Memorial Day weekend in Palm Springs has always marked the unofficial start of summer, but this year, it comes with a particularly chic invitation. At the effortlessly cool Holiday House, the season kicks off with a poolside barbecue experience that blends nostalgic Americana with elevated desert style.
Over two sun-drenched days,Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, guests are invited to gather from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for festive lunches curated by Executive Chef Oleg Olexin. His menu reads like a love letter to classic summer indulgence: perfectly grilled hamburgers and hot dogs share the spotlight with more decadent offerings like grilled lobster, all designed for leisurely enjoyment under the property’s shady garden arbor or beside its iconic pool.
This isn’t your typical backyard barbecue, it’s Palm Springs at its most polished. Think craft cocktails in hand, curated playlists in the background, and a crowd that appreciates both good taste and great design.
A Modern Take on a Classic Holiday
Memorial Day itself has deep roots in American tradition. Originally known as Decoration Day, the holiday emerged after the Civil War as a time to honor fallen soldiers by decorating their graves. Over the decades, it has evolved into a broader national moment of remembrance, while also becoming a cultural marker for the start of summer.
In Palm Springs, that dual spirit, reflection and celebration, feels especially resonant. The city’s midcentury heritage, shaped in the same postwar era that popularized backyard barbecues and leisure culture, provides the perfect backdrop for a modern revival of those traditions.
The Story Behind Holiday House
Part of what makes the experience so distinctive is the setting itself. Originally opened in 1951 and designed by noted architect Herbert W. Burns, Holiday House is a quintessential example of Palm Springs’ midcentury modern legacy. Decades later, it was thoughtfully reimagined by designer Mark D. Sikes along with the team behind Sparrows Lodge, transforming the 28-room boutique hotel into a refined yet playful retreat.
Today, the property balances clean architectural lines with a warm, communal sensibility. Gio Ponti inspired tilework anchors the bar, while museum-worthy art, including pieces by David Hockney, Roy Lichtenstein, Herb Ritts, Alex Katz, and Mr. Brainwash, adds a sophisticated edge. In the garden, a striking sculpture by Donald Sultan punctuates the lush landscape.
True to its ethos, Holiday House encourages guests to unplug,there are no televisions in the rooms, fostering connection, conversation, and a shared sense of escape. The adults only (21+) environment heightens its serene, grown up appeal.
A weekend Worth Savoring
Beyond the barbecue, the hotel will also serve its signature brunch on the patio, featuring a curated mix of sweet and savory favorites that have become a staple for in the know locals and visitors alike.
And the timing couldn’t be better: Holiday House will also return to Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week, running May 29 through June 5, with a special menu soon to be unveiled—another reason to keep this design-forward hideaway at the top of your list.
Whether you’re lounging poolside with a lobster roll, sipping rosé under the arbor, or simply soaking in the midcentury ambiance, this Memorial Day weekend at Holiday House promises a quintessential Palm Springs experience, where history, hospitality, and high style meet under the desert sun.
Details at a Glance
When: Saturday, May 23 & Sunday, May 24 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Holiday House, 200 W Arenas Road, Palm Springs
Reservations: (760) 320-8866
Note: 21+ only
For more information holidayhouseps.com
