Every spring, the golden sands and sunlit skies of Palm Desert become a utopia of food at the Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival.
Located in the epicenter of Palm Desert and just 25 minutes away from spending time in downtown Palm Springs, this high-end gastronomic event brings together the best chefs, local winemakers, craft beverage specialists, and foodies from around the nation.
You can be an epicurean, wine critic, or just want to have a shimmering weekend break with a gourmet touch, but the festival has it all in store to offer an unforgettable dessert memory.
Considering the San Jacinto Mountains in the background, get ready to taste, enjoy, and mix with an opportunity to attend one of the most acclaimed culinary festivals on the West Coast.
1. What is the Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival?
Established more than ten years ago, the Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival has become one of the trademarks of the Coachella Valley.
- The festival was established by the Palm Springs Life Magazine, and the mission was to celebrate the gastronomic landscape of the California region, and in the meantime, to honor its local culinary chefs, the use of sustainable products, and practice food-wine pairings.
- The desert location gives the setting an elegant shopping and dining destination along El Paseo, the so-called Rodeo Drive in the desert.
- It is one of the most fabulous and at the same time casual places to have the festival.
At a Glance
| Highlight | A premier multi-day celebration of food, wine, and celebrity chefs—featuring tastings, live cooking demos, wine pairings, brunches, and exclusive events. |
| Ticket | $125 |
| When | March |
| Time Taken | As long as you want to stay there |
| Best Time to Visit | Early, when the attraction opens |
| Location | 73545 El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260, United States. Google Map |
| Phone | +1 760-325-2333 |
2. What to Expect at the 2025 Festival
Gourmet tastings, wine seminars, and a level-up sensory experience are included activities of the 2025 Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival. It has the following on offer:
Amazing Food!
Get ready to be blinded by celebrity chefs and best local chefs.
- Here, both the established and up-and-coming stars are likely to appear at the events.
- In addition to the celebrity demos, dozens of local restaurants and regional chefs will also be representing tasting plates featuring global-inspired foods, California fusion, and farm-to-table favorite foods.
Wine Spirits
Lovers of wine will be in paradise, where there will be curated liquor tasting booths with Napa Valley wine makers, wines of Paso Robles, boutique wineries, and international offerings.
- The usual order followed by a sommelier-operated wine garden is directing the guests through pairing and pouring.
- No wine lover? No worries. The event is also about craft cocktails, mezcal tastings, artisan tequila, and mixology moments that are displayed in the festival for the spirits lover.
Special Experiences
In need of experiencing something high, VIP and premium ticket holders will gain the privilege of:
- Early VIP Grand Tastings entry
- Meet-the-Chef Dinners
- Celebs Cooking Book Signings
- The James Beard Foundation Brunches & Luncheons
3. Travel Tips for Visiting the Festival
A big culinary and wine event held in the desert is thrilling and a bit different than a regular festival.
Here are some travel tips that would help you maximize your visit.
Best Time to Visit
The timing is key in the food and wine festival, more so in this popular and well-patronized festival.
- Even with a General Admission ticket, it is important to get there early. Lines form quickly, and most are at the limited tastings (small-amount pours, food flown in by chefs). It operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
- The VIP ticketholders are usually allowed to enter quite early, many, even one hour before the community. When you need to skip the lines, get closer timing with the chefs, or even grab the seating areas under shade, VIP entry would be a huge advantage.
- In case you are going to attend more than one day, just arrive at the beginning of the session, either brunch, grand tasting, or luncheon, so that you may have the best choice and place.
What to Wear
Palm Desert does not have any specific dress code, but the stylish and sunny atmosphere of the place requires a smart, fashionable, and desert-appropriate dress. This is what you should remember:
- Consider thin, flowy tops such as cotton, linen, and performance blends. Wear free-flowing maxi dresses, jumpsuits or airy tops and shorts / skirt.
- You will have to walk a lot and stand up. Wear comfortable, yet chic shoes, flat sandals, loafers, or sneakers with arch support. These may include wearing high heels or anything that may sink into the grass or soft grounds.
Transportation
The Gardens on El Paseo is the place where the event occurs, which is the heart of the city, with a good parking situation and public transport. This is the way up and round:
Parking
There are also lots and structures offering parking spaces along El Paseo. Most are free, and when they fill up, it can be crowded.
- Local businesses or the venue might also provide valet parking, especially around high-end entrances. Suitable VIPs or nearby residents.
- Get there early to snatch a shady location or resist spending long walking time.
Rideshare Options
Uber also operates in the Palm Desert and Palm Springs regions, and so does Lyft.
- There are special pick-up/drop-off areas close to the festival.
- When you are coming from Palm Springs (roughly 25 minutes away), rideshare is an excellent alternative to get the wine and not to think about getting behind the wheel.
4. Things to Do Around the Festival
Complete your festival trip with these getaway activities and attractions of Palm Desert nearby:
Stroll El Paseo
Between or following your tasting events, visit the stylish boutiques, art galleries, and outdoor cafes in El Paseo. This 1-mile-long plaza is widely referred to as Beverly Hills Rodeo Drive, albeit with a more lax desert atmosphere.
Palm Springs Art Museum
Little more than a few blocks away is a little-known gem within walking distance of the festival site. The museum hosts rotating contemporary art exhibits, provides a sculpture garden, and features desert-inspired installations.
Hiking Around Local Trails
There are must-try trails, minutes away on El Paseo. This is 3 3-mile popular loop that has a scenic view of the Coachella Valley, and it is ideal to be hiked in the morning.
