Welcome to a new season in Southern California’s oasis, where fall unfolds in a tapestry of vibrant events and adventures. There is no better way to embrace autumn than by immersing yourself in the captivating beauty of Greater Palm Springs. This October, explore the outdoors under ideal weather, join in the thrilling Halloween festivities, and attend a host of signature events that make this oasis a must-visit destination. Whether seeking tranquility or excitement, Greater Palm Springs offers an unforgettable fall experience to escape your ordinary.
MODERNISM WEEK — OCTOBER
OCTOBER 24 - 27
Modernism Week – October has arrived and so have the midcentury modern aficionados! Palm Springs is known for the unique and iconic architecture that surrounds the city, a feature that attracts visitors from around the world. This 4-day event will feature events, parties, home tours, and more, all surrounding the world of architecture and design. Tickets are available for purchase.
GREATER PALM SPRINGS PRIDE FESTIVAL
OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 3
The 38th annual Greater Palm Springs Pride is happening this year as a free festival bringing a diverse community together. Known for celebrating the strength, equality, and self-determination of the LGBTQ+ community, Greater Palm Springs Pride celebrates with a parade, festival, and vendor marketplace.
THINGS TO DO
DESERT DUEL: MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES VS. LOS ANGELES LAKERS
OCTOBER 4
Basketball fans, mark your calendars! The Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves face off in the electrifying Desert Duel, presented by Spotlight 29 Casino, at Acrisure Arena. This preseason showdown is not just a game; it's an event that brings the thrill of the NBA right to the heart of Greater Palm Springs. Whether you’re a die-hard basketball enthusiast or just looking for an unforgettable night out, the Desert Duel is the perfect way to experience the magic of the NBA in an intimate and vibrant setting.
PALM SPRINGS CAR SHOW & FESTIVAL
OCTOBER 5
Rev up your engines and head to Downtown Palm Springs for the 1st Annual Palm Springs Car Show & Festival! This free event promises to delight car enthusiasts and casual spectators alike. Stroll through the streets to see a dazzling display of hundreds of classic cars, exotics, street rods, muscle cars, trucks, sports cars, and antique vehicles.
DESERT DUEL: PHOENIX SUNS VS. LOS ANGELES LAKERS
OCTOBER 6
Attention basketball fans! Don’t miss the thrilling Desert Duel as the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Phoenix Suns at Acrisure Arena, presented by Spotlight 29 Casino. This preseason matchup is more than just a game—it's an opportunity to feel the pulse of the NBA right here in Greater Palm Springs. Whether you're a passionate fan or simply looking for an exciting night out, the Desert Duel is your ticket to an unforgettable NBA experience in a cozy, energetic atmosphere.
OCTOBER 6
Back for the first time this year, the Palm Springs Vintage Market is ready to showcase vintage finds from furniture to clothing, as well as live entertainment and food. This is a perfect way to spend your Sunday morning in Palm Springs.
YUM FOOD FEST AND NIGHT MARKET
OCTOBER 12-13
Prepare for a foodie adventure like no other. A vibrant night market experience that combines mouthwatering food with cultural delights. That's exactly what Yum Food Fest has in store for you as it magically transforms the Shops of Palm Desert parking complex into a culinary wonderland uniting food enthusiasts and residents for a unique evening of excitement and delicious bites.
OCTOBER 16
Prepare for a world-class wine experience with Wine & Dine Around the World! This unique event showcases hundreds of wines from around the globe, perfectly paired with delectable regional hors d'oeuvres. It's a wine lover's dream come true! Wine & Dine Around the World is the grand finale of the popular "Wine Down Wednesday" series, brought to you by Marker Broadcasting, which supports several Greater Palm Springs nonprofits. A portion of the proceeds goes to the charity of your choice, making it a night of indulgence for a good cause. Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to taste and toast for a purpose!
PALM DESERT GOLF CART PARADE
OCTOBER 27
The Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to host the return of the 60th Annual Golf Cart Parade at the beautiful and picturesque streets of the El Paseo Shopping District. The theme for this year’s festivities is "Diamonds of the Desert" so get ready for this event because it will be a memorable experience for all friends and family to enjoy.
EVERY THURSDAY
Villagefest takes place in downtown Palm Springs where the street is closed to create a relaxed, fun, and festive atmosphere full of food, artists, fashion, and other unique vendors.
CITY OF INDIO FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS
EVERY FRIDAY
Experience the City of Indio as it presents its beloved event, Food Truck Fridays. Taking place on Friday at the corner of Towne Street and Bliss Avenue this delightful gathering offers an array of delectable food trucks and live music.
Discover the wonders of the world’s deserts without ever leaving Greater Palm Springs. The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens is home to a variety of fascinating creatures, from bearded dragons and bobcats to giraffes and jaguars. Enjoy immersive experiences such as animal encounters, discover native flora on a nature walk, and get the chance to feed a giraffe!
Soar to new heights! The Palm Springs Air Museum has one of the world's largest collections of WWII aircraft plus Korean and Vietnam-era aircraft. The exhibits are very interactive and have an extensive library of history. It's a perfect activity for all ages to immerse oneself in the history and engineering of these aircraft. The crew of trained volunteers can also share their knowledge of what it's like to experience flying these aircraft.
