No matter what time of year adventurers are fortunate enough to be spending their time in scenic Palm Springs in the name of vacation, they’re in for a travel treat. Here, sunshine abounds year-round and the options for customized fun and entertainment in this lovely Coachella Valley destination are vast and varied. In every season, Palm Springs earns its reputation for excellence thanks to a wide variety of signature local events that bring in visitors from near and far. If you find yourself traveling to California in spring, the following are just some of the top events in April in Palm Springs that you won’t want to leave off your list this year.
Check Out the Best of VillageFest
If you’re spending time in Palm Springs this April with the entire family in tow, a great event to attend with something for visitors of all ages to enjoy is VillageFest. This weekly event is hosted every Thursday in April in downtown Palm Springs making it an accessible experience to add to your lineup no matter how many other attractions or landmarks you happen to have on your itinerary. When VillageFest comes around, downtown transitions into a vibrant and lively street fair where you can enjoy live musical entertainment, indulge in delicious food, and pop in and out of shops at your own leisurely pace as well. From the vendors selling one-of-a-kind crafts to the fun and festive ambiance, it’s an event you might find yourself lingering at longer than you originally planned this April.
Experience Desert X 2025 for Yourself
Your April getaway to Palm Springs puts you right on time to be a part of the Desert X 2025 experience this year. This Coachella Valley exhibition will run from May 8 through May 11, 2025, making April the perfect time to check out the displays carefully curated by Artistic Director Neville Wakefield and Co-Curator Kaitlin Garcia-Maestas. The exhibition is designed to put a lens on the local desert’s evolution, emphasizing themes of design activism, indigenous futurism, and the imprint humanity leaves on the land in pursuit of emerging technologies. The exhibit is setup to inspire and allow visitors to question many unique topics thanks to works of art on display by globally renowned artists like Sanford Biggers, Jose Davila, Agnes Denes, Cannupa Hanska Luger, Raphael Hefti, Kimsooja, Kapwani Kiwanga, Sarah Meyohas, Ronald Rael, Alison Saar, and Muhannad Shono to name a few of many.
See Chris Bennett Take to the Stage
Music enthusiasts with a passion for Broadway-style performances can look forward to enjoying performances by Chris Bennett at the Palm Springs Purple Room each Tuesday and Thursday at 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm throughout the month of April. Make your way to 1900 East Palm Canyon Drive to enjoy the stylings of this incredible Grammy-nominated artist who brings specialists in vocals, piano, and composition to the stage with every show. Originally from Illinois, Chris Bennett began her career singing alongside Dean Martin and Jim Nabors before singing backup for Donna Summer. When you enjoy one of her shows in Palm Springs this April, there’s a good chance you’ll be treated to selections of Broadway show tunes as well as pieces from the Great American Songbook alongside original compositions.
Infuse Artistic Inspiration into Your April Stay
If you’re the type of traveler who is always looking for added inspiration when you adventure somewhere new, you’ll want to be sure to check out the first Wednesday Art Walk in Palm Springs this April which will be held on April 2, 2025. This event is hosted rain or shine and is a chance to pop in and out of some of Palm Springs’ most inviting art galleries between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Along the way, you’ll find there’s plenty of delicious food to try too and often, live musical entertainment on the streets to add to the festival ambiance of this creative experience designed to showcase some of the area’s great galleries and artists.
Enjoy the Coachella Music Festival
A true highlight of a trip to Palm Springs in April is the opportunity to be a part of the iconic Coachella Music Festival fun! Hosted at the Empire Polo Club in nearby Indio, this music festival is one that draws in crowds from across the map with good reason. This year, weekend one of Coachella will be held April 11 through April 13, 2025, and weekend two will be hosted April 18 through April 20, 2025. No matter what weekend you choose to attend, be sure to purchase your tickets in advance as spots sell out fast for performances by some of the music world’s biggest names each year.
Book an Incredible Palm Springs Getaway in Style This April
When you’re excited to find yourself in Palm Springs this April, be sure your accommodations include the elevated standards of luxury, comfort, and style you deserve by booking your place through Ryson Vacations. Reach out today to learn more about our inspired portfolio of rental options available and how we can help you design a trip this April to remember!
