From Feb 15-25th, 2018, Palm Springs will celebrate all things midcentury during the annual Palm Springs Modernism Week event. I attended the recent Modernism Week Fall Preview – a sneak peek at what is to come – and the upcoming midcentury architecture, art, design, and culture celebration is going to be fabulous.
Photo Credit: Bethany Nauert
Palm Springs Modernism Week 2018 Overview
The 11-day Modernism Week event encompasses notable homes in 23 neighborhoods and includes walking, cycling, and double-decker bus tours. For a VIP experience, book the Alfa Romeo chauffeured home tour. Plus Palm Springs Modernism Week attendees can access sought-after tickets to Sunnylands (the Annenberg Estate), fabulous cocktail parties, garden tours, and a vintage travel trailer exhibit.
Tickets to the popular event go on sale November 1, 2017, at 12 pm PST. But you can preview the 2018 Palm Springs Modernism Week information beginning Oct. 25th, 2017. Be sure to browse the event schedule in advance so you are ready to purchase your tickets as soon as they go on sale November 1, 2017.
Palm Springs Modernism Week 2018 – Signature Events
Opening Party
The red carpet Modernism Week Opening Night Party on Thursday, Feb, 15th is an opportunity to show-off your vintage style in the playground of Hollywood celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, and Dean Martin. Sip Rat Pack-inspired cocktails featuring Hendrick’s Gin, lounge indoors or out in a 1960’s era inspired club, and dance to retro tunes.
Show House
For the 5th year, well-known designers will turn their attention to rooms in the Palm Springs Modernism Week Show House. The classic mid-century modern home, located in the historic Deepwell neighborhood, is presented by Traditional Home and California Home + Design magazines.
Palm Springs Modernism Week 2018 – New Events
There are numerous new events planned for the 2018 Modernism Week in Palm Springs. I have only highlighted a few – please visit the Palm Springs Modernism schedule for a more detailed list.
Hollywood Revisited
A musical revue, showcasing costumes worn by the stars in original Hollywood films, will be presented by Broadway and Hollywood performers.
Alfa Romeo VIP Experience
Guests attending the Modernism Week Signature Home Tour can sign-up to tour the homes in a chauffeured Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV and enjoy an exclusive private reception at the end of the event.
A Night at the Dinah Shore Estate
On Saturday, February 17, Donald Wexler’s Dinah Shore estate will be open to the public for a Modernism Week party. This event features cocktails and an opportunity to explore the limited-access Dinah Shore estate – and it is a fundraiser for Save Iconic Architecture.
Palm Springs Modernism Week 2018 – Returning Events
Modernism Week regulars will be happy to hear that their favorite events will return in February 2018. And they will be better than ever due to numerous enhancements.
Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tours
The 2.5-hour Premium Double Decker Architectural Bus Tour will include new additions along with an updated commentary. Tour participants will view civic, commercial and residential buildings throughout Palm Springs.
Illuminated Modern Sunset Architectural Bus Tour
The Illuminated Modern Sunset architectural bus tour returns this year with an updated route and new additions. Tour participants will be able to see Palm Spring’s midcentury modern buildings illuminated with colorful lighting.
Annual Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale
The 18th Annual Palm Springs Modernism Show and Sale, featuring 85 dealers, occurs at the Palm Springs Convention Center from February 16-19, 2018.
Palm Springs Modernism Week 2018 – Good To Know
- Palm Springs, California is located a few hours from Los Angeles by car, or you can fly to the traveler-friendly Palm Springs International Airport (PSP).
- Tickets to Palm Springs Modernism Week events sell out quickly. Be sure to review the schedule and be ready to buy your tickets when they go on sale Nov. 1st at 12 p.m. PST.
- The Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale will offer an Early Buying Preview Party on February 16 to benefit Modernism Week. Included with admission to the Modernism Show & Sale is weekend admission to the Palm Springs Modern Design Expo. This new event showcases modern design and technology.
- Palm Springs Modernism Week attendees can tour iconic homes in the Coachella Valley, including the former residences of Frank Sinatra and Kirk Douglas.
- Visit the Greater Palm Springs website for information on where to stay, eat, and play in the Palm Springs desert oasis.
Photos courtesy of David A. Lee unless otherwise noted.
I attended the Palm Springs Modernism Week as a media guest. As always, I reserve the right to write what I want. If I don’t love an experience or destination, I won’t recommend it.
8 Comments
Thanks for sharing. My favorite would be the Illuminated Modern Sunset Architectural Bus Tour 🙂
Sounds fun! I like the looks of those airstreams- do people get to stay overnight in them?
I would love to see all of the desert estates in Palm Springs. We would do the bike tour if possible. Winter is a great time for biking in Palm Springs.
I like events like this, give you a bit more “alta-society” culture. With a cocktail on hand, it seems like a wonderful and relaxing event!
This looks really fun. I remember seeing some pretty impressive architecture there that time I visited. I might even be in California around that time, and I might be able to check it out. That Alfa Romeo tour sounds interesting, touring around in an SUV.
Looks like they are welcoming 2018 in a grand manner! The nights at store estate sounds good. I find it hard to choose just a few leave alone one.
This looks like a great festival – and definitely a good idea to get your tickets early, I can understand it would sell out fast with so many great attractions on offer – the architectural bus tour sounds great.
I’ve longed to go for years and live a few hours away. There’s such a wealth of places to see in the area! Not sure that I’d be satisfied with just an exterior bus tour though.