Palm Springs • August through December 2026
Palm Springs Is Always in Season
The old idea of Palm Springs having a "quiet season" is disappearing. Summer in the desert feels more active every year, with pool events, late-night experiences, art, dining, weekly markets and plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy the city. Then fall arrives and Palm Springs shifts into one of its biggest stretches of festivals, design, nightlife, community celebrations and holiday traditions. Here is what is happening from August through December 2026.
August 2026
Summer is not slowing Palm Springs down.
Palm Springs Surf Club: Night Swim + Silent Disco
Palm Springs summer nights keep getting better. Spend the evening at the Surf Club with Night Swim Saturdays, then catch its first-ever Silent Disco featuring dueling DJs and a late-night indoor party.
Summer Moon Party
A summer night at one of Palm Springs' cultural landmarks. The Art Museum keeps the city's summer calendar going with an evening event combining art, atmosphere and downtown Palm Springs energy.
August Ride 'N' Dine at the Tram
Escape the desert floor and head more than 8,500 feet up Mt. San Jacinto. August Ride 'N' Dine packages combine the rotating tram ride with dinner at Mountain Station, making it one of the coolest ways to spend a summer evening in Palm Springs.
VillageFest
Summer does not stop one of Palm Springs' favorite traditions. Palm Canyon Drive closes to traffic and fills with more than 180 vendors, food, art, shopping and entertainment beneath the palms.
Certified Farmers Market
Palm Springs even moves its farmers market indoors for summer. Browse local produce, baked goods, flowers, artisan foods and specialty vendors inside the air-conditioned Palm Springs Pavilion.
September 2026
Film, culture, nightlife and the first wave of fall energy.
Cinema Diverse: Palm Springs LGBTQ+ Film Festival
Two weekends of LGBTQ+ cinema bring filmmakers, actors, storytellers and film lovers together in Palm Springs for features, shorts, documentaries and conversations from around the world.
The Dinah
One of Palm Springs' signature destination events returns for five days of pool parties, live performances, comedy, nightlife and major events at the Hilton Palm Springs, Hotel Zoso and venues throughout downtown.
Palm Springs Air Museum September Events
The museum hosts its annual National POW/MIA Recognition Night on September 19, followed by a free screening of "The Flight of Jackie Cochran" on September 26.
September Weekly Favorites
- VillageFest every Thursday from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Palm Springs Art Museum Free Thursday Nights from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Certified Farmers Market indoors every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
October 2026
Palm Springs fall season officially kicks into high gear.
The Dinah Continues
September flows directly into October with one of the city's largest destination weekends, including packed pool parties, live music, comedy and nightlife throughout downtown Palm Springs.
Modernism Week: October
Palm Springs celebrates the architecture and design that made the city famous. More than 50 tours, talks, parties, design experiences and special events make this four-day fall edition one of October's biggest draws.
Palm Springs Leather Pride
Palm Springs Leather Pride returns for a full Halloween weekend of parties, social events, contests, entertainment and gatherings that bring visitors from around the world into the city.
Halloween Weekend in Palm Springs
Halloween is a big night in Palm Springs. Costumes and nightlife take over the Arenas District, while the Palm Springs Air Museum hosts its annual Halloween Chili Tasting and Car Show during the day.
Weekly Favorites Move Outdoors
- VillageFest returns to 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM fall hours
- Certified Farmers Market moves back outdoors for the season
- Palm Springs Art Museum continues Free Thursday Nights
November 2026
Pride, perfect weather, festivals and the start of the holidays.
Greater Palm Springs Pride
One of the city's biggest weekends of the year fills downtown Palm Springs with live music, multiple stages, parties, community events and a massive free Pride Festival. The Pride Parade steps off Sunday, November 8 at 10:00 AM on Palm Canyon Drive.
Palm Springs Air Museum 30th Anniversary Air Fair
The Air Museum celebrates its 30th anniversary with a major Air Fair and the dedication of an F/A-18 Super Hornet, adding another major event to an already packed Pride weekend.
Props & Hops Craft Beer Festival
Craft breweries, live entertainment, food and historic aircraft come together inside and around the Air Museum hangars for one of the desert's most distinctive fall festivals.
WildLights Begins
The holiday season begins early with illuminated pathways, sparkling displays, festive entertainment and nighttime experiences throughout The Living Desert.
November Weekly Favorites
- VillageFest every Thursday from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Certified Farmers Market every Saturday morning
- Palm Springs Art Museum Free Thursday Nights
December 2026
Holiday lights, desert nights and a Palm Springs-style December.
Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting
Palm Springs officially kicks off the holiday weekend with its annual community tree lighting, bringing residents and visitors together before one of the city's most beloved events of the year.
Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade
Palm Canyon Drive lights up with illuminated floats, marching bands, giant balloons, performers and thousands of spectators for one of Southern California's favorite holiday traditions.
WildLights at The Living Desert
Stroll through dazzling light displays, holiday installations and illuminated zoo pathways during one of the Coachella Valley's biggest seasonal traditions.
Snowtopia
Yes, snow in Palm Springs. The Air Museum brings 50 tons of real snow to the desert along with Santa, a holiday train, s'mores, firepits and family-friendly winter activities on the tarmac.
Holiday Weekly Favorites
- VillageFest under the holiday lights every Thursday
- Certified Farmers Market every Saturday morning
- Free Thursday Nights at Palm Springs Art Museum
- Holiday dining, shopping and nightlife throughout downtown Palm Springs