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  • Writer's pictureKathy Condon

Palm Springs California Winter Activities


Night view of Palm Springs pool Photo by Kathy Condon
Evening Swim in Palm Springs Photo by Kathy Condon

A new chapter in your life begins in January 2023, and a new chapter in the life of residents in Palm Springs, California. With the month starting with unusual weather and rain badly needed, here are some things I am looking forward to in 2023 in our beautiful community.


International Film Festival

Palm Springs International Film Festival is the opening of the awards season. The red-carpet event is on January 5, 2023, and causes a flurry of excitement. As the first award ceremony of the year, the world focuses on our selections. It is always fun to follow other award evenings to see if other organizations confirm our selection committee choices.


Thousands of people come to this festival from all over the world. This year, 134 films from 64 countries will be shown from January 5-16, 2023. We residents volunteer for there are numerous locations where the films are offered across our theatre venues. We are all looking forward to the restored Plaza Theatre being once again a key location for screening films.

Residential Home in Modernism Style Photo by Kathy Condon
Modernism Architectural Style in Palm Springs Photo by Kathy Condon

Modernism Week

Frankly, as a resident of Palm Springs, it is impossible not to get caught up in the excitement of Modernism Week, February 16-23, 2023. We locals welcome the opportunity to finally peek into some historic architectural homes of the 50s and 60s. We often dress in elegant clothes and attend cocktail parties that spill out into the yards of these magnificent preserved or restored homes.


Lectures provide us with new knowledge about the community. If you are looking for décor, the Vintage Yard Sale is a Modernism aficionado’s dream place.


Concerts in Palm Springs Public Parks

Tribute concerts are scheduled in our Palm Springs new public park located in the center of town. This venue is perfect for bringing your chair and enjoying the show. While we have a plethora of restaurants, you would be surprised how fast they are filled to capacity. With so many people in town, we locals know it is essential to make dinner reservations before or after the concert.

A view of retail stores downtown Palm Springs Photo by Kathy Condon
Shopping Downtown Palm Springs Photo by Kathy Condon

Exploring Retail Stores in Palm Springs

Most of our storefronts are full and display great items if you want or need retail therapy. We residents are always surprised at how rapidly the merchandise revolves, so taking time off and just being a tourist in our own town is fun. For example, last Sunday, I was one of the first to see Market Market a new vintage, consignment, and Modernism furniture store, in what was once Steinmart.


Dining with Friends in Palm Springs Restaurants

One of the great things about living in Palm Springs is that most of our restaurants have an outdoor seating area. Thus, heading out in the evening knowing you will be outside under our beautiful sky is a pleasure I appreciate.

With new restaurants opening, it is always an adventure being a guest to experience the décor and cuisine offered by our outstanding chefs.


Swimming under Palm Springs Star-Filled Sky

Admittedly, I am fortunate to live in a condo complex with a heated pool year-round. There is nothing better than going for a swim, then heading to the hot tub I use for relaxation and my award for exercise well done.

Aqua Caliente Bird Singers in Cultural Plaza
Aqua Caliente Cultural Plaza Photo by Kathy Condon

Opening of the Aqua Caliente Cultural Plaza

Rumor is that the long-awaited opening of the Aqua Caliente Cultural Plaza will occur within a couple of months. With the Aqua Caliente Tribe being such an integral part of our community, we look forward to learning more about its history in their museum displaying its artifacts. At last, we will have a place once again to access mineral hot springs in the spa.


There is so much I could talk about. For example, the American Express tournament, a stop on the PGA Tour in the middle of January. Then the BNP Paribas Open shines the international spotlight on Indian Wells Tennis Garden in March.


Sunrise shining through Palm tree frond
Sunrise in Palm Springs, California Photo by Kathy Condon

With what we call The Season in full swing, residents are never sure what opportunity will show up at any time. All I know is that after living here for ten years, I am still awed by the mountains, the thousands of palm trees, 350 days of sunshine, and the opportunities which increasingly pop up to offer experiences not available any place else in the world.


Here's the link to my blog on what you might want to pack for a Palm Springs winter visit. Preparing for Trip to Palm Springs in the Winter


Kathy Condon is a Journalist and Travel Writer. She is a master at digging deep, finding, and sharing stories and attractions from smaller towns near large metropolitan areas. Her reviews of luxury resorts and hotels are attracting the attention of international and local travelers. www.PalmSpringsInsiderGuide.com kathy@kathycondon.net 760-902-3094


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