Events Archives - Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels

6 Don’t-Miss Events in Palm Springs: January 2020

Start the new year off with some fun events in Palm Springs!

Artwalk at the Backstreet Art District 1/1

On the first Wednesday of each month, the galleries of the Backstreet Art District in South Palm Springs open their doors for an evening of art, community, refreshments and fun. https://backstreetartdistrict.com/

Palm Springs International Film Festival 1/2 – 1/13

The Palm Springs International Film Festival is one of the largest film festivals in North America, held annually during the first week of January. The event kicks off with the Film Awards Gala at the Palm Springs Convention Center, featuring the presentation of awards to top stars in the previous year’s best films. Throughout the week, hundreds of film screenings are held throughout the city, including domestic and foreign films, along with educational talks and panels. https://www.psfilmfest.org/

Palm Springs Vintage Market 1/5

The monthly Palm Springs Vintage Market is held at the Palm Springs Cultural Center on the first Sunday of the month from October through May, featuring vintage furniture, art, decorative items, clothing, jewelry and more from local and national vendors, as well as delicious food and live entertainment. http://www.palmspringsvintagemarket.com

Elvis Birthday Celebration 1/11

The Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway House, where Elvis and Priscilla Presley spent their honeymoon in 1967, is hosting a special Elvis birthday celebration show, featuring acclaimed impersonator George Thomas. The event begins with a tour of the property, followed by a live performance. https://elvisinpalmsprings.com/tours/

PSIFF Red Carpet Run 1/11

The Palm Springs International Film Festival Red Carpet Run includes both a 5K and 10K run/walk, beginning and ending on the red carpet and following a route that includes former Palm Springs homes of iconic Hollywood stars. Participants don gowns, tuxes and other festive attire during this fun and crazy race, and finishers are presented with their own Oscar trophies. https://organizations.hakuapp.com/organizations/3221744e287a6441c1dd/events/562099c3caa8cadca357

Let’s Talk Speakers Series – The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow 1/23

Learn about one of the desert’s most treasured landmarks, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, during this informative and entertaining talk at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Greg Purdy, the tram’s VP of Marketing and Public Affairs, and Cara Youngman, Public Relations Manager, will explore the visionaries who conceived of the tram, the people behind its design and construction, its importance to Palm Springs today, and plans for the future.

https://pshistoricalsociety.org/products/lets-talk-the-palm-springs-aerial-tramway-yesterday-today-and-tomorrow

December 20, 2019/by Katy Carrier

Architecture, Events, History

Capture the Holiday Spirit at the Walk of the Inns

The holidays have come to Palm Springs. Just because the weather is warm (and beautiful) doesn’t mean that you can’t find the holiday spirit. One way to do that is to go on the Walk of the Inns on December 12, where you can enjoy a festive holiday vibe while going on an exclusive tour of many of the area’s lovely small boutique hotels. This self-guided tour is free and runs from 6 to 9 p.m.

The charm of these small hotels, many of them historic, creates the warm ambiance of the holidays with their twinkling lights and other decorations. The mid-century modern, Spanish, and Mediterranean architecture of many of these hotels enhances their appeal. You can just imagine how Hollywood celebrities in the 1940s and 50s savored the holiday season in these magical retreats away from the buzz of Sunset Boulevard.

If you want to participate, you can begin your walk at the Palm Springs Art Museum or the Palm Springs Women’s Club, where you will receive a map of participating hotels, enjoy live entertainment, and pick up a flashlight to illuminate your walk. At these two locations, you can also drop off gifts and toys for the annual fundraiser, Well in the Desert, which donates gifts to those in need in the Greater Palm Springs area. What better way to get in the holiday spirit than by giving to others.

One of the oldest inns participating in the walk is Casa Cody, which includes lovely villas and cottages that were originally built to house athletes during the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics. Other enchanting boutique hotels will be featuring a cheerful holiday atmosphere during the walk.

