# Modernism Week: what to do between sessions in Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley

Source: https://eventweekends.com/culture/modernism-week/
Last checked: 2026-11-02

## In short

- **When:** 18 to 28 February 2027 (expected, not yet confirmed by the organiser)
- **Where:** Venues across Palm Springs, Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley, United States
- **Free time:** Gaps of two to four hours between screenings or shows, and whole days for companions.
- **Best base:** Palm Springs downtown: Pool hotels.
- **Getting there:** Palm Springs (PSP) is 10 minutes from downtown Palm Springs and 30 minutes from Indio.
- **Weather:** In February, Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley averages highs of about 16°C and lows of 3°C, with roughly 23 mm of rain in the month. Expect about 11 h 01 min of daylight.
- **Top things to do:** Palm Springs Aerial Tramway; Joshua Tree day trip; San Andreas Fault jeep tour

## Weather and what to pack

In February, Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley averages highs of about 16°C and lows of 3°C, with roughly 23 mm of rain in the month. Expect about 11 h 01 min of daylight.
- A warm coat, hat and gloves: nights can drop close to freezing.
- Comfortable walking shoes and a small day bag.

## Airport to venue

Palm Springs (PSP) is 10 minutes from downtown Palm Springs and 30 minutes from Indio. LAX is 2.5 hours.

Shuttles between home tours; you need a car otherwise.

## Where to stay

- **budget:** Indio and Cathedral City. Cheaper rooms near the festival.
- **mid:** Palm Springs downtown. Pool hotels.
- **luxury:** Indian Wells and La Quinta. Golf resorts next to the tennis.
- Hotels we would book: Hampton Inn and Suites Indio (budget), Ace Hotel and Swim Club (mid), Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort and Spa (luxury)

## Day plans for the free hours

### Between screenings or shows

A two- to four-hour gap: something close by.
- Half-day: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Rotating cars up to cool mountain air.
- Eat: Cheeky's, Brunch

### A free day

For companions without a pass, or attendees taking a day off.
- Full day: Joshua Tree day trip. National park 1 hour away.

### Evenings

After the last show of the day.
- After dark: Arenas Road bars.
- Eat: Shields Date Garden, Date shakes

### Rainy day

Indoor backups.
- Rain or heat backup: Palm Springs Art Museum.
- Free: Palm Canyon Drive and the Uptown Design District.

## Tours worth booking

- [Palm Springs Aerial Tramway](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Palm%20Springs%20Aerial%20Tramway&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-modernism-week): Rotating cars up to cool mountain air.
- [Joshua Tree day trip](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Joshua%20Tree%20tour&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-modernism-week): National park 1 hour away.
- [San Andreas Fault jeep tour](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Palm%20Springs%20jeep%20tour&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-modernism-week): Desert canyons.
- [Mid-century architecture tour](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Palm%20Springs%20architecture%20tour&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-modernism-week): Modernist homes.
- [Hot air balloon](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Palm%20Springs%20hot%20air%20balloon&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-modernism-week): Sunrise flight.
- [Indian Canyons hike](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Indian%20Canyons%20tour&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-modernism-week): Palm oases.

## Where to eat

- Cheeky's: Brunch
- Shields Date Garden: Date shakes
- Tyler's Burgers: Burgers downtown

## With kids

- Living Desert Zoo.
- Wet 'n' Wild Palm Springs.

## Rainy-day backups

- Palm Springs Art Museum.
- Air Museum.

## Getting around

- You need a car or rideshare; festival shuttles run from hotels. April heat reaches 35°C.

## Questions people ask

### When is Modernism Week 2027?

The next edition is 18 to 28 February 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.

### What is the weather like during Modernism Week?

In February, Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley averages highs of about 16°C and lows of 3°C, with roughly 23 mm of rain in the month. Expect about 11 h 01 min of daylight.

### How do I get from the airport to Venues across Palm Springs?

Palm Springs (PSP) is 10 minutes from downtown Palm Springs and 30 minutes from Indio. LAX is 2.5 hours. Shuttles between home tours; you need a car otherwise.

### Where should I stay for Modernism Week?

For most visitors the best base is Palm Springs downtown: Pool hotels.

### What can we do between sessions at Modernism Week?

Good short outings in Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley include Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, San Andreas Fault jeep tour, Mid-century architecture tour. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.

### What is there for kids and families near Modernism Week?

Family-friendly picks: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Joshua Tree day trip, San Andreas Fault jeep tour. Living Desert Zoo.

### How far is Venues across Palm Springs from Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley centre?

About 1 km in a straight line. Shuttles between home tours; you need a car otherwise.

More in Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley: https://eventweekends.com/city/palm-springs/