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A Night at the Plaza

A b/w photo of people outside Plaza Theatre in ticket que to see the film Detective Story in 1951.

Nestled in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, the historic Plaza Theatre is preparing to make a remarkable comeback. And like Twin Palms Resort, its restoration and reimagination respects the past while creating a dazzling space that’s ready for the future.

Hollywood Glamour in the Desert

When the Plaza Theatre first opened in 1936, it hosted Greta Garbo and the world premiere of the Oscar-winning film Camille, kicking off a legacy of sequins and celebrities. With its dreamy starlit ceiling and whimsical Spanish‑village façade, the Plaza went on to host everything from nationally broadcast radio shows with legends like Bob Hope and Bing Crosby, to live performances by Frank and Nancy Sinatra, to blockbuster movie releases. Not to mention serving as the home of the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies for nearly 25 years. There was a time when every glamorous Palm Springs getaway included dressing up for a night at the Plaza.

A Cultural Icon Gets a Glow-up

Led by a non-profit group in partnership with the City of Palm Springs, the historic Plaza Theatre is in the final phase of a meticulous restoration that includes lots of upgrades for modern live performances. The revived and refreshed Plaza will feature a renovated stage and backstage area, elegant seating, state-of-the-art sound, crystal‑clear 4K projection (for films), improved accessibility, and an expanded lobby. We can’t wait to see the grand dame’s reveal!

The transformed Plaza Theatre will open its doors again December 1, 2025. This first holiday season features a strong line-up of live shows from LGBTQ+ favorites including John Waters, Jane Lynch, and Billy Porter. The Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus will also begin its run on the storied stage as the Plaza’s Inaugural Resident Artists.

You can explore the event schedule for December and beyond on the Plaza website. Ticket sales are currently underway, and as of this writing at least one opening week performance is already sold out. But no worries, the Plaza appears committed to maintaining a space for inclusive performances. Who knows who you might find gracing the stage during your next visit?

If getting dressed up for a night of inclusive live music, comedy, or storytelling sounds like the perfect endcap to a day spent lounging around the pool at Twin Palms, you’re going to love Palm Springs’ newly restored Plaza Theatre.