movies are shown at the Palm Springs International Film Festival?
The festival presents a diverse selection of international films, feature films, documentaries, and other cinematic works. The lineup changes each year, and the Palm Springs International Film Society announces it.
Can the public attend the Palm Springs International Film Festival?
Yes. The festival offers individual tickets and festival passes, allowing the public to attend screenings and other programming. Some special events have separate ticketing.
What is the Palm Springs International Film Awards & Gala?
The Palm Springs International Film Awards & Gala is a major annual event recognizing achievements in film. It attracts prominent actors, directors, and filmmakers and takes place at the beginning of the festival.
When are tickets for the Palm Springs International Film Festival available?
Ticket and pass on-sale dates vary by year. For the 2027 festival, festival passes and Film Awards seats and tables are currently on sale. Visit the official festival website for current ticket availability and additional information.
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