Palm Springs is a cultural oasis known for its vibrant art scene, from modernist architecture and galleries to indigenous heritage showcased at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum. The city also hosts world-class film festivals—the Palm Springs International Film Festival and ShortFest.
When planning a visit, make sure to spend a Thursday night in the area so you can enjoy free admission to the Palm Springs Art Museum, home to modern and contemporary works and a stunning sculpture garden. Admission is free from 5–8 PM. Get there right at 5 PM, start on the top floor and work your way down to mostly avoid the crowds.
Once you wrap up at the museum, walk by the iconic “Forever Marilyn” statue, which was relocated to the Downtown Park after years of controversy, legal battles and public debate.
Next, head a few blocks to VillageFest, where you can browse artisan goods, grab some local bites, and catch live music. This Thursday night open-air market stretches three city blocks along Palm Canyon Drive between Indian Canyon Drive (east side) and Belardo Road (west side).
Not to be missed is the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, dedicated to the history and living heritage of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. The museum begins with the Creation and Migration exhibit—a 360-degree digital animation experience housed in a longhouse-style theater. The 12-minute film tells the tribal heritage of the Cahuilla through sweeping visuals and storytelling.
The highlight of the museum is a moving 3D visual projection on a topographical model of the valley chronicling tribal history from Euro-American settlement to the present. Pay particular attention to Section 2 of the Golden Checkerboard—the land ownership pattern laid out in the early 20th century. Today, Section 2 is tribally owned, and all development—commercial or residential—is managed under a land lease agreement with the Agua Caliente Band. You’ll see details of these land leases—yearly cost and length of lease—in real estate listings.
For festival and art fair enthusiasts, plan a visit around Modernism Week, held in February. This 11-day celebration features architectural tours, exhibitions, lectures and site visits to iconic mid-century homes and design landmarks. A smaller version of Modernism Week is held in October.
If you’re not able to attend Modernism Week, you can still create your own modern experience by joining the Palm Springs Historical Society walking tours.
These docent-led tours run from October through March and explore iconic neighborhoods such as:
- Golden Era Hollywood Homes
- Frank Sinatra’s Neighborhood
- Rat Pack Playground
- Giants of Architecture
- Inns, Architecture & Glamour
For a full list and descriptions, see the walking tours of Palm Springs.
If your visit happens to land on the first Wednesday of the month, head to the Backstreet Art District from 5–8 p.m. to enjoy an energetic hub of galleries and artist studios showcasing painting, sculpture, mixed media and performance art.
For a comprehensive guide to art in the region, explore the art scene of Palm Springs.
Film lovers should head to Palm Springs in January for the acclaimed Palm Springs International Film Festival, known for curating the best in international cinema and often considered the first stop on the road to the Academy Awards. Passes and tickets typically go on sale in early December.
The Palm Springs ShortFest—the largest short film festival in North America—is held in June. Passes go on sale April 1, and single tickets open up on June 5.
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