Get a Jump Start on Palm Springs' 'Modernism Week'

The Palm Springs, Calif. area is home to many events — from the Coachella Music Festival to Dinah Shore Weekend to the White Party — but one of the most beloved is "Modernism Week."

The week of events highlights the innovative architecture that sprung up in the desert city between the 1940s and '60s. The 9th Annual Palm Springs Modernism Week takes place February 13-23, 2014, but organizers just announced the Fall Season Kick-Off, a collection of modernism events held during Columbus Day weekend in October (Oct. 11-14).

Events include double decker bus tours that spotlight the predominant architectural styles of Palm Springs; namely Mid-Century Modern and Desert Spanish. Funky Palm Springs and its environs contains homes of huge stars like Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and Cary Grant; all are featured on the tour. Along with private estates and residences, the tour includes architecturally-significant civic and cultural buildings from the mid-century area. Tours take off from the Palm Springs Hotel, with advance reservation required. Events in the Fall Season Kick-Off include more tours, parties, and a "retro" yard sale with mid-century items for sale.

Palm Springs Modernism Week is a nonprofit organization that supports preservation in the city. Click here for more info.