An oasis in the California desert, Greater Palm Springs is a must-visit destination for culture vultures, fitness fanatics, festival-goers and foodies. With a year-round events calendar across the nine cities – from the legendary Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival to the super Instagrammable Desert X – see below some of the calendar highlights for 2019.
ALSO READ: Travel Guide to Palm Springs
Desert X (city-wide)
When: February 9, 2019 for ten weeks.
Desert X c. Doug Aitken 35 Lance Gerber
Launched in the spring of 2017, Desert X is a creative exhibition which sees local and international artists install artwork across the Coachella Valley.
There will be 16 unique installations designed by renowned contemporary artists inspired by the landscape, looking towards natural, man-made, economic and social influences. Also included are film projects and an expansion of the works geographically from Palm Springs City to the Salton Sea.
Where to stay: The Andaz Palm Springs, a new Hyatt hotel, will touch down in the California desert in April. With 150 guest rooms, 13 of which are high-end suites, the property will offer a swimming pool, full-service spa and 24-hour fitness centre with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains to boot
Modernism Week (city-wide)
When: February 14 to 24, 2019
Modernismweek
Modernism Week is a 10-day celebration of mid-century architecture, design, art, fashion and culture. Featuring more than 350 events across the nine cities, including film screenings, bus tours and late-night parties, Modernism Week aims to inform and inspire visitors about the creative side of Greater Palm Springs and all that it has to offer.
Tennis: BNP Paribas Open (Indian Wells)
When: March 4 to 17, 2019
GPS BNP Paribas Open
Returning to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, the BNP Paribas Open is the second largest tennis tournament in the world, after the four Grand Slams. Highly regarded by both players and fans,, the event has been named both the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Tournament of the Year and the WTA Premier Mandatory Tournament of the Year annually since 2014. Off court, there’s tennis talks, family activities and food outlets.
Wellspring (Palm Springs)
When: 26 to 28 October, 2019
Wellspring
Launched for the first time this year, Wellspring is a new health and wellness gathering in downtown Palm Springs. Featuring innovators and teachers in the fitness industry and socially-conscious companies, Wellspring is all about wellness practices that are beneficial for both themselves and the world through workouts, treatments, seminars and talks.
Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival (Indio)
When: 12 – 14 and 18 – 21 April, 2019
Coachella Valley Music Festival
The Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival is one of the highlights of the Greater Palm Springs events calendar and attracts a world-renowned line-up each year, as well as thousands of music and arts fans. Taking place big names including Beyonce, Eminem and The Weeknd are set to headline. www.coachella.com
Where to stay: Opening in April, Hotel Indigo will be the first hotel to open in the city of Coachella. Designed with the festival in mind, the 250 room property will feature a saltwater swimming pool and large entertainment area to host events, including a DJ stage. The hotel will also have a licence to hold events until 4am, making it the top choice for a festival after party.
Stagecoach Country Music Festival (Indio)
California’s premier country music festival, Stagecoach, returns to Greater Palm Springs, 26 – 28 April. Featuring the biggest names in the country music industry, visitors can throw down to headline acts including Luke Bryan, Sam Hunt and Jason Aldean. In addition to live music, there’s also a dance hall, vintage market, ferris wheel and street food.
Palm Desert Food and Wine Festival (Palm Desert)
When: 22 to 24 March, 2019
Palm Desert Food and Wine Festival
The three-day Palm Desert Food and Wine Festival brings together the most inspirational chefs, vintners and brew masters from across the USA to showcase their talents. With exclusive lunches, insightful talks, cooking demonstrations and tastings, the festival is a must-do for any keen foodie in California.
Indio International Tamale Festival (Indio)
When: December
Indio Tamale festival
The Indio International Tamale Festival, taking place every December, is the largest festival in the world dedicated solely to the steamed savoury treat. Visitors will see over 300 tamale vendors as well as live entertainment, interactive art spaces, beer gardens, craft stalls and, of course, the largest ever tamale. There is also a competition for the best tasting tamale.
More information: Visit Greater Palm Springs