Modernism Week – October returns to Palm Springs October 15–18, 2026, bringing four days of immersive tours, talks, parties, and design‑driven experiences that celebrate the region’s world‑famous midcentury heritage. This fall edition offers an expansive mix of new programming and fan‑favorite events, giving enthusiasts multiple ways to explore iconic homes, historic neighborhoods, and the creative legacy that shaped Palm Springs’ modern identity.
Tickets for all events are now available at ModernismWeek.com — the official link for purchasing and program details.
This year’s lineup includes exclusive home tours, classic car showcases, evening entertainment, outdoor architecture excursions, hands‑on classes, and in‑depth talks from leading voices in design and local history. Whether you’re a returning devotee or discovering Modernism Week for the first time, the October festival offers an intimate, accessible way to experience the city’s architectural treasures.
FEATURED TOURS
Modernism Week Featured Home Tour: The Marquee at Twin Palms
October 15–18 • $40 Step inside a newly restored 1957 residence in one of Palm Springs’ most celebrated neighborhoods. The Marquee at Twin Palms blends original midcentury character with a fresh, contemporary vision, offering a luminous look at modernist living.
Frey House II Tour + Museum Day Passes
Multiple days • $75 Tour / $125 Tour & Reception A rare opportunity to explore Albert Frey’s iconic hillside home, an essential example of desert modernism. Tickets include admission to the Palm Springs Art Museum and the Architecture & Design Center during the festival dates.
Blue Skies Village: Behind the Gates of a Hollywood Hideaway
October 17 • $85 Tour six interiors, two outdoor spaces, and the William F. Cody–designed clubhouse inside this storied Rancho Mirage retreat once favored by Hollywood’s elite.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Architectural Tour
October 15 • $170 Ascend the San Jacinto Mountains on the world’s largest rotating tramcar while exploring the architectural collaboration between Albert Frey and E. Stewart Williams. Includes lunch at Peaks Restaurant.
Hotel Lautner: Architect John Lautner’s Desert Masterpiece
October 16–17 • $60 Experience Lautner’s iconic 1947 residential fourplex in Desert Hot Springs, a landmark of early modernist experimentation.
Midcentury Sunny Cycle Tour by PS ModCom
October 15–18 • $90 A two‑hour (cycling optional) tour through Palm Springs’ most architecturally significant neighborhoods.
Modernist Treasures: Lush Living on the Links
October 15 • $55 Explore the Indian Canyons neighborhood, once home to celebrity golf tournaments and midcentury icons, known for its concrete screen block designs and lush landscaping.
BUS TOURS
Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tour
October 15–18 • $130 A signature 2.5‑hour overview of Palm Springs’ civic, commercial, and residential modernist landmarks, led by expert guides aboard an open‑air double‑decker bus.
Sinatra’s Rat Pack Homes & Hangouts Bus Tour
October 15–18 • $100 A 90‑minute journey through the homes and favorite haunts of the Rat Pack and other midcentury celebrities including Dinah Shore, Elvis Presley, Liberace, Lucille Ball, and Desi Arnaz.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Modernism Week After Dark: Spirit Animal
October 16 • $45 A Friday‑night celebration at Spirit Animal inside Hotel Zoso featuring DJ Aylex Song, premium cocktails, and a stylish downtown atmosphere.
Ethyl’s Place Mod Bingo
October 15 • $50 A high‑energy midcentury‑themed bingo night hosted by Ethylina Canne, complete with drag performances, retro music, cocktails, and prize packages.
Sunset at The Lautner Compound
October 16 • $150 A twilight tour of The Lautner Compound with curated bites, signature drinks, and DJ Danaisy’s soundtrack.
Curated Vintage Event
October 17 • $15 GA / $30 First Dibs A showcase of vintage apparel, luxury accessories, textiles, jewelry, and fashion from top dealers.
Casual Concours – Swinging 60s on Route 66
October 17 • $30 / $25 Members More than 170 vintage autos on display at Mission Hills Country Club, celebrating 1960s design and the 100th anniversary of Route 66.
Midcentury Mixology Cocktail Class at Mr. Lyons
October 15–18 • $90 Learn to craft classic midcentury cocktails in a hands‑on class that includes three drinks.
FEATURED TALKS
Charles Phoenix: LOS ANGELESLAND
October 17 • $50 A spirited dive into Phoenix’s Kodachrome slide collection showcasing midcentury Los Angeles landmarks, culture, and oddball charm.
Palm Springs, Tuned In: A Music History Retrospective
October 15 • $30 Historian Jim Cook explores the valley’s musical legacy, joined by guitarist Brian Ray.
The Modern Architecture of Hugh M. Kaptur
October 16 • FREE Architectural historian Steven Keylon presents the life and work of Hugh M. Kaptur, one of Palm Springs’ last living modernist architects.
WALKING TOURS
Trailblazers & Visionaries: Downtown Palm Springs Walking Tour
October 16 • $100 A guided exploration of downtown landmarks including the Plaza Theatre, O’Donnell Golf Club, and Welwood Murray Cemetery.
Palm Springs Historical Society Walking Tours
Multiple tours highlight the city’s rich past, including Little Beverly Hills, Heart of the City, Uptown Design District, and more.
Modernism Week Architecture Tours
October 15–18 • $130 Climate‑controlled mini‑coach tours offering an intimate look at modernist homes by dozens of influential designers.
TICKETS & INFORMATION
All event details, schedules, and ticket purchases are available at: ModernismWeek.com
Follow Modernism Week on social platforms for updates throughout the season.
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