College of the Desert Street Fair
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College of the Desert Street Fair

4.3
·299 reviews·Palm Desert, United States

A bustling weekend market in Palm Desert featuring artisan crafts, unique finds, and diverse food trucks.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Saturday & Sunday mornings

Beat the crowds & find best items

CrowdMedium
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College of the Desert Street Fair

College of the Desert Street Fair

Best Time

Saturday & Sunday mornings

Beat the crowds & find best items

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A bustling weekend market in Palm Desert featuring artisan crafts, unique finds, and diverse food trucks.

4.3
(299 reviews)

"Definitely check it out! I enjoyed this market more than the Thursday night one downtown Palm Springs."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive Early for Parking

Parking is free and plentiful just south of the venue. Keep right at the traffic circle upon entry for the best spots.

🛍️ Hunt for Local Artisans

Seek out vendors selling handmade jewelry, art, and unique crafts for truly special finds.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.3 · 299 reviews

Type

Market

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Artisan Crafts & Unique Finds

Artisan Crafts & Unique Finds

Vendor stalls throughout the fair

Discover handmade jewelry, art, home decor, and more from local and regional creators.

Diverse Food Truck Offerings

Diverse Food Truck Offerings

Designated food area

Savor a variety of affordable eats from food trucks, perfect for a casual weekend brunch.

Vintage & Mid-Century Treasures

Vintage & Mid-Century Treasures

Select vendor stalls

Hunt for retro finds, MCM pieces, and vintage vibes that capture the desert's unique style.

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Planning Your Visit

Weekend Market Magic

The College of the Desert Street Fair is a weekend must-do in Palm Desert! Open Saturdays and Sundays from 8 AM to 2 PM, it's a vibrant hub for unique finds and local eats. Arrive early to snag the best parking and beat the crowds.

Discover Local Treasures

While some vendors offer imported goods, many artisans showcase handmade crafts, jewelry, and art. Look for unique, locally-made items and support small businesses. It's a great spot for finding gifts or a special souvenir.

Best Times

When
Saturday & Sunday mornings
Why
Beat the crowds & find best items
Crowd
Medium
When
Late morning (10 AM - 12 PM)
Why
Good mix of vendors & food
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Definetly worth the drive !! We had so much fun !! The zoo and the Glow in the Park surpassed my expectations !! #familyday #thelivingdesertzoo #glowinthepark #palmdesert
@sabrinatorres1054
38.5K likes • 764.9K views

🎯 Arrive Early for Parking

Parking is free and plentiful just south of the venue. Keep right at the traffic circle upon entry for the best spots. Reddit

🛍️ Hunt for Local Artisans

Seek out vendors selling handmade jewelry, art, and unique crafts for truly special finds. Instagram+1

We live in Palm Desert 🌴☀️ #palmdesert #palmsprings
@krisiecook
15.5K likes • 282.8K views
Weekend means Street Fair at the College of the Desert @thestreetfairatcod . We'll be here both days between 8am and 2pm🛁🛁🛁.
soapbymoltazdesign
3 likes • 54 views

💰 Affordable Food Options

Enjoy a wide variety of food trucks with budget-friendly prices for a satisfying meal. Instagram

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of browsing, so comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the fair. Instagram

Street fair at college of the desert 8-2
fazmagorictreazures
4 likes • 76 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Early for Parking

Parking is free and plentiful just south of the venue. Keep right at the traffic circle upon entry for the best spots. Reddit

🛍️ Hunt for Local Artisans

Seek out vendors selling handmade jewelry, art, and unique crafts for truly special finds. Instagram+1

💰 Affordable Food Options

Enjoy a wide variety of food trucks with budget-friendly prices for a satisfying meal. Instagram

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of browsing, so comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the fair. Instagram

💧 Stay Hydrated

The desert sun can be intense, so bring water or be prepared to purchase it. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.3
(299 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors generally find the College of the Desert Street Fair to be a vibrant and enjoyable weekend market with a good selection of products and affordable food options. While some note a prevalence of imported goods, many appreciate the presence of local artisans and the lively atmosphere. It's considered a worthwhile stop for unique finds and a casual culinary experience.

"Awesome selection of products. Also food area if u r hungry. I did not notice any washrooms. Public parking just south of the venue. I give it 9.5 golf balls out of 10."

Francis Gaston

"There wasn't anything unique about the street fair that differs from any other type of similar venue in any other city. A large number of the sellers were offering products made in China, India or other countries where cheap labor is in abundance. There were a few vendors who make/produce their own products and for them, they deserve a 5. We enjoyed walking around and the energy from many visitors. Btw, if you need golf balls at a great price, definitely the place to go. When you enter the college grounds, keep right at the traffic circle and your first right for parking which was free."

Dennis Gane

"We enjoyed the street fair, more booths than I expected, and food carts, I would have liked more fresh produce, but it is January. There was lots of seating available, so we gobbled some Carmel corn and listened to the wonderful “Vintage People” band!"

J L

What People Like

Wide variety of vendors
Affordable food trucks
Lively atmosphere

What People Dislike

Some imported goods
Limited fresh produce

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The fair is located at the College of the Desert in Palm Desert, CA, at the juncture of Fred Waring Drive and Monterey Drive. Reddit Public parking is available just south of the venue. Keep right at the traffic circle upon entering the college grounds for the best parking. Reddit

Yes, public parking is available and free. Reddit Following the traffic circle to the first right often leads to the most convenient spots. Reddit

Information on public transport routes to the College of the Desert can be found on local transit authority websites. It's advisable to check schedules in advance. TikTok

The fair is generally accessible, with paved pathways. However, specific accessibility details should be confirmed directly with the venue if needed. Instagram

From Palm Springs, take Highway 111 South towards Palm Desert. The College of the Desert is a well-known landmark. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, admission to the College of the Desert Street Fair is typically free. Instagram

The street fair is open every Saturday and Sunday from 8 AM to 2 PM. Instagram+2

It's best to check their official social media or website for holiday hours, as they may vary. Instagram

Pet policies can vary. It's recommended to check with the organizers or look for signage at the entrance regarding pets. Instagram

Yes, there are decent washrooms available on site. Reddit

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Vendors

You can find a wide array of products, including artisan crafts, handmade jewelry, art, vintage items, home decor, and more. Instagram+4

While many vendors offer handmade and unique products, some sellers may offer imported goods. Reddit

You might find some fresh produce, but it's not the primary focus, especially outside of peak growing seasons. Reddit

Several vendors specialize in jewelry. Keep an eye out for stalls showcasing handmade and artisan pieces. Instagram+1

Yes, some vendors focus on mid-century modern and atomic-age inspired items, fitting the desert's aesthetic. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There's a good variety of food trucks offering affordable eats, perfect for a casual meal or snack. Instagram

Food truck offerings can vary, but many vendors provide diverse menus that often include vegetarian or vegan choices. Instagram

You can typically find breakfast items and coffee from various food vendors. Instagram

The food trucks generally offer affordable pricing, making it a budget-friendly dining option. Instagram

Yes, there is usually ample seating available in the food court area. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture vibrant shots of artisan crafts, colorful food truck displays, and the bustling market atmosphere. Instagram

It's polite to ask vendors before taking close-up photos of their merchandise. Instagram

The diverse stalls themselves offer great visual interest. Look for unique displays and vibrant colors. Instagram

Morning light can be soft and appealing, while later in the day offers a lively atmosphere. Instagram

Absolutely! Most visitors use their smartphones to capture the sights and sounds of the fair. Instagram

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