A FOREVER PALM SPRINGS ICON
Established in 1936. Restored & reborn in 2025.
Step into a piece of living history. Since 1936, the Plaza Theatre has been more than just a building; it has been the heartbeat of Palm Springs. Here, where the glimmer of Hollywood's golden era blends seamlessly with the magic of the desert, legends have not only graced the stage but have also left their mark on history.
Over 100 shows year-round!
Our programming offers something for everyone, including concerts, comedy shows, theatrical performances, and classic films.
We enhance educational opportunities for local schools through the Arts Teach Kids Program, which provides arts-based learning experiences for students of all ages.
We also feature the Palm Springs Speaks speaker series, which hosts distinguished speakers from politics, wellness, and entertainment. Additionally, we are one of the venues that host the annual Palm Springs International Film Festival.
Learn About Key Moments and Eras from the Theatre's Rich History
Construction and development
Construction of the La Plaza complex, including the Theatre, began in February 1936 and kept hundreds employed in the depths of the great depression. Completed in December, the atmospheric theatre design of architect Harry Williams and the endowment of National Cash Register heiress Julia Carnell created an 850 seat desert dream.
Opening with Camille premier
The Plaza Theater was unveiled on the night of December 12th, 1936, with the world premiere of the MGM film Camille. Starring Greta Garbo. Many of Hollywood's biggest stars were in attendance with newsreel cameras and press covering the arrival of film star Robert Montgomery. Apparently, Garbo slipped in quietly unnoticed and in disguise to witness the event.
Radio & Desert Circus Era
By the early 1940s, radio was the king of all media, and the nationwide radio broadcasts of stars like Jack Benny, Bob Hope, and Bing Crosby originated from the stage of the Plaza Theatre. The 1940s also brought locally produced entertainment, with the Village Vanities show featuring skits, silly songs, and even drag performances to bring out the laughs, all part of the popular Desert Circus week in town.
Film premieres and movie palace
Throughout its years as a film palace, movie premieres, including the films of Lucille Ball, Bob Hope, Jack Warner, and Frank Sinatra, would often bring out the klieg lights and celebrities at the Plaza Theatre for special events that were often fundraisers for local and national charities.
Fabulous Follies Era
Newly elected mayor Sonny Bono brought back the Plaza Theatre from fading glory to make it the home of the Palm Springs International Film Festival in 1990. The following year, local entertainment retirees were once again on stage for the over-the-top revue show called the Palm Springs Follies, which ran for 23 seasons.
Decline and closing
In 2014, with the end of the Follies, the Plaza Theatre closed its doors. Suffering from many years of interior and exterior changes, which included the demolition of the original patio box office, a move that inspired our local preservation movement. The future of the Theater itself was in doubt.
Restoration efforts
In 2019, local preservationist and former Palm Springs council member J.R. Roberts formed the Plaza Theatre Foundation to restore the theatre to its 1936 origins. In 2024, ground was broken on the project as workers and artisans faithfully brought back Harry Williams and Julia Carnell's vision for the 21st century when the ribbon was cut on November 21st , 2025.
Grand Reopening and the future
The Plaza Theater has much more in store. A brand new museum highlighting incredible artifacts from its 90-year history is in the planning stages. The Foundation continues to underwrite numerous groups, charities, and educational programs, fulfilling its mission to make the Plaza Theater once again an entertainment complex dedicated to the desert community.
Honoring the past, building for the future.
The Plaza Theatre has stepped into its next act as a fully restored, 21st‑century performance venue, now open and alive with an ambitious schedule of music, comedy, symphony, film, lectures, family shows, and community events nearly every night of the week. Under the expert management of Oak View Group, the theatre has already welcomed more than 14,000 ticket buyers from all 50 states in its first month and is on track to host well over 130 performances in its inaugural season, making world‑class entertainment accessible to residents and visitors alike.
This renaissance is powered by a visionary partnership among Oak View Group, the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation, and the City of Palm Springs, transforming a once‑shuttered landmark into a dynamic cultural hub for future generations. The painstaking restoration—guided by Architectural Resources Group—has revealed original 1936 details while adding state‑of‑the‑art lighting, sound, cooling systems, upgraded dressing rooms, a new lobby bar, and museum displays that celebrate the theatre’s storied history. Guests now enjoy extra‑comfortable seating, improved amenities, and an atmosphere that seamlessly blends historic character with modern innovation.
Far beyond preserving a building, the Plaza Theatre is fueling new energy in downtown Palm Springs, drawing audiences six nights a week and driving spillover traffic to nearby restaurants, hotels, and shops. The venue is projected to welcome approximately 135,000 attendees annually and generate tens of millions of dollars in economic activity, hotel nights, and local tax revenue, cementing its role as a major economic driver for the city. At the same time, the theatre serves as a home for festivals, nonprofit partners, and educational and multicultural programming that ensure the Plaza remains a gathering place for the entire community.
Since its grand reopening on December 1, 2025—celebrated with a sold‑out gala headlined by Cynthia Erivo and the Palm Springs Pops Orchestra—the Plaza Theatre has once again become a place where memories are made, art comes alive, and Palm Springs shows its true colors. From intimate cabaret evenings to star‑driven concerts, beloved film events, and family programming, every performance adds a new chapter to a legacy that began in 1936.
As this next chapter unfolds, we invite you to be part of the story—by attending a show, planning your next event, or supporting the ongoing work that keeps this historic stage thriving as an affordable, community‑centered venue. The Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, continues to champion this cultural crown jewel so that, night after night, the lights of the Plaza can shine for everyone.
Support The Plaza Theatre
By supporting the Plaza Theatre, you contribute to educational and community programs that will build a vibrant cultural and economic experience downtown, and enrich the lives of residents of all ages and backgrounds. Your donation lets us bring diverse programming, from concerts and stage theatre to film screenings and speaking series, ensuring that starting in late fall of 2025, everyone across the Coachella Valley has access to quality entertainment and cultural experiences.
Together, we can create lasting memories and celebrate the arts in a venue that truly belongs to everyone.