By Valerie Milano
Palm Springs, CA (The Hollywood Times) 5/29/26 –Â As a proud media partner, The Hollywood Times is excited to spotlight one of the most anticipated events of 2026 as Palm Springs prepares to honor the life, legacy, and enduring influence of Marilyn Monroe during a spectacular centennial celebration taking place May 29 through June 1.
Nearly 100 years after her birth, Monroe remains one of the most recognizable and beloved figures in entertainment history. To commemorate the milestone, Palm Springs will transform into a living tribute to the Hollywood icon with a weekend filled with film, fashion, art, music, community celebrations, and a historic Guinness World Record attempt.
One of the signature events of the weekend is the Marilyn Monroe 100th Birthday Record-Breaking Celebration, taking place on Saturday, May 30, 2026, in Downtown Palm Springs around the iconic Forever Marilyn statue.
Palm Springs isn’t simply throwing a birthday party; it is attempting to earn a Guinness World Record title for the largest gathering of Marilyn Monroe look-alikes ever assembled. Organizers hope to fill downtown with a sea of platinum blonde wigs, white halter dresses, red lipstick, and Marilyn-inspired glamour.
The celebration runs from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., featuring live entertainment, food vendors, beverage activations, celebrity appearances, music, and community festivities.
The highlight takes place from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., when officials will conduct the formal Guinness World Record certification process. Timed to coincide with Palm Springs’ famous golden hour, the gathering is expected to create one of the most memorable photo opportunities of the year, with photographers and drone crews documenting the historic moment.
Guests are encouraged to raise a glass of champagne, or a mocktail, and join in a celebratory toast honoring the woman whose image remains one of the most enduring in popular culture.
All ages are welcome, and organizers emphasize that the event is designed to be inclusive and accessible to everyone.
Participants who register for the official record attempt receive a special Marilyn “Icon Kit,” which includes a signature white Marilyn-inspired dress, platinum blonde wig, Visit Palm Springs cat-eye sunglasses, and a commemorative martini glass.
The centerpiece of the festivities will take place on Saturday, May 30, when hundreds of Marilyn fans are expected to gather around the city’s iconic Forever Marilyn statue in downtown Palm Springs. Organizers hope to surpass the current Guinness World Record by assembling the largest gathering of Marilyn Monroe look-alikes ever recorded.
Participants will don Monroe’s signature style, complete with platinum blonde wigs, red lipstick, and the legendary white halter dress, as they come together for a celebratory toast and a chance to become part of history. The goal is to bring together more than 500 “Marilyns” in a joyful tribute to the actress whose image continues to captivate audiences around the world.
Beyond the record-setting event, the entire weekend offers visitors countless opportunities to immerse themselves in Marilyn’s glamorous world.
Among the featured events are:
- Still Luminous at Illumine Gallery, celebrating Monroe’s artistic and cultural influence.
- I Heart Drag Brunch: Marilyn’s 100th Celebration at Hyatt Palm Springs.
- Marilyn 100: A Centennial Film Celebration at the historic Palm Springs Plaza Theatre.
- Marilyn Monroe’s 100th Birthday Drag Brunch at The Saguaro Palm Springs.
- A special screening of the classic comedy Some Like It Hot at the Palm Springs Cultural Center.
- Marilyn Take Over at Hunters Palm Springs.
- Gentlemen Prefer Streetbar at Streetbar, inspired by one of Monroe’s most beloved films.
Visitors can also enjoy the many attractions that have long made Palm Springs one of Monroe’s favorite desert escapes. From poolside relaxation and world-class dining to hiking adventures and nightlife, the city offers a fitting backdrop for a celebration of a woman who helped define Hollywood glamour.
According to organizers, the centennial celebration is about more than recreating Marilyn’s iconic look. It is an opportunity to reflect on her cultural impact, her influence on generations of performers, and the timeless appeal that continues to make her a global symbol of beauty, charisma, and resilience.
As Palm Springs embraces a weekend of vintage Hollywood elegance, visitors are encouraged to gather their friends, channel their inner Marilyn, and join a celebration unlike any other.
Whether attending a film screening, enjoying a themed brunch, exploring an art exhibition, or taking part in the world record attempt itself, guests will have the opportunity to honor one of cinema’s most enduring legends while helping create a memorable chapter in Palm Springs history.
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.
Here is more to do this weekend:
Hunters Palm Springs
She’s blonde. She’s iconic. She’s turning 100 Join us for Marilyn Night at Hunters Palm Springs
VJ Jym will be spinning everything Marilyn on the screens from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm.
In Los Angeles, read our article of The Hollywood Museum’s opening.:
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a tad bit of info
Marilyn Monroe Home Gets LA Historic Status – Owners Are Suing
The city of Los Angeles has declared Marilyn Monroe’s former home in LA’s Brentwood neighborhood a historic monument, which protects the property from any significant changes. The home’s current owners bought the property in 2023 for $8 million with plans to demolish it. They are suing the city, claiming that the home is now worthless. Marilyn bought the home in 1962 for $75,000 and died there in August 1962 from a barbiturate overdose.
