Palm Springs Movie Theaters, Festivals and More

Hollywood’s rich and famous put Palm Springs on the map back in its heyday in the mid 20th century. Though you won’t see quite as many stars strolling the town’s sidewalks today, there is still a strong connection to stars and the film world, through eclectic movie houses, film festivals and tours of celebrity homes.

Offbeat Films: One Is Always Playing

While Palm Springs is known for its outdoor activities, there’s a lot going on inside. Inside movie theaters, that is.

This city is a film lover’s paradise. In a relatively small geographic area, you’ll find a wide array of outstanding theaters. Rarely crowded or even sporting a line of more than a few, the theaters are easy to get to—and easy to get into. In addition to the typical blockbuster fare, a couple of movie complexes specialize in independent and foreign films with a selection that rivals Los Angeles or New York.   

My film-fanatic mother prefers matinees, so when I’m visiting her, we often take in a movie a day. As a New Yorker, stepping into a dark movie theater on a warm, sunny, picture-perfect afternoon takes some getting used to. (My New York movie-going usually takes place when it’s cold, rainy, dark—or all three.) But in Palm Springs, just about every day is a nice day and once the lights dim, I forget what I’m missing outside.

With three spacious modern theaters and a café, CamelotTheatres is located downtown. From the expected indie hits to more unusual selections, this theater is always showing something I want to see. The Camelot attracts an audience of aficionados, so there’s a good chance you won’t be sitting near a yakker, a chomper or someone taking calls on his cell. The Camelot Café serves breakfast on Saturdays, plus lunch and dinner every day except Monday and Tuesday. 2300 E. Baristo Road, tel. 760-325-6565. www.camelottheatres.com 

Down the road is another complex where the bill is always good. Cinemas Palme D’Or is on the outskirts of a sprawling shopping center. According to the theater’s mission statement, it’s “the desert’s premiere address for cinephiles.” The goal is to “exhibit the widest selection of art, independent, foreign, documentary, experimental and classic film in the region.” And it does. There’s always plenty to choose from at the Palme D’Or and with staggered show times, the theater is able to offer even more films than screens. Plus the theaters are big and the seats are cushy. Named after the prize given out at Cannes each year, this theater is a prize for the film lovers of Palm Springs. Westfield Palm Desert, 72840 U.S. Highway 111, Palm Desert. Tel. 760-799-0730. www.thepalme.com

Next: Film Festivals for All Tastes