Palm Springs Modernism Week October 2026: Events, Tours & Where to Stay
Palm Springs Modernism Week October 15-18, 2026 returns October 15–18 for four days of architecture, design, vintage fashion, art, parties and unforgettable home tours throughout Greater Palm Springs. Often called the fall preview of February’s larger festival, the October edition feels more intimate and relaxed while still offering more than 50 tours, talks and special experiences.
Tour the 2026 Featured Home: The Marquee at Twin Palms
Image: https://www.acmehouseco.com
One of the weekend’s most anticipated experiences is the official Modernism Week Featured Home Tour.
Located in the architecturally significant Twin Palms neighborhood, The Marquee at Twin Palms is a reimagined 1950s post-and-beam home by H3K Home + Design. Expect dramatic rooflines, mountain views, seamless indoor-outdoor living and contemporary interiors that feel fresh while honoring the home’s midcentury character.
Featured Home tours are offered throughout the weekend, but they are traditionally among the first events to sell out.
Step Inside the Kirk Douglas Estate
Image: https://modernismweek.com
Modernism Week offers a rare opportunity to tour the former Palm Springs home of Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas.
The estate combines classic desert modernism with the glamour of old Hollywood, giving guests a glimpse into the private retreat of one of cinema’s most recognizable stars. For anyone who loves Palm Springs architecture and celebrity history, this is one of the weekend’s must-see homes.
Experience Frey House II
Perched on the mountainside above Palm Springs, Frey House II is one of the city’s most extraordinary architectural landmarks.
Designed by Swiss-born architect Albert Frey as his personal residence, the compact home was carefully integrated into the rocky landscape. Even a natural boulder was incorporated into the interior.
Modernism Week offers daytime tours as well as a limited twilight tour and reception. The latter is an especially memorable way to experience the home as the light changes across the Coachella Valley. Frey House II tours are known to sell out quickly, so reserve this one early. Palm Springs Art Museum offers the tours as part of the fall festival.
Visit Sunnylands
Image: https://sunnylands.org/
The historic Sunnylands estate in Rancho Mirage is another highlight of the weekend.
Designed by A. Quincy Jones in 1966, the former winter home of Walter and Leonore Annenberg has welcomed presidents, royalty and international leaders. Guided tours provide access to the residence, its significant art and furnishings, and its beautiful desert setting.
Even if you cannot secure a house-tour ticket, the gardens and visitor center are worth adding to your itinerary.
Take the Premier Double-Decker Architectural Bus Tour
Image: https://mwkly.com
If this is your first Modernism Week, the Premier Double-Decker Architectural Bus Tour is an excellent introduction to Palm Springs design.
The open-air tour travels through some of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods while an expert guide shares the stories behind significant homes, architects and celebrity hideaways. You’ll see everything from post-and-beam houses and soaring butterfly roofs to commercial landmarks that helped define Desert Modernism.
Explore Palm Springs on Foot with Walking Tours
Walking tours offer a more personal way to experience Palm Springs’ architecture and history. This year’s lineup includes tours through many of the city’s most celebrated neighborhoods:
Hidden Paradise of Showbiz Legends: The Mesa
This one is especially close to our hearts—and to La Casita.
The Mesa is known for its secluded setting, eclectic architecture and long list of famous former residents. The tour explores the neighborhood’s beautiful homes and stories, including one of Palm Springs’ most unexpected architectural landmarks, the Santorini House.
After the tour, you can return to La Casita and continue enjoying the same peaceful neighborhood beneath the mountains.
Twin Palms Estates
See the neighborhood that introduced the Alexander Construction Company’s modernist vision to Palm Springs. Twin Palms is known for its distinctive butterfly rooflines, breezeways and indoor-outdoor living.
Rat Pack Playground: Vista Las Palmas
Explore the neighborhood once known as the “Beverly Hills of Palm Springs.” The tour includes classic Alexander homes and stories from the city’s glamorous Rat Pack era.
Golden Era of Hollywood Homes: Old Las Palmas
This tour blends Spanish Colonial Revival estates with dramatic midcentury homes—and plenty of stories about the Hollywood stars who lived and entertained here.
Stars of the Movie Colony
Walk through one of Palm Springs’ most storied neighborhoods while learning about its mix of romantic Spanish Revival architecture, elegant modernist residences and celebrity history.
Modernist Treasures: Indian Canyons
Explore the modernist homes and striking landscapes surrounding the historic Indian Canyons Golf Resort.
