By Valerie Milano
Photos Ana Maria Gill/THT
Palm Springs, California (The Hollywood Times) 5/30/26 – The excitement continued to build on Day Two of Palm Springs’ spectacular Marilyn Monroe Centennial Celebration as residents, visitors, and Marilyn fans from around the world gathered downtown in anticipation of Saturday’s historic world record attempt.
The multi-day celebration honors what would have been Marilyn Monroe’s 100th birthday and has transformed Palm Springs into a glamorous tribute to the legendary actress, model, and cultural icon whose connection to the city remains as strong as ever.
As the festivities continued around the towering Forever Marilyn statue in downtown Palm Springs, organizers worked diligently behind the scenes to prepare for one of the weekend’s most anticipated events: an attempt to break the world record for the largest gathering of Marilyn Monroe look-alikes.
The celebration has attracted Marilyn enthusiasts from across the country, many arriving with platinum wigs, white dresses, vintage accessories, and plenty of enthusiasm to help make history.
Among those helping coordinate the ambitious undertaking is Palm Springs community leader Ron deHarte, who discussed some of the unique challenges involved in organizing an official world record attempt.
The world record attempt is scheduled to take place Saturday afternoon, and organizers remain optimistic that hundreds of participants will gather around the iconic Forever Marilyn statue to secure a place in the record books.
In addition to the record-setting effort, the weekend celebration features live entertainment, special appearances, food and beverage activations, photo opportunities, and numerous tributes to Monroe’s enduring legacy in film, fashion, and popular culture.
Palm Springs has long embraced its connection to Marilyn Monroe, and this centennial celebration reflects the community’s affection for one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars. Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy exhibits, themed events, and opportunities to celebrate Monroe’s lasting influence on entertainment and American culture.
As an official media partner, The Hollywood Times is proud to be covering the festivities and sharing this historic moment with readers around the world.
Saturday’s world record attempt promises to be one of the largest and most memorable tributes ever organized in Monroe’s honor, bringing together generations of admirers in a celebration worthy of Hollywood royalty.
Making History: The Challenge Behind the Record Attempt
According to organizer Ron deHarte, the process of setting a Guinness World Record involves much more than simply gathering hundreds of Marilyn Monroe look-alikes in one place.
“When folks arrive, they’ll scan a QR code that confirms they’re physically here,” deHarte explained. “That’s part of how we’re using technology to document participation and verify attendance.”
Just days before the event, organizers learned that Guinness World Records would not be sending an adjudicator from North America to Palm Springs, forcing the team to quickly revise its certification plans.
“Their representative told us a couple of days ago they weren’t able to get an adjudicator on the North American side to come,” said deHarte. “We had to scramble and change everything we were doing just to be able to get the certification.”
Instead of relying on an on-site Guinness official, organizers must now provide extensive documentation, including attendance records, photographs, video evidence, and testimony from 13 independent witnesses who will help validate the attempt.
Despite the last-minute challenges, deHarte remains confident that Palm Springs will make history.
“This is the first trial of this process,” he said. “No matter what, we’re going to set a record because we have 1,100 people here.”
The current Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people dressed as Marilyn Monroe stands at 254 participants, a mark established on February 2, 2020, by the Marilyn Jetty Swim Team in Brighton, Australia.
If attendance numbers meet expectations, Palm Springs could surpass that total several times over, creating a fitting tribute during the centennial year of one of Hollywood’s most enduring legends.
For Palm Springs, the centennial isn’t simply a birthday celebration, it’s a reminder that Marilyn Monroe’s star power continues to shine brightly a century after her birth.
Stay tuned to The Hollywood Times for continuing coverage of the Marilyn Monroe Centennial Celebration throughout the weekend.
Schedule at a Glance
Saturday, May 30, 2026
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Marilyn Boutique 100 at Hyatt Palm Springs
Featuring:
- Billion-Dollar Marilyn Lipstick Pop-Up with Shelley Michelle
- Ted Gibson Beauty Lounge
- Some Like It Shop by Destination PSP
3:00 PM
Marilyn 100 Celebration Begins
Downtown Park at Forever Marilyn
Hosted by Scott Nevins with:
- Live entertainment
- Shelley Michelle as Marilyn Monroe
- Team awards and prizes
- DJ Hausayallday
- Food vendors
- Outdoor beverage lounges
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Official Guinness World Record Certification
A golden-hour gathering as participants attempt to make history and become part of the largest assembly of Marilyn Monroe look-alikes ever recorded.
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Cher’d Tribute Concert
A free live-band tribute celebrating the music and legacy of Cher.
7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
DJs and Special Guest Performances
An evening of music, dancing, and surprises as the celebration continues.
7:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Marilyn After Dark
A citywide showcase of events inspired by Marilyn Monroe’s timeless elegance and cinematic legacy, including film screenings, drag performances, gallery exhibits, nightlife experiences, and immersive dining opportunities.
For Marilyn Monroe fans, Hollywood enthusiasts, and visitors from around the globe, the centennial celebration promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience worthy of the woman who remains forever synonymous with stardom.
Diamonds may be forever, but Marilyn Monroe’s legacy shines even brighter.