For some, the arrival of winter and the cold and snow it brings with it is something to look forward to each year. For others, it’s the sure sign of the season to head out of town and set their sights on sunnier horizons. When you find yourself falling into the latter category, and you’re looking for a place to enjoy a winter stay that’s warm, sunny, and endlessly inviting, Palm Springs, California checks every box on that list. No matter how long you have despair in the name of getaway fun, heading to Palm Springs in the wintertime is always a great option. Whether you’re in town to soak up the sunshine, or you’re looking to make the most of festive holiday entertainment, the following winter events in Palm Springs are sure to make your getaway truly magical.
Check Out the Festival of Lights Parade
A great winter event that’s always highly anticipated in Palm Springs is the annual Festival of Lights Parade. This family-friendly gathering is typically hosted toward the beginning of December, and often kicks off around 6:00 PM along Palm Canyon Drive, right in the heart of Palm Springs. You’ll want to show up early to make sure you get a great spot and the best views. When you do, you’ll find that the effort was worth your while! This winter parade is known and loved by locals and visitors alike for its vibrant performances, highlighted marching bands, and special attendees like Mickey and Minnie who are sure to thrill the littlest ones in your traveling crew. From the floats and the music to the fantastic fare, the Festival of Lights Parade is one you simply won’t want to miss this year.
Wintertime Holiday Dining with a Bird’s Eye View
No matter when you make your way to Palm Springs in the name of vacation fun, a trip up the iconic Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is essential. It’s earned the title of the world’s largest rotating tram car and the views you’ll enjoy as you travel the two and a half miles up the cliffs overlooking the Chino Canyon are nothing less than breathtaking. The tram transports passengers to the higher elevation wilderness of the Mt. San Jacinto State Park and it’s here that over the holidays, you can pair your ride with a delicious winter dish at the Pines Café. This one-of-a-kind eatery is traditionally open until 8:00 pm on weekdays and until 8:30 pm on the weekends. The setting is cafeteria style, and you’ll find everything from salads and wraps to sandwiches within easy reach. This casual dining experience is open to visitors on Christmas Day when you can purchase a ride and dine ticket and enjoy a meal here between 11:00 am and 8:00 pm.
Experience the Winter Light Show and Santa Fly-In for Yourself in Palm Springs
When a little holiday magic would go a long way toward your winter fun in Palm Springs, adding a stop at the Palm Springs Air Museum this time of year is always the right choice. In mid-December, the Palm Springs Air Museum hosts the annual Winter Light Show and Santa Fly-In which brings families out in droves to enjoy seeing the museum transformed into a “winter wonderland,” right in the heart of sunny California. During the event, 60 tons of authentic snow are dropped around the museum between 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm and Santa makes an appearance too for a meet-and-greet with little ones. There’s a holiday train to enjoy, s’mores to cook over outdoor firepits, and food trucks set up for any other cravings that might come calling as you explore. This is a wonderful opportunity for seasonal photos and there are plenty of cookies and hot chocolate to go around. After you watch Santa fly in with the snow, you can head over to the craft and holiday shopping area set up inside the Miles Hangar.
Attend the Wild Lights Holiday Festival
Your winter getaway to Palm Springs puts you within easy reach of the annual Wild Lights Holiday Festival over at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert. Hosted on select nights between November and December, this event typically runs from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm and is a chance to explore displays that combine millions of twinkling holiday lights with animal-inspired lanterns too. The illuminating result is sure to inspire, and you won’t want to miss admiring the 30-foot holiday tree that works as a centerpiece of the event. From the tunnel of lights to stroll through to the s’mores stations and holiday carousel, Wild Lights might just end up being the highlight of your winter trip.
Book Your Winter Getaway to Palm Springs Today
When a winter getaway to Palm Springs is calling your name, the team at Ryson Vacations has the accommodations you need to infuse luxury, comfort, and style into every day of your stay. Reach out today to learn more and to start planning!