Music Festivals, Art Celebrations and Tennis Tournaments Are All on the Calendar This Year
Greater Palm Springs is a perennial hotspot for arts, culture and entertainment, but 2025 is shaping up to be an exceptional year. From iconic music festivals to globally recognized art showcases and world-class tennis tournaments, the region is brimming with events that promise unforgettable experiences. Here’s your ultimate guide to the top events in Greater Palm Springs to look forward to in 2025.
Tour De Palm Springs
When: Feb. 8
The Tour de Palm Springs is one of the nation’s largest cycling charity events, attracting up to 10,000 riders from across the globe to support over 150 local nonprofits. With routes ranging from 10 to 100 miles, this event caters to all skill levels while showcasing the stunning landscapes of Greater Palm Springs.
This year, the event is themed “Honoring Military, First Responders and Veterans.” It features a lively start and finish line, vibrant rest stops with music and food, and over 20 bands performing along the routes. The day wraps up with a festive post-ride celebration featuring live music, food trucks and local vendors.
Location: Downtown Palm Springs
Modernism Week
When: Feb. 13-23
Modernism Week 2025 celebrates its 20th anniversary from February 13–23 with over 400 events showcasing Greater Palm Springs’ iconic midcentury modern design and culture. Highlights include exclusive tours of standout homes like Adam West’s former residence, the Sackley Chase Sensation, and the retro 70’s Vibe House, along with must-do experiences like the Double Decker Architectural Bus Tour and the Garden Tour of the Kaufmann Residence. Attendees can enjoy engaging panels featuring design legends, glamorous parties like the Opening Night Extravaganza at the Palm Springs Air Museum, and the Sinatra Estate soirée, as well as the Modernism Show Preview Party for collectors. Whether you’re a design enthusiast or a first-time visitor, Modernism Week 2025 promises an unforgettable celebration of midcentury modern charm.
Local Insight: Snag tickets early for the most sought-after home tours and events, as they often sell out well in advance.
Location: Greater Palm Springs
La Quinta Art Celebration
When: Feb. 27-March 2
Another epic way to view art in Greater Palm Springs, the La Quinta Art Celebration is a must-attend event this winter! This four-day affair showcases over 200 jury-selected artists from around the world, set against the stunning backdrop of the Santa Rosa Mountains at the 14-acre La Quinta Civic Center. Visitors can explore a wide range of artwork across mediums, from paintings and sculptures to interactive installations, while strolling scenic paths and vibrant gardens.
The event features live music performances at the Amphitheater Stage, Oasis Lounge and Celebration Bistro, where guests can enjoy al fresco dining with gourmet offerings like Taqueria El Arte’s street tacos, Gem BBQ Pit’s Hawaiian bowls and artisanal gelato from Gelato Granucci.
Location: La Quinta
BNP Paribas Open
When: March 2-16
Known as the “fifth Grand Slam,” the BNP Paribas Open is one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world. The Indian Wells Tennis Garden, with its stunning mountain backdrop, is a bucket-list venue for any sports fan. Visitors can enjoy two weeks of thrilling matches featuring world-class stars like Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek and Novak Djokovic, along with a vibrant fan village offering shopping, dining and interactive experiences.
Location: Indian Wells
Desert X
When: March 8-May 11
Desert X transforms Greater Palm Springs into an open-air museum, showcasing site-specific installations by internationally acclaimed artists. This year’s fifth edition explores “nonlinear narratives of time,” intertwining ancestral wisdom with contemporary visions. Greater Palm Springs serves as both a canvas and storyteller, reflecting themes of resilience, Indigenous history and global social issues.
Since 2017, Desert X has welcomed over 1.7 million visitors, offering art experiences that go beyond traditional galleries, often requiring adventurous treks to remote locations. Free and open to all, the exhibition promotes cultural exchange and education, connecting deeply with Greater Palm Springs’ landscape and communities.
Location: Greater Palm Springs
Fashion Week El Paseo
When: March 14-19
Fashion Week El Paseo returns with a week of high fashion, exclusive trunk shows and runway presentations from top designers. One of the stand-out events this includes Ace Harper’s “Move with Abandon” on March 15. This show will showcase her bold punk nouveau Spring/Summer 2025 collection inspired by movement, music and art. On March 17, “Running Wild on El Paseo” will pair desert-ready looks from retailers like Tommy Bahama and Eileen Fisher. There will also be Hunt Slonem’s neo-expressionist art art on display and the proceeds will benefit the Girlfriend Factor charity. With cutting-edge style and creative energy, Fashion Week El Paseo is a can’t-miss celebration of fashion in Greater Palm Springs.
Location: Palm Desert
Palm Desert Food & Wine
When: March 20-23
Palm Desert Food & Wine, hosted in the beautiful El Paseo shopping district in Palm Desert, is the ultimate culinary festival. This four-day event in Greater Palm Springs begins with the James Beard Gourmet Luncheon, followed by Grand Tastings featuring dishes from top local restaurants, over 60 wines, craft brews and premium spirits. Guests can enjoy live cooking demos by celebrity chefs like Brooke Williamson, Curtis Stone and Antonia Lofaso, along with exclusive tours and masterclasses. Blending world-class cuisine, fine wine and stunning views, this festival is a must for food and wine lovers.
Location: Palm Desert
The Galleri Classic
When: March 24-30
Golf enthusiasts rejoice! The Galleri Classic brings top-tier talent to Rancho Mirage for a week of world-class play. Held at the prestigious Mission Hills Country Club, this PGA TOUR Champions event combines world-class competition with the serene beauty of Greater Palm Springs. Expect manicured fairways, spectacular views and an electric atmosphere. Fans gather to watch legends of the game compete, like Steve Stricker, Fred Couples and Ernie Els. And be sure to check out the tournament village, which features gourmet food, craft cocktails and exclusive merch!
Location: Rancho Mirage
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
When: April 11-13 and 18-20
Coachella is the ultimate destination for music lovers, bringing together global superstars and emerging artists for two weekends of unforgettable performances. For 2025, headliners include Lady Gaga, Green Day and Post Malone, along with standout acts like Missy Elliott, Charli XCX, Megan Thee Stallion, and Travis Scott with his “Designs the Desert” showcase. The festival also boasts genre-spanning talent, from FKA twigs and Benson Boone to The Original Misfits and Jennie of BLACKPINK fame.
Beyond the music, attendees will be captivated by larger-than-life art installations, mouthwatering food vendors, and the iconic Ferris wheel. The festival’s DoLab stage continues to be a hotspot for surprise performances and electrifying sets. This year’s lineup promises the perfect mix of nostalgia, cutting-edge performances and global artistry.
Location: Indio
Stagecoach Country Music Festival
When: April 25-27
Stagecoach is Coachella’s country cousin, offering a laid-back vibe with plenty of Southern charm. This three-day Greater Palm Springs event, headlined by stars like Zach Bryan, Jelly Roll, and Luke Combs, offers much more than music—it’s packed with immersive festival experiences for everyone. Food lovers can savor smoky BBQ delights at Guy Fieri’s Stagecoach Smokehouse, where celebrity chefs and pitmasters showcase their best dishes. Families will appreciate the Half-Pint Hootenanny, an air-conditioned space filled with games, arts and crafts, and activities for kids. Sports fans can kick back in the End Zone, a relaxing oasis with ice-cold drinks, BBQ and big-screen game highlights. And as the sun sets, Diplo’s HonkyTonk takes center stage, blending honky-tonk vibes with world-class DJ sets and electrifying beats.
Location: Indio
