A Sea of Marilyns Expected in Palm Springs for Record-Breaking Centennial Celebration
[PALM SPRINGS, CA] This month, Palm Springs will step into the spotlight as it transforms into a dazzling, citywide tribute to one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars. Marilyn 100, a five-day celebration honoring the 100th birthday of Marilyn Monroe, will bring together fans, film lovers, and glamour seekers for an unforgettable weekend of events, experiences, and record-breaking moments.
From May 28 through June 1, 2026, Marilyn’s timeless allure will come to life across Palm Springs through immersive activations, classic film screenings, a high-energy look-alike celebration, and a historic Guinness World Record™ attempt in front of Palm Springs’ renowned 26-foot sculpture of Marilyn Monroe, known as “Forever Marilyn.”
This is an ideal location to celebrate what would have been Marilyn’s 100th birthday. In 1949, at age 22, Marilyn was “discovered” in Palm Springs at Charlie Farrell’s Raquet Club by William Morris talent agent, Johnny Hyde. Many famous photos of Marilyn were taken around the Raquet Club’s swimming pool. In the 1950s, she was a regular visitor to Palm Springs with her husband, baseball luminary Joe DiMaggio.
A Record-Breaking Marilyn Moment
At the heart of the celebration is an ambitious and visually stunning spectacle. On Saturday, May 30, hundreds of participants dressed as Marilyn Monroe will gather in downtown Palm Springs in an official attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people dressed as the iconic star.
Organizers aim to surpass the current record of 254 participants by assembling more than 750 “Marilyns” in a sea of white halter dresses, platinum blonde curls, and signature glamour. The gathering will culminate in a synchronized martini – or mocktini – toast beneath the desert sky, followed by the official record certification between 4:30 and 6:00 p.m.
As the sun sets, the celebration continues with live entertainment from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., followed by DJ sets and surprise performances that promise to keep the energy high well into the evening. Guests are encouraged to keep their eyes on the stage – because at a party this glamorous, anything can happen.
Each registered participant receives a Marilyn Icon Kit ($75), which includes the signature white pleated halter dress, platinum blonde wig, cat-eye sunglasses, martini glass, and access to the official record-setting event.
Lights, Camera, Marilyn: A Centennial Film Celebration
Film lovers can experience Marilyn’s cinematic legacy on the big screen during Marilyn 100: A Centennial Film Celebration, presented in collaboration with the historic Plaza Theatre and the Film Society of Screwball Comedy.
The four-film series showcase some of Monroe’s most beloved performances, each paired with a festive pre-show cocktail hour in the Plaza lobby:
- Friday, May 29, 7 p.m. – The Seven Year Itch
- Saturday, May 30, 7:30 p.m. – Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (opening performance by the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus)
- Sunday, May 31, 2 p.m. – Some Like It Hot (opening performance by the Modern Men Chorus)
- Monday, June 1, 7 p.m. – The Misfits (Grand Finale on Marilyn’s 100th Birthday)
Tickets are $20 per screening or $60 for an all-access pass to the full series. Go to PalmSpringsPlazaTheatre.com.
Marilyn 100 Martini Festival: Midcentury Glamour + Modern Mixology
This one-night-only fundraiser blends high-style tastings with a tribute to Monroe’s Hollywood legacy and special connection to Palm Springs. Don’t miss Marilyn @ The Kimpton: The Marilyn 100 Martini Festival on May 30 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. – set in the hotel’s curated breezeway at the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs.
Attendees will wander through an open-air gallery of specialty spirit purveyors, engaging with experts from premier brands including Ketel One, the ultra-premium, small-batch tequila Teremana, Jägermeister, G.H. Mumm Champagne and Absolut Vodka.
The evening features a high-energy atmosphere powered by DJ MODgirl, set amidst iconic sculptures by J.D. Hansen, Julian Voss-Andreae, “Angel Wings” mural by Colette Miller, and
the world-famous “Love Letters” sculpture. Be sure to find one of David Černý’s “Babies” as you enjoy the evening.
Tickets are available at PSpride.org/marilyn100.
Pre-purchase: $25 (includes 4 martini sample tickets) Day-of: $30
The Marilyn 100 Boutique: Glamour Headquarters
For those looking to fully embody Marilyn’s signature style, the Marilyn 100 Boutique will serve as the ultimate glam destination throughout the weekend. Located near the iconic Forever Marilyn statue in downtown Palm Springs, the pop-up space will function as both a registration hub and immersive styling experience.
Guests can enjoy wig styling, manicure stations, beauty “finishing touches” including Marilyn’s famous beauty mark, and a curated selection of accessories like pearl necklaces and sparkling earrings. The boutique will also feature exclusive Marilyn 100 merchandise, including commemorative apparel and keepsakes.
More Than a Celebration
While Marilyn 100 delivers a weekend of glamour and nostalgia, it also carries a deeper purpose. Proceeds from the event will benefit Palm Springs Pride, supporting its ongoing work in advocacy, community programs, and inclusion.
“Marilyn was a trailblazing ally who championed authenticity long before it was widely embraced,” said Jasmine Sulivan Waits of Palm Springs Pride. “This celebration honors her legacy while uplifting the values of visibility and self-expression.”
Go to PSpride.org/marilyn100 for a complete list of Marilyn-themed events happening in Palm Springs May 28-June 1, and to register to for the Marilyn 100 World Record Attempt.
About Marilyn 100
Marilyn 100 is a citywide centennial celebration honoring the life, legacy, and cultural impact of Marilyn Monroe. Sponsored by PS Resorts and Palm Springs Pride, the event brings together film, fashion, and fanfare to create a one-of-a-kind tribute in the heart of Palm Springs – where glamour is timeless and legends live on.
