Those heading to the sunny desert oasis of Palm Springs for a little rest and relaxation will be able to experience nature’s beauty while not escaping too far from the city life. Enjoy this world-renown golf destination for its PGA courses, hot springs, shopping, and art scene. Along with hiking through the sagebrush-accented Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountains in search of meadows overflowing with wildflowers, make time to attend one of the many festivals such as the famed Palm Springs International Film Festival or Coachella Music Festival. To aid you in choosing a festival that complements your interests, please refer to the following list of the popular festivals in Palm Springs, California.
Why Trust Trip101?
✅ Over 50,000 articles reviewed and published by our experienced team
✅ Over 50 years of combined experience researching, writing and reviewing travel articles
✅ Over 40,000 hours spent on research and fact-checking from credible sources (last year’s data)
✅ Optimizing content from data-driven insights collected directly from users on our platform
✅ Focus on authentic and up-to-date information by collaborating with local guides, global travelers and other industry experts
✅ Long-standing partnerships with credible brands like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, RVShare and more
✅ Full disclosure on any partnerships or sponsored content
Trip101’s team of writers, editors, and content managers oversees the publication of all travel content, including destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and travel tips. They have extensive experience in the travel industry and no content, written or visual, gets published without a review. Many of our team’s work has also been featured in Travel+Leisure, National Today, The Indian Express, The Telegraph (India), Robb Report, The Adventure Handbook, Tripoto, Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Some of them are also members of professional organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance.
Each member of the team follows Trip101's methodology and strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance.
1. Palm Springs International Film Festival
Go online early to purchase your pass to attend the largest film festival in North America, where you can experience some of the 500 films featured on over 20 screens at more than 6 venues between Palm Springs and Cathedral City. Enjoy walking the red carpet while over 135,000 international attendees present their documentaries and feature films to the audience. Palm Springs International Film Festival spans over 12 days to include screenings from 60+ countries and is famous for its star-studded Film Awards Gala. Who knows which celebrated talent you may encounter during your evening out at the movies.
Palm Springs International Film Festival
Address: 1700 E Tahquitz Canyon Way Suite 3, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Website: Palm Springs International Film Festival
Takes place: January
2. Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Since the parade was first instituted in the early 1990s to create a joyous event where locals and visitors can celebrate the holiday season together, it has drawn more than 100,000 people to downtown Palm Springs. Line up along the parade route early to take in the festivities, which include marching bands, performing groups, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and the enormous Budweiser Clydesdales. Make certain to visit Coachella Valley during the holiday season to behold the stunning floats adorned with thousands of glittering lights and giant balloons coast along the parade route. Since AOL named it one of the Top 10 Holiday Parades in the United States, the parade has increased the joyful spirit felt throughout Palm Springs by drawing international visitors to behold the dazzling floats and to see Santa and Mrs. Claus on their colourful sleigh.
Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade
Address: Palm Canyon Drive between Ramon & Tamarisk Rds, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Website: Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade
Takes place: December
3. Annual Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade
Each November 11, the city of Palm Springs holds a parade to celebrate its military veterans, featuring marching bands, veterans’ organizations, and regiments of uniformed officers. In order to pay tribute to all who have served in the Armed Forces over the years, there is a patriotic concert and fireworks display accompanied by patriotic music to finish off the day’s festivities. Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade is one of the largest celebrations in Southern California created to honour all who served on behalf of the United States in various conflicts over the decades.
Annual Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade
Address: Raymond Rd & Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Website: Annual Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade
Takes place: November 11
4. Palm Springs Modernism Week
Hop on the Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus to admire the hidden mid-century architectural gems tucked away in Palm Springs’ desert-landscaped residential neighbourhoods. If you have a car rental, make certain to take the Showcase Home Tour to visit luxurious homes such as the Gillman property. The festival is an opportunity for the community to celebrate innovations made in design, architecture, fashion, and other creative fields. Make certain to take in as much as the festivities as possible, which include over 350 events featuring live music, classic car shows, garden tours, and numerous exhibits to keep your interest.
Palm Springs Modernism Week
Address: Palm Springs, CA
Website: Palm Springs Modernism Week
Takes place: February
5. Palm Springs All American Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular
Posted by Palm Springs City Government on Monday, 3 June 2019
There is no greater event than Independence Day in the United States, which is celebrated nationwide with spectacular fireworks displays and live music performances accompanied by patriotic scores such as “America the Beautiful.” In Palm Springs, the desert oasis kicks off its festivities with the good old American sport of baseball. There is nothing more American than enjoying a BBQ along with apple pie on the Fourth of July. After enjoying your private Fourth of July party with American flag-decorated icebox cake, stroll over to Palm Springs Stadium to watch the ebony sky light up with colour during the dazzling fireworks spectacular.
