Mod Marvels After Dark: Top Nightlife Events at Modernism Week 2024

As we roll through this holiday season, the excitement builds for February’s Modernism Week!

This year, the evenings of Modernism Week in Palm Springs really come alive with an array of events celebrating the swanky character of the 50s and 60s, from exclusive parties in historic homes to intimate four course dinner extravaganzas and jazz performances. These must-see events will be the perfect way to end a day filled with architectural exploring. Modernism Week after dark promises excitement that rivals the zest of daytime events!

Photo by Jake Holt

On February 15, kickstart your Modernism Week with a night to remember at the Modernism Week Opening Night Party: Disco in the Desert. This year, we’re taking the opening night party to new heights at the spacious Palm Springs Air Museum. Slip into your best 1970s disco attire and get ready to dance the night away to a mix of disco, soul, funk and pop hits, brought to life by our live band and DJ Modgirl. The museum will be transformed into an exclusive velvet rope dance club, setting the scene for a night of hustle and groove. Indulge in a variety of creative cocktails and mocktails, along with a delectable dinner courtesy of Lulu California Bistro, and keep your energy up with late night bites available throughout the event. Boogie under the desert stars with us at the most anticipated dance party of Modernism Week!

Photo by Jake Holt

Beat the crowds and enjoy an early chance to shop the Palm Springs Modernism Show at the Preview Party on February 16! Shop from 125 top notch exhibitors showcasing midcentury to contemporary designs, including furniture, arts, and modern living essentials. Your ticket includes an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, live music, a show catalog, valet parking, and weekend long re-entry. 

Courtesy of Premier Lodging Sponsor Natural Retreats

Toast Modernism Week with An Evening Soiree at Frank Sinatra’s Twin Palms Estate (1947), designed by architect E. Stewart Williams. The former residence of Frank Sinatra put the desert on the map as a celebrity enclave, and ultimate destination for some of the most prolific work in midcentury architecture. Join hosts and Save Iconic Architecture (SIA) founders Jaime Rummerfield and Ron Woodson on February 16 for an exclusive tour of Twin Palms and a festive soirée, along with luminaries, influencers and tastemakers in the design industry.

The evening will include hand-crafted cocktails and hors d’oeuvres by F10 and music featuring some of Frank Sinatra’s most-loved tunes. Wear your swanky cocktail attire and get ready to have an incredible time. A portion of ticket proceeds will help support preservation efforts and initiatives with Save Iconic Architecture.

Courtesy of The Lautner Compound

The Lautner Compound’s Twilight Wine and Nibbles Reception and Tour is taking place on both February 16 and 17. This unique event invites you to explore John Lautner’s renowned desert hideaway, The Lautner Compound, accompanied by wine, light bites and engaging stories with owners Tracy Beckmann and Ryan Trowbridge. Discover the history and artistry behind this landmark to Palm Springs which includes The Lautner, The Park (a 10,000 sf open air event space), The Ranch House and the Clubhouse.

Courtesy of Mr. Lyons

Raise your glass at the Midcentury Mixology Cocktail Class With Steen Bojsen-Moller at Mr. Lyons. Offered each day of Modernism Week, February 15-25, the cocktail class is lead by master mixologists at Mr. Lyons Steakhouse. Create and sample three classic drinks of the midcentury era, and enjoy a welcome cocktail in this fun, interactive, adults-only event. Cheers!

Photo by Lance Gerber

Palm Springs’ very first residential development, Park Imperial South, was Barry Berkus’ futuristic concept for resort-style, community-focused living. On February 17, doors will open to a handful of units revealing unique folded roof plates, original GE Gold Medallion appliances and brightly colored custom kitchen hoods. Each element showcases why this “new concept for luxury living” remains a highly coveted desert community. A poolside cocktail reception will be offered between the hours of 5 – 8 p.m.

Photo by Dan Chavkin

Meet us at church on February 17! The Cathedral City Community Church that is, which now serves as a state of the art recording studio. The In MOD We Trust” PS ModCom Annual Gala Benefit will be an unforgettable evening in a one-of-a-kind space. Join us for a night where the only spirits are in glasses, and the music takes center stage with David J of Bauhaus and surprise live performances. Dress boldly and prepare for a night of revelry and music, unlike anything you’ve seen before. 

Courtesy of PS UNDERGROUND

From February 16-24, PS UNDERGROUND celebrates the legendary Route 66 with “Route 66: A Musical and Culinary Journey Across America”. This event honors the iconic highway’s impact on American culture, food, and music. It’s bound to be an eventful evening that blends music inspired by Route 66 with a secret four-course menu by Chef Dave, inspired by the culinary traditions along the historic road from Chicago to Santa Monica. 

Courtesy of Shag With A Twist

This year, the Annenberg Theater will host the live on stage performance, Shag With a Twist! The murder mystery musical takes place February 19 (with a premiere on February 17) and is set at a 1960s Tupperware party in Palm Springs. Hosted by the ex-stewardess Othal, her husband Eldon, and their flirty maid, the party is a kaleidoscope of eccentric guests like the seductress Kitty, Latin lover Dodge, and the glamorous bird-loving Slinky. But the night takes a twist when Slinky is found murdered, and the bumbling Inspector Sergay, with his assistant monkey Mr. Cuddles, scrambles to solve the crime. This musical mingles humor and suspense and will transport you straight into the imagination of Shag!

Courtesy of PSJazzFest

With the All Access VIP Jazz Experience, you’re set for a weekend of spectacular performances at the Annenberg Theater, presented by PSJazzFest. This exclusive pass grants you front row seats to all the shows on both Saturday and Sunday, including the February 24 opening night with Herb Alpert and Lani Hall. You’ll enjoy incredible performances from The Cookers, Veronica Swift and Taj Mahal on February 25. The highlight of this VIP experience is a private, elegant Jazz Dinner at Walt Disney’s Smoke Tree Ranch on Sunday evening. From 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, enjoy cocktails and a sit-down dinner accompanied by the Lance Conrad Quartet.


See the full schedule of Modernism Week 2024 events here.