Palm Springs Events Guide
Palm Springs events reflect the city’s creative spirit, cultural diversity, and love of gathering under the desert sun. From world-class music festivals and film premieres to art walks, pride celebrations, food festivals, and seasonal traditions, Palm Springs offers one of Southern California’s most vibrant year-round event calendars.
Shaped by Hollywood history, midcentury modern design, the living culture of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, and a welcoming LGBTQ+ community, Palm Springs has long been a destination where people come together to celebrate creativity, identity, and place. Events here are as much about atmosphere and setting as they are about programming — think mountain backdrops, palm-lined streets, open-air venues, and unforgettable desert sunsets.
👉 Browse all Palm Springs events
Arts, Culture & Design Events
Creativity is woven into daily life in Palm Springs, and the city’s arts and culture events reflect its deep connection to design, architecture, and storytelling.
Events such as Modernism Week, Palm Springs Art Museum exhibitions, gallery openings, public art celebrations, lectures, and performances showcase the city’s design legacy and contemporary creative voices. Plus, there's something happening almost every night at the beautiful and historic Plaza Theatre.
👉 Arts & Culture Events in Palm Springs
👉 See the List of Art & Galleries
👉 See the List of Theatres & Performing Arts
🎬 Film, Television & Entertainment Events
With deep roots in Hollywood history, Palm Springs continues to play a major role in film culture. The city hosts high-profile premieres, celebrity-attended screenings, and film festivals that attract global attention.
Highlights include the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Palm Springs ShortFest, classic film screenings, and industry events that celebrate both emerging voices and established talent.
👉 Film & Performance Events in Palm Springs
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ Events & Pride Celebrations
Palm Springs is one of the most welcoming LGBTQ+ destinations in the world, and its event calendar reflects that spirit year-round. From large-scale pride celebrations to pool parties, dance events, and cultural gatherings, LGBTQ+ events are central to the city’s identity.
Major annual events include Greater Palm Springs Pride, which takes place in early November and is followed by a big Halloween bash in the Arenas District, Palm Springs' Castro Street. Here you can enjoy many events and nightlife throughout the year.
👉 LGBTQ+ Events in Palm Springs
Food, Drink & Culinary Events
Palm Springs’ dining scene extends beyond restaurants into festivals, tastings, and chef-driven experiences. Food and drink events celebrate local flavors, international cuisine, craft cocktails, and desert-grown ingredients.
Popular culinary events include Palm Springs Food & Wine Festival, Restaurant Week, pop-up dinners, tequila and mezcal tastings, and seasonal celebrations centered around the city’s vibrant patio culture.
👉 Food & Drink Events in Palm Springs
VillageFest: Palm Springs’ Weekly Street Festival (Every Thursday)
VillageFest is one of Palm Springs’ most beloved traditions and a must-experience weekly event. Held every Thursday evening along Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs, this free, lively street fair transforms the city’s main thoroughfare into a walkable celebration of local culture, food, music, and community.
What You’ll Find at VillageFest
VillageFest brings together over 180 vendors each week, offering a diverse mix of experiences:
- Local artisans and handcrafted goods
- Street food vendors and pop-up eateries
- Fresh produce, dates, and regional specialties
- Live music, street performers, and family-friendly entertainment
For food-focused visitors, VillageFest is a chance to sample Palm Springs’ casual dining scene in one place, alongside easy access to nearby restaurants, cocktail lounges, and patios.
Seasonal & Holiday Events
Palm Springs transforms with the seasons, offering special events throughout the year, from winter celebrations and spring festivals to summer pool parties like Splash House, and fall cultural gatherings.
Seasonal favorites include holiday parades, Fourth of July fireworks, Halloween events, New Year’s celebrations, and wintertime festivals that take advantage of the city’s peak travel season.
👉 Seasonal & Holiday Events in Palm Springs
Start Planning Your Palm Springs Event Experience
Whether you’re visiting for a festival weekend, planning a group trip, or building a longer stay around a signature event, Palm Springs rewards advance planning. Many popular events sell out early, and peak weekends often coincide with high hotel demand.
Exploring events by date, theme, or interest can help you create an itinerary that balances performances, dining, relaxation, and outdoor adventure.
👉 Browse all upcoming Palm Springs events
👉 Palm Springs Event This Weekend
👉 Palm Springs Signature Events
Explore More Palm Springs Event Guides
- Best Spots for Live Music in Palm Springs
- Palm Springs Pride Days
- Modernism Week & Architecture Events
- Palm Springs International Film Festival
- Palm Springs Holidays Events
Palm Springs Events FAQ
What kind of events is Palm Springs known for?
Palm Springs is known for film festivals, modern design celebrations, LGBTQ+ pride events, drag shows, stage and music events, and seasonal outdoor gatherings.
Is Palm Springs a year-round event destination?
Yes. While spring and fall are peak seasons, Palm Springs hosts events throughout the year, including summer pool parties and winter parades.
Are Palm Springs events family-friendly?
Many events are family-friendly, especially cultural festivals, holiday celebrations, and daytime activities. Others are adults-only, such as many of the lounge entertainment events, so it’s best to check event details.
When is the busiest event season in Palm Springs?
Spring (February–April) is the busiest, driven by major festivals and peak travel season. Fall and winter also feature popular events.
Do I need tickets in advance?
For theatres and popular events, advance tickets are strongly recommended.
