MOD Palm Springs (October 8 - 11)

Caliente Tropics Resort, Palm Springs

I've always been drawn to Polynesian culture, especially the Americanized version of it that was so popular after WWII.  Growing up in Southern California in the 70's and 80's, I have fond memories of 1950's and 1960's apartment buildings that had banana palms, palm trees, tiki heads and elements of Polynesian architecture.  I remember polynesian-themed restaurants with tropical decor, carved wooden statues, and waiters or waitresses in grass skirts serving flaming cocktails and Americanized Chinese food served up on pu pu platters.


Well, it turns out that this really isn't true Polynesian culture.  It is Tiki.  Tiki is a sub-culture of the Modernist era (1930s through the 70s) which really exploded in popularity with the return of many GI's who'd experienced Polynesian culture for the first time while fighting WWII in the Pacific theater, and fueled by popular novels and movies like South Pacific. 

As all Palm Springs visitors know, Palm Springs is a mecca for Modernist architecture and has more mid-century modern homes than probably any other city in the country.  Part of our city's modern heritage happens to include Tiki.  The MOD Palm Springs event celebrates Palm Springs' Mid-Century Modern Tiki heritage with a passion. 

This year's event takes place at the historic Caliente Tropics Resort which is located at 411 E. Palm Canyon Drive.  This resort really captures the whole tiki vibe.  After arriving through the hotel's iconic A-Frame entrance, you will step back in time with the event's carefully planned atomic explosion of themed musical performances, mid century and tiki shopping (from an array of creative vendors), Artworks that embrace the era and skillfully mixed tropical cocktails.  

The average temperatures for Palm Springs are in the high 70s and low to mid 80s for the fall months of October and November so it is a perfect time to visit and experience a different aspect of the city's rich history.