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As summer’s scorching temperatures slowly fade, Palm Springs welcomes the start of another sensational season. Beloved annual events are on the horizon, and several new places to eat, drink, and play are now open. October in Palm Springs encourages you to don a costume and dance to the music, step back in time, enjoy the present with loved ones, and prepare for the upcoming holidays.
Must-do events in Palm Springs this October

The crowd at The Dinah. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs
Sept. 30-Oct. 4: The Dinah. What began as a relatively small, one-day event in the ’90s has blossomed into an empowering force and five-day affair that is now the world’s largest annual music festival celebrating the lesbian, queer female, trans, and nonbinary communities. Pool parties, Singles and Solo Social Hours, and a Black and White Ball are just a few of the experiences on offer. Check out all the details here.
Oct. 15-18: Modernism Fall Show. You know it’s officially season when this event arrives! Palm Springs is synonymous with modernism and fans of this era have an abundance of events from which to choose. You can visit places where legendary celebrities once played and stayed, take an array of tours featuring the work of architectural icons, and step back in time in your mind as you dine at the city’s renowned restaurants, where top chefs curate stunning menus.
Oct. 30-31: Halloween Palm Springs. Palm Springs style isn’t limited to kaftans, shift dresses, and go-go boots. Costumes of all kinds are welcome during this two-day Halloween street party in the Arenas District. Live music and a lineup of DJs will keep the party going from 4 to 10 p.m. each night, along with a vodka VIP lounge and costume contest. Entrance is free with a suggested donation of $10 benefiting local LGBTQ+ organizations.
Oct. 11: The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Pay homage to the recently passed Tim Curry with a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the historic Plaza Theatre. You’ll be joined by the original Columbia, Nell Campbell. Singalong, pose for a photo with Nell, and take part in a costume contest.
Communal dinners and new restaurant openings

The fried chicken at The Pantry is finger lickin’ good. Photo courtesy of Holiday House
As the holidays near and differences appear, what unites us all? Food. The answer is food. Making a meal or sharing one is a great unifier. Learn new recipes to add to your holiday entertaining repertoire or simply gather your loved ones and create more delicious moments. Here are just a few suggestions.
The popular communal Fried Chicken Family Dinner at Holiday House is back monthly beginning Oct. 29. Grab your seat to join a table of 40 and dine under the stars family-style at The Pantry, Holiday House’s intimate patio restaurant. Gather with friends and make new connections while enjoying Chef Oleg Olexin’s famous fried chicken, side dishes, and dessert. Reservations by phone or online required.
Those Italian Cousins is serving up authentic Italian cuisine, including pastas, pinsas, and seadas (an ancient Sardinian dessert) at their recently opened restaurant.
Bird, a cute new coffee shop, is now open daily from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., with plans for expansion into the evening with pizza and wine as the season progresses.
The Palm Springs Cultural Center has Foodie Fridays paired with a free screening of Chocolat on Oct. 16.
Vegan or vegan-curious? Tanya’s Kitchen is offering up a range of classes from tofu to tempeh.
Mark your calendars for November
Nov. 6-8: Palm Springs Pride. An epic weekend including a parade, parties, and celebration of the LGBTQ+ community.
Nov. 13-15: Palm Springs Food and Wine Festival. Tickets are selling fast for this annual event. Its new location is Downtown Park, where the Forever Marilyn statue stands proud. Get a taste of everything delicious while mingling with fellow foodies.
See a full list of events in Palm Springs here.
Have an outstanding October! See you next month.

