As Winter rolls in, Palm Springs heats up with amazing events—including fabulous Pride festivities, dazzling parades, iconic architecture tours, and more! Explore this curated list of experiences, with options for solo travelers, families, or groups, and discover the perfect event to add to your next unforgettable desert escape.
Palm Springs, Destination Spotlight, Local Events, Travel Trends
The Best Palm Springs Winter Events
Published on Oct 27, 2026
November 6-8 | Downtown Palm Springs
Celebrate all that is LGBTQ+ at Palm Springs Pride Festival! This vibrant event takes place throughout downtown with over 200+ marketplace exhibitors, vendors, and non-profit organizations. Grab a delicious bite to eat, raise a glass, and revel in all the fabulous festivities!
November 11, 3:30 p.m. | Downtown Palm Springs
Line the streets and cheer on the 29th Annual Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade as it rolls through downtown Palm Springs, honoring those who served. A patriotic concert and fabulous fireworks show end the event with a splash.
November 20-22 | Cathedral City Festival Lawn
A cherished tradition in Coachella Valley, this weekend-long event draws over 25,000 visitors each year for light shows, musical performances, carnival activities, art installations, and the main attraction—hot air balloon tether rides! Kids 8 and under are free with a ticketed adult, so grab your tickets now for amazing family-friendly fun.
November 24-December 30 | The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Brighten up your holidays with Wildlights at The Living Desert, a "USA Today 10 Best" event! Each year this awe-inspiring tradition adorns the grounds of the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens with thousands of dazzling lights. Wander through the lighted exhibits, check out the model train, and don’t forget to stop by the s’more station for gooey, gourmet deliciousness. Get your tickets while they’re still available!
December 5, 2026, 5:45 p.m. | Starts at Palm Canyon Drive
Kick off the holiday spirit with the Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade! Signature floats decked out in thousands of colorful holiday lights and Macy’s-style balloons provide an incredible family-friendly spectacle alongside marching bands, drill teams, equestrian units, and more!
December 6, 7 a.m. | Begins at Lake Cahuilla
End your season with sunshine and swaying palm trees at the IRONMAN 70.4 La Quinta. This race features an enchanting course ideal for seasoned participants or first-timers, with the cool waters of Lake Cahuilla, an exclusive lap around the Thermal Raceway, and the picturesque scenery of Silver Rock Golf Course! Registration fills up fast, so hurry if you want to join the fun!
January 7-18 | Multiple Venues | Palm Springs & Cathedral City
The ultimate experience for film lovers! Since its inception in 1990, the Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) has attracted thousands to celebrate the best of cinema. The Film Awards, presented by Kering, will kick off the festival on Thursday, Jan. 7 at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Film screenings will begin Friday, Jan. 8 and will conclude with Best of Fest and special programming on Jan. 18. Grab your tickets today!
February 11-21 | Multiple Venues | Greater Palm Springs
Celebrate style, architecture, and the storied past of Palm Springs! Twice a year, Modernism Week turns the city into a playground for design connoisseurs and history aficionados, with tours of iconic mid-century homes and historic neighborhoods that once housed silver-screen and Rat Pack stars. With lectures, cocktail events, film screenings and even family-friendly activities, you’ll find something for everyone to enjoy! Be sure to grab tickets soon—many events sell out fast. Natural Retreats is proud to help sponsor this fantastic event.
February 11-15 | Palm Springs Convention Center
Browse through the stunning, curated exhibitions of Intersect Palm Springs! This art and design fair takes place during Modernism Week, attracting national and international collectors, galleries, and institutions. Tickets will be available soon.
February 28-March 14 | Indian Wells Tennis Garden
Experience match magic as tennis stars, such as Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, Novak Djokovic, and Coco Gauff take to the courts at Indian Wells Tennis Garden for the BNP Paribas Open! There’s a variety of packages to choose from, whether you’re looking to be in the stands for a single session or every match for all 2 weeks.
Dates TBD | Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Each March, the Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival draws families, nature lovers, and more to discover the area’s gorgeous wildflower blooms and desert ecosystem. Enjoy local food and beverages alongside live entertainment, information booths, and enchanting displays for a day of both education and excitement!
March 12-17 | The Gardens on El Paseo
Indulge your inner style icon at the West Coast’s largest fashion week! Discover emerging fashion trends while enjoying showcases of top design talent, cocktail receptions, pop-up shops, and more. Get your tickets while they’re still available.
Enjoy a memorable Palm Springs getaway with Natural Retreats
Ready to start planning your Palm Springs vacation? Our charming collection of handpicked vacation homes offers a variety of options so you and your loved ones can unwind in total comfort—whether it’s a Hollywood Regency gem, a former celebrity hideaway, or a beautiful mid-century modern home.
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