From Music Festivals to Palm Springs Pride, There’s Tons to Experience This Season
As the temperatures cool and the fall season approaches, there’s no doubt that your calendar is starting to fill up—but that shouldn’t stop you from adding a few more fun events to your plans! While known for its desert setting and its nods to midcentury modern architecture, there’s so much more to Greater Palm Springs than meets the eye. This season, the region is offering an exciting lineup of happenings that everyone will love, from foodies and gourmands to music lovers and film fanatics. Open up that calendar app—here are 12 fall events in Greater Palm Springs that you won’t want to miss!
Cinema Diverse LGBTQ+ Film Festival
When: Sept. 19-22 and 26-29
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center
Taking place this September, the Cinema Diverse LGBTQ+ Film Festival will be celebrating a wide range of voices in honor of expressive art. This two-weekend festival sets out to strengthen and empower the community by giving a voice to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender filmmakers. Enjoy mixing and mingling at the Palm Springs Cultural Center as you hear from powerful and brave voices who have used art to convey relatable messages that resonate with a diverse audience of people from all different backgrounds. Whether you’re a member of the community or a loyal ally, mark your calendars for this important film festival.
The Dinah
When: Sept. 25-29
Where: Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs
Hosted by the tropical Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs, there’s no better place to party this September than at The Dinah. Since 1991, The Dinah has been a place for the lesbian and queer community to come together over great music, great vibes and strong drinks. Spend your day dancing by the pool or lounging in a floaty before getting down at Reforma Nightclub to local DJs and exciting performers. As the largest lesbian and queer women’s event in the world, The Dinah curates a unique and safe space for locals and visitors alike hoping to branch out and expand their circle. This four-day party in Palm Springs is one you won’t want to miss!
Palm Springs Car Show & Festival
When: Oct. 5
Where: Downtown Palm Springs
Classic cars scream Palm Springs, and on Oct. 5, they’ll be swarming the streets. The first annual Palm Springs Car Show & Festival invites classic car collectors from all over the state to gather for a day of admiration and inspiration. Attendees will find plenty of muscle cars, street rods, sports cars and trucks, making this a must-attend Greater Palm Springs event for people of all ages. The event will take place in Downtown Palm Springs and will also host a variety of vendors and performers, allowing guests to shop, sip and indulge as they walk past eye-catching cars.
Joshua Tree Music Festival
When: Oct. 10-13
Where: Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground
The Joshua Tree Music Festival blends beautiful surroundings with soulful tunes from Oct. 10-13. Though the music is the focus, the artwork that fills the festival is equally as impressive, and upon arriving, you’ll quickly understand why people travel from all over the country to attend this bi-annual event. This year’s lineup includes several DJ sets along with performances by artists like Al-Qasar, Mak Nova & The Homies, the Lowdown Brass Band, Honeywild and more. There will also be a positive vibration station for yoga and movement, a colorful Queer Salon, an Astro Mojo Dojo tea lounge and Kidsville children’s activities, making this an event that everyone can enjoy.
Weezer at Acrisure Arena
When: Oct. 12
Where: Acrisure Arena
For one night only on Oct. 12, legendary band Weezer is playing at the state-of-the-art Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert. In honor of the 30th anniversary of their beloved self-titled album, Weezer is taking the stage alongside The Flaming Lips and Dinosaur Jr. for a night of feel-good 90s tunes and good vibes. This modern and spacious arena just opened at the end of 2022, meaning concert-goers get premium access to high-end amenities, brand-new seats and top-of-the-line live music technology. In addition to performances by A-list artists like Kings of Leon and Shakira, Acrisure Arena also hosts lively hockey games for the Coachella Valley Firebirds with the first home game of the 2024-2025 season taking place on Oct. 11.
Yum Food Fest & Night Market
When: Oct. 12-13
Where: The Shops at Palm Desert
Foodies won’t want to miss the two-day Yum Food Fest & Night Market at The Shops at Palm Desert. Taking place on Oct.12-13, the destination’s biggest food show is back and better than ever. From 3-10 p.m., stop by to explore a vast list of vendors, pop-ups and food trucks. Whether you’re a plant-based foodie craving some vegan tacos or a sweet tooth in the mood for funnel cakes, the options are endless. In addition to food vendors, there will also be a solid selection of cultural vendors ranging from face-painting stands to charities benefiting Alzheimer’s, food banks and other causes.
