palm springs pride events 2021

Greater Palm Springs Pride Weekend Events, Nov. 4-7

Here are helpful tips and a breakdown of events in downtown Palm Springs and surrounding venues.

Staff Report Attractions, Current Digital, LGBTQ+

palm springs pride events 2021
PHOTOGRAPH BY STEVE PARRIS

All events are free unless noted. For lineups of the four live entertainment stages and further information, visit pspride.org.

Thursday, Nov. 4 – Sunday, Nov. 7

Exhibition: Sharing Our Desert’s LGBTQ+ History
The Welwood Murray Memorial Library, 
100 S. Palm Canyon Drive, 
Palm Springs.
LGBTQ+ History & Archives of the Desert presents its inaugural exhibition of the history of the Greater Palm Springs area that made it a welcoming place for the LGBTQ+ community.
Exhibit hours: 
Nov. 4, 6 to 8 p.m.; 
Nov. 5 & 6, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Nov. 7, noon to 5:30 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 5-6, 5–10 p.m.
Palm Springs Coming Out Celebration: “A Night of 100 Stars”
Palm Canyon Drive between Amado Road and Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs.
Join 100 Stars who love the desert and embrace the spirit, gratitude, and profound sense of community at the Palm Springs Coming Out Celebration. This free community event features live entertainment, food vendors, outdoor beverage lounges, and late-night shopping.
This moment is significant for our community to come together after the stress, uncertainty, and isolation of the pandemic. In our lifetime, it has never been more desirable to stay connected while observing safety protocols of health officials. Join us for a coming-out celebration of all that Palm Springs represents: life, love, community, diversity, the desert environment, and our friendly midcentury vibe!
The evening hosted by Jason Stewart and Bella da Ball features appearances by SAG-AFTRA members who call Palm Springs home and performances by our favorite ladies of dance, Grammy® award winner Jody Watley, “Looking For A New Love,” International Queen of Dance Shannon “Let the Music Play” and legendary club diva Jeanie Tracy “Don’t Leave Me This Way,” “I’m Your Jeanie,” “Cha Cha Heels.” Keep the dancing going under the stars and enjoy the Los Angeles DJ duo The Perry Twins.

Friday, Nov. 5, 
5:30–8:30 p.m.
Global Rainbow Art Installation
Palm Canyon Drive between Amado Road and Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs.

American artist Yvette Mattern’s Global Rainbow, a laser light sculpture, kicks-off the 35th anniversary of Pride in Palm Springs. The large-scale public art light installation celebrates our diverse communities and symbolizes hope and peace, beaming seven rays of laser light representing the spectrum of the rainbow. The same colors are found in the Gilbert Baker rainbow flag: orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. The exhibition’s West Coast premiere runs two consecutive nights, beginning Nov. 5.

The artwork utilizes specially designed lasers to project a large-scale abstraction of a natural rainbow. Originating from high above Palm Canyon Drive at Amado Road, the parallel beams hover above as far as the eye can see until they finally diminish to a colorful glow over South Palm Canyon Drive.
Despite its significant range, the lasers use minimal power, approximately the equivalent of two hairdryers. Global Rainbow, created in 2009, has been presented throughout Europe, including England, Northern Ireland, and Germany, as well as Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Greater Palm Springs Pride commissioned Global Rainbow with support from Lighthouse Palm Springs.
Presented by Lighthouse Dispensary Palm Springs & Coachella

Friday, Nov. 5
6–11:30 p.m.
Arenas District Pride Weekend Kick-Off
Arenas Road between 
Indian Canyon Drive and 
Calle Encilia, Palm Springs. 
pspride.org
Join us at the DJ Stage in the Arenas District to celebrate all weekend. The party starts with high-energy DJ spinning and dancing in the streets. Arenas is your spot for house and dance music all weekend.

Friday, Nov. 5
6:30–7:30 p.m.
Interfaith Welcoming: Pride Shabbat Service
In-person: United Methodist Church, 1555 E. Alejo Road, Palm Springs. 
Livestream: facebook.com/orhamidbarpsorhamidbar.org
People of all- and no-faith communities are invited to join the Pride Welcoming Shabbat Service. This pluralistic service, with a core of Jewish liturgy, includes song, prayer, and meditation, as well as ancient and contemporary readings, led by representatives of our diverse community faith groups.

