Pool party shenanigans at Caliente Tropics in Palm Springs, California, for Tiki Caliente, May 3, 2024. Photo by Kari Hendler.
Once again, Circa Caliente returns this week to the Palms Springs midcentury modern beauty, the Caliente Tropics, for bliss in the tropical sun, Thursday, October 3, through Sunday 6, 2024.
In its near 16th year, the sister event to the Spring’s Tiki Caliente comes once again to issue out the last days of Summer in a four day party event that includes two restaurants–The Reef bar and Sancho’s Restaurant and Cantina, the pool, jacuzzi, patron and sponsored room parties for the famous Room Crawls, a marketplace, sponsored cocktails, entertainment throughout, costume meetups and parades, and more.
Tiki Caliente, was born in 2008, using the hotel’s iconic mid-century modern A-frame and Polynesian-inspired motor motel style as a fitting back drop. Since then, with new ownership and accompanying thoughtful care and renovation, the grander space greatly compliments these events with its wood carved tikis and Polynesian motif.
Circa Caliente mixes tiki culture, exotica, themed costumes, informational symposiums, art, fashion, and TV pop culture–from Magnum P.I. to The Love Boat, and from Three’s Company to I Dream of Jeannie–the door is wide to creativity, fashion expression, and a truly groovy party vibe.
The sublime at Sancho’s Restaurant and Cantina at Caliente Tropics for Tiki Caliente, May 5, 2024. Photo by Monique A. LeBleu.
The Reef, now owned by event creator Rory J. Snyder and along with new venue, Sancho’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantina, have since also been refurbished. Using classic Tiki bar elements of puffer fish lanterns, fisherman’s glass floats, a wall of vintage tiki mugs–including that of event mug artist Eekum Bookum–Snyder has incorporated a marriage of pop culture references to Palms Springs historical fixtures, such as Frank Sinatra, as well as to ’70s and ’80s TV shows like Magnum P.I. and The Love Boat–and even a side of love to Lucha Libre.
On any given day, the music playlist at The Reef, the outdoor patio, and the Cantina varies from yacht rock to Hawaiian, from rockabilly to exotica-styled punk classics such as Suicidal Tendancies’ “Institutionalised,” or a Margaritaville playlist dedicated to the late Jimmy Buffett.
That eclectic mix extends to the live music at the event, with The Martini Kings, Lushy and Marty Lush’s “The Don wHo Experience,” the Dirty Lowdown, Tony Marsico & Ugly Things, the Ding Dong Devils, Par Avion, KolekonaUke, that German sensation–Heino!, and Jimmy Psycho in the Cantina (where Lucha Libre masks and attire are encouraged), are scheduled through the weekend.
A sampling of some of the groups and fashions on parade throughout includes, but is not limited to, the Aloha Kaftans Society, The San Diego Ohana Society, The Roper Rompers (Hi, Helen!), Sandwich Isle Jackets, Terrific Terry Cloth–think Bond, James Bond.
Alongside the slice of Mid-century high fashion, ’50s and ’60s vacationers, and related suburban sublime, is the variety of Disney-inspired costumes on to the just-trying-it-out-before-Halloween variety. In the Cantina, Seersucker Suits will be found on Sunday, natch. And again, Lucha Libre will be later on in the evening.
A full schedule of events is HERE
The Martini Kings play poolside at Caliente Tropics in Palm Springs, California, for Tiki Caliente, May 5, 2024. Photo by Kari Hendler.
This year, some of the scheduled themed room crawls include I Dream of Jeanie, Zentiki Lounge‘s Mai Tais for The Cure, Friday the 13th part II, The Spirit of 76, The Trip Feldstein Show at Lucca’s Snakebite Lounge, Disco Balls Out, Hades Hideaway, and more.
In addition will be parties and tastings from 9 North Rum, Cutwater Spirits, and Ublendit Spirits, as well as fine classic Tiki cocktails special cash only cocktails at The Reef and Sancho’s cantina.
Don’t forget to tip all of your bartenders!
The event also includes a Vendors Market, featuring Fez-o-rama, The Happy Tiki, Voodoo Doll Designs, Loquefue Boutique, Mod Fire, Eekum Bookum Tiki Mugs, Monster Tiki Outpost, The Swanktuary, The Silver Tiki, Volcano Designs, Mischief Motu, TikiCub Designs, Ron Monster, Primativa Diva, Rarabird, Kilt Kids Collectibles, Fox & Doll, Planet Tiki, Hula Hideaway Art, and Organic Jewelry by Allie.
Admission includes access to the greater Caliente Tropics grounds, which is closed to the general public during the event. At this time, only the General Ticket price is currently available which includes all entertainment, room party “Room Crawl” access, use of the pool and jacuzzi for the entire Event weekend, access to restaurants and lounges, the Vendors Market, and cocktail specials. Be sure to check out their Policy Page regarding cancellations.
According Snyder, the event places a cap to limit attendance to both help curb crowding and to be respectful to the age of the Caliente Tropics buildings. This year the event attendance is capped at 550, so the event may sell out before this publication date.
But never fear! Should it sell out, Circa Caliente’s older sibling, Tiki Caliente, returns in May 2025. So stay tuned for date announcements.
Circa Caliente is Located at the Historic Caliente Tropics at 411 E Palm Canyon Dr, in Palm Springs, California, 92264. Tickets are available for pre-purchase until sold out.
For overnight stays, Caliente tropics is sold out for the event, but there are several motels and hotels in the area and within walking—or crawling—distance.
