Explore Palm Springs at the 2026 CSMFO Conference!

Explore Palm Springs at the 2026 CSMFO Conference! 

By: CSMFO 2026 Conference Host Committee 

Mark your calendars! The 2026 CSMFO Conference is only six months away, and the Conference Host Committee is looking forward to welcoming you and your guests to Palm Springs from February 24-27, 2026.

Of course, the CSMFO Conference isn’t just a premier professional event—it’s also an opportunity to enjoy all that the Greater Palm Springs area has to offer! Whether you're planning to extend your stay before or after the conference or looking for activities your family can enjoy while you attend sessions, there’s something for everyone. From relaxing getaways to action-packed adventures, the Visit Greater Palm Springs website [https://www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/things-to-do/] features a wide array of family-friendly experiences and solo excursions perfect for all ages.

Below are some of the top recommendations from our local Host Committee members:
Activities in Palm Springs:

• Modernism Week (Feb 12–22, 2026): An 11 day celebration of mid-century modern architecture, design, art, and culture, featuring home tours, lectures, exhibitions, and film screenings

• Village Fest: On Thursday nights, Downtown Palm Canyon Drive transforms into a lively street fair with food trucks, artisans, and live entertainment
• Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: Ride the rotating tram to 8,500+ ft, enjoy alpine trails and cool mountain air
• Indian Canyons: Explore palm oases, waterfalls, and Native American heritage via guided ranger hikes or self-touring trails
• Moorten Botanical Garden: Explore one of the world's largest collections of cacti and desert plants in a charming one-acre setting
• Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza & Spa: Discover Indigenous history and art, and unwind in hot mineral springs
• Palm Springs Art Museum: Historically significant flagship building featuring contemporary art and Native-American collections, as well as a separate Architecture and Design Center. Offers free admission on Thursday evenings.

Activities in the Greater Palm Springs area (10-30 minute drive):

• Acrisure Arena: An 11,000 seat venue which serves as the home of the Coachella Valley Firebirds hockey team, and includes an adjoining community ice skating facility. The arena also hosts several concerts and events throughout the year.
• Living Desert Zoo & Gardens: a family-friendly zoo and garden specializing in the deserts of the world
• Known as the "Golf Capital of the West," the Coachella Valley offers notable public and resort courses offering a variety of experiences from challenging championship layouts to more accessible municipal options.
• Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the exceptional February weather and experience some of the many hiking, biking, and horseback trails in the area.
• Desert Hot Springs: home to some of the world's finest naturally occurring hot mineral springs

Activities in the Coachella Valley (30 plus minute drive):

• Joshua Tree National Park: Iconic desert landscapes, rock formations, and stargazing
• The Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival: This multi-day event will take place from February 12- March 1, 2026, at the Riverside County Fairgrounds in Indio
• Thermal Club: a country club and motorsports circuit in Thermal, California, which hosts IndyCar events and is also home to the BMW Performance Driving School
• Salvation Mountain: This kaleidoscopic creation sits near the tiny community of Niland, just east of the Salton Sea, where it commands attention.

Don't miss the chance to turn your 2026 CSMFO Conference trip into a memorable escape!