While you are walking around, you can also enjoy Palm Springs’ Thursday Night Village Fest for enticing food, entertainment, and shopping for the holidays. There’s no better way to launch the holiday season in Palm Springs.

December 10, 2019/by Susan Montgomery

Events

December and January Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels LGBTQ Events

PS Gay Men's Chorus - Modern Family Holiday

It’s holiday season here in Palm Springs and the town is buzzing with activity and fun events. Schedule a getaway and get in some room-side pool time and holiday shopping while you’re in town checking out these don’t miss LGBTQ events in Palm Springs:

Holiday Dinner Show: Judy’s Old-Fashioned Christmas 12/1/19 – 12/29/19

At Michael Holmes’ Purple Room, this special holiday show is a blend of hysterical comedy and outstanding music that explodes into an evening of nonstop belly laughs, glamour and high camp, as celebrated entertainer Michael Holmes parodies Judy Garland, who in her 1964 television variety show, played host to some of the greatest female icons of the Golden Age of Hollywood. The spirit of Judy Garland is alive and well and in Palm Springs! Find out more here.

Sanctuary’s Holiday Spectacular 12/8/19

‘Tis the season to support the fourth Annual Holiday Spectacular – Holiday Socks, benefiting the Sanctuary Palm Springs. On Sunday, December 8 from 5 to 7:30pm, at the iconic Spencer’s Restaurant, this fun-filled cocktail reception, smashing hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment, not-so-silent auction and a rousing live auction benefits LGBTQ+ youth who are aging out of the foster system. Hear a grand performance from Broadway veteran David Burnham; celebrity emcee – comedian, actor and adoptive parent and star of Desperate Housewives Alec Mapa; and Dottie and Maude (aka Les Dames du Soleil) will add flair to the auctions. Limited tickets available. Find our more here.

The Skivvies – I Touch My Elf 12/13/19 & 12/14/19

For two nights at The Purple Room, enjoy dinner and a show: “Alt-cabaret, new burlesque: Whatever you call it, the jolly musical comedy of the Skivvies, a troupe of entertainers who perform in their underwear, joyfully rock.” – New York Times. Acclaimed undie-rock stars, THE SKIVVIES, head to the entertainment capital of the world for “PALM SPRINGS STRIPPED”! Special guests to be announced. Presented by The Purple Room in association with Chris Isaacson Presents. Enjoy dinner at 6pm and a show at 8pm. Find out more here.

Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus “A Modern Family Holiday” at The Annenberg Theater 12/20/19 – 12/22/19

“A Modern Family Holiday” will be a showcase of traditional favorites along with new music from some of today’s most talented composers and lyricists. The theme of the evening is all about embracing our new modern families. Ticket prices range from $25 – $55. Shows at 7pm on Friday and Saturday and 3pm on Sunday. Find out more here.

31^st Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival – Gay!La (Date TBA) 1/1/20 – 1/13/20

The famous Palm Springs International Film Festival is one of the largest film festivals in North America, welcoming over 135,000 attendees each year for its lineup of new and celebrated international features and documentaries. The Festival is also known for its annual Gay!La event, honoring the LGBTQ community and film industry. This event is an annual highlight during the Palm Springs International Film Festival. With lots of great music and lots of great fun, you won’t want to miss this evening’s vibrant event. The full festival offers 12 days of events and film screenings featuring over 200 films from 60+ countries. We welcome you to join us at our venues in Palm Springs and Cathedral City. See you at the movies! Find out more here.

November 22, 2019/by Kimberli Munkres

Events

6 Don’t-Miss Events in Palm Springs: December 2019

By Katy Carrier

Palm Springs’ busy season is underway, with great events happening during the month of December!

Palm Springs Tramway Tree Lighting 12/1

Take a trip up the Palm Springs Tram to enjoy their annual Tree Lighting Ceremony (https://pstramway.com/special-events/), featuring award-winning journalist Hank Plante as this year’s tree-lighter. The festivities will include a holiday performance by the Palm Springs High School Madrigals & String Quartet, along with a special appearance by Santa Claus.

