Discover What’s New at the Palm Springs Cultural Center

Lights, Culture, Action!

The Palm Springs Cultural Center incubates, produces and encourages arts and cultural programs in order to leverage the unique power of creativity to open minds, bridge what divides us, and discover what connects us. The programing includes film festivals, farmers’ markets, liver performances, art installations and lecture series, among other events.

For those that may remember, the Palm Springs Cultural Center is housed in what was known as Camelot Theatre.  Owned by Ric and Rozene Supple, they gifted the property to the Palm Springs Cultural Center in 2017.

Tim Rains handles public relations for the Palm Springs Cultural Center, an organization that truly lives up to its name. Situated squarely at the intersection of entertainment and community, this mainstay of arts and activities is a beacon of great times.

Film & Theatre

“At our very core, we have our film program and it’s always been essential to the Palm Springs Cultural Center,” says Tim Rains, the PR Manager for the Center.  “We still have the original really, really big screen. You know, it’s one of the biggest screens in the valley.”

Films are screened throughout the year in a variety of formats from traditional, to sing-a-long, to virtual. The Center is also the main screening location for the Palm Springs ShortFest and the Cinema Diverse. They are introducing a new modern contemporary director series called Palm Springs Rewind. Each month it focuses on a contemporary director.

Tim beams as he bandies names like Tarantino, Wes Anderson and the Coen brothers before continuing, “We’re one of the only theaters in the valley that do show the independent films, and to come out and see them. It’s an opportunity to see things from foreign countries that may not hit the major releases. We really go out of our way to try to secure a lot of the LGBTQ+ films.”

Tim’s philosophy is that entertainment shouldn’t just be passive. “Taking a little leap of faith from film to slightly more interactive experiences, we do have the Summer Sing-Along series,” he says. “We’re partnering with the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus. So, it’s a benefit for both of us. And this year we’re adding a social hour.”

A new film program this summer is Movies in the Park, which takes place at the new downtown park in front of the Palm Springs Art Museum. They begin at sundown, or around 8pm. This is a free event. Check for dates.

Live Music & Concerts

Harmony swells in his soul as the topic turns to concerts. “If I had to say anything that really blossomed this last year, it’s our music program… people can come for happy hour upstairs in the VIP lounge from 5:00 to 7:30 pm, and enjoy quality live music from talented musicians. One of the unique things about this town, and that people may not be aware, is that there are legends that have retired here and they’re just looking to hang out and play music. And the quality, I’m blown away by some of the quality of entertainment we provide.”

On Monday’s, the Mon Petit Salon is a musical space that offers an eclectic mix of improvised world music. Rains singles out Jeremie Levi Samson in particular. “He is a master violinist. He is a virtuoso. If you ever hear him play, it’s like water on strings. And his talent is incredible.” Samson plays a style of gypsy jazz and often pairs with guest artists. “If you ever want to be blown away and just have a transcended experience, just come, listen to them play.”

Keisha D lights up the stage for Soulful Sunday with the sounds of Rhythm & Blues.

See all the Special Events.

Supporting Artists

As your ears caress the multitude of mirthful sounds swirling through the Cultural Center, don’t forget to feast your eyes! The visual arts pulse with perfection throughout the space, and Rains is eager to emcee their triumphant appeal.

“The latest art exhibition is Tysen Knight. He’s a beloved artist of Palm Springs. He’s responsible for a lot of the benches downtown. And so, we’re going to be showcasing his latest work, which is called Masterpiece Mashup. He takes Picasso and other artwork like that, and does a graffiti, street version of them. And we’re going to show two of his documentaries to talk about it. One for the opening reception at beginning of July and one for the closing reception. But people can come anytime during the month of July and come upstairs to our VIP lounge and check out his phenomenal artwork. I mean, you’ve probably sat upon his artwork (colorful benches) when you’re downtown.”

Mildred’s Cafe

And what’s more social than sipping on your favorite adult beverage? “We have a full bar. We have our Mildred’s Café happy hour menu, which has all the comfort foods you could possibly love… I will say this: having had a lot of fries in the valley, we do have the crispiest fries.”

Noshing is natural at another Cultural Center collaborative initiative, a group called Among Friends, “Which is like Rocky Horror style interactive films.” Fans can indulge in foodie events themed to the film and, more importantly, they can croon along with the mayhem and musicals playing on the big screen. “There’s just nothing quite like being in a theater when everyone’s singing,” Tim exclaims.

Community Markets

Visit the Certified Farmers Market on Saturdays from 8am – 1pm. This outdoor market is a great way to pick up locally sourced fruit and produce. (It moves indoors during the summer at 401 S Pavilion Way, June – Sept.).

The ever popular Palm Springs Vintage Market is the first Sunday of the Month, 7am – 2pm, October – May.  (closed June – Sept.) This specializes in midcentury modern era items, for which Palm Springs is known.

Community Commitment

The Palm Springs Cultural Center is a nonprofit organization, and at their very core, they serve the community.  Their goal is to reach and serve a diverse population both of residents, and visitors.  A cornerstone of culture is celebration. Camelot Society Members share a commitment to the mission through their support.

Palm Springs Cultural Center – 2300 E Baristo Road