Ready for Palm Springs’ biggest celebration?
Greater Palm Springs Pride 2023 will attract 150,000 attendees, making it California’s largest free Pride festival south of San Francisco, according to organizers.
Whether you’re just attending the parade or planning an entire weekend of Pride events, the Pride calendar below has all the information you need.
Wednesday, November 1st
Official deployment of the rainbow flag
when and where: 10 a.m. at Jerry Sturgios Tower, 1150 N. Indian Canyon Road, Palm Springs.
Fee: free
What to expect: Celebrate the official start of Pride Week with the annual unfurling of the rainbow flag from the Stelgios Tower at Desert Regional Medical Center.
Thursday, November 2nd
Fiesta “Orgullo!” 1st Annual Palm Springs Latin Pride Block Party
when and where: on Arenas Road between Indian Canyon Drive and North Calle Encilia from 6 to 10 p.m.
Fee: free
What to expect: Join us for a fiesta in the Arenas neighborhood with Latin rhythms, live shows, and hosts.
Friday, November 3rd
Grand opening of Trevor Wayne store
when and where: 4-7 p.m., 901 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs.
Fee: free
What to expect: The latest version of his store, officially called Trevor Wayne Pop Art, includes artwork, books and art-related décor, as well as original art by local artists. The opening party will also include the grand opening of nearby Phylum and Cicada Fine Art.
LGBTQ military wreath-laying ceremony
when and where: 6 p.m., Pride Festival Hornitos Stage, Palm Canyon Drive, East Amado Road.
Fee: free
What to expect: The ceremony, held before Veterans Day, includes a colorful parade by veterans’ organizations and speeches by dignitaries. The ceremony honors LGBTQ service members and expresses gratitude to all who have served in the U.S. military.
Arena District Pride Weekend Kickoff
when and where: on Arenas Road between Indian Canyon Drive and North Calle Encilia from 6 to 11:30 p.m.
Fee: free
What to expect: The weekend party begins with a lively DJ and street dancing. White Party Global DJ will be headlined by one of the most in-demand female DJs, Isis Muretech. The event will also include food trucks and an outdoor beverage lounge.
Interfaith Pride Sabbath Worship
when and where: 6:30-7:30 p.m., Palm Springs United Methodist Church, 1555 E. Alejo Road.
Fee: free
What to expect: People of all faith communities and persuasions are encouraged to participate in the 2023 Pride Welcome to Sabbath Worship. This pluralistic service is centered around Jewish liturgy and includes songs, ancient poetry, modern readings, and meditations led by local clergy.
broadway drag contest
when and where: Pride Festival Hornitos Stage from 7-9:30 p.m.
Fee: Free, but VIP costs $50
What to expect: This popular drag competition is back, with participants competing to be crowned Best in Drag. When it comes to imitating Broadway’s most treasured stars and stars, hopefuls must bring their A-game. Admission to Broadway in Drag is free and open to everyone, but a limited number of VIP seats with “Audience Favorite” voting rights are available for $50. For tickets or more information, call 760-323-5123 or visit palmcanyontheatre.net.
Saturday, November 4th
Palm Springs Pride 5K Run and Walk
when and where: 8 a.m. at West Chino Drive and Berardo Road.
Fee: Online registration through November 1st is $40. If you register in person on November 3rd, he will be $40 without the shirt, and with the shirt he will be $50. Online registration for virtual participants is $30. Online or in-person registration for youth under 18 is $25.
What to expect: Lace up your shoes because the Palm Springs Pride 5K Run and Walk is back in the Old Las Palmas area. The 5.1-mile round trip begins at West Chino Drive at Berardo Road and winds through Old Las Palmas, once home to Hollywood’s biggest stars. All online registrants will receive a T-shirt and commemorative medal. Proceeds will benefit the Desert LGBTQ Community Center and Transgender Health & Wellness Center. Note: Pre-registration is required.
pride festival
when and where: Palm Canyon Drive (East Amado Road to West Ballisto Road to Arenas District) from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Fee: free
What to expect: Enjoy street fairs, music festivals, and gathering places in the heart of Palm Springs. Amenities include La Crema Experience, Recovery Oasis, DAP Health and Wellness Pavilion, Children’s Garden, and Youth Zone. A number of performers will take to the stage throughout the day, including headliner Lisa Lisa at 7 p.m., “Frozen” and “Wicked” star Idina Menzel at 8 p.m. and Chi Chi LaRue at 9 p.m. .
youth zone
when and where: Market Street between Museum Way and Andreas Road from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fee: free
What to expect: Sponsored by Safe Schools Desert Cities, Youth Zone is a hub for LGBTQ+ youth and allies ages 14 to 21. The Youth Zone will offer entertainment and games, free food and drinks, dancing, music, contests, drag and make-up fun, creative expression, chalk drawing, washrooms, safe sex information and more.
recovery oasis
when and where: in downtown Palm Springs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Fee: free
What to expect: Stop by and enjoy a drink at our recovery oasis where everyone can celebrate Pride. We are also open on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
rainbow splash pool party
when and where: Noon to 4 p.m., CCBC Resort, 68-300 Gay Resort Drive, Cathedral City.
