The Essential Guide to Palm Springs Festival & Event Season

It’s easy to see why thousands travel to Palm Springs each year. The gorgeous desert landscape, incredible year-round weather, and a fantastic lineup of Palm Springs festivals bring people back annually. If you’re having trouble deciding which ones to hit, we’ve put together a guide to help you plan an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a seasoned festival-goer or a first-timer, check out our insider tips on how to plan, where to stay, and which Palm Springs festivals you don’t want to miss!

Early Planning for Palm Springs Festivals

Palm Springs Festival Season draws thousands of enthusiasts from around the globe, which makes early planning crucial. Take the time to coordinate logistics, guarantee your spot at the hottest events, and secure the best accommodations. Tickets for some of these Palm Springs festivals go in the blink of an eye, so be sure to check out the website far in advance for specifics. And give thought to transportation, too—not just to and from the airport, but getting to the festival, after parties, and drinks on Palm Canyon Drive!

When to Book and Where to Stay

The early bird gets the best selection, typically at an unbeatable rate! Booking your accommodations in advance is the key to a stress-free festival experience. ACME House Company is the go-to choice for the ultimate Palm Springs festival season escape. Offering a wide selection of luxurious pool homes near all the action, ACME ensures you make it to all the festivals while kicking back in comfort and style before and after the event!

You’ll want a fabulous place near all the action with lots of little extras to make you feel right at home. Throw in a fantastic pool, incredible mountain views, and a few amenities, and now you’re speaking our love language. From cozy bungalows to spacious villas, you’ll quickly find something that resonates with you and your travel companions. Offering a seamless booking experience and plenty of options tailored to your unique preferences, we’ll ensure your Palm Springs stay is nothing short of spectacular! 

What to Bring to Palm Springs Festivals

Aside from gloriously sunny days and stunning natural beauty, expect hot, dry days and cooler nights in Palm Springs. Lightweight and breathable clothing will work best during the day, adding layers as the temperatures drop in the evening. Be sure to pack comfortable shoes for hours of dancing, an incredibly stylish hat, sunglasses for sun protection, high SPF sunscreen to shield yourself from the desert rays, and a portable charger to keep your devices powered throughout the festivities.

Palm Springs Events and Festival Lineup

Now that we’ve taken care of the details, we can get on to an explosion of music, art, and culture that defines the essence of the Palm Springs festival season. Here are some of the must-attend festivals you truly can't miss:

International Film Festival - January 

One of the largest festivals in North America, the International Film Festival, is held annually in Palm Springs. Showcasing a diverse selection of film genres, expect to see international short films, documentaries, and the industry professionals who brought them to life. Mingle with filmmakers, actors, and directors, watch some incredible films, don your gowns and tuxedos, and catch the awards ceremony!

The American Express Golf Tournament - January 

Coachella Valley hosts The American Express Golf Tournament, a pro-am tourney

played over multiple courses in the Palm Springs area over a week. Beyond golf, the event promises fan experiences, fantastic concerts, and venues scattered throughout the grounds. Whether hanging out at the Bushmills Whiskey Lounge, the Corona Premier Par-Tee Lounge, or the Champions Club, you’re guaranteed an over-the-top experience daily.

Modernism Week - February

An annual event celebrating mid-century modern design, art, history, and culture, Modernism Week spans 11 days and features hundreds of events. Each day brings something new, including exhibitions, home tours, film screenings, parties, and more. Whether browsing the classic car show, strolling through garden tours, or checking out the 2-day vintage trailer show, you’ll never run out of things to see and do.

BNP Paribas Open - March

Known as one of the premier tennis tournaments globally, the BNP Paribas Open attracts tennis enthusiasts and sports lovers alike. Hosted by the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, the event offers a chance to witness top-tier athletes competing against each other in a stunning desert backdrop. Purchase single-session tickets, daily doubles, or qualifying rounds. If you plan to be in town for a few days, bundle multiple sessions with a mini package.

Fashion Week El Paseo - March

A can’t-miss event for fashionistas, Fashion Week El Paseo showcases the latest trends and designs from renowned and emerging fashion designers. It’s the perfect opportunity to experience the world of haute couture, featuring seven days of runway shows and exclusive events. As the largest consumer fashion week on the West Coast, thousands attend annually for the pre-show parties, pop-up shops, and VIP events, which have attracted a loyal following.

White Party - March

A legendary event synonymous with the Palm Springs LGBTQ+ community, White Party is one of the world’s largest and longest-running dance music festivals. Expect to see over 30,000 fellow partygoers at this multi-day event featuring live entertainment, dance, and pool parties, and maybe even a few celebrities. Pop-up events, live DJs, dancers, and drag queens liven things up, so book a cabana, hit the pool, and dress in white for the main event.

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival - April 

If you can only attend one Palm Springs event this year, let it be Coachella, a cultural phenomenon that transcends the typical music festival experience. A stellar lineup of artists spanning various genres is the main draw, but an activities tent with dancers, tunes, games, and giveaways adds to the festivities. Throw in a few art installations and a wide selection of cocktails, wine, and craft beer, and suddenly, the Empire Polo Club transforms into an otherworldly experience.

Stagecoach - April

If you’re a country music lover, this one’s for you. An outdoor annual country music festival held at the Empire Polo Club, this rain-or-shine event comes complete with a full lineup of country music A-listers, a honkytonk dance hall, Ferris wheel rides, and so much more. All ages are welcome, and kids ten and under are free. Dust off your cowboy boots, grab your Stetson and get ready for a little two-stepping to your favorite bands.

Ongoing Events at Acrisure Arena and VillageFest

Aside from a hefty list of Palm Springs annual events, you can find entertainment all year. Acrisure Arena hosts incredible concerts and action-packed sporting events, ensuring you’ll never have a dull moment. VillageFest, held every Thursday night along Palm Canyon Drive, transforms the Palm Springs downtown into a lively street fair with vendors, entertainment, and a festive atmosphere.

Now, all that’s left to do is go soak up those desert vibes, groove to your favorite tunes, and make some epic memories in our desert oasis. See you in the sunshine!

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 Rentals. 

Images courtesy of Visit Greater Palm Springs and Visit Palm Springs

Published by Matthew Bruce
Tuesday, December 19, 2023