MARILYN — Palm Springs is preparing for a glamorous desert spectacle unlike anything in its history as hundreds of Marilyn Monroe look-alikes are expected to descend on downtown for “Marilyn 100,” a multi-day celebration honoring what would have been the legendary actress’s 100th birthday.
Hosted by Palm Springs Pride, the event runs May 28–30 and will culminate Saturday evening with an ambitious attempt to break the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the largest gathering of Marilyn Monroe impersonators ever assembled.
Organizers expect more than 1,000 participants and approximately 4,000 spectators to take part in the celebration, transforming downtown Palm Springs into a sea of platinum blonde wigs, white dresses, red lipstick, and Hollywood nostalgia.
The centerpiece of the event will take place Saturday, May 30, when participants gather for a synchronized martini toast beneath the desert sky in an effort to set the world record. Event organizers say the celebration is designed not only as a tribute to Monroe’s enduring cultural legacy, but also as a major tourism and entertainment event for the city.
“Palm Springs and Marilyn Monroe have always shared an iconic connection,” organizers noted in promotional materials. “We’re not just celebrating — we’re making history.”
The festivities will include live entertainment, music, themed vendors, food booths, photo opportunities, and a special “Marilyn’s Boutique,” where volunteers will help attendees perfect their Monroe-inspired look with costumes, wigs, and styling assistance.
Additional programming includes the Alvin Taylor Tribute Concert and a variety of volunteer-supported activities throughout the weekend.
Monroe’s image has long been intertwined with Palm Springs. The Hollywood icon frequently visited the desert city during the height of her fame in the 1950s and remains one of its most recognizable cultural symbols. Her towering downtown statue, “Forever Marilyn,” became both a tourist attraction and a point of civic debate during its years on display.
Event organizers hope Marilyn 100 will draw visitors from across California and beyond while reinforcing Palm Springs’ reputation as a destination that embraces classic Hollywood glamour, entertainment, and larger-than-life events.
EVENT DETAILS
What: Marilyn 100
When: May 28–30, 2026
Main Event: Saturday, May 30
Where: Museum Way and Belardo Road, Palm Springs
Hosted By: Palm Springs Pride
For information, registration, or volunteer opportunities, visit the Palm Springs Pride event page online.
