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Immerse Your Meeting Group in Palm Springs’ Cultural Experiences

agua caliente tribal member

Want a meeting destination that offers your group cultural experiences unlike any other? Look no further than the Palm Springs Convention Center (PSCC).

The History of the Agua Caliente Indians – Hot Mineral Springs

agua caliente bath house
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians have been conscientious keepers of the Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Springs, located in downtown Palm Springs. The name “Palm Springs” is derived from these hot springs and the grove of indigenous palm trees that surrounded it. The water from the Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring is estimated to be upwards of 12,000 years old and is truly unique as it contains a mineral make-up that has not been found anywhere else in the world. For the Tribe, the springs are a source of deeper healing. Sec he is a place to recharge and connect with the place and the spirits.

Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza

agua caliente cultural_plaza

The new Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza will be an exciting hub for cultural tourism that features a new Agua Caliente Cultural Museum. It will also include The Spa at Séc-he that celebrates the sacred Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring. Additional features include a Gathering Plaza, gardens and an Oasis Trail. The new cultural plaza is located at the corner of N. Indian Canyon Drive and E. Tahquitz Canyon Way in downtown Palm Springs.

Learn more about the new and upcoming cultural attractions for groups to experience around the PSCC.

Events at the Palm Springs Cultural Center

cultural center

The Palm Springs Cultural Center includes a wide range of programs including film festivals, farmers’ markets, live performances, art installations and lecture series.

The Center serves as a community hub for diversity, inclusion and entertainment while fulfilling a mission to nurture, produce and encourage arts and cultural programs—believing they can be transformative and are vital to the overall health and productivity of our community.

Located on the Center campus is Camelot Theatre. The three-screen movie house and entertainment complex is known to be one of the desert’s premier movie theater and is part of the citywide Palm Springs International Film Festival.

Learn more more about the Palm Springs Cultural Center and their programming.

Experience Culture at the Palm Springs Art Museum

palm-springs-art-museum-gallery
Credit: Palm Springs Art Museum

Founded in 1938, the Palm Springs Art Museum is dedicated to creating memorable and inspiring interactions through educational and cultural opportunities. Located in downtown Palm Springs, the museum’s extensive permanent collection includes significant works by western, contemporary and glass artists, and features temporary exhibitions from internationally acclaimed artists.

Discover the new Palm Springs downtown park in front of the museum and and stay hollo to the Marilyn Monroe.

Street Names Paint a Picture of Palm Springs’ Past

Historic-Tennis-Club-Neighborhood-sign-ModTraveler
Credit: Mod Traveler

The streets of Palm Springs tell it all. As your group strolls, bikes and drives through the city, be sure to note some of the street names—many of which include a plethora of business savvy Elders of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.

Just to name a few…

Arenas Road – Named for Lee Arenas, whose lawsuit, Arenas vs. United States, resulted in the 1944 U.S. Supreme Court ruling granting tribal members the right to own and sell individual parcels of Tribal land—ushering in dramatic city growth and allowing the City of Palm Springs to buy the Tribal acreage that houses the Palm Springs International Airport (PSP).

Patencio Road – Honors the principals of the Patencio family, one of the oldest families of the Agua Caliente Tribe.

Pablo Drive – Honors Will Pablo, who in 1914 collaborated with ethnographers and documented much of what has become the modern understanding of the Cahuilla culture.

See more street names and the game-changing Cahuilla Elders they honor.

Palm Springs Cultural Outdoor Oasis

Located just minutes from downtown Palm Springs and on Agua Caliente tribal land, the Indian Canyons are a must-see for meeting groups wanting a historical and recreational cultural experience. Undisturbed natural beauty is combined with remarkably easy access to the three distinct canyons—including Murray Canyon, Andreas Canyon and Palm Canyon. The Indian Canyons are sacred land for the Agua Caliente people and have valuable historical significance for them. This culturally sensitive environment is open to the public for wonderful outdoor recreation and group experiences.

hiking in Indian Canyons Palm Springs
Andreas Canyon

Tahquitz Canyon offers a spectacular 60-foot waterfall. The Visitor Center is centrally located at 500 W Mesquite Ave.

tahquitz canyon waterfall

Add some adventure to your group’s cultural experience on horseback. Smoke Tree Stables can provide your group with a picturesque horseback ride through Andreas or Murray Canyon. Better yet, custom-design a group adventure and include entertainment options, picnic lunches or a western cookout.

smoke tree stables andreas canyon

Year-Round Cultural Events

VillageFest takes place in downtown Palm Springs on Palm Canyon Drive every Thursday night. It brings local the valley community together to celebrate culture, food, entertainment, art and shopping—all in one iconic destination made for group experiences.

villagefest

Meet at the PSCC during Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15). Palm Springs is proud to celebrate the cultures, contributions and resilience of Latinx, Hispanic and Latino-identified communities and promote education about multiculturalism and the history of the countless contributions.

Groups also have the opportunity to attend the annual Native Film Festival in March starring Native Americans and other indigenous people.

Gaming and entertainment is also offered daily at the Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs.

Learn more about all the events happening in Palm Springs and see what you could experience during your next meeting at the PSCC.

PS We ♡ to Offer Cultural Experiences to Your Meetings!

The event services team at the Palm Springs Convention Center will work closely with you to achieve success during your next meeting, event or convention.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning the Palm Springs Convention Center today!

[Contact Us]           [Submit Your RFP]

Palm Springs Convention Center

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