Palm Springs is about to turn up the heat this fall—not just from the desert sun but from the ultra-glamorous, design-packed, and nostalgia-fueled celebration that is Modernism Week – October 2025. Get ready for four unforgettable days from October 16 to 19 of eye-popping architecture, iconic tours, stylish soirées, and experiences that will make any design-lover’s heart skip a beat. With over fifty events, many of them free or low-cost, this mini-festival is a retro-culture paradise you won’t want to miss.
Why It’s a Must-Go Event And Stay At At Boutique Hotel
Modernism Week is not just a festival—it’s a lifestyle celebration. It showcases everything midcentury and modern: architecture, landscape design, fashion, interiors, cocktails, vintage wheels, and the people who live it. Whether you’re a local, a design junkie, or just here for the photo ops and martinis, the October edition is your chance to explore the magic without the February crowds.
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Top Headliners and Dreamy Tours
Featured Home Tour: Sackley Chase Sensation
Step inside this 1976 Stan Sackley-designed masterpiece originally decorated by the legendary Steve Chase. With Italian travertine floors, Brutalist accents, and sweeping views of Indian Canyons, this is a VIP pass to retro-chic heaven.
Signature Bus Tours Galore
The double-decker architectural tours are back. Hop on board for the Premier Double Decker Architectural Tour, Charles Phoenix Super Duper Tour, Twilight Bus Tour, Bella da Ball Tour, Sinatra’s Rat Pack Homes and Hangouts, and The Homes That Define Palm Springs. Each one is an architectural joyride through the desert’s most iconic neighborhoods.
Preview Party: Palm Springs Modernism Fall Show
Kick off the weekend in style with wine, design, and early shopping access. Bonus: your ticket gets you back into the show all weekend.
Modernism Fall Show
Head into the design jungle with nearly fifty vendors offering vintage furniture, art, and drool-worthy décor. It’s a design lover’s dream come true.
New and Exclusive in 2025
100 Years of Palm Springs Modernism Tour
Architectural guru Trevor O’Donnell guides you through a century of style in a cozy mini coach. This is your deep dive into design history.
Palm Springs Paradise Home Tour
Explore six vibrant, colorful, and personality-packed homes. Bold is beautiful—and totally Instagrammable.
The Berman-Rubin Residence Tour
Visit one of the most famous homes in Indian Canyons, blending old-school glam with timeless architecture.
Herbert Burns Trifecta Tour
Fan of Herbert Burns? Tour three of his iconic residential designs including the dreamy Madge Phillips residence.
Canyon Country Club Colony Tour
Cruise through interiors, admire vintage cars and golf carts, and dive into the rich history of one of Palm Springs’ most stylish neighborhoods.
Modernism in Motion at Miralon
Sunset, sleek lines, open plans, and free entry. A perfect marriage of desert and design.
VIVA LAS VEGAS and FOREVER ELVIS
It’s not Palm Springs without a little showbiz sparkle. Enjoy live music, a multi-course surprise dinner, and themed drinks.
Cocktails on The Wells Times Two
Tour two gorgeously restored homes, sip signature drinks, and bask in pure design luxury.
Golden Hour at the Morse Residence
A 1961 classic in Vista Las Palmas opens its doors for a sunset cocktail soirée. Sip poolside and soak in vintage charm.
Historic Downtown Walking Tour by ONE-PS
Walk the walk of architectural legends with expert guides and learn the story of Palm Springs from the ground up.
The Brutalist Tour: Laszlo Sandor Special
A bold blend of Brutalism and Midcentury Modernism. So niche, so fabulous.
Atomic Ranch Revival Tour and Talk Series
Two separate events explore modernist refreshes and original designs. One includes a dreamy poolside chat with homeowner Lissa Gruman.
Mod with a Twist at Ocotillo Lodge
Back by popular demand—five quirky ten-minute talks on weird and wonderful midcentury topics. It’s TED Talk meets Mad Men.
Film Screening: The Donn of Tiki
A tiki-tastic documentary screening with a filmmaker Q and A. Grass skirts optional.
Fan Favorites and Hidden Gems
- Walking Tour of Tamarisk’s Architecture
- Frank Sinatra’s Twin Palms Estate Tour
- Twin Palms Insider Tour
- Temple Isaiah Tour: Classical to Extreme Modernism
- Sunnylands Historic Tour
- Frey House II Tour and Twilight Reception
- Midcentury Sunny Cycle Tour
- The Lautner Compound Tour
- Palm Springs Historical Society Walking Tours with themes like Giants of Architecture, Hidden Paradise of Showbiz Legends, Shangri-La of the Stars, and Stars of the Movie Colony
Special Events for the Social Set
- Casual Concours Car Show
- Midcentury Mixology with Steen Bojsen-Moller at Mr. Lyons
- Pasta-Making and Lunch at Trio
- Curated Vintage Fashion and Design Event
- Two PS UNDERGROUND events with themed meals and live shows
Free, Fab, and Full of Palm Springs Love
- Art Architecture and Design Book Sale at the Palm Springs Library
- Art District Tour
- Hot Purple Energy Architectural Bike Ride
- Talk: History and Design of Canyon Country Club
- Palm Springs Walk of the Stars for Herbert W. Burns
- The Design of Herbert W. Burns Free Talk
Don’t Miss These
Art deco meets desert zen, bold colors blend with soft pink sunsets, and every corner is a perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation. And yes, there’s always a chance you’ll see someone in vintage caftans riding a turquoise Vespa.
Major shout-out to sponsors like Ferguson Home, Brizo, Dunn-Edwards Paints, and Monogram. Also, a big thanks to the City of Palm Springs for backing this design dream.
Looking Ahead
Can’t get enough? Save the dates for the big one—Modernism Week February 12 to 22. Tickets go on sale November 1, but plan ahead. Events sell out fast.
Pro Tip
Sign up for alerts at modernismweek.com, follow on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and X, and be ready to click fast once tickets drop.
About Modernism Week
Modernism Week is more than a design event—it’s a nonprofit with heart. It offers scholarships to local students pursuing architecture and design and grants to groups working to preserve California’s modernist legacy.
Get ready to turn up the retro, embrace your inner modernist, and dive headfirst into four days of unforgettable design, laughter, and style under the palms.
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