It’s a big month here in Palm Springs, as Modernism Week returns for its yearly party: two weeks of people from all over the world cosplaying in their finest mid-century garb touring the super groovy architectural styles of the period known as Mid-Century Modern. 

You’ll learn all about the starchitects that built Palm Springs and go on fun and informative home and bus tours, plus there is so much entertainment going on it’ll blow your ever-lovin’ mind.

It’s the beginning of our whirlwind of events, including the BNP Open in March, Coachella and Stagecoach in April, and film, food, and wine festivals galore. We’ve got all of the usual suspects for entertainment, but these are the ones screaming LOOK AT ME! LOOK AT ME! So, let’s look at them…

February events in Palm Springs

Feb. 7: Tour de Palm Springs — If you are a biker, you likely know about this. And by biker I mean your legs are the engine. If you’re not a biker, it’s still pretty fun dodging the cyclists downtown while cheering them on.

Feb. 12-22: Modernism Week — An 11-day mid-century modern festival with tours, talks, parties, films, and more.

Feb. 12, 7 p.m.: Modernism Week Opening Night Party: Modernist Motown — Motown-themed opening celebration at Palm Springs Air Museum with live band and classic cars. Ticketed event.

Feb. 13: Palm Springs Modernism Show — Preview Party: Get a sneak peek of the Modernism Show expo at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Ticketed event.

Feb. 14 (Valentine’s Day!): PS Underground — SITCOM (Modernism Week special) — Four-course dinner + nostalgia + live music with free-flowing cocktails; Modernism Week special event.

Feb. 14-16: Palm Springs Modernism Show (Expo): Head to the Convention Center to browse (and buy) mid-century furniture, art, and accessories.

Feb. 19-22: Palm Springs International Jazz Festival — Three days of killer jazz at two of the finest theatres in Palm Springs: The Annenberg Theatre and The Plaza Theatre. For those denizens of the 1980s, bass player extraordinaire Stanley Clarke will be there as well as the artistry of Ben Sidran. Tickets here.

At the Palm Springs Art Museum and The Annenberg Theatre

Feb. 7, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.: Masterclass in Making with Mixografia — Hands-on masterclass at Palm Springs Art Museum.

Feb. 8–11: Dez Duron: Live performance run at the Annenberg Theater at the Palm Springs Art Museum.

Feb. 17: Stories Untold: Howard Smith — Program in the Annenberg Theater spotlighting Howard Smith.

Feb. 20: Ben Sidran: Live performance at the Annenberg Theater.

Feb. 26, 5 to 8 p.m.: Black History Month Closing Celebration — Museum-hosted closing celebration for Black History Month.

Feb. 28: Marilyn, Mom & Me: An Annenberg Theater event.

What’s happening at the Palm Springs Cultural Center

Feb. 14, 8 p.m.: Broadway’s Best of the West: Jessica Vosk — Cabaret/series show

Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m.: Fat Tuesday Party — Celebrate Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday

Feb. 19–21: Puppetry of the Penis

Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m.: Among Friends

Theatre and performances

Feb. 6: 1958! A Musical Time Capsule with Tod Macofsky, Cascade Lounge at Agua Caliente Palm Springs) 

Feb. 6-7: rePLAY!, Plaza Theatre

Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27: Dragachella at Oscar’s

Feb. 11: Cardi B, Acrisure Arena

Feb. 11, 7 to 8:45 p.m.: Richard Skipper Celebrates!, Revolution Stage Company

Feb. 12-28: A Man of No Importance, The Bent

Feb. 14: Tina Burner LIVE!, Toucans

Feb. 14, 15: TONY AND THE KIKI with Dan Holguin. Live music/special event at Oscar’s.

Feb. 16, 6:30 p.m.: High Society film screening, Plaza Theater

Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m.: Aloe Blacc, Plaza Theater

Feb. 17: Palm Springs Bound — Music of composers, lyricists and performers who have lived and worked in the desert. Francesca Amari, Eve Holmes, Mary Rademacher, Paul Motondo.

Feb. 12-28: In The Wake, The Bent

Feb. 26-March 8: Dezart Performs — Destroying David, multiple showtimes

Feb. 13, 7 to 9:30 p.m.: PIPPIN, Revolution Stage Company 

Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m.: Phil Manzanera (Roxy Music) in conversation with Fred Bronson

Recurring weekly events

Every Thursday (Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26): VillageFest — Downtown street fair on Palm Canyon Drive (October–May hours are 6 to 10 p.m.). Vendors, food, and entertainment.

Every Thursday (Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26): Free Thursday Night at Palm Springs Art Museum — free admission from 5 to 8 p.m. at the main museum; art and community vibe.

Every Saturday (Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28): Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market — weekly market (starts at 8 a.m.). Local produce + artisan foods.

Daytime adventures

Desert Tasty Tours (Palm Springs Downtown Walking Food Tour): This three-hour culinary experience feeds you well on local deliciousness while entertaining you with stories about culture, architecture, and the city’s evolution. You won’t leave hungry.

Urban Palm Springs Tours (tour operator): Boutique tours focusing on city highlights, culture, and locally curated experiences. Day trip to Temecula Wineries? Yes please.

Drag N Fly: You will never find anything as unique as this tour. From the drag queen docents, to your ride — it’s a great time and a lot of laughs. 

Red Jeep Tours (Desert Adventures): Off-road desert exploration into places like Indian Canyons, San Andreas Fault zones, sunsets, and scenic overlooks.

Palm Springs Windmill Tours (tour operator): Scenic tours of the Coachella Valley wind turbine fields with guided insights into their history and tech.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (scenic ride): Not a tour company but a quintessential Palm Springs experience; ride up to Mt. San Jacinto for panoramic views and hiking options.

So much to do, I know. But you’ll figure it out. I have all the faith in the world in you. And when you get here, don’t forget to shop and stay local. That way you’ll be able to come back!