4 Best Performing Arts in Palm Springs, Palm Springs and the Desert Resorts

Each February the desert communities celebrate the work of the architects and designers who created the Palm Springs "look" in the '40s, '50s, and '60s. Described these days as mid-century modern—you'll also see the term "desert modernism" used—these structures were created by Albert Frey, Richard Neutra, William F. Cody, John Lautner, and other notables. The 11-day event features lectures, a modernism show, films, vintage car and trailer shows, galas, and home and garden tours. A shorter preview week happens in October.

In mid-January, this 12-day festival brings campaigning Oscar hopefuls and nearly 200 feature films from several dozen countries, plus panel discussions and documentaries, to various venues around town. The weeklong ShortFest, North America's largest short film fest and market, takes place in June. The Film Society that sponsors it also hosts one-off cinematic events throughout the year. 

In late March, when the world's finest female golfers hit the links for the Annual LPGA ANA Inspiration Championship in Rancho Mirage, thousands of lesbians converge on Palm Springs for a four-day party popularly known as The Dinah.

Held during spring break, the White Party draws tens of thousands of gay men from around the world for four days of parties and events.