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Events in Palm Springs

Palm Springs has a year-round events calendar covering festivals, concerts, film, art, architecture, sporting events, parades, food events, community celebrations, and weekly activities. The city specifically highlights the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Modernism Week, Tour de Palm Springs, Festival of Lights Parade, and Veterans Day Parade among its major recurring events. (City of Palm Springs)

1. VillageFest

When: Thursday evenings
Where: Downtown Palm Springs, primarily along Palm Canyon Drive

VillageFest is one of Palm Springs' most popular recurring events. Palm Canyon Drive becomes a pedestrian-oriented street fair with local vendors, artists, food, live entertainment, crafts, and merchandise. It is an easy event to combine with dinner and shopping downtown. (City of Palm Springs)

Best for: Visitors, families, shopping, food, and experiencing downtown at night.

Website: City of Palm Springs Event Calendar

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2. Palm Springs International Film Festival

When: Usually January
Where: Various theaters and venues throughout Palm Springs

The Palm Springs International Film Festival is one of the city's best-known annual cultural events. It brings together feature films, international cinema, documentaries, filmmakers, actors, industry professionals, screenings, and special events. The 2026 city calendar listed the 37th annual festival from January 2–11. (City of Palm Springs)

Best for: Film enthusiasts, celebrity events, independent cinema, and international movies.

Website: Palm Springs International Film Festival

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3. Modernism Week

When: Typically February
Where: Throughout Palm Springs

Modernism Week celebrates Palm Springs' famous midcentury-modern architecture, design, fashion, art, and lifestyle. Events can include home tours, architecture programs, lectures, parties, exhibitions, design showcases, and the popular Palm Springs Modernism Show.

It is one of the best events for understanding why Palm Springs is internationally recognized for its midcentury-modern architecture.

Best for: Architecture, design, history, photography, and Palm Springs culture.

Website: Modernism Week official website

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4. Tour de Palm Springs

When: Usually February
Where: Palm Springs and surrounding Coachella Valley

Tour de Palm Springs is a major cycling and community event offering routes for different abilities. It attracts cyclists and spectators while raising money for local charitable causes.

Activities can include cycling routes, community participation, vendors, entertainment, and family activities.

Best for: Cycling, fitness, families, and outdoor activities.

Website: Tour de Palm Springs official website

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5. Palm Springs International Jazz Festival

Palm Springs hosts jazz performances and music events throughout the year, with larger festivals and concert programs bringing established and emerging performers to the area.

Best for: Live music, evening entertainment, and jazz fans.

Website: Visit Palm Springs events information

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6. Palm Springs Pride

When: Usually November
Where: Downtown Palm Springs

Palm Springs Pride is a major LGBTQ+ celebration featuring a parade, live entertainment, parties, vendors, community organizations, and cultural programming. Downtown becomes the center of activity, making it one of the city's largest annual celebrations.

Best for: Parades, live music, community celebrations, nightlife, and visitors looking for a major citywide event.

Website: Greater Palm Springs Pride

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7. Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade

When: November
Where: Downtown Palm Springs

The Veterans Day Parade is a long-running Palm Springs tradition honoring military veterans. The city describes it as a nationally recognized event. The 2026 city calendar lists the 29th Annual Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade & Concert, with programming around November 11. (City of Palm Springs)

Best for: Families, military history, patriotic celebrations, and community events.

Website: City of Palm Springs Special Events

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8. Festival of Lights Parade

When: December
Where: Downtown Palm Springs

The Festival of Lights Parade is one of Palm Springs' major holiday traditions. Floats, marching groups, performers, decorated vehicles, and community organizations take part in an evening celebration.

Best for: Families, holiday activities, children, and visitors during the Christmas season.

Website: City of Palm Springs Special Events

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9. Palm Springs Power Baseball

When: Summer
Where: Palm Springs Stadium

Palm Springs Power provides summer collegiate baseball and is also incorporated into community events. The city calendar has included Palm Springs Power games as part of its summer programming. (City of Palm Springs)

Best for: Families, sports fans, and a relaxed evening activity.

Website: Palm Springs Power

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10. Holiday and Fourth of July Events

Palm Springs has several seasonal celebrations. The city's Fourth of July programming can include pool activities, baseball, concerts, and a fireworks spectacular. In 2026, the city calendar listed a concert in the park and fireworks on July 4. (City of Palm Springs)

Other seasonal activities include Halloween events, holiday celebrations, outdoor movies, and community gatherings. The city calendar shows events continuing throughout the fall, including a Festival of Frights in October. (City of Palm Springs)

Best for: Families and visitors looking for free or community-oriented activities.

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Major event locations

Palm Springs Convention Center

Palm Springs Convention Center

Address: 277 N Avenida Caballeros, Palm Springs, CA 92262

The Convention Center is the city's principal large-scale indoor event facility. It hosts conventions, trade shows, conferences, exhibitions, concerts, community events, and special programs. It is close to downtown hotels and restaurants.

Website: Palm Springs Convention Center

Downtown Palm Springs

Many of the city's public events take place around Palm Canyon Drive and downtown streets, particularly VillageFest, parades, festivals, and holiday celebrations.

Website: Visit Palm Springs Events

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Best times to visit for events

• January: Film Festival and winter cultural events

• February: Modernism Week and architecture/design events

• Spring: Outdoor festivals, art, music, and sporting events

• Summer: Baseball, concerts, pool events, and Fourth of July

• Fall: Halloween, cultural events, sporting events, and community festivals

• November: Palm Springs Pride and Veterans Day events

• December: Holiday events and Festival of Lights Parade

Palm Springs' event calendar changes frequently, so check the official calendar before making travel plans. The City of Palm Springs maintains a searchable calendar where you can select a particular month or search by event name. (City of Palm Springs)

Official event calendar: City of Palm Springs — Event Calendar

Official tourism events page: Visit Palm Springs — Events