This Week in Palm Springs: Events, Happenings & Hidden Gems

Modernism Week – October — Sunday, October 19, (All Day)

Catch the final day of this popular 4-day festival celebrating midcentury modern architecture, art, and design. Join one of the last home tours, walking tours, or the Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tour to see Palm Springs' most iconic structures.

"The Judy Show!" — Sunday, October 19, 7:00 pm

Enjoy a high-energy musical celebration of the legendary Judy Garland. This acclaimed tribute show, starring Michael Holmes, is a staple at The Purple Room Supper Club, delivering a night of classic songs and sharp comedy.

Sons of Habit — Monday, October 20, 8:00 pm

Head to the iconic Pappy & Harriet's in nearby Pioneertown for a live show from this band. It's a great opportunity to experience the unique desert music scene at a world-famous, rustic venue.

Jazz with Rose Mallett — Tuesday, October 21, 6:30 pm–9:30 pm

Enjoy a sophisticated evening at The Purple Room Supper Club. Jazz legend Rose Mallett performs timeless classics from icons like Billie Holiday and Duke Ellington. Reservations are requested; no cover charge.

Rat Pack Era Music — Wednesday, October 22, 6:30 pm–9:30 pm

Swing to the music of the Rat Pack era at The Purple Room Supper Club. Charles Herrera, Darci Daniels, and Michael Holmes perform beloved hits from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr.

Palm Springs VillageFest — Thursday, October 23, 6:00 pm–10:00 pm

Stroll down Palm Canyon Drive for the city's beloved weekly street fair. Explore hundreds of vendor booths offering unique art, handmade crafts, and artisan foods, all accompanied by live entertainment and a vibrant community atmosphere.

Free Thursday Night at Palm Springs Art Museum — Thursday, October 23, 5:00 pm–8:00 pm Explore the museum's impressive collections for free, courtesy of the City of Palm Springs. This is a perfect opportunity to see the ongoing art and design exhibitions, including "The Art and Design of Howard Smith."

Palm Screams 2025: Horror Shorts Film Festival — Friday, October 24 & Saturday, October 25, (Times Vary) Get in the Halloween spirit at Festival Theaters. This two-day event features screenings of new and independent horror shorts from up-and-coming filmmakers, along with filmmaker Q&As and other spooky festivities.

Palm Springs Certified Farmers' Market — Saturday, October 25, 8:00 am–1:00 pm

Visit the Palm Springs Cultural Center for the region's premier farmers' market. Shop for fresh, locally grown produce, baked goods, artisan cheeses, flowers, and more, direct from local farmers and vendors.

18th Annual Concert for Autism (Main Event) — Saturday, October 25, (All Day)

Head to the Big Rock Pub in nearby Indio for this all-day music festival. The main event features over 20 bands across three stages, raising funds and awareness for the Desert Autism Foundation.

Ongoing Events

Palm Springs Art Museum Exhibitions — Open Thursday–Sunday

Visit the museum to explore its diverse collection of modern and contemporary art. Key exhibitions include "The Art and Design of Howard Smith" and "Meditations in Glass," alongside permanent collections of Western and LGBTQ+ art. Note: The "Guadalupe Rosales" exhibit ends on October 19.

HWY 62 Open Studio Art Tours — Open Weekends (Final Weekend)

Take a scenic drive to the high desert (like Yucca Valley) for the final weekend of this beloved art tour. Artists from Joshua Tree, Pioneertown, and surrounding areas open their private studios to the public for a self-guided tour.

Live Music at Pappy & Harriet's — Daily

This legendary venue in Pioneertown (a short drive) hosts live music almost every night. This week, catch Sons of Habit (Oct 20), NIIS (Oct 21), and Alejandro Escovedo (Oct 22) in an unforgettable desert setting.

Quick Glance Summary

Palm Springs, California is redefining its creative landscape with immersive art and cultural experiences that engage the senses and spark participation.

In April 2024, the city introduced the “Pillars of Palm Springs,” a striking public art installation on Tahquitz Canyon Way.

