Palm Springs is a desert paradise where sunshine, creativity, culture, and natural beauty converge. Planning to visit? Then be sure to get a Palm Springs Activities Calendar for a truly happening visit.
The city is among the most exciting places in California, with its year-round events calendar offering opportunities to visit and enjoy architecture, outdoor activities, colorful festivals, or a relaxing break.
The Palm Springs Activities Calendar provides a month-by-month schedule of the top events, season highlights, and activities in the area, so you can easily plan your itinerary.
And in need of the ideal place to be in the heart of it all, Spirit of Sofia, just a short walk away to the best of the Palm Springs attractions, restaurants, and cultural hot spots.
Let’s dive into the ultimate 2026 Palm Springs activity guide!
Why Palm Springs Is a Year-Round Destination
Palm Springs is blessed with over 300 sunny days, soft winters, warm springs, festival summer and autumn evenings.
The city will not leave you without something to do, regardless of the time of day. Whether it is iconic design events in winter, desert flowers in spring, pool parties in summer, or cultural festivals in fall, Palm Springs does not go off-season.
Annual Highlights Include:
- Design and architecture festivals.
- Art exhibitions and cultural exhibitions.
- Fresh major festivals (Coachella + Stagecoach).
- LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations
- Food and wine events
- Excursion activities such as hiking, cycling, and stargazing.
- VillageFest weekly street fair
And the best part? All this is within minutes of Spirit of Sofia, making it your ideal base for unforgettable activities throughout the year.
Palm Springs Activities Calendar 2025/2026: Month-by-Month Event Guide
The following month-by-month list displays some of the most important events, seasonal experiences, and best activities in Palm Springs.
November 2025 Events in Palm Springs
The month of November is one of the best months to visit, as the weather is pleasant, cultural activities are lively, and the deserts are beautiful. The month is full of holiday spirit at the outdoor markets, golf tournaments, and Thanksgiving getaways.
Must-See Events
| Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival | November 21st to 23rd | Multiple venues across Palm Springs | At the Site |
| Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade | November 11 | Downtown Palm Springs | Free |
| Desert Dressage | November 12 to 15 | Desert International Horse Park | Starting at $150 |
| Frey House II Tour + Museum Day Pass | October to November | Palm Springs Art Museum | $75 |
| West Side Story in Concert | November 13 to 15 | Dezart Playhouse | $187 |
| Mx. Pineapple Cabaret | November 19 | Oscar’s Palm Springs | $100 |
| Props and Hops Craft Beer Fest | November 22nd | Palm Spring Air Museum | $90 per person |
| WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens | November 29th to December 26th | The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens | $18 to $53 |
December 2025 Events in Palm Springs
Palm Springs becomes a nice sunny holiday resort during December. The lights, upscale shopping, food festivals, and seasonal shows make the desert a happy place. Replace snow with palm trees and enjoy the warm, magical time of the holiday.
Must-See Events
| Name | Date | Venue | Ticket Price |
| Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade | December 6 | Downtown Palm Springs | Free |
| Ironman 70.3 La Quinta | December 7 | Various Coachella Valley Venues | $489 |
| WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens | November 29th to December 26th | The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens | $18 to $53 |
January 2026 Events in Palm Springs
Palm Springs is the place to be during the new year with glamour, art, and excellent winter temperatures. The average temperatures in the 60s and 70s make it the best month to take a walking tour, hike, and attend world-class events.
Must-See Events
| Name | Date | Venue | Ticket Price |
| Palm Springs International Film Festival | January 2 to 12 | Multiple venues across Palm Springs | Starting at $213 |
| Cactus Cup | January 2 | Acrisure Arena | Starting at $25 |
| Singing The Birds | January 24 | Palm Springs High School | Free |
| The American Express Golf Tournament | January 19 to 25 | PGA West and at La Quinta Country Club | $245 |
February 2026 Events in Palm Springs
February is the month when Palm Springs is the busiest and most beautiful. It is perfect with the clear skies and iconic design events, which are ideal for culture lovers.
Must-See Events
| Name | Date | Venue | Ticket Price |
| Black History Month | February 1 to 22 | Multiple venues across Palm Springs | Free |
| Valentine’s Day | February 14 | Multiple venues across Palm Springs | Different for each venue |
| Modernism Week | February 13 to 23 | Palm Springs High School | Free |
| Intersect Palm Springs Art + Design | February 12 to 16 | Palm Springs Convention Center | Free |
| Palm Springs Vintage Market | February 2 to 16 | Downtown Palm Springs | Free |
March 2026 Events in Palm Springs
It is the time when nature starts to open up, and the city welcomes the arts, and March is the most alive month to visit.
Must-See Events
| Name | Date | Venue | Ticket Price |
| BNP Paribas Open | March 2 to 16 | Indian Wells Tennis Gardens | Starting at $10 |
| Desert X | March 8 | Coachella Valley | Free |
| Fashion Week El Paseo | March 13 to 18 | Palm Springs High School | $20 |
| The Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival | March 1 | Coachella Valley | Free |
April 2026 Events in Palm Springs
The month of April is associated with the greatest music events in California.
