October in the desert means cooler days, spooky frights and several days dedicated to the valley's architectural marvels.
Modernism Week October returns Oct. 15 through 18 with several new tours, talks and social events for mid-century modern aficionados everywhere. Organizers are debuting two new dining and after hours cocktail series to bring the community together in some of Palm Springs' most iconic spots, and are giving attendees an exclusive look at historic homes in Rancho Mirage that once housed Hollywood stars.
Here's what's new for Modernism Week October. For the full lineup of events and to purchase tickets, visit modernismweek.com/october-2026/.
Palm Springs dining series for Modernism Week
Details: Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge (7 p.m. Oct. 15, $190), 849 N. Palm Canyon Drive,
Palm Springs; Bar Issi (6 p.m. Oct. 15, $230), 414 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite F, Palm Springs; King’s Highway (6 p.m. Oct. 17, $120), 701 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Modernism Week just got a little tastier. New this year is a dining series, which spotlights a number of local eateries that have a mid-century modern feel to them, and features a special curated menu. The restaurants include the stylish and contemporary Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge, the Mediterranean-inspired lounge Bar Issi and the Americana-style diner King’s Highway. Tickets are still available for each dinner.
After Dark social events for Modernism Week
Details: Spirit Animal (8 p.m. Oct. 16, $45), 150 S. Indian Canyon Drive, Suite B, Palm Springs; Amigo Room (8 p.m. Oct. 17, $70), 701 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Modernism Week is also debuting After Dark social events, which are curated festive night caps that are meant to round out a day full of architectural tours. Two options are currently being offered, including Spirit Animal inside Hotel Zoso, which features a vibrant dance floor, premium cocktails and a soundtrack curated by DJ Aylex Song, and the Amigo Room inside the Ace Hotel & Swim Club, which has a dim, relaxed environment and serves delicious drinks.
Hall Napa Valley Winery wine tasting
Details: Hall Napa Valley (Oct. 15, $150), 414 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Another new social event available during Modernism Week October is a tasting experience at Hall Napa Valley at the Thompson Palm Springs. Guests will take part in a curated wine tasting featuring three special wines and light charcuterie bites, all in a laid-back environment where they can take in the downtown views and surrounding mountains. The wines include 2022 Walt Sangiacomo Chardonnay, 2021 Hall Coeur Cabernet Sauvignon and 2023 Walt Blue Jay Pinot Noir.
Exclusive look at Blue Skies Village
Details: Blue Skies Village: Behind the Gates of a Hollywood Hideaway (Oct. 17; $85), 39-801 Peterson Road, Rancho Mirage
Tucked behind blue gates in Rancho Mirage is Blue Skies Village, a community founded by Bing Crosby in the early 1950s as a private retreat for Hollywood’s elite. Modernism Week attendees will get an exclusive tour inside a handful of mobile homes, many of which have preserved their mid-century modern features, as well as two outdoor spaces and the William F. Cody–designed clubhouse. As visitors stroll through the area, they'll be able to see how famous former residents are honored to this day: streets are named after people such as Jack Benny, George Burns and Barbara Stanwyck.
Explore the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Details: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway with Modernism Week (Oct. 15 and 16; $170), 1 Tramway Road, Palm Springs
You might have explored the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway in the the past, but you probably didn't know all of its mid-century modern ties. Luckily, you can take in all the beautiful natural surroundings of the San Jacinto Mountains and learn about the collaboration between Albert Frey, who designed the Valley Station, and E. Stewart Williams, who created the Mountain Station, in the process. These two modernist pioneers made their mark in Palm Springs in a number of ways, but their contributions to the tramway continue to inspire visitors each year. During this nearly four-hour tour, visitors will learn about the engineering feat, watch a film chronicling the construction of the tram and take part in a nature walk.
PS Underground shows
Details: Nod to Mod (Oct. 16 and 17; $225); The Sunny Side Up (Oct. 18; $130), 1700 S. Camino Real, Suite 2, Palm Springs
Dinner, a show and modernism ties? Count us in. PS Underground, an immersive entertainment and dining experience, is holding two special shows during the festival. Nod to Mod transforms the space into a glamorous supper club and each dish served is inspired by a different musical era. The Sunny Side Up brunch goes all-in on Palm Springs' mid-century modern roots and love of cocktails.
Modernism Week October talks
A handful of new talks are also on the lineup for Modernism Week October, giving attendees a chance to dig deeper into Palm Springs history and beyond. New featured talks include:
- Charles Phoenix: LOS ANGELESLAND (2 p.m. Oct. 17, $50; Annenberg Theater at the Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 N. Museum Drive, Palm Springs): Mid-century pop culture expert Charles Phoenix will take his guests on a retro Travelogue tour of the City of Angels, which is brought to life by his epic collection of found, vintage Kodachrome slides taken by Los Angeles locals and tourists in the '50s and '60s.
- Palm Springs, Tuned In: A Historic Retrospective on Music in the Coachella Valley (10 a.m. Oct. 15, $30; Palm Springs Plaza Theatre, 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs): Historian and Plaza Theatre Foundation Board member Jim Cook will share a fascinating tale of how music and musicians were key to the development of Palm Springs. Brian Ray, guitarist for Paul McCartney and former Etta James music director and guitarist, will kick off the event.
- Mod with a Twist at Ocotillo Lodge (multiple times Oct. 15-17, $50; Ocotillo Lodge, 1111 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs): The iconic and historic 1957 William Krisel-designed Ocotillo Lodge in South Palm Springs is the setting for this humorous and informative series of five all-new, 10-minute presentations about the mid-century era.
Ema Sasic covers entertainment and health in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at ema.sasic@desertsun.com, on X @ema_sasic or on Instagram @emasasic.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Modernism Week – October is back. But what makes this year special?
