Greater Palm Springs Events Guide: 12 Months of Festivals, Sports & Culture
Greater Palm Springs, encompassing nine dynamic cities, delivers a year-round lineup of exceptional experiences. Renowned for outdoor adventures, upscale shopping, captivating art, and premier events like the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, BNP Paribas Open, and Modernism Week, this desert oasis caters to every passion. Unwind by shimmering pools, conquer world-class golf courses, or indulge in luxury spas amid swaying palms.
Discover the highlights with our comprehensive month-by-month guide to Greater Palm Springs events.
January
The year ignites with the Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF), one of America's largest, drawing A-list stars and visionary filmmakers for two weeks of premieres and galas.
For golf fans, the Desert Classic Tournament presented by Workday showcases top pros on pristine courses.
Equestrian enthusiasts will love the Sunday Polo Matches at El Dorado and Empire Polo Clubs, plus the HITS Coachella Desert Circuit Horse Shows featuring elite riders and steeds.
Art lovers: Immerse in the Southwest Arts Festival, featuring world-class traditional, contemporary, and abstract fine art, live demos, music, and gourmet bites.
February
Celebrate midcentury modern icons at Modernism Week, with home tours, vintage cars, fashion shows, and architecture deep dives that define Greater Palm Springs' cool vibe.
Thrill-seekers: The Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival offers free concerts (past headliners: Ramon Ayala, Salt-N-Pepa, Kool & the Gang), ostrich races, art, pageants, and festival foods.
March
The action heats up with the BNP Paribas Open, a premier tennis tournament starring legends like Naomi Osaka, Serena Williams, and Rafael Nadal. Art shines at the La Quinta Arts Festival, Indian Wells Arts Festival, and biennial Desert X installations.
Indulge at Fashion Week El Paseo runways, savor chef tastings at the Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival, or catch unique Native stories at the Native Film Fest.
April
Music reigns: Kick off with the Wedbush Garden Jam Music Festival at Indian Wells Tennis Garden, then epic Coachella weekends of vibes and stars, followed by country giants at Stagecoach (past: Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton).
Pool parties with top EDM DJs rage at Palm Springs hotels. LGBTQ+ icons: Dinah Shore Weekend and White Party draw global crowds for celebrity-fueled celebrations.
May
Aviation awe at the Jacqueline Cochran Air Show and Palm Springs Air Museum's Annual Memorial Day Flower Drop & Air Fair. Groove to the Spring Joshua Tree Music Festival or noir classics at the Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival.
June
Summer sizzles with Splash House poolside house music across resorts. Foodies: Dine deals at Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week, then short films from 50+ countries at Palm Springs International ShortFest.
July
July 4th fireworks light up the area, including City of Coachella's pie-eating contest. Spectacles at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs and Fantasy Springs Casino, synced to The Eagle 106.9.
August
Splash House returns for more poolside beats from acts like Jai Wolf, Duke Dumont, and Odesza.
September
Cinema Diverse: Palm Springs LGBT Film Festival amplifies queer stories with global features and shorts.
October
Wellness at Wanderlust Wellspring, creativity in the Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade, jams at Fall Joshua Tree Music Festival, and equestrian action at HITS Coachella Desert Circuit.
November
Greater Palm Springs Pride dazzles with glitter and views. Sip crafts amid aircraft at Props & Hops Draft Beer Festival. Compete or watch at USA Pickleball Association National Championships.
December
Savor the Indio International Tamale Festival, race the Ironman 70.3 Indian Wells La Quinta, and embrace holidays at Palm Springs' Festival of Lights Parade with Santa and glowing floats.
Explore more signature events in Greater Palm Springs here!
