This week, Modernism Week once again transforms Palm Springs into a living showcase of midcentury design, architecture, and cultural cool.
Running February 12 through February 22, 2026, the beloved festival will present more than 450 programs across the Coachella Valley ranging from glamorous parties and landmark home tours to thought-provoking lectures and free community events. While some programs are already sold out, there is still strong availability for many standout experiences, including an impressive lineup of free and low cost offerings.
For design lovers, history buffs, fashion fans, and curious first timers alike, Modernism Week remains one of the most exciting moments of the year in the desert.
A Glamorous Start
The festivities begin in style on February 12 with the Opening Night Party: Modernist Motown, a celebration of vintage glamour, live Motown classics, bold Palm Springs fashion, and signature cocktails. It’s the perfect way to step into the week’s energetic, retro inspired spirit.
The following evening brings the always-popular Preview Party for the Palm Springs Modernism Show at the Palm Springs Convention Center, giving collectors and enthusiasts first access to rare furniture, lighting, and decorative arts before the show opens to the public.
Design, Dialogue, and Discovery
Throughout the week, Modernism Week blends entertainment with education. This year’s keynote presentation features Elizabeth Diller of Diller Scofidio + Renfro, offering insight into contemporary architecture and design thinking.
A major highlight arrives on February 18, when World Monuments Fund and Knoll present the 2026 Modernism Prize Ceremony held outside New York City for the first time.
At the Palm Springs Art Museum, a symposium on modernism and the future of housing explores how early design principles continue to shape contemporary living.
Film lovers can also enjoy special screenings, including vintage industrial musicals, architectural documentaries, and restored midcentury classics.
Touring Iconic Homes and Hidden Gems
One of Modernism Week’s greatest draws remains its access to extraordinary architecture.
Visitors can tour the reimagined Marquee at Twin Palms, explore rarely seen private residences with architectural historian Daniel Chavkin, and step inside the famed Lautner Compound John Lautner’s celebrated 1947 fourplex.
Guided experiences like Sip, Stroll & Brunch at Casa Cody blend design appreciation with desert hospitality, while neighborhood tours and featured homes reveal how midcentury ideals still shape Palm Springs living today.
Fashion, Vintage, and Lifestyle Favorites
Style plays a starring role this year, with the popular Curated Vintage Event showcasing apparel, jewelry, textiles, and accessories from top dealers. It’s a must-stop for anyone seeking a one of a kind Palm Springs look.
Unique lifestyle offerings range from a pasta-making class at Trio Palm Springs to the glamorous Celebrities on the Green evening at O’Donnell Golf Club, celebrating the city’s Hollywood era legacy.
Later in the week, the Vintage Trailer Show brings nostalgia on wheels, featuring beautifully restored campers and motor homes from the golden age of road travel.
Free Events and Community Celebrations
One of Modernism Week’s most appealing qualities is its accessibility. Dozens of free events invite locals and visitors to join the fun, including:
• The Vintage Car Show
• The Modernism Yard Sale
• Student design showcases
• Trina Turk meet-and-greets
• CAMP’s festive kaftan and tiki gatherings
• Shag artist receptions
• Art district tours and exhibitions
These events create a lively, welcoming atmosphere that extends well beyond ticketed programs.
More Than a Festival
Behind the glamour and creativity, Modernism Week remains deeply rooted in preservation and education. As a nonprofit organization, it supports scholarships for local students and provides grants to protect modernist architecture throughout California.
It’s this balance between celebration and stewardship that continues to define the festival’s lasting impact.
A Week to Remember
For eleven days each February, Palm Springs becomes the world’s most stylish open-air museum, where design history meets contemporary living and social life blends seamlessly with architecture.
Whether you’re dancing at opening night, touring a landmark home, hunting for vintage treasures, or attending a free neighborhood event, Modernism Week offers endless ways to connect with the city’s creative soul.
With tickets still available for many standout programs, now is the perfect time to plan your week and experience why Modernism Week remains the crown jewel of the desert’s cultural calendar.
For full schedules and tickets, visit modernismweek.com.
