Never a spot to shun the spotlight, Palm Springs is synonymous with sunshine, sophistication, and a vibrant cultural scene. Beyond its luxury resorts, iconic mid-century modern architecture, and stunning desert landscapes, this oasis in the Coachella Valley is also home or within close proximity to some of the country's most celebrated festivals. Whether you're a film buff, music lover, architecture aficionado, or culinary enthusiast, there's sure to be a fete to explore amidst this captivating desert playground. Here's your definitive guide to the best annual festivals in Palm Springs.
Palm Springs International Film Festival
Where: Various venues across Palm Springs, including Palm Springs Convention Center
When: January 2026, dates TBD
When: January 2026, dates TBD
A staple on the global film festival circuit, the Palm Springs International Film Festival is where award season kicks off. Renowned for its impeccable curation of international films, star-studded Film Awards Gala, and insightful panel discussions, this festival attracts some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Film lovers can expect screenings of some of the best indie and foreign-language films before they hit major theaters or streaming platforms.
Modernism Week
Where: Various locations throughout Palm Springs
When: February 12-22, 2026 (Fall Preview October 16-19, 2025)
When: February 12-22, 2026 (Fall Preview October 16-19, 2025)
Where else but Palm Springs would you find a biannual celebration of all things mid-century modern, including showcases for architecture, interior design, art, and culture? This 11-day festival celebrates the city's architectural legacy with exclusive home tours, expert-led discussions, vintage shopping events, and social gatherings. While the main Modernism Week program highlights Palm Springs' February calendar, a scaled-down fall preview occurs every October. For even passive fans of the design movement, Modernism Week is an absolute must.
Fashion Week El Paseo
Where: The Gardens on El Paseo, Palm Desert
When: March 2026, Dates TBD
When: March 2026, Dates TBD
Billed as the West Coast's largest fashion event, Fashion Week El Paseo delivers a dazzling spectacle of runway shows, designer showcases, and chic after-parties. This is where luxury meets style, with appearances from top fashion designers, trendsetting boutiques, and high-end retailers. Held at the Gardens on El Paseo, one of the Coachella Valley's premier retail centers, if you're looking for an excuse to upgrade your wardrobe while sampling some of the region's most upscale dining, this is it.
Desert X
Where: Various locations throughout the Coachella Valley, including S Palm Canyon Drive and W Tramview Road in Palm Springs
When: March 8–May 11, 2025
As unique and memorable as the desert valley it calls home, avant-garde art is on full, unapologetic display in this biennial exhibition. Desert X features large-scale, site-specific art installations scattered across the landscape, inviting visitors to explore thought-provoking works that interact with the natural surroundings. The 2025 lineup promises even more groundbreaking pieces from contemporary artists worldwide, with two installations in Palm Springs.
When: March 8–May 11, 2025
As unique and memorable as the desert valley it calls home, avant-garde art is on full, unapologetic display in this biennial exhibition. Desert X features large-scale, site-specific art installations scattered across the landscape, inviting visitors to explore thought-provoking works that interact with the natural surroundings. The 2025 lineup promises even more groundbreaking pieces from contemporary artists worldwide, with two installations in Palm Springs.
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
Where: Empire Polo Club, Indio
When: April 11–13 and April 18–20, 2025
When: April 11–13 and April 18–20, 2025
Few festivals need less introduction than Coachella. What many consider the region's seminal event and one of the most famous music festivals in the world, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival draws tens of thousands to Indio every year for a genre-spanning music lineup, massive art installations, and cutting-edge fashion. Whether you're there for the music, the influencers, or the spectacle, Coachella is a necessary pilgrimage for anyone wanting to celebrate today's culture zeitgeist.
Stagecoach Festival
Where: Empire Polo Club, Indio
When: April 25–27, 2025
When: April 25–27, 2025
When the Coachella Festival moves out, the Stagecoach Festival moves in; for country music fans, it's the ultimate festival experience. From headline acts to honky-tonk dance halls, it's three days of boot-stomping fun with authentic BBQ and craft beer. Among the most popular country concert weekends in the U.S., recent lineups have included artists like Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Chris Stapleton.
Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week
Where: Participating restaurants across Greater Palm Springs
When: May 30–June 8, 2025
When: May 30–June 8, 2025
Always a foodie's paradise, Palm Springs celebrates the city's dining excellence with its annual Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week. Allowing patrons the opportunity to indulge in prix-fixe menus and exclusive restaurant week offers at some of the area's finest restaurants. Already for 2025, a number of local favorites have added their names to the roster, with more to follow in the coming months. Whether you crave elevated fine dining or a laid-back brunch experience, this is the perfect time to explore the city's culinary scene.
The Dinah
Where: The Riviera Resort and Spa, Palm Springs
When: September 24-29, 2025
When: September 24-29, 2025
Named after the Dinah Shore women's golf major, the world's largest lesbian event, known simply as The Dinah, brings an electrifying lineup of live music, comedy, pool parties, and networking events to Palm Springs. Though the golf tournament has since relocated to Texas, the Dinah continues a reputation of bringing young talent on the rise to Palm Springs—Lady Gaga and Katy Perry both performed at the Dinah just before breaking big—and drawing LGBTQ+ women from across the country, for a week of celebration, entertainment, and community-building.
Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade
Where: Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
When: December 6, 2025
Finally, a holiday tradition like no other, this magical Festival of Lights Parade kicks off the Palm Springs holiday season in grand fashion with elaborately decorated and illuminated floats, marching bands, Macy's Parade-style balloons, and an appearance from Santa Claus. Running for a mile and a half up N Palm Canyon Drive is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the season. And before you know it, the calendar will again turn toward another banner year for Palm Springs festivals.
When: December 6, 2025
Finally, a holiday tradition like no other, this magical Festival of Lights Parade kicks off the Palm Springs holiday season in grand fashion with elaborately decorated and illuminated floats, marching bands, Macy's Parade-style balloons, and an appearance from Santa Claus. Running for a mile and a half up N Palm Canyon Drive is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the season. And before you know it, the calendar will again turn toward another banner year for Palm Springs festivals.
Experience Palm Springs from the Heart of Coachella Valley
No matter what time of year you visit, Palm Springs is a destination for culture, music, art, and luxury experiences. Whether you're a fan of Palm Springs’ architectural lineage, dancing under the stars at Coachella, or exploring Desert X's breathtaking installations, this city's annual festivals offer something extraordinary. If you're ready to explore even more of Palm Springs, contact the team at Cavallo Ranch today and secure your luxe accommodations in the heart of Coachella Valley.
