Modernism Week October

Modernism Week, the acclaimed festival celebrating midcentury and modern architecture, art, interior and landscape design, and vintage culture, will host its “Modernism Week – October” event from October 16-19, 2025. This fall edition will feature over 50 events across four days, including a variety of free and low-cost programs. The full schedule will be available online at modernismweek.com starting July 25, with tickets going on sale August 1, 2025, at 12 noon PST.

“We are so excited to continue sharing the momentum of our twentieth-year celebration with this popular fall version of our festival,” said Lisa Vossler Smith, CEO of Modernism Week. “We will continue to showcase new events and some of the most popular programs that have made Modernism Week in February so famous. Locals and visitors alike will enjoy our exciting line-up of home tours, iconic architecture, and entertaining parties.”

The October event will bring back many popular programs and introduce new experiences:

Highlighted Events:

  • Modernism Week Featured Home Tour: Sackley Chase Sensation ($40) – A stunning 1976 Stan Sackley-designed residence, beautifully decorated by Steve Chase, recently updated by Grace Home Furnishings.
  • Architectural Bus Tours – Options include the signature Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tour ($130), Charles Phoenix Super Duper Double Decker Bus Tour ($160), Twilight Architectural Bus Tour ($100), Bella da Ball Bus Tour ($100), Sinatra’s Rat Pack Homes & Hangouts Bus Tour ($100), and The Homes That Define Palm Springs Bus Tour ($100).
  • Palm Springs Modernism Fall Show Preview Party ($95) – An early buying opportunity at the show with a festive wine reception.
  • Palm Springs Modernism Fall Show ($25) – Features nearly 50 national exhibitors offering vintage and contemporary 20th and 21st-century design.

Newly Offered Activities Include:

  • 100 Years of Palm Springs Modernism ($130) – An intimate mini-coach tour led by guide Trevor O’Donnell, exploring a century of modernist architecture.
  • Palm Springs Paradise Home Tour: A Celebration of Bold Design, Color, and Desert Style ($80) – Exclusive access to six spectacular residences.
  • The Berman-Rubin Residence: A Canyon Country Club Classic ($50) – A tour of a recognizable home in the Indian Canyons neighborhood.
  • The Herbert Burns Trifecta Tour ($50) – Showcases three residential designs by architectural designer Herbert Burns.
  • Canyon Country Club Colony Home Tour ($80) – Features interior tours of multiple homes, vintage cars, and golf carts.
  • Modernism in Motion: A Sunset Showcase at Miralon (FREE) – Wander through private Miralon residences showcasing modernism.
  • VIVA LAS VEGAS ($195) – An unforgettable evening of show-stopping tunes and a secret, multi-course menu with themed cocktails.
  • Cocktails on The Wells Times Two ($125) – Features two distinct homes designed by Charles Doty and John Walling.
  • Golden Hour Gathering at the Morse Residence, 1961 ($150) – An exclusive sunset cocktail reception at a Palm Springs Class 1 Historic Site.
  • ONE-PS Presents: Historic Walking Tour of Downtown Palm Springs ($100) – An expertly guided tour exploring iconic sites.
  • The Brutalist: Exploring Laszlo Sandor’s Canyon South III and the Rise of 1970s Desert Modernism ($70) – A talk and tour of five homes blending Brutalism with Midcentury Modernism.
  • Atomic Ranch Talk & Tour: A Racquet Club Revival ($60) and Atomic Ranch Talk & Tour at William Krisel’s Rice House ($60) – Tours and talks focusing on renovated gems.
  • Mod with a Twist at Ocotillo Lodge ($45) – Light-hearted presentations on obscure midcentury topics.
  • Film Screening: “The Donn of Tiki!” ($40-$50 VIP) – A screening of the new documentary at the Palm Springs Cultural Center.

Other Featured Events: Attendees can also enjoy walking tours of Tamarisk’s Iconic Architecture by Preservation Mirage ($60), tours of Frank Sinatra’s “Twin Palms” Estate ($50), Twin Palms Guided Walking Tour ($45), Temple Isaiah tours ($75), Sunnylands Historic House Tour ($75), Frey House II Tour ($75-$125), Midcentury Sunny Cycle Tour by PS ModCom ($90), Tour Famed American architect John Lautner’s 1947 Boutique Hotel at The Lautner Compound ($60), and various Palm Springs Historical Society walking tours.

Special Events: Additional special events include the Casual Concours, The Desert’s Most Fabulous Midcentury Car Show: Coupe du Jour Show ($25), Midcentury Mixology Cocktail Class with Steen Bojsen-Moller at Mr. Lyons ($85), Pasta Making Cooking Class and Lunch at Trio Palm Springs ($125), and a Curated Vintage Event by PS UNDERGROUND ($15-$25).

Free Events: A robust selection of free events will be offered, including an Art Architecture & Design Book Sale by the Friends of the Palm Springs Library, an Art District Tour, a talk on Canyon Country Club: History and Design, a Hot Purple Energy Architectural Bike Ride, a Palm Springs Walk of the Stars Dedication for Herbert W. Burns, and a talk on The Design of Herbert W. Burns.

Modernism Week is supported by top sponsors including Ferguson Home, Brizo, Dunn-Edwards Paints, Monogram, Cotino, Flor, Natural Retreats, and Willis, with the City of Palm Springs serving as the Civic Presenting Sponsor. For updates, visit modernismweek.com and follow their social media channels.