Heart of the City
This downtown tour follows Palm Springs’ transformation from a small desert community into Hollywood’s favorite playground.
Uptown Design District
Discover the architecture, hotels and history of one of Palm Springs’ most stylish shopping and dining neighborhoods.
See the City by Bicycle
Image: https://sunnycycleps.com/
The Midcentury Sunny Cycle Tour and Hot Purple Energy Architectural Bike Ride combine architecture with one of the best ways to experience Palm Springs: cruising beneath the palms on two wheels.
These guided rides pass through architecturally significant neighborhoods and offer a fun alternative to walking or bus tours. October mornings are particularly lovely for exploring outdoors.
Visit the Palm Springs Modernism Fall Show
Image: modernismweek.com
Design lovers will want to leave room in the itinerary for the Palm Springs Modernism Fall Show.
More than 50 exhibitors come together to showcase vintage furniture, fine art, contemporary design, jewelry, decorative objects and rare collectibles. It is a wonderful place to find inspiration—or discover the perfect piece to bring home.
The Early Buying Preview Party on October 16 offers first access to the show along with cocktails, wine and light bites. The show then continues throughout the weekend.
Shop the Curated Vintage Event
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If vintage fashion is more your style, the Curated Vintage Event brings together retailers and private dealers offering apparel, jewelry, textiles, accessories and luxury pieces.
Choose a First Dibs ticket for early access or stop in during general admission for an afternoon of treasure hunting.
Celebrate Route 66 at the Casual Concours
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The 2026 Casual Concours celebrates “Swinging ’60s on Route 66” in honor of the legendary road’s 100th anniversary.
Expect an outdoor display of vintage vehicles, retro fashion and plenty of midcentury personality. This is a particularly fun choice for classic-car lovers—or anyone looking for a colorful, nostalgic photo opportunity.
See the Film “GOOGIE”
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Architecture continues on the big screen with a special presentation of “GOOGIE.”
The documentary explores the bold roadside architecture recognized for its sweeping roofs, starbursts, neon signs and Space Age optimism. After selling out during February’s Modernism Week, the film returns for the October festival at the Annenberg Theater.
Attend a Talk or Presentation
Modernism Week is about more than admiring beautiful buildings. Talks, films and presentations share the ideas, personalities and preservation efforts behind them.
The October program includes architectural history, design discussions and stories about the people who shaped early Palm Springs. Several presentations are free with advance ticketing, making them an easy addition between tours.
Enjoy a Midcentury Cocktail Experience
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Few things feel more Palm Springs than learning the art of the perfect cocktail in a beautiful setting.
The festival’s culinary and cocktail programming includes special dinners, brunches, receptions and a midcentury mixology class at Mr. Lyons. Guests can learn classic techniques while enjoying the atmosphere of one of South Palm Springs’ most stylish restaurants.
Play Mod Bingo
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For a lighter—and livelier—evening, Mod Bingo at Ethyl’s Place celebrates the 80th anniversary of Tupperware with drag performances, retro music, craft cocktails and prizes.
It is playful, nostalgic and exactly the kind of unexpected night out that makes Modernism Week so much fun.
End the Weekend with Brunch
Sunny Side Up by PS Underground combines brunch with a secret location, live musical entertainment and a three-course menu. Bottomless mimosas, Bloody Marys, beer, wine, cocktails and zero-proof options make it a festive way to close out the weekend.
Make La Casita Your Modernism Week Home Base
After a full day of home tours, vintage shopping and architectural inspiration, return to the quiet side of Palm Springs.
Located in The Mesa neighborhood of South Palm Springs, La Casita Palm Springs offers a peaceful home base close to many of the festival’s most exciting events. Start the morning with coffee on the private patio, unwind in one of the community’s four pools or two spas, and end the evening beside the fire pit beneath the desert sky.
Our six-night minimum also gives you time to enjoy Palm Springs beyond the festival. Build a few unhurried days around the four-day program for hiking, pool time, favorite restaurants and simply enjoying the mountain views.
Plan Your Modernism Week Visit
Modernism Week — October takes place October 15–18, 2026. Tickets are currently available, and popular experiences—particularly featured homes, Frey House II, Sunnylands and architectural bus tours—can sell out well in advance.
View the complete schedule and purchase event tickets directly through the official Modernism Week ticket page.
Then make your stay part of the experience. Check availability at La Casita Palm Springs for Modernism Week and enjoy a quiet desert retreat close to the architecture, design and unmistakable magic of Modernism Week.