Modernism Week - October 2023

Modernism Week - October takes place October 19–22, 2023 through out the Coachella Valley.

Modernism Week, the annual festival that highlights midcentury modern architecture, art, interior and landscape design, and vintage culture in the Palm Springs area of Southern California, will offer Modernism Week – October. This event will run October 19-22, 2023. While smaller in scope than the 11-day festival held annually each February, the October event will offer nearly 50 events over four days, including many free and low-cost programs. A full schedule of events may be viewed online at modernismweek.com starting July 25 and tickets will go on sale August 1, 2023 at 12 noon PST. 

New Events

Each year Modernism Week offers new events along with beloved returning events. New events for the October festival include:

·       Legendary Palm Springs Commercial Architecture Bus Tour (10/19 – 21, $90)

This exciting new tour will take guests to Palm Springs’ most iconic business buildings including major banks, hotels and civic buildings.

·       The Homes That Define Palm Springs Bus Tour (10/19 – 21, $90)

This 90-minute tour will showcase some of the most popular neighborhoods in Palm Springs, drawing attention to the most spectacular home styles, including pre-war Spanish Colonial Revival and a range of midcentury modern residential architectural styles.

·       Albert Frey's Palm Springs Bus Tour (10/21 and 10/22, $130)

Albert Frey was of major importance to American modern architecture. This new tour is a comprehensive exploration of the homes and buildings of this preeminent modernist architect.

·       Desert Glamour: The Crockett Residence Tour (10/22, $50) 

The Palm Springs Preservation Foundation will host a tour of the Crockett Residence (1951), one of Herbert W. Burns’ most successful residential designs.

·       Sophisticated Sun Seeker: The Gillman Residence Tour (10/21, $50)

The Palm Springs Preservation Foundation will host a tour of the Herbert Burns-designed Gillman Residence (1948), sublime residential architecture with a fascinating preservation story.

·       Celebrate the Restoration of the Iconic Plaza Theatre (10/22, $100)

Take an exclusive tour of the iconic 1936 Plaza Theatre as it begins its restoration, followed by a reception at the Welwood Murray Memorial Library patio. Includes a brief presentation.

Bus Tours

Architectural bus tours are one of the most popular programs offered during Modernism Week. In addition to the three new bus tours (Legendary Palm Springs Commercial Architecture Bus Tour, The Homes That Define Palm Springs Bus Tour, and Albert Frey's Palm Springs Bus Tour), additional bus tours include:

·       Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tour (10/19 – 22, $120)

Modernism Week’s signature and popular bus tour provides guests with an overview of the most significant midcentury architectural treasures of Palm Springs.

·       Charles Phoenix Super Duper Double Decker Bus Tour (10/19 – 22, $150)

Experience midcentury architectural treasures of Palm Springs with retro pop culture humorist and author, Charles Phoenix, as he leads a spirited adventure atop a double decker, open-air bus.

·       Bella da Ball's Celebrity Homes Bus Tour (10/20 and 10/21, $75)

Bella da Ball, Palm Springs’ own drag emcee, guides this special sunset tour of Palm Springs celebrity haunts, clubs, and homes.

·       Twilight Architectural Bus Tour (10/20 and 10/21, $60)

The Twilight Architectural Bus Tour provides guests with a 1-hour evening view of some of the most significant midcentury architectural treasures of Palm Springs.

Free Events

Each year Modernism Week offers a robust range of free events. This October these include:

·       Lost, Saved & Endangered: Modernist Architecture in Palm Springs (10/20)

Palm Springs Preservation Foundation board president Gary Johns will present his popular slide lecture about modernist architecture in Palm Springs.

·       The Design of Herbert W. Burns (10/20)

Palm Springs Preservation Foundation board vice president Steven Keylon will present an entertaining overview of architectural designer Herbert W. Burns’ life and career.

·       Hot Purple Energy Architectural Bike Ride (10/21)

This free bicycle tour encourages guests to pedal their way through architecturally significant neighborhoods in South Palm Springs and highlights stunning midcentury homes.

·       A+D Book Sale by the Friends of the Palm Springs Library (10/21)

This book sale, presented by the Friends of the Palm Springs Library, will feature a robust collection of architecture and design books representing various styles and authors from the Friends’ stock of donations. The event includes an appearance by renown architectural historian and author Alan Hess. 

·       "The Alexanders" Book Signing with Author James Harlan (10/21)

James Harlan, author of “The Alexanders,” will give a talk about the famous Palm Springs developers and will sign copies of his book.

·       Shag’s October Modernism Print Release Party (10/21)

Participants of this free evening party will be able to meet artist Josh Agle (AKA “Shag”) and enjoy complimentary cocktails, live music and other fun surprises at the unveiling of Shag’s newest print at The Shag Store in the Uptown Design District.

·       Modernism Yard Sale (10/22) 

This annual outdoor sale of unique and affordably priced vintage furniture and accessories has become one of Modernism Week’s most popular free events. Complementary donuts and coffee will be provided while supplies last.

Click here to see the array of events and to purchase tickets