Palm Springs All American Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular
Address: Palm Springs Stadium, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Website: Palm Springs All American Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular
Takes place: July 4
6. Desert Arts Festival
Head over to Frances Stevens Park to stroll through the avenues lined with artworks created by 100 artists during Thanksgiving Weekend. Admire the innovative pieces created from mixed media, stone, and wood on display at the numerous booths featured throughout the park. Wander slowly through the venue, taking time to appreciate the beautiful landscapes, glasswork, pottery, paintings, and photography featured during the festival. If any piece of art catches your eye during your visit, make certain to check with the artist to see if it’s available for purchase before leaving for the day.
Desert Arts Festival
Address: Frances Stevens Park, 538 N Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Website: Desert Arts Festival
Takes place: February
7. Tour de Palm Springs
If you aren’t able to participate in this competitive cycling event hosted by Palm Springs annually, at least try to line the roadway to cheer on those who can. Each year the proceeds from Tour de Palm Springs benefit nearly 100 charitable organizations. For fans at the starting line, they will be able to see their favourite athletes commence the competition by riding through the streets accompanied by a nearly 200-member marching band. Follow the route to experience the vendor stalls, food-truck cuisine, and musical performances before meeting the athletes at the finish line, where they will be greeted by the enthusiastic cheers from pompom-wielding cheerleaders.
Tour de Palm Springs
Address: 74854 Velie Way Suite 9, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Website: Tour de Palm Springs
Takes place: February
8. Palm Springs Black History Parade & Town Fair
Every year, the entire month of February is dedicated to educating the nation about African American history, and those visiting Palm Springs will discover the city does its share by hosting events, including a parade. Throughout the month, there are events dealing with the history, culture, entertainment, health and fitness, and many other subjects affecting the black community. Make certain to attend the parade to watch marching bands, cheerleaders, uniformed soldiers, dancing troupes, and community members put on quite a show throughout Palm Springs’ streets. Along with the parade, visitors can show their support by attending Gospel Fest, an Awards Gala, and many other special events during the fair.
Palm Springs Black History Parade & Town Fair
Address: Alejo & Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Website: Palm Springs Black History Parade & Town Fair
Takes place: February
9. Greater Palm Springs Pride
After the rainbow floats have completed the parade route, stroll over to enjoy shopping, eating at restaurants, and exploring entertainment venues scattered along Palm Canyon Drive. Enthusiastic performers will take the stage to entertain attendees with renditions of popular rock and pop chart-toppers and classics. Children will be able to gather together in their own private quarters to play games and create crafts alongside talented local artisans. Wander through the street-vendor stalls while enjoying street food from food trucks along with a cold beer.
Greater Palm Springs Pride
Address: 777 N Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Website: Greater Palm Springs Pride
Takes place: November
10. Palm Desert Food & Wine
Best Alfresco Dining in the Desert. These 7 restaurants give guests good reason to take their meal outdoors. https://www.palmspringslife.com/best-alfresco-dining-palm-springs/ #alfresco
Posted by Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival on Thursday, 18 April 2019
During the last week of March, foodies descend upon the desert resort oasis of Palm Springs to join in celebrating the talents of local and international chefs such as Curtis Stone. Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival opens with a four-course luncheon prepared by the attending culinary masters and features tastings over a two-day period. This is a chance to taste some of the most unique and delicious cuisines by the 40 participating local and regional restaurants all in one location. Enjoy walking along the palm tree-lined El Paseo shopping district while stopping at the various stalls to sample tastebud-tantalizing dishes from various cultures, along with over 60 wines, craft brews, and ciders.
Palm Desert Food & Wine
Address: 303 N Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Website: Palm Desert Food & Wine
Takes place: March
Visit festival-rich Palm Springs
Between enjoying a day of pampering at one of the hot springs and spas or golfing on a famed PGA course, set aside time to join the community in attending one of Palm Springs’ famous festivals. Enjoy indulging in mouthwatering cuisine at Palm Springs Food & Wine Festival while taking in stunning views of Coachella Valley and the surrounding mountains. After a visit to this desert mecca, you will find yourself desiring to return to relax and join in more festivities, including the famous Coachella Music Festival, where you can dance the day away under the Southern California sunshine.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