Must-See Events
| Name | Date | Venue | Ticket Price |
| Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival | Two weekends in April | Coachella Valley | Starting at $499 |
| Stagecoach Festival | April 25 to 27 | Empire Polo Club in Indio | Starting at $399 |
| White Party Palm Springs | April | Multiple venues across Palm Springs | $150 to $500 |
May 2026 Events in Palm Springs
May is a pleasant month with a low number of people and mild temperatures that are ideal for spending some leisure time.
Must-See Events
| Name | Date | Venue | Ticket Price |
| Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week | Late May to Early June | Multiple venues across Palm Springs | $15–$59 |
| Memorial Day Air Fair & Flower Drop | May 26 | Palm Springs Air Museum | $23 |
| Joshua Tree Music Festival | Mid-May | Joshua Tree Lake Campground | $75 |
| Backstreet Arts District Art Walk | May 7 | Blackstreet Art District art walk | Not disclosed |
June 2026 Events in Palm Springs
June is the start of the summer in Palm Springs and it is full of outdoor fun, late-nights, and great travel deals. Days are pleasant (no, no, it is hot, too!), yet mornings and evenings are just the time to explore.
Must-See Events
| Name | Date | Venue | Ticket Price |
| Splash House (June Edition) | June | Multiple pool venues | $170 |
| Palm Springs International ShortFest | Late June | Various Camelot Theatres | $12 to $55 |
| Summer Concert Series | Mid-June | Palm Desert Civic Park | Free |
| Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week | Late May to Early June | Multiple venues across Palm Springs | $15–$59 |
July 2026 Events in Palm Springs
July is desert heat, but there are fun things and cool retreats.
Must-See Events
| Name | Date | Venue | Ticket Price |
| Palm Springs Fourth of July Fireworks | July 4 | Palm Springs Stadium | Free |
| Summer Movie Series | July | Camelot Theatres | $10 to $20 |
| The Oak Ridge Boys | July | The Show at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage | Not disclosed |
August 2026 Events in Palm Springs
August is the month of the scorching heat of summer, yet the line-up of Palm Springs deals and experiences. Experience morning fun, indoor fun, and shopping at art galleries and boutiques.
Must-See Events
| Name | Date | Venue | Ticket Price |
| Splash House (August Edition) | August 8 to 10 | Palm Springs Air Museum | Free |
| Wild Nights at the Living Desert | Friday night in August | The Living Desert | Not disclosed |
| Villagefest | Every Thursday | Downtown Palm Springs | Free |
September 2026 Events in Palm Springs
With the start of the warmer weather, Palm Springs starts to transition to a colorful fall season with art walks, design tours, and outdoor adventures.
September is an ideal month to either discover the architectural marvels of the city in the middle of the century, or go hiking through golden desert landscapes.
Must-See Events
| Name | Date | Venue | Ticket Price |
| The Dinah Event & Music Festival | September 24 to 29 | Palm Springs | Starting at $50 |
| Kansas | September 12 | Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage | Not disclosed |
October 2026 Events in Palm Springs
The high season starts in October, the weather will be fine, and the event calendars will be full. With Halloween celebrations, arts festivals, and LGBTQ+ festivities, it is a city full of thrills.
Must-See Events
| Name | Date | Venue | Ticket Price |
| Modernism Week | October 16 to 19 | Palm Springs Stadium | Not disclosed |
| Epson Tour Championship | October 2 to 5 | Indian Wells Golf Resort | Not Disclosed |
| Joshua Tree Music Festival | October 9 to 12 | Multiple venues across Palm Springs | Not disclosed |
| Frey House II Tour + Museum Day Pass | October to November | 9 am to 2 pm | Palm Springs Art Museum |
Where to Stay in Palm Springs During Major Events
The Palm Springs adventure cannot be complete without your stay, so your itinerary is as important as your stay. The Spirit of Sofia is a sophisticated, small, and design-based restaurant in the core of downtown.
The reasons why Spirit of Sofia is the best choice for event travelers.
- Close to the Palm Canyon Drive, museums, restaurants, and nightlife.
- Near Modernism Week locations, Pride and VillageFest.
- One-of-a-kind boutique-like atmosphere.
- It has considerable and elegant interiors.
- Peaceful atmosphere to relax.
- Perfect couples, weekend travelers, architecture enthusiasts, and festival participants.
Your Palm Springs adventure starts as early as the time of your check-in.
Event Planning Tips for Your Palm Springs Vacation
It is great to plan a trip to Palm Springs, and due to such a variety of events and activities all year long, it may seem difficult to plan an ideal itinerary.
Here are some tips for planning your Palm Springs activity calendar
Book Early
There are multiple high-demand travel months in Palm Springs, specifically January to April, when there are major festivals and perfect weather to lure millions of people.