Palm Springs Vintage Market 12/1

The monthly Palm Springs Vintage Market (http://www.palmspringsvintagemarket.com), held at the Palm Springs Cultural Center on the first Sunday of the month from October through May, features vintage furniture, decor, art, clothing, jewelry and more from local and national vendors, as well as delicious food and live entertainment.

Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting 12/6

Kick the holiday season off with the official Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting (https://www.facebook.com/events/2384549831758190/) in Frances Stevens Park. Mary Hart will serve as the Celebrity Tree Lighter, and attendees can enjoy free cookies and hot cocoa, caroling, holiday crafts, storytime with Santa Claus and more.

Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade 12/7

The popular Palm Springs holiday tradition that is the Palm Springs Festival of Lights (http://psfestivaloflights.com/) returns for its 27th year this December, featuring a festive parade along Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs. Mary Hart will serve as this year’s Celebrity Grand Marshal, along with LQBTQ Grand Marshal Mikalah Gordon and Community Grand Marshal Olivia Garvey.

Elvis’ Blue Suede Christmas at The Purple Room 12/7

Acclaimed Elvis impersonator Scot Bruce is coming to The Purple Room this December to present Elvis’ Blue Suede Christmas (https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4307451). You can also enjoy dinner before the show!

Holiday Shopping Bazaar at Villa Royale 12/19

Villa Royale (https://villaroyale.com/) hotel in south Palm Springs will host a holiday shopping bazaar from 5:30pm to 8:30pm, featuring wares from local shops and makers that will make the perfect unique holiday gifts for family and friends!

November 22, 2019/by Katy Carrier

Events, Tips

5 Don’t-Miss Events in Palm Springs: November 2019

Palm Springs’ busy season is underway, with great events happening during the month of November!

Greater Palm Springs Pride 11/1-3

This popular LGBTQ festival brings the community together for free events that celebrate diversity, equality and solidarity, including live musical performances, a block party and a parade, as well as a number of events that are new this year, including the Art of Pride party at Palm Springs Art Museum (https://www.psmuseum.org/events/art-of-pride-2019) and the Priscilla Queen of the Desert musical at the Palm Canyon Theater in Palm Springs. (http://www.palmcanyontheatre.org/event/341b41a6bbd15534351787458f468456)

http://www/pspride.com

Palm Springs Vintage Market 11/3

The monthly Palm Springs Vintage Market, held at the Palm Springs Cultural Center on the first Sunday of the month from October through May, features vintage furniture, decor, art, clothing, jewelry and more from local and national vendors, as well as delicious food (try the Heyday burger!) and live entertainment. http://www.palmspringsvintagemarket.com

Amazing Grace Gospel Brunch 11/9

Enjoy gospel music and brunch (including a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar!) in the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Meyerman Sculpture Garden before heading into the museum’s Annenberg Theater for a special showing of the Aretha Franklin performance documentary, Amazing Grace.

https://www.psmuseum.org/events/amazing-grace?date=2019-11-09

Alohana: A Palm Springs Celebration of Tiki Culture 11/9

Tiki lovers will not want to miss this new event at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, featuring a tiki marketplace, hula performance and hula lessons, a tiki culture history talk, musical performances, and a special interactive screening of the film “South Pacific.” https://www.eventbrite.com/e/alohana-a-palm-springs-celebration-of-tiki-culture-tickets-75943851103

Props & Hops Craft Beer Festival 11/23

Props & Hops returns for its eighth annual celebration of craft beer and aircrafts at the Palm Springs Air Museum, featuring beer tastings from local breweries including Desert Beer Company, Coachella Valley Brewing and La Quinta Brewing Co., as well as top breweries from across the country. Attendees can participate in aircraft rides over Palm Springs in vintage planes.

https://palmspringsairmuseum.org/programs/8th-annual-props-hops-craft-beer-festival/

October 25, 2019/by Elizabeth G. Arcia

Events, Gay

Fantastically Authentic Community at Palm Springs Pride

By Linda Milks

Palm Springs is home to one of the largest Pride parades in the country where the entire community—queer and straight—celebrates diversity, authenticity, and civil liberties. It’s also just a great time!

