Nick-named the “Woodstock for fans of modernism,” Palm Springs Modernism Week is an 11-day celebration of mid-century modern architecture, culture and design, taking place Feb. 14 – 24 in various locations throughout Palm Springs and other desert cities.

The week’s events include home tours, architectural bus tours, garden tours, lectures, exhibitions, parties, dinner shows, and decorative and fine art sales.

“Based on the enormous enthusiasm we have seen for months in advance, early indications are that 2013 will bigger and better than ever,” said Jacques Caussin, Board Chairman of Modernism Week. “As early as this past summer, our loyal fans began requesting information about the exciting new events that we’ve scheduled, and we think returning attendees and new visitors alike will be very impressed with the lineup.”

Here is a look at some of the week’s highlights:

The celebration kicks off tonight with an opening ceremony and reception at Birba, 622 N. Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. The event is free to the public, and will include a no-host bar and plenty of hors d’oeuvres.

Guests will also celebrate the first night of “Illuminated Modern,” an event that showcases a selection of contemporary and mid-century architecture designed by the desert's most prominent architects. Located along Palm Canyon Drive, the designs are specially illuminated for each night of Modernism Week. The best designs will be chosen at the end of the week and awarded at the closing ceremony.

Illuminated Modern display

Modernism Week’s Hospitality Lounge will debut at this year’s show. Just inside the main entrance to the Hilton Hotel, attendees will have access to information and ticket sales for the various events, which will be open daily from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The late architect and educator A. Quincy Jones will be honored with a posthumous Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars on Friday, Feb. 15, at 2:00 p.m. at the Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center. Immediately following the star dedication, attendees will be offered a sneak peek at the soon-to be Palm Springs Art Museum’s Architecture and Design Center, Edwards Harris Pavilion. A reception at the Palm Springs Historical Society, a short walk away, will complete the star dedication ceremonies.

The Modernism Week PreFab Showcase, which is open from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily, will be expanded to include several prefab structures that combine world-class architecture with green, eco-friendly, and sustainable construction. A new component of the PreFab Showcase is the Modern Living Expo, which will feature exhibitors displaying smart living ideas in a thoroughly unique environment.

The Modern Living Expo will take place over two weekends, Feb. 16-19 and Feb. 22-24, and will present the best in cutting-edge modern home design and everyday living. The Expo will include smart home technology, green living, and the most beautiful ideas available in finishes and furnishings, with a focus on the modern home.

Carved Bamboo Cabinet by James Mont

1stdibs homes, which includes pieces from 1stdibs dealers, features modernism designs which make up over 30% of the show’s items. Some of the highlights include the Carved Bamboo Cabinet by James Mont, 1940's, Prime Gallery; "The Miracle" An Austrian Mid Century Chandelier by Bakalowits & Sohne C.1960; and the Harry Bertoia Spray Sculpture, 1970's, PCH modern.

"We want to bring James Mont to the West Coast, so we're featuring him quite a bit at Modernism Week,” the Prime Gallery explained. “The intricate carving, and gold color contrast, make this bamboo piece, in particular, a showstopper."

One of Modernism Week’s most popular events, the Double Decker Architecture Bus Tour, will be offered twice daily at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The tours are led by a knowledgeable guide and offer a fascinating overview of Palm Springs’ world-famous mid-century modern architecture, some of the town’s notable architects, as well as an entertaining history of Palm Springs’ Hollywood history and many celebrities who made it their personal playground.

The 13th annual Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale is another highlight of Modernism Week. 80 premier national and international decorative and fine arts dealers will be presenting all design movements of the 20th Century at the Palm Springs Convention Center. It runs the first weekend only, from Feb.16-18.  The hours are: Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Monday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Admission is $20.

Palm Springs Show & Sale shelving unit

A preview party and an early-buying opportunity will be held on Friday, Feb. 15 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. to benefit the charities who help to produce Modernism Week. Preview tickets are $75 per person in advance and $85 at the door. The preview gala will feature live music, appetizers, complimentary wine, and a cash bar.

For a complete list of the over 100 events scheduled, click here.