Save the dates for Modernism Week in Palm Springs: October 19 – 22!
Modernism Week – October is just around the corner! You can look forward to nearly 50 events, including tours, talks, and parties. Running for four days from October 19 – 22, Modernism Week celebrates all things modern. From iconic architecture to bike rides, here are five highlights to get excited about.
-
-
-
-
-
-
New Tours
This year’s lineup features exciting new tours for architecture enthusiasts. Check out The Legendary Palm Springs Commercial Architecture Bus Tour showcasing buildings like hotels and banks. Or the Homes That Define Palm Springs Bus Tour, which explores quintessential neighborhoods and various home styles. Also new is the Albert Frey’s Palm Springs Bus Tour. Additionally, there are two separate tours of Herbert W. Burns’ Gillman Residence and Crockett Residence presented by The Palm Springs Preservation Foundation. Finally, guests can enjoy an exclusive look at the 1936 Plaza Theater. This is on the Celebrate the Restoration of the Iconic Plaza Theater tour.
-
Festive Happenings
Don’t miss an early opportunity to enjoy the Palm Springs Modernism Fall Show at the Preview Party. One day before the official show begins, you can attend wine reception and start buying early. Tickets for the Fall Show grant re-entry on all event days. Next, learn the art of retro cocktails at the Midcentury Mixology Cocktail Clinic at Mr. Lyons. Fashion enthusiasts will love the Curated Vintage Event on Oct. 21. Here, retailers and dealers showcase vintage apparel, jewelry, and luxury items. For delightful dining, PS Underground offers two lively shows. The first is Woodstock (Oct. 20-21), a unique interactive music and ambience experience. The second is Forever Elvis (Oct. 22) featuring a brunch and celebration of the King of Rock and Roll.
-
Home Visits
Sustainable living is showcased in the Sustainable Homes Tour. This event features seven green residences that embody eco-friendly, minimalist design. For a desert oasis vibe, explore the Oasis Is Real: Home Tour. Here, you’ll embark on a self-guided tour of five homes. Built between 1939 and 1970, they exude playful design, creative pools, and more. Next, discover Sunnylands, designed by A. Quincy Jones in 1966, with guided tours on all event days. This 200-acre estate offers breathtaking views. The iconic Frey House II allows entry into the mountainside steel-framed home. Visit to see a blend of modern materials like metal and glass with local stone. Lastly, explore celebrity hideaways, from Frank Sinatra’s Twin Palms retreat to the Movie Colony estates. Get a taste of history with the Twin Palms Guided Walking Tour, which showcases the desert’s first modernist neighborhood.
-
FREE Fun
Modernism Week — October offers a range of free events! Join informative lectures like Lost, Saved & Endangered: Modernist Architecture in Palm Springs (Oct. 20). There is also a lecture called The Design of Herbert W. Burns (Oct. 20) by Steven Keylon. For active folks, explore legendary neighborhoods on the Hot Purple Energy Architectural Bike Ride (Oct. 21). Discover an impressive collection of architecture and design books at the A+D Book Sale by the Friends of Palm Springs Library. Meet author Alan Hess on Oct. 21 and get your book signed by James Harlan for The Alexanders: A Desert Legacy. Join the artist meet-and-greet at Shag’s October Modernism Print Release Party with cocktails, music, and an art unveiling. For vintage enthusiasts, don’t miss The Modernism Yard Sale (Oct. 22), a popular event with vintage furniture and accessories available for purchase. Enjoy complimentary donuts and coffee while they last!
-
Architectural Double-Decker Bus Excursions
Modernism Week offers a diverse selection of architectural bus tours. Classics include the Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tour and Charles Phoenix Super Duper Decker Bus Tour. Both of these provide an overview of midcentury gems. Hosted by Charles Phoenix, the latter promises spirited humor on an open-air bus. There is also Bella da Ball’s Celebrity Home Bus Tour, led by the desert’s drag queen. This tour covers celebrity haunts, clubs, and homes. Lastly, try the Twilight Architectural Bus Tour, which offers a one-hour evening view of glowing midcentury architecture.
-
-
-
-
-
Clearly, the desert communities are where it’s at! If you think attending fabulous events in the Coachella Valley is fun, you should try living here. If you’re ready to jumpstart your search for a desert retreat, contact your local real estate specialist today at SurterreProperties.com.





