Shoppers and visitors are heading to Palm Springs this week for a heady mix of film, music, tech and poolside parties , here’s what to see, when and why it matters for locals and travellers alike. From ShortFest screenings to a splashy KGAY fundraiser, these events promise big nights, neat discoveries and plenty of queer joy.

Essential Takeaways

  • Big festival energy: Palm Springs International ShortFest runs June 23–29 with 300+ short films and filmmaker Q&As , great for cinephiles and casual viewers.
  • Party with a purpose: KGAY’s Big Splash pool party on June 26 benefits the station’s Support Your Station campaign; expect DJ sets, a lazy river and a 21+ crowd.
  • Cultural variety: XOXO Palm Springs wraps June 22 with films, live music and free nightly performances around town.
  • Industry buzz: PS/NExT Summit on June 22–23 brings AI and creative-tech talks from notable speakers, useful for local businesses and creators.
  • Community care: Stock the Shelves for Summer food drive on June 26–27 helps keep local families fed through the warmer months.

ShortFest returns with a shirt-pocket sized cinema feast

Palm Springs International ShortFest is back and tiny films have never felt bigger, with more than 300 shorts lined up across a week of screenings. There’s that warm, anticipatory hush in festival theatres where the lights dim and a two‑minute film can still punch like a feature.

According to festival listings, programs span comedy, drama, animation and documentary, and many screenings include filmmaker Q&As. If you want a taste of tomorrow’s directors, this is the place to be; you’ll catch work that might appear on awards shortlists next year.

Practical tip: book opening night and popular programmes early , smaller venues fill fast. Pick a programme theme you usually skip; shorts let you sample a dozen styles in one sitting without committing to a long runtime.

Expect lively industry energy and conversations after screenings, especially during the week’s panels and networking events. It’s a compact, friendly festival that rewards curiosity.

KGAY’s Big Splash: fundraising with cocktails, DJs and a lazy river

KGAY’s Support Your Station pool party on Friday, June 26 trades spreadsheets for sunscreen, with exclusive nighttime access to River Island and the Lazy River at The Palm Springs Surf Club. MODGIRL will be spinning, the air will feel warm and humid, and organisers promise a galaxy of neon and good‑natured dancing.

The party doubles as a fundraiser for KGAY’s campaign, a live reminder that local media often rely on listener support. If you enjoy community radio or depend on local listings, a ticket is an easy way to give back while having fun.

Plan ahead: it’s a 21+ event and proceeds benefit the station, so expect door donations or ticket options. Get there early for happy hour deals and to snag a prime spot by the water.

XOXO Palm Springs finishes strong with music, film and karaoke

XOXO Palm Springs closes on Monday, June 22 with screenings, live sets and community gatherings across town. The festival’s final night at the Palm Springs Cultural Center features an intimate documentary screening, and other venues host music and karaoke that keep the city humming.

Local spots like V Wine Lounge and Ace Hotel add a late-night soundtrack, and Melvyn’s continues its nightly free live music tradition, giving festivalgoers multiple ways to end the evening on a high note.

If you’re after relaxed, walkable festival vibes, follow the schedule and let the city’s small venues guide your night. It’s an easy way to discover local performers and meet fellow attendees.

PS/NExT Summit: where AI meets local creativity

The PS/NExT Summit on June 22–23 turns the Palm Springs Convention Center into a hub for innovation, with sessions on AI, creativity, civic leadership and small business tech. Speakers include filmmakers, engineers and AI artists, offering a practical mix of inspiration and tools.

For local entrepreneurs and creators, this is a rare chance to hear industry voices and join hands‑on workshops like the Vibe‑a‑thon and GenJam. Expect candid conversations about how AI is reshaping creative work, and leave with concrete next steps you can try back home.

If you’re running a small business or curious about creative tech, book a full day; the summit’s curated tracks let you tailor the experience. Bring business cards and an open mind , networking happens between sessions.

Community theatre, food drives and late‑night queer joy

Beyond festivals and summits, Palm Springs has theatre and charity work anchoring the week. Prism Theater’s Making Porn offers an R‑rated, campy stage romp through backstage chaos, while Big Bear Theatre Project’s On Golden Pond provides a gentler, reflective summer theatre option.

The Stock the Shelves for Summer food drive on June 26–27 invites residents to drop off donations or give online to support the Community Food Bank at The Center. It’s a straightforward way to help during a season when demand often rises.

For planners: pair an evening screening with a daytime volunteer slot or a matinee , it makes for a meaningful, balanced visit.

It's a small change that can make every night here feel more connected.

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