Art Festivals

Greater Palm Springs is an oasis of art with various art festivals throughout the year that will captivate any aesthete. Starting with Southwest Arts Festival and Modernism Week at the beginning of the year and continuing with new immersive art experiences. If you're an art lover, here’s a round-up of all the art festivals in Greater Palm Springs you won't want to miss!

Modernism Week

October 24-27, 2024 | Palm Springs

Greater Palm Springs is known as the epicenter of mid-century Modernism. The event is held twice a year with a longer span in February. In February the 11 days are full of events and those who attend Modernism Week can look forward to insightful presentations, house tours, a show and sale, and of course the always iconic red bus tours. Modernism Week - October is a four-day long event that will host events, tours, and parties, some hosted in private locations. 

Rancho Mirage Festival of the Arts

November 2024 | Rancho Mirage 

Jennifer Yount Photography
One of Rancho Mirage’s most-loved events is back with a rejuvenated look and concept, reflecting the inspiring, cultured elegance the city is known for. Formerly titled Rancho Mirage Art Affaire, the new Festival of the Arts blends the sophistication of a museum exhibition with the joy of being outdoors. Thirty handpicked artists from across Southern California, Texas, and the Pacific Northwest were invited to showcase their most recent work in the genres of glass, ceramics, textiles, photography, painting, sculpture, and digital. Get to know the artists, learn the stories behind their creations, and see artwork being made. Maybe even commission a piece for your home!

La Quinta Art Celebration

November 14-17, 2024 | La Quinta

With an explosion of rich art at the stunning La Quinta Civic Center venue, enthusiastic art patrons gather to see art from over 200 premier artists from 31 states and six countries. This festival is more than art, experience live music and food vendors at this community event.  

Fashion Week El Paseo

2025 TBA | Palm Desert

Fashion Week El Paseo is full of excitement as the world of fashion takes over Greater Palm Springs. Witness opulent fashion and the latest trends as the world's most famous designers showcase their work on the catwalk. Don't miss out on the latest fashion trends of today and tomorrow. 

Southwest Arts Festival 

January 2025 | Indio

A giant art event held for four days in January at the beautiful Empire Polo Club in Indio. See handcrafted jewelry, art sculptures, paintings, and more from over two hundred artists. This colorful festival is not-to-miss for an art enthusiast. 

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival 

April 11-13 & 18-20, 2025 | Indio

Held in Greater Palm Springs for over 20 years and one of the most renowned music festivals in the world, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival brings a wide range of artists in a span of two weekends in April. With it, larger-than-life art sculptures bloom at the center of the festival. Thousands of festival-goers eagerly await to take photos with these glorious art pieces.

Desert X

2025 | Greater Palm Springs

Desert X installation view of Gerald Clarke’s Immersion​.​ 2023. Photography by Lance Gerber. Courtesy of Gerald Clarke and Desert X.
Desert X, an outdoor exhibit comprising site-specific installations has become one of the biggest anticipated art events in the world drawing thousands of visitors from around the globe to Greater Palm Springs. X marks the spot, as viewers go in search of art in the desert. The past three events (2017, 2019, and 2021) include notable art pieces like the dazzling mirror house, ghost palm and larger-than-life optical illusions, experiential sculptures, and vibrant wall murals.

Expand your art experiences and check out these film festivals in Greater Palm Springs.