Fee: $45 in advance, $50 at the door
What to expect: Join friends old and new for music and pool parties at CCBC Resort. Ticket includes 8 hours of his day pass resort time. Tickets can be purchased at bit.ly/CCBCPool.
Arena District Official Pride Party
when and where: Arenas Road between Indian Canyon Drive and North Calle Encilia from 5 to 11:30 p.m.
Fee: free
What to expect: LGBTQ+ bars and local businesses will be packed to the rafters and spill out onto the streets for Palm Springs’ largest free LGBTQ+ street party. The official Party of Pride will include performers JAE FUSZ and DJ MOHAMMAD.
tough party
when and where: 8-11 p.m., Tool Shed, 600 E. Sunny Dunes Road, Palm Springs.
Fee: General admission is $25, VIP is $55
What to expect: TUFF Party is an inclusive dance party for fetish and alternative lifestyle members of the LGBTQIA+ community.Tickets can be purchased at tuffparty.com
Strive with pride: pre-parade training
when and where: 8:30 a.m., North Palm Canyon Drive & East Granvia Valmonte, Palm Springs.
Fee: free
What to expect: ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor Jace Nagaia will lead you through a low-impact workout to calm your nerves and prepare for parade day.
Sunday, November 5th
Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade
when and where: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Palm Canyon Drive between Tacheba Drive and East Amado Road in Palm Springs. The La Crema Wine Parade Stage is located at East Gran Via Valmonte and North Palm His Canyon Drive. The Deaf Pride judging stand is located north of East Amado Road at North Palm Canyon Drive and is equipped with sign language interpretation. Deaf community seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fee: free
What to expect: The annual Pride Parade draws thousands of spectators and features local organizations, activists, and themed floats along Palm Canyon Drive.
pride festival
when and where: Palm Canyon Drive (East Amado Road to West Ballisto Road to Arenas District) from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Fee: free
What to expect: A street fair, music festival, and gathering place in the heart of Palm Springs. Amenities include La Crema Experience, Recovery Oasis, DAP Health and Wellness Pavilion, Children’s Garden, and Youth Zone. Many performers will be on stage throughout the day, including headliners Kylie Sonique Love at 1:50 p.m. and 10,000 Maniacs at 3 p.m.
Eight for Nine Restaurant & Lounge Champagne Brunch and Parade Party
when and where: 9 a.m. until end of parade, Eight-for-Nine Restaurant & Lounge, 849 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs.
Fee: The brunch menu is $48 per person + tax and tip. Reserve early at 760-325-8490 or Eight4nine.com/#reservation.
What to expect: Enjoy parade views from your patio or lounge. 25% of sales will be donated to Greater Palm Springs Pride.
trio parade party
when and where: 9 a.m. until end of parade, TRIO, 707 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs.
Fee: Please call us for costs. The number of seats is limited. For reservations, please call 760-864-8746.
What to expect: Enjoy food, champagne, mimosas, and Bloody Marys at TRIO during the parade from TRIO’s large top and patio. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Greater Palm Springs Pride.
pride block party
when and where: Arenas Road between Indian Canyon Drive and Encilia Avenue in Palm Springs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Fee: free
What to expect: Arena District Block Party. It features an outdoor beverage lounge and food trucks. Music by KGAY 106.5’s DJ Galaxy, DJ Eric Ornelas, and DJ Mod Girl.
Alice B. Toklas Celebrates PSP2023
when and where: 7-8:30 p.m., Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs.
Fee: $40 for members. $50 for non-members. Proceeds will help fund the future Palm Springs LGBTQ World History Museum. Call (442) 268-5004. MoAW.org
What to expect: A one-person play based on the life of Alice B. Toklas by actress Barbara Carr. The play, The Necessary Luxury Company, written by Marty Martin, follows Alice’s extraordinary life with Gertrude Stein and countless others as she invites several friends to a lavish dinner after Gertrude’s death. This incident occurred at a luxurious dinner that he prepared while reminiscing. Artists and writers who colored our lives.
Ema Sasic covers entertainment and health in the Coachella Valley. Contact us at ema.sasic@desertsun.com or on Twitter @ema_sasic.
Desert Sun reporter Brian Bluesky covers arts and entertainment. Contact him at brian.blueskye@desertsun.com or on Twitter @bblueskye.