Bring your family or a special loved one to experience the Palm Springs Aerial Tram, which takes you on a ten-minute ride to cooler elevations within the San Jacinto Mountains! There are restaurants, plenty of viewpoints, and over 50 miles of hiking trails. Experience the largest rotating aerial tramway in the world! Find out more information about this unique experience.
LIVE MUSIC
17th ANNUAL CONCERT FOR AUTISM
OCTOBER 6, 11, 19
Rock out, dance, and simply have a great time with a purpose and for a cause this year at the annual Concert For Autism. There will be an acoustic afternoon session for autism on October 6th at the Coachella Valley Brewing Co. The lead-up event will be on October 11th at The Hood in Palm Desert. The main event will be held at the Tack Room Tavern on October 19 to close out this series of concerts to benefit The Desert Autism Foundation. Find out more about these concerts and how you can contribute to an amazing cause.
JOSHUA TREE MUSIC FESTIVAL
OCTOBER 10-13
The Joshua Tree Music Festival is packed with a talented lineup for four days in the world-renowned Joshua Tree National Park. Just a collective of noteworthy artists all live performances will rotate between two stages in the raw beautiful landscape of the desert. Attendees can enjoy a full schedule of music, art, yoga, workshops, mindfulness, and kids' activities. Get your tickets to this one-of-a-kind family-friendly experience.
The Acrisure Arena provides the Greater Palm Springs area with a premiere 11,000+ capacity venue to host some of the biggest artists in entertainment as well as the home for the AHL Hockey team The Coachella Valley Firebirds. Want to know more about what is happening at the Acrisure Arena? Check out their full list of upcoming events happening this month.
This outdoor music venue is known to be electrifying with cover bands in the likes of Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Metallica, and Tom Petty. Music tributes continue on Fridays and Saturdays, throughout October. Check out their upcoming schedule.
Experience live entertainment at Agua Caliente Casinos. All three locations in Greater Palm Springs offer some of the best performances for an unforgettable night. Enjoy dancing, drinks, and nightlife at the downtown Palm Springs Cascade Lounge, Cathedral City Terraza, or The Show at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage. View their full list of events.
Eager to get back to enjoying live music? Fantasy Springs has musical options to fit everyone’s tastes. You can view their full schedule from free outdoor concerts to intimate showcases at Acoustic and Unplugged at the Twelve.
COACHELLA VALLEY BREWING COMPANY
Enjoy some brews and fantastic food with live entertainment on Saturdays and Sundays at the Coachella Valley Brewing Company. Live music and comedy on Saturdays and Sundays offer a live acoustic afternoon performance. See what's happening at the taproom, they always have a jam-packed week of entertainment!
PAPPY & HARRIET'S PIONEERTOWN PALACE
Pappy & Harriet's is a barbeque restaurant and music venue near Joshua Tree National Park in Pioneertown, California. This iconic western-saloon-style movie set is a magical place to see live music and enjoy amazing food and drinks. Tickets sell out fast so be sure to plan so you don't miss these incredible music experiences.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
OCTOBER 19
Sign up for the 15th Annual Paint El Paseo Breast Cancer Walk, organized by the Desert Cancer Foundation, and be a part of raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research. Register individually or with a team–don't forget to wear pink!
PALM SPRINGS TRAM ROAD CHALLENGE
OCTOBER 19
Discover the ultimate test of endurance amidst stunning mountain landscapes at the Palm Springs Tram Road Challenge. This annual 10-kilometer races takes you up the steep and winding Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Road ascending over 2,600 feet to the mountain station. With challenging terrain and breathtaking views, it's a race like no other. Whether you're a competitive runner or seeking a unique fitness escapade, this event promises an unforgettable experience in Greater Palm Springs.
OCTOBER 19
Do you feel up to an athletic challenge? Learn about all the different courses Alpha Win Triathlon has to offer, from the Alpha Sprint to the Alpha 140.6. What better place to race than in this Southern California oasis? Run and bike under the sun and blue skies!
OCTOBER 26
Join a nationwide movement of hope and support at the annual Alzheimer's Association Walk to end Alzheimer's, the largest global fundraiser dedicated to Alzheimer's care, support, and research. This inspiring event, held in over 600 communities, welcomes participants of all ages and abilities to stand together in the fight against Alzheimer's. Be a part of this powerful initiative and help make a difference!
Guided by the esteemed instructor Vanessa Johnson at The Spa at Séc-he, this aqueous practice embraces the art of gentleness, empowering you to nurture your inner strength, achieve poised equilibrium, and expand your range of motion. For a mere $15, immerse yourself in this transformative experience lasting 45 minutes—a precious add-on activity that promises to leave you revitalized and deeply attuned to the serenity within.
SATURDAY SAVASANA AT THE DRIFT HOTEL
Experience the wondrous commencement of every Saturday at The Drift Hotel, where a delightful hour-long yoga flow awaits you upon the inviting outdoor terrace of Sol Studio. Envision yourself amidst this serene and picturesque setting, immersing yourself in the harmonious rhythm of yoga, as you revel in the blissful interplay between mind, body, and spirit.
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!
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