A happening every Thursday night in Palm Springs is something the locals call “Villagefest” which I was to find out is like a street faire with food, art and other vendors lining the streets of the main drag.
The city starts to close down the street at about 4:00 p.m. and by 6:00 p.m. the crowd starts to arrive. There are literally thousands of people strolling down the closed Palm Canyon Drive, with vendors on both sides of the streets. The stores are also open late so it is a great time to go shopping or get out and experience the many restaurants, clubs, and entertainment venues located along famous Palm Canyon Drive.
There is a diverse array of artists, entertainers and purveyors, including all sorts of fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, jewelry, snacks, and sweets. Among the 150 or so booths there are also such items as organic soap, handmade pottery, sculptors and paintings.
One of the activities it is known for is the all too popular people watching as you can take a seat at one of the many outside cafe setups and enjoy the heavy foot traffic on a balmy night in California’s desert paradise.
Started more than 16 years ago, it is southern California’s most popular and longest running weekly festival. It is every Thursday evening in downtown Palm Springs on Palm Canyon Drive. The times vary depending on the time of year. In October to May, VillageFest starts at 6:00 p.m. and finishes at 10:00 p.m. From June to September, it starts at 7:00 p.m. due to the heat and the sun and ends around 10:00 p.m.
Young or old, man or woman, rich or poor VillageFest is a vibrant, energy-filled, pedestrian street faire that is unique to Southern California and a great stop on your next vacation to Palm Springs and the California desert resort cities.
Learn more about where to stay and what to do on your nextPalm Springs vacation. Stop by Mitchell Sussman’s site where you can find out all about the best in hotels, attractions, restaurants and events for your nextPalm Spring vacation.
