Modernism Week is here — and there are still plenty of tickets to grab

If you’ve noticed the streets are a little busier and restaurant waits are a little longer, that’s because Modernism Week is back — and it officially starts today. The 11-day festival runs through Feb. 22 and draws architecture and design fans from around the world to the Palm Springs area. But there’s plenty for locals to enjoy, too, and lots of events still have open seats.

While the big-ticket programs tend to grab the headlines, some of the most interesting offerings dig into lesser-known stories — like a talk on preserving modernist architecture in Africa, the untold story of émigré architect Leopold Fischer in Southern California, or a rare look inside John Lautner’s 1947 residential fourplex. Check out the full schedule of events at modernismweek.com.

As always, there are dozens of events worth checking out (some of them free), including the vintage car show on Feb. 16, a talk with Nelda Linsk — who was honored with the title “First Lady of Modernism Week” — and the always-charming modernism projects created by students at St. Theresa School (Feb. 17 and 19). And don’t miss the Modernism Yard Sale on the festival’s final day, Feb. 22.

Following are some of our picks for Modernism Week events that still have tickets:

Palm Springs Modernism Show (Feb. 13-16, $35 advance/$40 door) — The festival’s most well-attended event, featuring vintage furniture and design dealers.

Keynote Presentation: Elizabeth Diller (Feb. 14, $45-$125) — The founding partner of Diller Scofidio + Renfro delivers this year’s keynote address.

Designing the Desert, and Other Landscapes: The Architecture of Paul R. Williams (Feb. 14, $20) — Learn more about the first Black architect to practice in the western U.S.

Sunrise Park Neighborhood Home Tour  (Feb. 15, $90)  — Sunrise Park is an eclectic collection of architectural styles that evolved over time from Atomic Ranch to late 60s mod.

Learning from Linksland: Golf’s Migration from Scotland to the Coachella Valley (Feb. 17, $18)  — A talk exploring the evolution of the game as it migrated from Scotland to the desert. 

​​Home Movie Jukebox with Deserted Films (Feb. 17, $25) — Join Deserted Films for a new, informative and hilarious supercut of clips from their vast collection of 8mm, Super 8, and 16.

Tour With the Author: Unseen Midcentury Desert Modern with Daniel Chavkin (Feb. 17, $150) — Rare access to private residences designed by Donald Wexler, William Cody, E. Stewart Williams, and other noted architects.

World Monuments Fund/Knoll Modernism Prize Ceremony (Feb. 18, $20) — For the first time, this prize ceremony is being held outside of New York City.

Breeze Blocks are Back! (Feb. 19, Free) — Come experience the new Breeze Block garden. 

The Marquee at Twin Palms Featured Home Tour (multiple dates, $40) — A 1957 midcentury modern home renovated by H3K Home + Design.

Retro Martini Party (Feb. 20, $250) — The Palm Springs Preservation Foundation will present its annual Retro Martini Party fundraiser at the John and Estella Snyder Residence (1932, William Charles Tanner)

Hollywood Meets the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre (Feb. 20, $125) — A multimedia celebration of the historic Plaza Theater, introduced by Lucie Arnaz.

Modernism and the Future of Housing Symposium (Feb. 21, $75-$195) — Presented by the Palm Springs Art Museum and Palm Springs Architectural Alliance.

Vintage Trailer Show (Feb. 21-22, $30) — A curated collection of vintage trailers, campers, buses, and motor homes.

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