Six eye-catching pillars—each by a different artist, most of them local—capture themes like Creativity, Serenity, and Diversity, inviting viewers to interact both physically and emotionally.

The Mary Pickford Theatre followed suit with “Art of the Future,” a groundbreaking augmented reality gallery.

Wearing AR glasses, visitors are immersed in a fusion of digital and interactive installations, showcasing where art and technology converge.

Rounding out the offerings, the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza honors local Native heritage with a museum, indigenous art, and a spa utilizing ancient hot mineral springs, all inspired by ancestral design.

Palm Springs now invites everyone to move from observation to participation, leading the evolution of immersive art and design.

Interesting Facts

Palm Springs, famous for its mid-century modern design and lively arts community, is emerging as a leader in blending artificial intelligence with creativity.

In June 2025, the city launched the Palm Springs AI & Creativity Expo, where residents, students, and innovators gathered to explore how AI is transforming the creative landscape.

Key speakers like Baratunde Thurston and Rob Minkoff inspired discussions about the evolving partnership between AI and human imagination.

Local designers now use AI tools to shape interiors that reflect the desert's unique light, while architects employ advanced simulations to optimize building efficiency and style.

Fashion studios are fusing AI-driven “style models” with Palm Springs’ signature flair, proving that technology can amplify—rather than overshadow—artistic intuition.

Even retailers and hotels are adopting AI, offering custom experiences from style recommendations to ambient room settings that match each guest's mood.

Palm Springs continues its tradition as a creative trailblazer, letting intelligence and artistry thrive together.

Quote Of The Day

"Today's quote to inspire you in the beautiful city of Palm Springs: 'The desert tells a different story every time you view it.' - Unknown"

In Palm Springs, California, bold footwear is taking center stage, infusing the city’s famous mid-century modern charm with audacious flair.

Inspired by the Freaky Footwear wave from Byrdie Fall 2025, local boutiques are transforming shoes into wearable art.

Gleaming neon mules and crystal-heeled boots shine in the Uptown Design District, drawing both locals and visitors to imaginative displays.

Spa-goers sport chrome slides by the pool, while platform loafers in sunset colors add punch to chic linen looks.

Even art galleries are hosting playful pop-ups, spotlighting shoes as covetable masterpieces—some displayed on plexiglass like modern trophies.

The hashtag #FreakyInTheDesert is buzzing online, showcasing metallic heels that dazzle against the city’s terra-cotta streets.

This bold footwear moment captures Palm Springs’ confident, creative spirit—a city evolving, yet never losing its unique edge.

Q/A Questions

Q: Question: What is the best time of year to visit Palm Springs?

A: Answer: The best time to visit Palm Springs is typically in the fall or spring when the weather is mild and pleasant for outdoor activities.

Q: Question: What are some must-see attractions in Palm Springs?

A: Answer: Some must-see attractions in Palm Springs include the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Joshua Tree National Park, and the Palm Springs Art Museum.

Q: Question: Where can I find the best restaurants in Palm Springs?

A: Answer: You can find some of the best restaurants in Palm Springs along Palm Canyon Drive, where you can indulge in a variety of cuisines ranging from gourmet dining to casual bites.

Palm Springs has emerged as a vibrant hub of artistic innovation, fueled by the creative energy of Taylor Swift’s latest choreography, The Fate of Ophelia.

Since the music video’s October 2025 release, local dancers and artists have embraced the routine’s blend of dance-pop, synth-pop, and expressive movement, echoing the desert’s own rhythm.

At the Palm Springs Art Museum, an experimental troupe captivated audiences with an immersive “Ophelia Interpretation Night,” pairing dance with spoken word and ethereal light displays.

Videographers are capturing performances of Swift’s choreography amid the city’s mid-century modern architecture, highlighting a dramatic union between the geometric designs of Richard Neutra and fluid human motion.

Local resorts now offer “Ophelia Flow” sunrise sessions, merging mindful movement with artistic exploration beside tranquil pools.

Through grace and restraint, the choreography reflects Palm Springs’ tradition of blending emotional expression with thoughtful design, anchoring dance as a powerful new symbol of the region’s evolving identity.