Every November, thousands of people unfurl their rainbow flags and take to the street in honor of all things LGBT during the Greater Palm Springs Pride festival and parade (Nov. 2-4).
The festival runs Saturday and Sunday at Palm Springs Stadium and features vendors, live entertainment, dance tents, cocktails galore, and more. Entertainment on the main stage includes headliners Pepper Mashay, Karmin, and Erasure’s Andy Bell.
On Saturday from 6 to 11:30 p.m., party in the heart of the city’s gay district (Arenas Road between Indian Canyon Drive and Calle Encilia), with music, DJs, street and stage performers, food and beverage stations, lots of revelers, and a drag queen or two. You must be 21 or older to attend.
The parade steps off 10 a.m. Sunday at Ramon Road in downtown Palm Springs, heading north along Palm Canyon Drive. Bring your deck chairs and sunscreen, and stake out a place along the street. Bring loads of enthusiasm as you cheer on your favorite parade entry, from PFLAG to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Grand marshal for 2012 is national spokesman for the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, retired Staff Sergeant Eric Alva; community grand marshals are documentary filmmaker and original member of Dykes on Bikes Glenne McElhinney and Emmy Award-winning reporter Hank Plante. Celebrity grand marshals are radio and TV personality Joey English and fashion designer Michael Costello.
Visit www.pspride.org for more information.