It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World returns to the historic Plaza Theatre November 1 for an unforgettable celebration of Hollywood history, comedy, costumes and surprises!
PALM SPRINGS, CA (The Hollywood Times) 10/29/26 – Get ready, Palm Springs! The madness is almost here, and this time, everyone is invited to join the fun!
On Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 1 p.m., Stanley Kramer’s beloved 1963 comedy classic It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World returns to the beautifully restored Palm Springs Plaza Theatre, bringing Hollywood history, legendary entertainment and a wildly entertaining afternoon of festivities back to the desert.
Hosted by actress, producer and activist Kat Kramer, daughter of legendary filmmaker Stanley Kramer, and Karen Sharpe-Kramer, the filmmaker’s widow, this special celebration promises much more than a movie screening.
And with Halloween falling just one day before the festivities, organizers are encouraging guests to keep those costumes out for one more day!
Calling All Costume Lovers, More Contestants Wanted!
Calling All Costume Lovers, More Contestants Wanted!One of the afternoon’s biggest attractions will be a costume contest celebrating the unforgettable characters and fashions of It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World and the early 1960s.
During a recent conversation with The Hollywood Times, organizers shared that approximately seven contestants had registered, with room for up to 20 participants.
That means there is still time to get creative, dress up and compete for some terrific prizes!
Whether you’re channeling Ethel Merman’s unforgettable Mrs. Marcus, Jonathan Winters’ Lennie Pike or simply embracing the fabulous fashions of the era, this is your chance to join the madness.
Organizers hope to welcome at least five to ten additional contestants before Sunday’s festivities.
Prizes, Prizes and More Prizes!
Prizes, Prizes and More Prizes!Thanks to generous local supporters, costume contest participants can look forward to some wonderful prizes.
Among the planned offerings are tickets to upcoming performances at the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre and a dining experience for two at the popular Lulu California Bistro.
Additional prizes being arranged include theater tickets associated with entertainer Terry Ray, an original Mad World script, books celebrating the beloved film and the Plaza Theatre, and more.
Guests can also participate in trivia games, with giveaways expected to include books, beer and other surprises.
And speaking of surprises, organizers are keeping a few special treats under wraps until the big day!
A Hollywood Homecoming
A Hollywood HomecomingDirected and produced by Stanley Kramer, It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World remains one of Hollywood’s most ambitious and beloved comedies.
Its extraordinary ensemble cast includes Spencer Tracy, Milton Berle, Sid Caesar, Ethel Merman, Jonathan Winters, Mickey Rooney, Buddy Hackett, Phil Silvers, Dick Shawn, Jimmy Durante, Buster Keaton and Jerry Lewis.
Much of the film was shot in Palm Springs and Palm Desert, giving this special screening an especially meaningful connection to the Coachella Valley.
More than six decades later, its themes of greed, money, ambition and the often-absurd lengths people will go to in pursuit of riches continue to resonate.
Who knew a comedy from 1963 could still feel so timely?
A Special Conversation and Book Signing
A Special Conversation and Book SigningThe celebration will also feature a Q&A and book signing with author James Curtis, whose book Comedy Is a Grim Business: The Making of It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World takes readers behind the scenes of the film’s extraordinary production and lasting legacy.
Kat Kramer and Karen Sharpe-Kramer continue to preserve and celebrate Stanley Kramer’s remarkable contributions to cinema, making this an especially meaningful tribute to a filmmaker whose work continues to entertain and inspire generations.
The Exclusive BIG W After-Party
For guests looking to keep the celebration going, a limited-capacity BIG W VIP after-party will follow the festivities.
Held in the theater’s green room, this intimate gathering will offer an additional opportunity to celebrate the film and its Hollywood legacy.
VIP admission is limited, with tickets priced at $75.
A Few Surprises Still to Come!
A Few Surprises Still to Come!As if the film, costume contest, trivia, prizes and Hollywood guests weren’t enough, organizers have hinted that a few exciting surprises are planned for November 1.
Exactly what those surprises might be is being kept secret for now.
You’ll just have to be there to discover them!
The Hollywood Times, a media partner for the celebration, looks forward to bringing readers additional coverage, photographs, interviews and a special post-event recap.
Event Details
Event DetailsWhat: It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World Special Screening and Celebration
When: Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 1 p.m.
Where: Historic Palm Springs Plaza Theatre, 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Hosted by: Kat Kramer and Karen Sharpe-Kramer
Activities: Film screening, costume contest, trivia, book signing, Q&A, special surprises and BIG W VIP after-party.
Tickets: Starting at $25; VIP package $75.
Beneficiary: Palm Springs Theatre Foundation
Tickets and event information: https://www.palmspringsplazatheatre.com/events/detail/mad-mad-world
So dust off those vintage outfits, grab your friends and get ready for a little Hollywood madness in Palm Springs. After all, if there’s one thing this classic comedy taught us, it’s that sometimes the journey is just as crazy as the destination!
By Valerie Milano | The Hollywood Times
