The desert oasis of Palm Springs is set to host an array of hot events in 2020, including leading international film festivals, LGBT celebrations, artistic exhibitions and, of course, the renowned Palm Springs Modernism Week, which will celebrate its 15th anniversary. To help travellers discover the best of Palm Springs' most-celebrated events, we've rounded up some highlights of the city's calendar.

The Very Best of the Silver Screen with Palm Springs' Film Festivals

Renowned for being Hollywood's Playground, Palm Springs offers something for all movie-lovers and is one of the best places to experience the finest in film.

From January 2 – 13, Palm Springs International Film Festival will return for its 31st year, presenting over 200 new and celebrated feature and documentary films. Kicking off the event, and the awards season, is the event's annual Awards Gala, which brings some of the world's biggest stars to the city and honours the best performances, both on and off camera, of the past year. Film screenings begin on January 3, the evening of which will see the Opening Night Screening. Films and screenings will be announced on December 10 2019.

On September 17 – 20, Cinema Diverse will return to celebrate and showcase the leaders of LGBT cinema. Presenting a range of excellent feature and short films, the event brings together film lovers and industry professionals in a celebration of motion pictures that reflect, inform, enrich and often transform lives.

Also returning for 2020, is the fascinating Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival (May 7 – 10), which brings an eclectic mix of Classic Film Noir 'B' Movies to its audiences, and the American Documentary Film Festival (March 21- 30), which aims to celebrate the documentary film sector and the independent film makers that produce these moving pictures on real people and issues.

LGBTQ+ celebrations of diversity, equality and solidarity

Well-known for hosting some of the world's best LGBTQ+ events, Palm Springs will once again welcome a range of events celebrating diversity, equality and solidarity.

Considered to be one of the largest lesbian events in the world, The Dinah (or Dinah Shore Weekend as it is also known) will take place April 1 – 5. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, The Dinah is expected to once again present a host of superb parties, comedy shows and performances by powerful artists in its annual celebration of women.

As one of the world's premier gay dance festivals, Jeffrey Sanker's White Party is truly a highlight of the LGBT calendar. In 2020, the White Party will take place April 24 – 27, bringing with it a selection of exciting parties and performances, which are sure to create another unmissable event!

Greater Palm Springs Pride, Southern California's longest-running and ever-popular LGBT festival, is also expected to return in the autumn of 2020, offering its usual diverse range of performances and vibrant parade.

Artistic Wonders and Modernist Marvels

Famous for its Modernist architecture, which is found in abundance across the city, it is no surprise that Palm Springs offers some fantastic art festivals and Modernist celebrations.

2020 will mark the 15th anniversary of the legendary Modernism Week, which will once again celebrate the best of mid-century culture and showcase Palm Springs' design heritage with a series of remarkable events. Taking place from February 13 to 23, highlights of the event are expected to include tours of Frey House II and Frank Sinatra's “Twin Palms” Estate, as well as the ever-popular Mod with a Twist and Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tour. The schedule for the 11-day festival will be announced on the October 25 2019, with tickets on sale from the November 1 2019.

Coinciding with Modernism Week is Art Palm Springs (February 13 – 17), which will present intriguing post-war and contemporary art, alongside fascinating talks. Attracting almost 15,000 art lovers, curators, designers and collectors each year, Art Palm Springs is a fantastic way to discover some artistic gems.

Those that cannot make Modernism Week or Art Palm Springs though needn't worry, Palm Springs offers a vibrant art and architecture scene all-year-round. Those looking to explore this side of Palm Springs can take a captivating tour of the city's architecture and visit one of the city's many art galleries.

Sporting Challenges

Those wanting to take on a sporting challenge in the desert oasis will love the Tour de Palm Springs. Held over two days (7 and 8 February 2020), the event offers cyclists the opportunity to discover the stunning landscapes of the Coachella Valley as they compete in 102 mile, 51 mile, 26 mile or shorter races, each departing from Palm Springs. Not only is it a fantastic sporting challenge but the event also raises funds for valuable non-profit organisations within the Coachella Valley.

With this fantastic range of exciting events, as well as many more, Palm Springs has something for everyone in 2020!

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About Palm Springs

One hundred miles east of Los Angeles, Palm Springs is a desert playground with year-round sunshine, blue skies and stunning natural beauty. Nestled beneath California's San Jacinto Mountains, the city is famed for its Hollywood legacy, Native American heritage and huge collection of mid-century modern architecture. The desert oasis boasts a wealth of adventurous hiking trails and historical canyon tours, as well as chic boutiques, world-renowned golf courses and unique experiences, including the chance to stay in the former homes of Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley. For more information see www.visitpalmsprings.com.

Press Contact

For media information and images, please contact Rebecca Pasha at Hume Whitehead on 0203 375 4054 or e-mail rebecca@humewhitehead.co.uk.