Modernism Week — October
When: Oct. 24-27
Where: Various locations across Greater Palm Springs
For design enthusiasts and architecture aficionados, Modernism Week — October is a dream come true. A mini version of the main Modernism Week in February, Modernism Week — October is a four-day event that showcases the impact that midcentury modern design and style has had on the Palm Springs area. This October, you can expect a handful of fun and exciting events to choose from, which will include the staple open-air bus tours, engaging presentations, iconic home tours, the Palm Springs Modernism Fall Show and Preview Party and more. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the timeless allure of sleek lines juxtaposed by organic shapes and the spirit of an era that’s still alive and well in the destination.
Greater Palm Springs Pride 2024
When: Oct. 31-Nov. 3
Where: Throughout Palm Springs
Celebrate love, expression and unity at the 38th Palm Springs Pride. Known for its vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, this annual event is a joyful celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community’s pride and resilience. Event highlights include the Arenas District Block Party (Nov. 1), Festival Marketplace and Entertainment (Nov. 2-3) and the Parade on Palm Canyon Drive (Nov. 3). Greater Palm Springs Pride radiates love and acceptance, making it an incredible experience for everyone, regardless of orientation or identity. Note that tickets are not required to attend, but they’re a great way to donate and support the local Pride organization and help keep the event accessible to as many people as possible.
Palm Springs Food & Wine Festival
When: Nov. 9-10
Where: Palm Springs Stadium Pavilion
This November, the Palm Springs Food & Wine Festival is making its return, highlighting the area’s bounty of produce and culinary talent. Considered to be a true gastronomic adventure, this event invites attendees to taste a plethora of premium wines while mingling with celebrity and emerging chefs during live demos and cooking lessons. Since food is the focus, be sure to arrive hungry so you can try bites from the 25+ vendors who will be serving up gourmet creations. The general admission costs $125, but for the ultimate experience, splurge on the $175 VIP tickets, which include things like an exclusive space to enjoy tastings from boutique wineries, fine dining cuisine, seating at the celebrity chef demonstrations, a souvenir wine glass and more.
La Quinta Art Celebration – ENCORE
When: Nov. 14-17
Where: La Quinta Civic Center
Celebrate fine arts for four days at the La Quinta Art Celebration. This Greater Palm Springs event is happening from Nov. 14-17 at the La Quinta Civic Center, bringing together art appreciators and creators from all over. Featured artists are selected by a jury, ensuring that you’re in for a taste of true talent. These world-class artists will be showcasing their original creations, allowing you to get intimate face time and learn more about the process and story behind each piece. The celebration runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and requires an entry ticket.
10th Annual Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival
When: Nov. 22-24
Where: Various locations across Greater Palm Springs
Soar to new heights this fall at the Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival. Ranked as the No. 6 balloon festival worldwide, this picturesque three-day event decorates the sun-kissed sky in a flurry of massive, colorful balloons, creating a breathtaking scene unlike any other. Sponsored by Agua Caliente Casinos, this is the 10th year in a row that the festival has taken place, and in addition to the balloons, participants can also expect tasty food trucks, live performances, kid-friendly activities and more. This year, Leann Rimes will be performing on Nov. 23, so get ready for some toe-tappin’ country music.
2024 Props and Hops Craft Beer Festival
When: Nov. 23
Where: Palm Springs Air Museum
On Nov. 23, the Props and Hops Craft Beer Festival is once again bringing some of the best brewskies to Greater Palm Springs. This year marks the 12th annual festival, which will feature more than 40 craft beers for attendees to taste. Since nothing pairs better with beer than comforting bites, guests can also indulge in fare from food trucks like Wetzel’s Pretzels, Uncle D’s Smokehouse, and Charlie Loco Tacos. Soak up the good vibes while you sip as live music from Del Sol Band and The John Stanley King Band fills the air. General admission tickets start at $60, while VIP tickets start at $90.
Allie Lebos graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2017 with a BA in Communication. While in school she was a staff writer at The Daily Nexus for nearly two years. Since graduating she has written for The Palisades Magazine, as well as Hidden Hills Magazine. Currently living in Santa Monica, Allie loves to indulge in good food, hot yoga, and daily walks along the beach; writing articles on travel, special events, as well as features on local businesses and individuals.
