(Greater Palm Springs, CA) - August 18, 2015 - As the summer season comes to an end in Greater Palm Springs, you can rest assured the fun doesn’t stop. Plus, as the temperatures cool down, the desert’s twilight skies turn a deep blue, perfect for a late afternoon swim or hike.
Travelers familiar with the Oasis of yesteryear may recall that some local eateries and establishments used to take a late-season hiatus in autumn. Nowadays though, there’s no lack of top-notch dining, nightlife, shopping and annual events. Below are just a few of the a-list events planned this fall.
Cinema Diverse: The Palm Springs Gay & Lesbian Film Festival
Sep. 17-20; Camelot Theatres, Palm Springs
Cinema Diverse, The Palm Springs Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, which enters into its seventh year in 2015, showcases top LGBT cinema. This year’s festival features a screening of the new film, “Hush Up Sweet Charlotte,” a homage to the 1964 classic “Hush…Hush Sweet Charlotte.” The film stars Mink Stole, made famous by cult film director John Waters, who recreates the role of Velma the housekeeper, originally performed by Agnes Moorhead.
Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Festival
Oct. 9 – 11; Palm Springs
Dozens of world-renowned female jazz musicians head for the Oasis to create a weekend of outstanding music which features original music as well as tributes to such jazz greats as Etta James, Anita O’Day, Chaka Khan and Amy Winehouse. Performances are staged at the Annenberg Theater, located in downtown Palm Springs, and overnight packages are available through the Hyatt Palm Springs.
Modernism Week Fall Preview 2015
Oct. 9 –12; Palm Springs
A precursor to the world-renowned annual Modernism Week held in February (Feb. 11-21, 2016), this annual event features a variety of walking and bus tours which explore iconic modernist estates and neighborhoods. Themed receptions and parties round out the festivities.
The Second Annual Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale-Fall Edition
Oct. 9 –11; Palm Springs Air Museum
Looking to update your own collection of midcentury modern artworks and furniture? The fall edition of the annual Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale welcomes 45 premier national and international dealers representing all design movements of the 20th century.
http://fall.palmspringsmodernism.com
5th Annual Interfusion Music Summit
Oct. 9 – 11; Cathedral City
Recording artists, DJs, music producers, record labels execs, distributors, promoters, music industry professionals and music fans come together for a three-day music celebration. The highlight is the “RISE” dance party, held on Cathedral City’s festival lawn, where DJs from around the world mix their own versions of favorite tunes.
www.goims.org
The 51st Annual Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade
Oct. 25; Palm Desert
Thousands of spectators line Palm Desert’s world-famous El Paseo Blvd. to cheer on elaborately decorated golf carts, marching bands and performers, in this only-in-the-Oasis event. The golf carts, which are generally sponsored by local merchants and non-profit organizations, have been decorated to appear as giant heads, zoo animals, dinosaurs, fire trucks and even the Palm Desert City Hall. This year’s theme will be “Area 51: Palm Desert is Out of This World,” so expect an interplanetary exploration.
Howl-O-Ween
Oct. 24, 25, 31; The Living Desert, Palm Desert
The Living Desert, the Oasis’ premier zoo, provides a safe and only slightly spooky way for kids to enjoy Halloween. Kids, who are encouraged to dress up in their favorite costumes, can enjoy more than 20 trick or treat stations, a monster maze, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin decorating, animal encounters, Living Desert zoo mascots, storytelling, face painters, bounce houses, craft workshops and more.
www.livingdesert.org/event/howl-o-ween/
National Field Hockey Festival 2015
Nov. 6 –9; Empire Club, Indio
The largest field hockey festival in the world is held annually at the Empire Polo Club in Indio. Attracting more than 7,000 visitors from the U.S., Canada, Europe and Caribbean, the festival showcases a non-stop line up of exciting teen and adult competitions. Enjoy an exciting finale as the event’s leading field hockey coaches take on the Men’s National Team.
www.teamusa.org/USA-Field Hockey/EVENTS/2015/November/26/National-Field-Hockey-Festival
Greater Palm Springs Pride 2015
Nov. 7 –8; downtown Palm Springs
With the recent Supreme Court of the United States ruling legalizing same-sex marriage around the country, this year’s Pride celebrations are anticipated to be the biggest, most outrageous events ever. The Palm Springs’ Pride celebration welcomes more than 70,000 spectators every year who participate in a host of festivities, including pool parties, pageants, a 5K run, a lively parade down Palm Canyon Drive, food and retail vendors and a massive block party with live music.
Rancho Mirage Art Affaire
Nov. 7 –8; Rancho Mirage
More than 100 award-winning fine artists display their paintings, sculpture, ceramics, photography and jewelry in a weekend-long series of juried events. Topping off the festivities, patrons will enjoy a live music festival in Rancho Mirage’s new amphitheater with terrace seating at Rancho Mirage Community Park.
www.ranchomirageca.gov/art-affaire
About Greater Palm Springs
Greater Palm Springs is Southern California’s premier resort, entertainment, golf and tennis destination. This modern oasis of nine distinct cities – Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio and Coachella – lures Hollywood celebrities, major music headliners, top sports personalities, world-renowned dignitaries and visitors from around the world. Our “chill culture” experience encompasses adventure, recreation, relaxation, and array of spectacular special events including the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Modernism Week, BNP Paribas Open and Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. For more information, go to www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com.
