Modernism Week: 7 things to know ahead of the popular Palm Springs architecture event

Brian Blueskye and Niki Kottmann, Palm Springs Desert Sun
·3 min read

Palm Springs has had quite a year. The buzz surrounding Olivia Wilde's film "Don't Worry, Darling," which was shot primarily within the city's limits, has reminded desert dwellers and visiters alike of the area's mid-century modern appeal. And Palm Spring's biggest architecture event of the year is leaning in.

Whether you're new to Modernism Week or you're a seasoned veteran, there's a lot of information to take in. That's where we come in. This guide is your starting point for mapping out a week (or more) of architectural adventure.

Where can I get tickets?

Tickets are available on modernismweek.com. Some of Modernism Week’s popular activities, such as guided walking tours of the Twin Palms and Tamarisk neighborhoods, are sold out, but tickets are available for other tours, talks, film screenings and its signature double-decker bus tour.

Purchased tickets but can't make the event? Tickets are non-refundable, but can be converted to a gift card up to 48 hours before the scheduled event or transferred for a different time within the same activity by emailing info@modernismweek.com.

Modernism Week's premier double decker architectural bus tour is sold out, but there are other events with remaining tickets.
Modernism Week's premier double decker architectural bus tour is sold out, but there are other events with remaining tickets.

Where do I park?

Good news, you park your classic car or everyday ride in any of the 1,000 free spaces in the underground parking at Hyatt Palm Springs or the parking garage on Belardo Road across from the Palm Springs Art Museum. Limited free parking is also available at some tour sites and event locations.

Note: Some homes available to tour are in locations not easily accessible by the general public, so pay attention to the directions you receive upon purchasing your ticket. Some homes will be accessed by shuttle, so guests will be asked to park at a specific pick-up area.

Are there any free events?

Yes! Events such as the Feb. 20 Modernism Week Vintage Car Show at the Palm Springs Convention Center and Feb. 25 street party on Arenas Road are free. Here are a few other free events to check out:

  • CAMP Opening Day Ribbon Cutting and Celebration on Feb. 16

  • Festive Celebration of Permanent Nighttime Lighting of Palm Springs Visitor Center on Feb. 16

  • Tom O’Donnell: Generous Spirit of Palm Springs on Feb. 22

  • Revealed, Reviled & Reborn: 100 years of California's Spanish Colonial/Mediterranean Revival on Feb. 23

  • Walk of Stars Dedication for William Charles Tanner on Feb. 24

  • Home Movie Day, Palm Springs on Feb. 25

For more information, check out our guide to free and low-cost Modernism Week events.

Speaking of free events, what is CAMP?

Hyatt Palm Springs in Palm Springs, Calif., charges a $22 resort fee.
Hyatt Palm Springs in Palm Springs, Calif., charges a $22 resort fee.

Modernism Week features a central meeting place known as CAMP (Community and Meeting Place) located inside the Hyatt Palm Springs. CAMP is accessible to ticketholders and the general public and features book signings, merchandise for sale by Destination PSP, live entertainment and general information. There’s also a showcase of home design products by bands such as Ferguson Bath, Kitchen and Lighting Gallery, Dunn-Edwards Paints, Brizo and more.

If you go: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Feb. 16-26, Hyatt Palm Springs, 285 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

Are any events dog friendly?

The Vintage Car Show, Modernism Yard Sale and the Vintage Trailer Show allow pets that are on a leash. At the Vintage Trailer Show, pets are not allowed in the trailers.

Do any events take place outside Palm Springs?

Yes. This year's festival features several events outside Palm Springs in areas such as Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert and the High Desert.

These buildings designed by LLoyd Wright include the Harmony Hall, Friendship Hall and the Caravansary at the Joshua Tree Retreat Center in Joshua Tree, August 26, 2021.
These buildings designed by LLoyd Wright include the Harmony Hall, Friendship Hall and the Caravansary at the Joshua Tree Retreat Center in Joshua Tree, August 26, 2021.

A few of these offerings (that aren't sold out yet as of the time of this writing) include:

Tours have various start times, so visit modernismweek.com to learn more.

Who do I contact if I have more questions?

According to the event website, you can reach the staff at Modernism Week by emailing info@modernismweek.com. Inquiries are addressed in as timely a manner as possible.

Desert Sun reporter Brian Blueskye covers arts and entertainment. He can be reached at brian.blueskye@desertsun.com or on Twitter at @bblueskye. 

Correction: This story has been updated to indicate tickets for the double-decker bus tour are still available.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Modernism Week in Palm Springs: Free architecture events, ticket info