Fall is a favorite season for many, earmarked by Halloween festivities, beloved pastimes like pumpkin patches and corn mazes, and local markets and craft fairs with fall-themed goods. It’s also one of the best times to visit the greater Palm Springs oasis, when the days are warm and sunny and the nights pleasantly cool and breezy. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular traveler to greater Palm Springs, there’s plenty to enjoy during the fall season for all ages and interests.
Festivals and Fairs
Fall festivals are aplenty in greater Palm Springs, which is home to seasonal events like Greater Palm Springs Pride, where you can break out your favorite Halloween costume from October 31 to November 3. La Quinta Art Celebration is another local favorite featuring the best-in-class artists selling work across various mediums. Midcentury modern design enthusiasts can also partake in Modernism Week 2024, which celebrates contemporary design from October 24-27.
Live music fans can enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience of the annual Joshua Tree Music Festival, taking place from October 10-13 this year. Situated in the stunning and vast Joshua Tree National Park, attendees can camp out under the stars while surrounded by the sounds of their favorite artists. Are you a craft beer lover? Be sure to pay a visit to the 2024 Props and Hops Craft Beer Festival at the Palm Springs Air Museum on November 23, where craft beer meets vintage WWII airplanes in a unique event that blends history with the art of brewing.
Halloween Activities
For festive Halloween fun for the entire family, look no further than the annual Howl-O-Ween event at The Living Desert, where kids and adults alike can enjoy Halloween-themed activities while learning about the diverse wildlife of the desert, home to more than 600 species.
In search of a spine-chilling experience? Join Zombie Walk at the River, an all-ages event where you can dress up as your inner zombie and roam the streets of Rancho Mirage. Or visit the annual Halloween Spooktacular at Cathedral City, where more than 50,000 pieces of candy await and Halloween games are aplenty. Have kiddos ages 10 and under? Attend the Munchkin Masquerade at The Shops at Palm Desert throughout October.
Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes
Nearby greater Palm Springs are several pumpkin patches where you can grab a pumpkin to carve into a jack-o'-lantern or to harvest seeds from, which you can roast up with cinnamon and sugar for the perfect fall snack. Head west to The Wickerd Farm or Live Oak Canyon Pumpkin Patch, or pay a visit to Peltzer Pumpkin Farms to sample fall wines at the adjoining Peltzer Winery. Live Oak Canyon Pumpkin Patch also has a corn maze where you can test your skills and a kid-friendly haunted hay ride where the entire family can get into the Halloween spirit.
Local Markets and Craft Fairs
Sample fall-themed delicacies from local farmers at one of the area’s many farmers markets. Old Town La Quinta farmers market, where you can shop for produce, herbs, nuts, cheese, and honey, is open every Sunday morning from October through May. Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, and Rancho Mirage also host weekly certified farmers markets where stalls overflow with locally-grown fruits and flowers. Or, catch live street performers and support local vendors at VillageFest, a full-fledged street fair that takes place every Thursday in downtown Palm Springs.
Food and Wine Events
Enjoy greater Palm Springs’ finest culinary offerings and wines at the annual Palm Springs Food & Wine Festival, taking place November 9-10. From wine tasting to live cooking demonstrations and classes held by top chefs, learn about the art of gourmet food while sampling local delights. Another one-of-a-kind gastronomic experience can be found at Wine & Dine Around the World, a wine-tasting event at Palm Springs Air Museum on October 16 that benefits local charities.
Seeking out a more casual local food event? Look no further than the annual Halloween-themed Chili Cook-Off and Car Show, also held at the Palm Springs Air Museum in October. Check out awesome classic rides and sample chili offerings, but don’t ask their creators for the recipes, because these museum volunteers keep their beloved chili recipes a closely guarded secret.
Family-Friendly Activities
The entire family, including furry friends, can join in on Halloween fun at Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest, held by the Cathedral City Parks & Community Events Commission in the fall. Be sure to dress your doggo in his or her Halloween best to win prizes. After cheering on costume-clad pups, pop on over to our annual Dia de Los Muetros Festival, where attendees of all ages can enjoy themed booths, live local entertainment, and more.
Families can also get into the Halloween spirit at Riverside County Scare & Pumpkin Festival, which runs on select dates from September to October. Enjoy all of the festive fall favorites, like the spooky haunt, pumpkin patch, ferris wheel, carnival games, and magic shows where you won’t believe your eyes. Don’t forget to wear your favorite Halloween costume!
Enjoy the fall season in Greater Palm Springs with a variety of exciting events and activities for all ages. Keep an eye on our events page for special dates and upcoming festivities to make the most of your autumn visit!