Celebrate the Season: Palm Springs Winter Events

A hub for midcentury modern architecture and design, Palm Springs effortlessly blends retro charm with modern luxury, making any stay an irresistible blend of relaxation and indulgence. Throw in a few noteworthy attractions, ultra-cool hangouts, and some old Hollywood glamour, and you’ve just whipped up the perfect winter escape!

Whether chasing sunsets or just sipping cocktails by the pool, Palm Springs knows how to keep the good times rolling. If you missed your summer pass, why not give it a go this winter? There’s no doubt the party’s here, sizzling with festive occasions hotter than the desert sun, and here are a few of our favorite Palm Springs winter events!

Photo courtesy of Visit Greater Palm Springs

La Quinta Art Celebration 

Ranked as the “Top Fine Art and Craft Event” in the Nation and “Favorite Outdoor Festival,” the La Quinta Art Celebration boasts other celebrated accolades, solidifying it as a premier Palm Springs winter event. With Coachella Valley as the beautiful backdrop, this four-day November event showcases an incredible mix of original art destined to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike. 

With over 200 premier artists, live music, and a tempting display of food and beverages, it’s no wonder this event sees repeat visitors yearly. Grab your fedora, enjoy a glass of Napa Valley’s finest, and enjoy the sights and sounds while overlooking the Santa Rosa Mountains!

Palm Springs International Film Fest

The Palm Springs International Film Festival brings industry professionals and film fanatics together to celebrate cinematic excellence at the base of the San Jacinto mountains in Coachella Valley. Opening and closing night receptions, film screenings, talking pictures discussions, and festival parties make this an Instagram-worthy occasion. 

The event kicks off annually in January by honoring the year’s top films and performances at the Film Awards, a star-studded, red-carpet affair filled with all the glitz and glamour of Old Hollywood. Purchase individual tickets, all-access passes, and everything in between, then catch the lineup of feature films at various venues throughout Palm Springs and Cathedral City. 

Photo courtesy of Visit Greater Palm Springs

The American Express 

It’s hard to resist the excitement that surrounds The American Express, a must-see golf tournament on the PGA tour in January. Formerly known as the Bob Hope Classic, the event attracts some of the world's best players as they vie for their share of the $8,000,000 purse. Soak up the California sunshine and follow your favorites on three Coachella Valley courses, the Stadium and Nicklaus Tournament Courses at PGA West and the La Quinta County Club. 

 If you’re ready for cocktails all day, concerts all night, and some of the best golf around, this is the event for you! 

Photo courtesy of Visit Greater Palm Springs

Tour de Palm Springs 

Join thousands of fellow cyclists in Coachella Valley each February for the Tour de Palm Springs, an annual charity ride for all ages and abilities. What to expect? Stunning scenery, over 20 bands scattered throughout the course, and a two-day vendor expo selling everything from bikes to gear to outdoor wear.

Choose from routes varying in length and difficulty traversing through the scenic landscape of the Coachella Valley. If you’re not so adventurous, walk or scoot along on your E-bike through beautiful Palm Springs!

Photo courtesy of Visit Greater Palm Springs

Modernism Week 

A recurring, can’t-miss February event, Modernism Week is an 11-day architectural showcase of mid-century modern fabulousness. It promises nothing short of exceptional, featuring iconic home tours, the Palm Springs Modernism Show, nightly parties, music events, a classic car show, and in-depth talks at local theaters. 

Most events are free or minimal cost, so walk, bike, or hop on a double-decker bus and tour the stunning architecture and gardens. With over 120,000 attendees anticipated annually, plan for this one in advance!

Photo courtesy of Visit Greater Palm Springs

BNP Paribas Open 

Your favorite tennis players searching for their next title might be at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells this March. Coined the “5th Grand Slam,” the event draws nearly half a million fans for exhilarating on-court action, competing for a staggering $17 million in prize money. The highly competitive event is eclipsed only by the legendary winners of years past. If the names Sharapova, Williams, Federer, and Djokovic mean anything to you, then you know this Palm Springs winter event is where the action’s at.

Purchase single sessions, daily doubles, or qualifying round tickets to catch a glimpse of your favorites, then kick back and watch the show!

Photo courtesy of Palm Springs Life

Fashion Week El Paseo 

Let your inner fashionista shine in Palm Desert at Fashion Week El Paseo in March. A week of cocktail receptions, pop-up shops, VIP events, and celebrity meet-and-greets are in store at the West Coast’s largest consumer fashion show and one of our favorite Palm Springs winter events. 

Join designers and fellow fashion enthusiasts as models hit the runway for seven days, showcasing inspiring designs from renowned couture designers and new, emerging talent. Attracting a loyal following, expect thousands at this prominent event showcasing the latest fashion trends.

Photo courtesy of Visit Greater Palm Springs

White Party Palm Springs 

Get your groove on at White Party Palm Springs, the biggest dance party in the world, with over 30,000 anticipated. The 3-day March event features a weekend of live performances, world-renowned DJs, pool parties, and dancing—lots of dancing. 

Party-goers kick off the weekend at “Soaked,” a pool party of epic proportions, complete with private lounges, cocktails, and live music. “Fluidity” is next up, featuring drag performances and sizzling house beats, followed by “Whiteout,” which sees the Palm Beach Convention Center blanketed in snow. All are welcome, and guests are encouraged to wear white at this iconic desert festival, a must-see for LGBTQ+ community members and visitors.

Photo courtesy of Visit Greater Palm Springs

Of course, you’ll need a fabulous vacation retreat for all these Palm Springs winter events, and ACME House Company has just the place. Browse our wide selection of vacation homes and condos, and book your stay today!

ABOUT ACME HOUSE COMPANY: Acme manages Luxury Vacation Rental Homes & Condos in Greater Palm Springs and the surrounding desert cities, catering to those looking to travel to the world-renowned destination for the season, week-long stays and extended weekends. Fabulous pool homes for when you and your peeps want some together time. Visit Acme’s Website to explore more Palm Springs Vacation Rental Homes.

Published by Matthew Bruce
Tuesday, October 17, 2023