For 39 years, Palm Springs, CA, has celebrated Palm Springs Pride with uncommon style and swagger. Each year promises to be bigger and better. Palm Springs Pride 2019 will take place from November 1-3 and is themed “Millions of Moments of Pride.”

Photo: John Warden

And this year, Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels’ committee chair, Michael Green, is the Community Grand Marshal. He’s also the executive Director of the Palm Springs Cultural Center, chair of the Desert Gay Tourism Guild, and owns the iconic Triangle Inn Palm Springs with his husband, Stephen.

Media Grand Marshal is Alexander Rodriquez.

November 3 will be a great time at the Block Party on Arenas Rd. The event is loaded with DJs, music stages, food vendors, entertainers, and a glorious parade. New for this year is the Pride Stage located at Hermosa and N. Palm Canyon Dr. You will find local royalty to emcee the parade from the reviewing stand, including Dottie DuBois, Maude Chapeau, and Mannie, the Movie Guy. All the action in this area starts at 9 am.

To start things off in brilliant colors, on October 31 attend the Rainbow Flag Unfurling from 10 am – 10:30 am at 1140 N. Indian Canyon Rd. This giant flag will be unfurled from the top of the Stergios Tower at Desert Regional Medical Center.

The Equality Kickoff is November 1 from 6 pm – 11 pm to celebrate strength, equality and self-determination of the LGBTQ community. This is guaranteed to be a massive downtown street party with three stages for entertainment, the Arenas Stage, the Pride Stage, and the KGAY Dance stage. There will be performances by Kristine W (queen of 90’s dance music), That 80’s Band, and DJ Autumn Leilani.

One of the main acts during Pride will be LA-based electronic music artist Madame Ghandi and also UK-based, multi-platinum artist and songwriter DYSON. Other entertainers to look for are TLC, Heather Small, BETTY, and Ada Vox.

Photo: John Warden

The Palm Springs Art Museum will display The Art of Pride, Make an Exhibition of Yourself, and is a brand new official Pride event to be held on all three levels of the museum from 5:30 pm – 11:00 pm on November 1.

An exciting Pop Up event in Downtown and Uptown Palm Springs will be part of the weekend with food, art, music, fashion, and prizes. Businesses in Downtown and Uptown will be creating their own pop-up events. There will be a passport to fill out as you visit these businesses so that you are entered for a prize. The pop-up event will be from 3pm – 8 pm on November 1. The final deadline for businesses to sign up is October 25 at www.PopUpPalmSprings.com

Then, on November 2, take part in the Pride Festival happening from 11 am – 10 pm in Downtown Palm Springs and check out the Arenas District Block party from 6 pm – 11:30 pm.

November 3 is the date of the big Pride Parade from 10 am – noon which steps off at Tachevah and Palm Canyon Dr.

To find out exactly where everything is happening, go to: www.pspride.org.

Don’t forget to grab your favorite adult beverage because for the first time ever you can stroll down Arenas Rd. and sip while being fearlessly authentic.

Speaking of staying authentic, stay at one of the Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels gay resorts where you will be beautifully enveloped by community and relaxation and pride is always in style.

Photo: Linda Milks

October 23, 2019/by Elizabeth G. Arcia

Clothing optional, Events, Gay

Cinema Diverse + a stay at a Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotel = one amazing weekend

Come for the movies, stay for the weekend.

Now in its 12th year, Cinema Diverse: The Palm Springs LGBTQ Film Festival will run from Thursday, Sept. 19 through Sunday, Sept. 22, at the historic Camelot Theatres. Cinema Diverse celebrates LGBTQ movies, presenting gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender films from around the world.

The opening night film, For They Know Not What They Do, will screen at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 19, with special guests in attendance, including the Rev. Dr. Mel White, a Palm Springs clergyman and activist. For They Know Not What They Do is the latest film from Daniel Karslake, the director and producer of For the Bible Tells Me So. The movie focuses on families caught up in the campaign to limit the rights of LGBTQ citizens in the United States, and how the way to move forward is through love, acceptance, and reconciliation.

