Every February, Greater Palm Springs offers visitors and locals alike a chance to feel like they traveled back in time during the annual event known as Modernism Week.  

Modernism Week, which takes place this year from Feb.12-22, is an 11-day celebration of the artistry, architecture, and aesthetic of midcentury modern — a style and vibe prevalent in and around the 1950s and ’60s. Think Mad Men, the Rat Pack, and even The Brady Bunch.  And it’s still very much alive in Greater Palm Springs.  

Lovers of art, interior design, landscape design, and architecture will find more than 400 ways to explore modernism in all its forms, including bus tours, home tours, discussions, films, and more. Let’s step inside that time machine now and discover everything you need to know for a perfect Modernism Week 2026 experience. 

JUST THE FACTS 

What: Modernism Week is a celebration of the art, architecture, design, and culture known as midcentury modernism, a part of the fabric of Greater Palm Springs. 

When: The 11-day event runs from Feb. 12-22, 2026, and consists of bus tours, home tours, cocktail parties, films, presentations, and more. 

Tickets: All events are open to the public. Tickets can be purchased, and a detailed schedule can be found at www.modernismweek.com. 

BUS TOURS 

The bus tour is probably the first thing a Modernism Week maven would suggest to a newbie. It’s the easiest and most informative way to learn what midcentury style is all about. You relax and take in the views while an expert captivates you with stories on the destination’s midcentury modern history. Here are a few to consider:  

Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tour: This is Modernism Week’s signature tour. Enjoy a 2.5-hour trip passing by the most eye-catching commercial buildings and residential homes. This experience runs Feb. 12-21 with a ticket price of $130. 

Homes That Define Palm Springs Bus Tour: This tour showcases pre-war homes built in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, as well as some classic midcentury modern  residences. It’s one of the more popular tours and often sells out fast. This tour is available Feb. 12-19, and the 90-minute excursion costs $100.  

Illuminated Twilight Bus Tour: This tour aboard a double decker bus kicks off as the sun is setting behind the mountains and features 13 of the most architecturally significant buildings in Palm Springs, all aglow with specially designed lighting. Bonus treat: participants get to visit the Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar for complimentary apps and cocktails. It runs Feb. 13-21 and tickets cost $100. 

HOME TOURS 

There are dozens of tours of iconic homes throughout the event so check the website (modernismweek.com) for a full list and find the ones that interest you. Here are three from this year’s offerings that we think you’ll enjoy. 

Modernism Week Featured Home Tour: The Marquee at Twin Palms – Located in the iconic Twin Palms neighborhood, this home allows you to feel transported to the 1950s and features post-and-beam style construction with a dramatic entryway, classic breeze-block casting shadows that accentuate the swoon-worthy views. The tour runs from Feb. 13-22, lasts half an hour, and costs $40. 

Tour with the Author: “Unseen Midcentury Desert Modern” with Daniel Chavkin – As the name suggests, this is a special opportunity to see some iconic midcentury homes featured in author Daniel Chavkin’s book with the author himself providing a synced-up audio backstory as you walk through these notable residences. And these are homes not normally open to the public, which adds to the uniqueness of this offering. The extensive tour of multiple homes is on Feb. 17, lasts 3  and a half hours, and costs $150. 

Frey House II Tour + Museum Day Passes: This tour, hosted by the Palm Springs Art Museum, is a rare chance to see the actual residence of one of the most well-known modernist architects, Albert Frey. A shuttle van will take ticketholders from the art museum up to the Frey House, which is nestled on the side of the mountain and has a spectacular view of the city below. And as a bonus, the ticket comes with free admission to not only the Palm Springs Art Museum but also the Architecture & Design Center for any day they are open during Modernism Week. It’s available every day of the event, and you can buy a ticket for just a tour of the house (30 minutes, $75) or for a tour and a reception (1 hour, $125). 

PARTIES 

In the 1950s in Palm Springs, when you had a cool home with the perfectly appointed kitchen and the to-die-for poolside lounging spot, you threw parties. So, too, do the folks at Modernism Week. Parties are a mainstay of the event, and they often take place at a swanky retro home. Dress up and check out these shindigs. 

Modernism Week Opening Night Party: Modernist Motown– The opening celebration will have a Motown theme this year. Of course, there will be cocktails, food, and the quintessential Palm Springs vibe, but this swanky soiree will also feature a live band playing all your favorite Motown hits, classic cars, and more.  It takes place at 7 p.m. on Feb. 12 at the Palm Springs Air Museum, and tickets are $350. 

Celebrities on the Green: A Celebration at the Historic O’Donnell Golf Club – This retro party takes place at the area’s first private golf course and includes an optional golf course tour from the comforts of a golf cart. There will also be go-go dancers, music by The Dreamboats, classic cars all around, and tasty treats by Chef Gabriel Woo. The event is on Feb. 16, and you can buy a two-hour ticket ($250) or a three-hour ticket ($350). 

SITCOM: It’s a simple name, but it’s a party packed with a lot of fun and nostalgia. Join PS Underground for a two-and-a-half-hour, four-course meal inspired by the classic TV dinner as you spend a night strolling down memory lane singing songs and watching clips inspired by the classic sitcoms, variety shows, and even commercials straight out of a time capsule. There will be free-flowing cocktails and live music. And if you’re thinking date night, it does take place on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14. Cost is $225. 

PRO TIPS 

Act fast with tickets: These events have a history of selling out quickly, so sit down with the schedule at your earliest convenience, make a plan, and purchase your tickets. Don’t wait until the last minute. 

Palm Springs Modernism Show: While a lot of the Modernism Week activities are centered around looking and not touching, take some time to visit this expo at the Palm Springs Convention Center where you can look at and even buy midcentury furniture, art, accessories — whatever you need to start or continue the midcentury look of your own home. It runs from Feb. 14-16. On Friday, Feb. 13 there is a preview party that costs $150 (in advance) or $175 (at the door) and gives you a first and early look at all the displays. The Saturday through Monday tickets are $35.  

Get in the spirit: You know you’ve got that outfit in the back of the closet that doesn’t seem quite right for a modern-day get-together but would’ve fit right in back in the 1960s. This is the time. Wear it on one of the tours or to a party. Many of the events encourage it.  You’ll be glad you did.  

Feet in focus: One caveat to the previous tip is always wear comfortable shoes or at least ones that can fit booties over them during the home and walking tours. During this type of tour you may go from concrete to grass, and a lot of homes require you to take your shoes off or put booties over them, so be smart about your footwear. 

Ready to learn more about midcentury modern architecture and design? Greater Palm Springs is the perfect place to appreciate this iconic architecture, get an inside look here.