🌴Top March 2026 Events in Greater Palm Springs, La Quinta & the Coachella Valley
A Curated Guide to the Season’s Most Notable Experiences
Things to Do in Palm Springs & the Coachella Valley in March 2026
March in the Coachella Valley is peak season in Greater Palm Springs. Warm afternoons, clear desert skies, and a full cultural calendar define this time of year across La Quinta, Indian Wells, Palm Desert, and Palm Springs.
If you’re searching for the best things to do in Palm Springs in March 2026 — or planning a seasonal visit to the Coachella Valley — this curated guide highlights the most notable events happening throughout the region. For those considering a seasonal home or exploring relocation, March offers an authentic look at the desert in full stride.
🎾 BNP Paribas Open (March 1–15, 2026) – Indian Wells
The BNP Paribas Open is more than a tennis tournament in Indian Wells — it is one of the premier sporting events in Southern California each spring. Two weeks of world-class Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) competition unfold across multiple courts at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
Nicknamed “Tennis Paradise,” it is the largest combined two-week event on both tours, welcoming one of the largest audiences in professional tennis. Refined hospitality lounges, curated dining, and a distinctly international crowd create an atmosphere that blends competition with camaraderie.
When: March 1–15, 2026
Where: Indian Wells Tennis Garden
Tickets: https://bnpparibasopen.com
Pro Tip: Build in time to wander. The grounds are beautifully landscaped and highly walkable. Consider shaded seating, hospitality access, and sun protection during afternoon sessions — desert light is generous.
For many homeowners in Indian Wells and La Quinta, this event anchors the social season.
🎨 La Quinta Art Celebration (February 26 – March 1, 2026)
Set against the Santa Rosa Mountains, the La Quinta Art Celebration is one of the top fine art festivals in the country and a signature cultural event in the Coachella Valley. Collectors and design enthusiasts travel from across the U.S. to experience this juried showcase.
Outdoor pavilions feature original works in painting, sculpture, glass, ceramics, photography, jewelry, and mixed media. Live music, curated food vendors, and a walkable setting make this a cultural staple of the desert season.
When: February 26 – March 1, 2026
Where: La Quinta Civic Center
More Info: https://www.laquintaartcelebration.org
Pro Tip: Walk the show twice — first to discover, then to decide. Desert light interacts differently with scale and material; many artists offer commissions or alternate sizes for residential installations.
Palm Springs VillageFest (Every Thursday)
Palm Springs VillageFest transforms Palm Canyon Drive into a lively pedestrian promenade each Thursday evening. This weekly street fair in downtown Palm Springs features local artisans, live music, and small-batch food vendors.
For seasonal residents, VillageFest becomes a ritual — a relaxed way to experience the community midweek.
When: Every Thursday evening
Where: Palm Canyon Drive, Downtown Palm Springs
More Info: https://villagefest.org
Pro Tip: Arrive during the golden hour between daylight and dusk. Make dinner reservations nearby and treat the stroll as your aperitif.
🛍️ Fashion Week El Paseo (March 13–18, 2026)
Fashion Week El Paseo is one of the most recognized fashion events in Palm Desert. Each March, El Paseo — often called the “Rodeo Drive of the Desert” — transforms into a runway setting featuring designer showcases, art installations, and curated retail experiences.
Positioned as the West Coast’s largest fashion week, it attracts designers, tastemakers, and visitors from across Southern California.
When: March 13–18, 2026
Where: El Paseo, Palm Desert
More Info: https://www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/events
Pro Tip: Dress for transitional temperatures. Desert evenings cool quickly. Consider VIP seating for a more relaxed arrival and lounge access.
🍷 Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival (March 19–22, 2026)
The Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival is one of the top culinary events in Greater Palm Springs. Produced by Palm Springs Life, this four-day event showcases celebrity chefs, premium wineries, craft beverages, and acclaimed restaurants from across California and beyond.
Demonstrations, pairing dinners, and tasting experiences unfold along El Paseo, making it one of the most anticipated March events in Palm Desert.
When: March 19–22, 2026
Where: El Paseo, Palm Desert
Tickets: https://palmdesertfoodandwine.com
Pro Tip: Begin with lighter dishes and white wines before moving into richer courses. Hydration and pacing matter under the desert sun.
Community Impact: A portion of proceeds supports FIND Food Bank, providing food assistance across the Coachella Valley.
🏒 Coachella Valley Firebirds at Acrisure Arena
Ice hockey may not be the first activity associated with Palm Desert, yet the desert continues to surprise. The Coachella Valley Firebirds — the AHL affiliate of the Seattle Kraken — bring professional hockey to Acrisure Arena throughout the season.
When: Multiple home games in March 2026
Where: Acrisure Arena, Palm Desert
Tickets: https://cvfirebirds.com/tickets/
Premium seating and hospitality spaces make this a polished evening experience. Pair the game with dinner along El Paseo or at a nearby resort for a seamless night out.
🌿 Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival (March 7, 2026)
Spring in the Coachella Valley brings desert wildflowers into bloom. The Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival, presented by Friends of the Desert Mountains, celebrates native flora, conservation education, guided hikes, and artisan vendors.
When: March 7, 2026
Where: Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Wildflower season typically runs from late February through mid-March, depending on winter rainfall. Even in average years, hikers can spot desert marigolds, lupines, primroses, and brittlebush across local trails.
Spring blooms offer one of the region’s most quietly extraordinary seasonal experiences — a reminder of the desert’s resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions About March in Palm Springs
Is March a good time to visit Palm Springs?
Yes. March is considered peak season in Greater Palm Springs, with warm daytime temperatures, active social events, and ideal conditions for outdoor dining, golf, tennis, and festivals.
What are the biggest events in the Coachella Valley in March 2026?
The BNP Paribas Open, Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival, Fashion Week El Paseo, and La Quinta Art Celebration are among the most attended March events.
What is there to do in Palm Springs in March besides festivals?
Visitors enjoy hiking during wildflower season, dining along El Paseo, VillageFest in downtown Palm Springs, professional hockey at Acrisure Arena, and golf across the region’s championship courses.
March in the Coachella Valley is not defined by a single event, but by the rhythm they create. Mornings on the courts. Afternoons along El Paseo. Evenings under open desert skies.
For many, it is this balance that turns a visit into something more lasting. And if your time here sparks a deeper curiosity about living in La Quinta, Indian Wells, Palm Desert, or Palm Springs, I’m always glad to share insight beyond the calendar.
See you in La Quinta,
Kimberly Oleson