Turn your trip to the film festival into a quick getaway by booking a room at one of our boutique hotels. All are gay friendly, and there are several men’s resorts (many clothing-optional!) catering to different communities, including leather and bear. The 32-room Canyon Club is within walking distance to the restaurants, shops, and museums in downtown Palm Springs, while Desert Paradise is in the center of Warm Sands, with 14 poolside rooms.

El Mirasol Villas is known for its spacious grounds, with two pools, an outdoor shower, a steam room, and a lanai with a fireplace, and the Hacienda at Warm Sands boasts unobstructed views of the gorgeous San Jacinto Mountains, a staff to guest room ratio of 1:1, and breakfast and lunch served daily.

September 16, 2019/0 Comments/by Elizabeth G. Arcia

Architecture, Events, Mid Century Modern

Palm Springs: Design Heats Up for Modernism Week

By Nicole Anderson, Modern Magazine

If Palm Springs is synonymous with modern architecture, then Modernism Week is the celebration of Modern Palm Springs. Several boutique hotels, including The Triangle Inn Palm Springs, L’Horizon Palm Springs, and The Monkey Tree offer stellar examples of the mid-century aesthetic. Nicole Anderson’s piece for Modern Magazine, beautifully summarizes the appeal of Palm Springs mid-century architecture.

July 3, 2019/0 Comments/by PSPSH

Events

Enter to Win Free Palm Springs Vacation

Everyone has an opinion and we want to know yours! So, tell us, what do you think of Palm Springs? Share your thoughts and you will be entered to win a Free Palm Springs Vacation.

Enter the drawing by taking the survey — Click here >>

July 2, 2019/0 Comments/by PSPSH

Events, Food

Take a Bite out of Holiday House

Two nights a week, guests at Holiday House only have to walk a few steps in order to have a delectable dinner.

The Pantry, under the leadership of Chef Gabriel Woo, has two theme nights every week: Cantina Night on Tuesdays and Fried Chicken Fridays. Inspired by a south-of-the-border fiesta, Cantina Night’s menu includes fun appetizers, like the Papitas con Limon y Chile (potato chips with lime and HH Hot Sauce), and carnitas, chicken tinga, and mushroom tacos. Seafood lovers can order the tostada de ceviche, and for dessert, there’s the indulgent dark chocolate brownie with cinnamon, chipotle, orange, and ice cream. Of course, there are also handcrafted cocktails. Cantina Night runs from 5 to 8 p.m., and reservations aren’t required, but are recommended.

On Fried Chicken Fridays, dinner is served family-style, and the menu changes slightly every week. During a recent meal, diners enjoyed the bucket of vegetables with chive dip and ranch; queso fundido; fried chicken with the chef’s special blend of savory spices; roasted garlic mashed potatoes; local corn and carrots; and for dessert, dark chocolate brownies with peanut butter and ice cream, topped with a Valrhona chocolate sauce. There is limited seating, and reservations are required.

The Pantry is open every day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., serving lunch and brunch staples, and the full bar doesn’t close until 11 p.m. nightly. As part of a Holiday House stay, guests receive a complimentary breakfast, including pastries, yogurt, granola, and fruit.

Good news for people who want to try The Pantry, but aren’t staying at the hotel — you can still dine at the restaurant, you just need to make reservations in advance: 760-320-8866.

The Pantry is 21 and over.

July 2, 2019/0 Comments/by Elizabeth G. Arcia

Artwalk at the Backstreet Art District 1/1

Palm Springs International Film Festival 1/2 – 1/13

Palm Springs Vintage Market 1/5

Elvis Birthday Celebration 1/11

PSIFF Red Carpet Run 1/11

Let’s Talk Speakers Series – The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow 1/23

Come for the movies, stay for the weekend.

By Nicole Anderson, Modern Magazine

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