- Hotels, restaurants, and tours can be sold out within a short period of time due to popular events such as Modernism Week, Pride, BNP Paribas Open, and Coachella weekend.
- When you are on holiday during these high seasons, it is best to plan and book in advance your hotel and activities.
- Pre-reservation can guarantee superior rates, reservations, and easy accessibility to the most interesting events in town.
Consider the Weather
Palm Springs boasts of sunshine, although the climate varies radically across the seasons:
- Winter & spring (Jan-Apr): Hiking, walking tours, outdoor dining, and architecture, etc.
- Summer (Jun-Aug): Outdoors, early mornings or after sunset, pool, and indoor places of interest such as museums.
- Fall (Sep-Nov): Ideal days and evenings in terms of warm and cool, a great time to visit festivals and outdoor markets.
Also, check the weather before packing and plan your day wisely.
Look Out for Special Cultural Events
Palm Springs is a place that has an extremely diverse and vibrant community. Numerous tourists make visits based on cultural festivals such as:
- Palm Springs Pride
- ShortFest Film Festival
- Modernism Week
- Nightlife events and parades of the LGBTQ+.
These moments introduce special power and memorable moments. Unless these are not your vibe, look at the annual calendar early and book your visit during one of these wild celebrations.
Transportation
Although downtown Palm Springs is highly walkable, certain experiences, such as Joshua Tree National Park, Tahquitz Canyon, and Indian Canyons, would be impossible without transport.
It could be a good idea to hire a car to go on day trips in case you want to make excursions outside the city. Instead, a number of tours provide convenient pick-ups in major hotels.
Pro tip: Don’t be out in the middle of the day in summer; it can be blazing in the desert.
Conclusion | Palm Springs Activities Calendar
Whether it is the most popular festivals or the most tranquil desert sceneries, Palm Springs has an adventure that one will never forget throughout the year.
You are here, whether you are attending Modernism Week, Coachella, a romantic desert getaway, or just relaxing by a poolside.
This colorful city is ready to serve you with endless experiences.
Ready to plan your getaway?
Book your stay at Spirit of Sofia, your stylish home in downtown Palm Springs, and explore the very best this desert oasis has to offer, all just steps from your door.
FAQs | Palm Springs Activities Calendar
1. What is the best month to visit Palm Springs?
Palm Springs is a year-round destination, but January to April is considered the best time due to comfortable weather and major events like Modernism Week, BNP Paribas Open, and Coachella. However, summer months (June–August) offer excellent hotel deals with poolside fun and indoor attractions.
2. Are Palm Springs events family-friendly?
Yes — many events are great for families, such as the Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade, WildLights at The Living Desert, and VillageFest. Outdoor activities like hiking, museums, and air shows also make the city perfect for family trips.
3. Do I need to book tickets in advance for big festivals?
Absolutely. Major events such as Modernism Week, Stagecoach, Coachella, and Palm Springs International Film Festival sell out months ahead. Booking tickets, hotel stay, and dining reservations early ensures availability and better pricing.
4. Where should I stay to be close to Palm Springs events and attractions?
Choosing a central downtown location gives you the easiest access to walkable areas. Spirit of Sofia is one of the best boutique hotels near Palm Canyon Drive, restaurants, museums, and major event venues — making it an ideal stay for event-focused travelers.
5. What should I pack for Palm Springs?
It depends on the season:
- Winter / Spring: Layers, sunglasses, comfortable shoes for walking tours
- Summer: Light clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, refillable water bottle
- Fall: Light layers for warm days + cooler evenings
No matter the season — hydration and sun protection are key!
6. How hot is Palm Springs in summer?
Summer temperatures can reach 105°F to 115°F (40°C+). Plan outdoor activities for early mornings or around sunset, and take breaks indoors or by the pool during midday.
7. Is Palm Springs walkable for events and sightseeing?
Yes! Downtown Palm Springs is very walkable with access to:
- Art galleries
- Shops and restaurants
- Museums
- Event locations like VillageFest
For desert nature locations like Joshua Tree or Indian Canyons, transportation or guided tours are recommended.
8. What are some free activities in Palm Springs?
Visitors can enjoy:
- VillageFest (every Thursday)
- Self-guided architecture walks
- Hiking trails like Tahquitz Canyon viewpoints (some require fees)
- Public art and murals
- Seasonal parades and street fairs
Free events vary by month — always check the calendar for updates.
9. Are there LGBTQ+ events in Palm Springs?
Palm Springs is one of the most LGBTQ+-inclusive cities in the U.S. Major events include:
- Palm Springs Pride
- The Dinah
- White Party Palm Springs
- Weekly nightlife shows and cabarets
The city’s nightlife and entertainment scene are vibrant all year long.
10. Is Palm Springs good for last-minute trips?
Yes — especially in summer and fall when crowds are lower and last-minute deals are common. However, during high-demand seasons (Jan–Apr), planning ahead is strongly recommended to secure your preferred hotel, like Spirit of Sofia, and event reservations.
