El Paseo Shopping District, the desert's premier luxury shopping and dining destination, welcomes the return of the renowned 13th Annual Fashion Week, coinciding with the BNP Paribas in which El Paseo retailers are showcasing fashionable tennis wear. The exciting 8th Annual Food & Wine Festival comes to life again, live music at The Gardens continues, and City of Palm Desert First Weekend activities resume.
With just a few weekends left in the season, City of Palm Desert’s First Weekend specific activities take place again on Friday, March 2. El Paseo Cruise Night features classic cars traveling the avenue from 4 to 6 p.m.; and the popular El Paseo Art Walk takes place from 4p.m to 7p.m. with some art galleries holding special receptions and staying open extended hours. Participating shops on El Paseo also stay open extended hours on Fridaynight of First Weekend.
The Gardens 20th Annual Concert Series continues with three concerts in March on Saturday evenings from 5 to 6 p.m. Tickets cost $15 and include a lawn seat, two glasses of wine, and lite bites. Tickets go on sale at 4:30 p.m. at the center lawn.
The line-up and benefitting charities are:
- March 3 – The Smooth Brothers benefiting Desert Aids Project
- March 10 – John Stanley King Band benefiting Angel View
- March 17 – Will Donato benefiting United Cerebral Palsy of the Inland Empire
The highlight of March festivities on El Paseo is the 13th Annual Fashion Week El Paseo, the largest fashion show on the West Coast, March 17-24, taking place at The Gardens. This premier fashion event offers a platform for both renowned and emerging designers to showcase their work, with premier fashion events, glamorous runway shows, exciting trunk shows and more. During the entire week a wide variety of El Paseo retailers will be presenting the spring season’s latest fashions, along with in-store events including informal modeling, receptions and other exclusive Fashion Week fun. For additional information and tickets, visit http://www.fashionweekelpaseo.com.
Many retailers are also showcasing fashionable attire for the BNP Paribas, featuring a variety of designs, patterns and springs colors in the form of both traditional or sporty styles including skirts, skorts, shorts and dresses, as well as traditional polo shirts and stylish tank tops. A few favorites are lululemon, Anthropologie, Talbot’s, Banana Republic, J. Crew, Brooks Brothers for the men, and Tommy Bahamas for both men and women. Plus, Spectacular Shades and Sunglass Hut offer a variety of protective eyewear, from classic to sporty.
The Palm Desert Food & Wine festival, presented by Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, takes place March 23 – 25, in the heart of the El Paseo Shopping District. A James Beard Gourmet Four-Course Luncheon prepared by celebrity chefs kicks off the weekend, followed by two days of grand tastings from local and regional restaurants, enjoyment of more than 60 premium wines, and some of the country’s most unique beers and ciders on tap. Vintners and chefs will also be available to attendees to discuss their culinary offerings.
Outside of the numerous events in March, El Paseo offers an abundance of dining and shopping options every day with over 200 retailers and nearly 50 restaurants. Among celebrated retailers are boutiques for men and women, designer stores, home furnishings, and accessories from shoes and handbags to jewelry, collectibles, and much more. A variety of exceptional restaurants offer something for everyone, from casual dining and American cuisine, to fine dining and extraordinary cuisine.
For more information about the shops on El Paseo and scheduled special events, please visit www.ShopElPaseo.com.