Spa Day Desert
It is quite common to see many of the visitors extending their visit to the festival by treatment at one of the many nearby luxurious resorts, such as:
- J.W. Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
- La Quinta Resort and Club
- Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage
Day trip to Palm Springs
Be sure not to miss out exploring the downtown of Palm Springs, with its mid-century modern buildings and high-end shops and restaurants, bookstores, record stores, and late-night clubs.
5. Tickets, Pricing & Booking Tips
- General admission vs. VIP passes
- Where to book: Official website link
- Early bird ticket advice
- Event age restriction (21+ for most tastings)
- Tip: Book tickets & accommodations early — the festival draws big crowds
The Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival is an exclusive experience- and pre-planning is important in this case in order to have a good time. Here is everything about the tickets.
Ticket types
The festival tends to have a variety of ticket prices to match various levels of interest, experience, and budgets. These are General Admission, VIP Access, and A la Carte special event passes. They usually differ in the following way:
General Admission
The right to enter the Grand Tasting tents, demo activities of the chefs, taste of wine and spirits, and entertainment.
- Admission starts at the appointed time, which is usually in the afternoon.
- There are unlimited samples of attending restaurants, chefs, wineries, and distilleries.
Cost: average of $125 to $150 a day per individual.
VIP Admission
All General Admission includes:
- Early access (typically 1 hour before GA* -huge value-avoid the crowds).
- VIP room or exclusive tasting rooms.
- Access to the best wine, drinks, and food that are not accessible to others.
- Reserved dining and shady spots, and occasional meet-and-greet dinners with celebrity chefs.
Cost: About $175 to $250 a day per person.
Special Event Tickets
They are also independent ticketed events that occur before or after normal festival hours and include:
- James Beard Foundation Brunch: Classy, sit-down occasion with several cooks and under-established brunch foods, and wine matching.
- Women Who Inspire Luncheon: This celebrates female chefs, winery owners, and industry leaders. Various menus with encouraging conversations.
- Chef Table Dinners: Special evening dinners accompanied by wine, as well as intimate contact with guest chefs.
These tickets are to be bought separately from your Grand Tasting pass.
Cost: approx. $100 $225 per event.
How to Buy Tickets
The sale of all the tickets is made by using the official event site. When tickets are released, the site will contain:
- An entire schedule (brunches, tastings, demos)
- Tier pricing by price
- An online ticket portal, where you can safely and directly buy the tickets
Do not buy from third-party or resale sites. The tickets can be sold out, and the prices elsewhere can be fake or exaggerated.
Booking Tips
Mark the day of ticket release in the calendar- they go off quickly!
- Book your transport (rideshare, valet, or shuttle) ahead of time.\
- When you have a group to attend with, you can arrange group bookings or trips.
- Make sure you recheck your ticket information; not all of them are weather-dependent or refundable.
Final Tips + Why This Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival Is Worth Attending
The Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival has a wider meaning as it is not merely a food event but a party of desert graces, people, and innovations.
It boasts some of the greatest chefs ever assembled, top-notch wine displays, and a chic venue at El Paseo, making it no wonder that this festival has now turned into a bucket list event for the food-loving nation.
The reasons to visit:
- Memorable ambiance: Fine dining under blue skies and swinging palm trees – the kind of setting that defines a perfect Palm Springs escape. Explore more Palm Springs attractions for a complete itinerary.
- Food-street: See the stars of the culinary world cooking in the first person—an up-close experience you won’t find just anywhere.
- Weekend getaway: Combine it with an afternoon at the spa, boutique shopping, a scenic hike, or sightseeing across the Coachella Valley.
You can get cabernet in the VIP lounge, talk to a Top Chef winner, or enjoy a walk along the El Paseo with a gourmet taco in your hand. This is going to be a sensorial experience you will not soon forget.
Save the date, March 2025. It sells out fast!
FAQS | Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival
1. What is the Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival?
The Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival is an annual culinary celebration held every March in Palm Desert, CA. Hosted by Palm Springs Life Magazine, it features tastings, wine pairings, celebrity chef demos, and gourmet events that celebrate California’s food and wine culture.
2. Where is the festival located?
The festival takes place at The Gardens on El Paseo in Palm Desert, California — about 25 minutes from Palm Springs. The address is:
???? 73545 El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260, United States.
3. What are the 2025 festival dates?
The exact dates for 2025 will be announced soon, but it’s traditionally held in March. Stay tuned to the official website for the confirmed schedule.
4. What type of food and drink can I expect?
Expect gourmet tastings from celebrity chefs, local restaurants, and global cuisine. Wine tastings include Napa, Paso Robles, and international labels, plus craft cocktails, mezcal, and artisanal spirits.
5. What are the ticket types and prices?
- General Admission: $125–$150/day – includes tastings and demos
- VIP Admission: $175–$250/day – includes early access, exclusive lounges, and premium tastings
- Special Events: $100–$225 each (e.g., James Beard Brunch, Women Who Inspire Luncheon)
6. How do I buy tickets for the festival?
Tickets are available only via the official festival website. Avoid third-party or resale platforms. Book early — tickets and hotel rooms sell out quickly.
7. What should I wear to the event?
Dress smart and desert-appropriate. Lightweight, breathable fabrics like linen or cotton are ideal. Stylish but comfortable shoes are a must—think flat sandals or sneakers with support.
8. Is there parking or transportation available?
Yes! There is ample free and paid parking around El Paseo. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft also operate in the area, with designated pick-up/drop-off zones near the venue.
9. Are kids allowed at the festival?
No. Most events are 21+ only due to wine and spirit tastings. Valid ID is required for entry.
10. Why should I attend the Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival?
This is more than just a food event—it’s a luxury weekend experience. With scenic views, incredible cuisine, top-tier wines, and celebrity chef encounters, it’s one of the most anticipated food festivals on the West Coast.
