Every Thursday night, downtown Palm Springs shuts down Palm Canyon Drive and turns it into VillageFest, a lively open-air street fair featuring local vendors, food, live music, and some of the best people-watching in the Coachella Valley. Whether you’re visiting for the week or you’ve lived here for years, VillageFest is an easy way to experience downtown Palm Springs on foot.

Here are five things to know before you go.

What Is Palm Springs VillageFest?

Palm Springs VillageFest is a weekly street fair that takes place along several blocks of Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs. Each Thursday, the city closes the street to vehicle traffic and fills it with vendors selling everything from art and jewelry to clothing, produce, and handmade goods.

You’ll also find food vendors serving everything from tacos and barbecue to classic street-fair snacks, along with occasional live music and activities for kids. Vendor turnout is highest during peak season from November through April, with a smaller but still lively crowd during the summer months.

Most downtown restaurants, shops, and bars remain open during the event, making VillageFest an easy starting point for dinner, drinks, or dessert afterward. Just be sure you’re not parked on Palm Canyon Drive after 4:00 PM, as the city begins clearing the street in preparation for the event and vehicles may be towed.

Where Is VillageFest?

VillageFest takes place in downtown Palm Springs along Palm Canyon Drive, from Amado Road to Baristo Road. This stretch of Palm Canyon is closed to cars during the event, making it easy to stroll through the fair without worrying about traffic.

The walkable setup is part of the appeal, especially compared to navigating Palm Canyon Drive on a typical evening. VillageFest offers one of the few regular opportunities to explore downtown Palm Springs at a relaxed pace.

What Time Is VillageFest?

VillageFest runs weekly on Thursdays, with seasonal hours:

• October through May: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• June through September: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Summer hours start later in the evening to account for the heat. During the cooler months, the event tends to feel busier earlier in the evening, while summer crowds usually build closer to sunset.

Where Should I Park?

Parking downtown can be limited on Thursday nights, especially during peak season. Public parking garages and nearby street parking tend to fill up quickly.

Your best options are to arrive early, park a few blocks away from Palm Canyon Drive, and walk in, or use a rideshare service to avoid parking altogether. Once you’re downtown, VillageFest is very walkable and easy to navigate.

If you plan to explore nearby restaurants or bars after VillageFest, parking slightly outside the core downtown area can save time and frustration when it’s time to leave.

What Can You Expect to See?

VillageFest is less about checking items off a list and more about wandering. Vendor offerings change week to week, but typically include local artists, handmade goods, jewelry, home décor, and specialty food products.

Street performers and musicians often set up along the route, adding to the atmosphere, and it’s common to see visitors pairing VillageFest with other downtown attractions. During the holiday season, VillageFest also makes a natural stop before or after nearby events like Candy Cane Lane or The Walk of the Inns.

Is VillageFest Worth Going To?

If you enjoy street fairs, local vendors, and wandering downtown without car traffic, VillageFest is worth a visit. It’s especially popular with visitors, but locals still show up for the atmosphere, live music, and easy access to downtown restaurants and bars.

You may not need to go every week, but it’s a solid way to spend a Thursday night in Palm Springs, especially if you’re looking for something low-key and outdoors.

For official updates and vendor information, visit villagefest.org.

Last updated: December 2025