Today’s Traveller curates the editorial festive showcase, Best Events Across the USA 2026, anchored around the United States’ 250th Anniversary year, before India’s high-value travel market. Greater Palm Springs pairs desert calm with culture, design, sport and wellness through fall season.
As the festival season winds down, Greater Palm Springs moves into a quieter summer rhythm. The desert region offers a mix of cultural events, outdoor spaces, design heritage, dining, wellness experiences and resort-style stays, making it a practical base for travellers looking to combine leisure with access to major events across Southern California.
Desert Summers
Summer in Greater Palm Springs is known for high temperatures, but it also brings a slower pace across the region. Travellers can find a wide range of accommodation styles, including historic resorts, private homes, mid-century modern properties and family-friendly hotels.
The season is suited to travellers who prefer poolside stays, spa time, golf, indoor cultural experiences and relaxed dining. Many visitors use the summer months to explore the region at a gentler pace, with early mornings and evenings often reserved for outdoor activities.
Summer Events and Cultural Experiences
Greater Palm Springs continues to host a varied cultural calendar through the summer. The Palm Springs International ShortFest takes place from June 23 to 29, bringing filmmakers and film enthusiasts to the city.
XOXO Palm Springs, scheduled from June 11 to 22, introduces a series of arts and cultural experiences across the city. The programme includes architecture tours, gallery walks, outdoor film screenings, tribal cultural experiences and other local events.
Splash House returns in August, with events scheduled for August 7 to 9 and August 14 to 16. The event combines music, poolside venues and the region’s established summer social scene.
A Base for Major Sporting Events
Greater Palm Springs is within reach of Southern California venues connected to major global sporting events, including FIFA World Cup 2026 and the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. For travellers attending matches or events in the region, the desert can serve as a quieter base before or after time in Los Angeles and nearby host areas.
The destination offers golf, spa experiences, dining, resort pools and open desert landscapes, giving visitors a contrasting setting to the intensity of large sporting events.
New Developments
Palm Desert is preparing for the opening of DSRT Surf, a 5.5-acre inland surfing lagoon. The project is expected to add a new water-based activity to the desert’s leisure offerings.
Later in the year, Cotino Bay Beach, Dining and Shops at a Storyliving by Disney community is also expected to open. The development will include a 24-acre man-made lagoon, waterfront dining and retail spaces.
Fall Events
The autumn calendar highlights the region’s links with golf, music, design, sport and community events. The Epson Tour Championship returns to Indian Wells Golf Resort from October 1 to 4. The event forms part of the “Road to the LPGA” season finale.
Head Trip is scheduled for October 10 and 11 at the Empire Polo Club, with electronic music performances forming the focus of the event.
Modernism Week — October takes place from October 15 to 18, continuing the region’s strong association with mid-century design, architecture and home tours.
Greater Palm Springs Pride is scheduled from November 6 to 8. The 2026 edition marks its 40th anniversary, with the theme “Be Included”. The programme includes a parade, block parties and community-led events.
The region’s sports calendar is also expanding with the arrival of the Coachella Valley Lakers at Acrisure Arena. The Los Angeles Lakers’ G League affiliate begins its inaugural season in the valley this fall.
Wellness and Spa Experiences
September marks the return of Greater Palm Springs Spa Month, aligned with National Self-Care Awareness Month. The region has a long-standing wellness culture, supported by resort spas, mineral springs, desert landscapes and retreats focused on rest and recovery.
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