Palm Desert Signature Events: 7 Places to Showcase Flair and Style

Style, chic and fashion – three words to consider when thinking about Palm Desert, California. This desert oasis provides a warm-weather retreat with shopping and dining, but don’t overlook the city’s celebrations. There’s always something going on here. For an inside scoop, read about these Palm Desert signature events and get on the guest list.

Top 7 Palm Desert Signature Events and What to Expect

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Fashion Week El Paseo (March)

Ranked among the largest consumer fashion shows on the West Coast, Fashion Week El Paseo offers eight days of renown and emerging designers. The festival appeals to everyone – from the working executives to stay-at-home parents and college students.

Fashion Week El Paseo also offers events, including trunk shows, special presentations, live shows featuring California styles, and interactive exhibits. Guests can buy individual tickets or combine them in a package for additional admission to events and special perks.

Palm Desert Food and Wine Festival (March)

To sample the best of Palm Desert’s food scene, attend Palm Desert Food and Wine Festival in March. Each year, this festival brings together culinary stars from across the U.S. for three days of good food, beer and wine.

Kick off the event with a four-course luncheon. Then enjoy two days of grand tastings hosted by local and regional restaurants, over 60 wines, and beers on tap. While sampling, speak with chefs to learn about their creations and inspiration. Individual tickets and packages are available.

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Concerts in the Park (May and October)

In May and October, Thursday nights bring live music to Civic Center Park Amphitheater. This free concert series in Palm Desert welcomes guests to bring blankets and chairs, and enjoy music under the stars. See artists in various genres, such as reggae, rhythm and blues, country, rock and indie.

Attendees also have access to local food trucks and vendors serving fresh foods and non-alcoholic beverages. To save on dining expenses, visitors can bring a picnic as well.

Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week (May-June)

Hungry for something new? Participate in Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week, a 17-day dining event that takes place throughout Coachella Valley. Instead of a central location, over 100 restaurants in Palm Springs offer special lunch and dinner menus during the event.

To participate, select a couple of restaurants each day. Each one offers fixed price meals, ranging from $15 to $50. Once restaurants are decided, make reservations. This event draws thousands to the area, and walk-in guests may not be accommodated.

Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade (October)

Join 20,000 people in October for Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade in El Paseo. For over 50 years, this parade has showcased golf carts and floats by residents and community figures.

The parade travels westbound from El Paseo to Ocotillo, with a kids zone in Lupine. Before the parade, shop local vendors and have breakfast or lunch. Judging begins around 10 a.m., and the parade begins at noon. Participants can also win prizes for most humorous and school spirit.

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Choreography Festival (November)

In November, McCallum Theatre hosts the annual Choreography Festival. The festival celebrates both emerging and established dance companies in ballet, freemove, interpretive and other styles. These talented artists help rank Choreography Festival among the best Palm Desert signature events.

Buy tickets to one day or two, and see artists from all over the U.S. perform. At the end of each event, winners are announced and someone receives a Lifetime Achievement Award on Saturday evening.

Palm Springs Festival of Lights (December)

It may not be a snowy Christmas, but the city bursts with color during Palm Springs Festival of Lights. On the first Saturday in December, see marching bands, lots of lights, live performances, cartoon characters, and Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Join thousands in Coachella Valley for this beloved holiday tradition, Macy-style balloons and big smiles. Guests receive free admission and may bring lawn chairs for comfortable seating. Plan to spend two hours and don’t miss the winners.

Hungry from all these Palm Desert signature events? Find steaks and seafood in Palm Desert. Check  Then book a Palm Desert vacation rental in paradise.