Saturday, Nov. 6
8 a.m.–1 p.m.
Palm Springs Pride 
Golf Tournament
Desert Willow–Firecliff Course, 38995 Desert Willow Drive, Palm Desert.
stonewallgolfers.com
The Palm Springs Pride Golf Tournament, presented by the Stonewall Golfers, is a mixed-gender four-person scramble with assigned teams. The entry fee includes 18 holes of championship golf, lunch, prizes, and a contribution to Greater Palm Springs Pride.
Price: $225 for Stonewall members; $250 for guests.

Saturday, Nov. 6, 8 a.m.
Palm Springs Pride 5K Run and Walk
In-person and virtual event
West Chino Drive and Belardo Road, Palm Springs.
palmspringspriderun.com
The out-and-back course is on paved streets with an elevation change of only 117 feet and winds through a former citrus grove that was later home to such celebrities as Liberace, Mary Martin, Alan Ladd, William Powell, George Randolph Hearst, Kirk Douglas, Lily Tomlin, and others. Proceeds will be donated to the LGBT+ Community Center of the Desert and The Transgender Health and Wellness Center.
Price: $35 before Nov. 3; 
$40 after Nov. 4.
Same-day registration is available from 7 to 7:45 a.m.
Total participants for the in-person run and walk may be limited, so register early.

Saturday, Nov. 6
11 a.m.–11 p.m.
Pride Festival, Downtown Palm Springs
A street fair, music festival, and gathering place, the Pride festival is a celebration of all that is LGBTQ+ in Palm Springs. Sip, sashay, and celebrate in several downtown Palm Springs open-air event venues. Festival features include:
• Art of Pride exhibition by LGBTQ+ artists
• Alaska Airlines Altitude
 Lounge for non-stop DJs and dancing in a block-
 long outdoor bar
• Arenas Road, the
 “gayborhood” of Palm
 Springs, showcases DJ
 sets all weekend on the
 Channel Q stage. Food,
 dancing and beverages
 await you and your friends.
• The Effen Vodka 
 Main Stage on 
 Palm Canyon Drive
• The Park Stage presented by DAP Health in the new downtown park
For a complete performance schedule, see page 44.
Price: Free

Saturday, Nov. 6
11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Youth Zone 
Presented by T-Mobile
On Market Street between Museum Way and Andreas Road, Palm Spring. pspride.org
The Youth Zone is the hub for LGBTQ+ youth between the ages 14 and 21 and their allies at Pride. The Youth Zone features continuous entertainment and activities, free food and drink, games, dancing, DJ Eric Ornelis, karaoke, seating, contests, games, youth-only confidential testing, drag and makeup fun, great conversation, creative expression, chalk drawing, shade from the sun, toilets and a washing station, and safe sex information.
Hosted by Safe Schools Desert Cities.

Saturday, Nov. 6
11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Children’s Headquarters (CHQ)
On Market Street between Museum Way and Andreas Road, Palm Springs.
Families are invited to join for arts, crafts, and games. Hosted by Palm Springs Pride, CHQ is a playful place for infants to pre-teens and accompanying adults. Complimentary snacks, drinks, a nap area, restroom, and diaper-changing station are provided to festival-going families. Parents are required to stay in the play area with their children

Saturday, Nov. 6
11 a.m.–noon
LGBTQ Interfaith, Justice and Social Action Event
Palm Canyon Drive at Amado Road, Palm Springs.
Join people from many faith traditions, sexual orientations, and gender identities at the Pride main stage for a collaborative and interactive experience focused on social justice and equality for all. St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Palm Desert presents uplifting music and short presentations to amplify concern for social justice and the promise of equal treatment. This outdoor interfaith program is an inclusive celebration of our shared humanity and spirit.
Presented by St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church

Saturday, Nov. 6
1–1:45 p.m.
LGBTQ Servicemember Wreath Laying Ceremony
Palm Canyon Drive at Amado Road, Palm Springs.
A pre-Veterans Day ceremony with a parade of colors by veteran organizations and remarks from dignitaries honors LGBTQ service members and thanks all who served in the U.S. armed forces. The wreath-laying ceremony takes place on the Pride Festival main stage. Participating organizations include American Legion Color Guard Post 519, Palm Springs DAV local chapter 66, AMVETS, and Veterans for Peace.

Saturday, Nov. 6
5–7:30 p.m.
Skater Girlz Jam
Palm Springs Skate Park, 
405 S. Pavilion Way, 
Palm Springs. Eventbrite
Celebrate Pride outdoors at a non-competitive sporting event. Lesbo Expo presents a woman’s LGBTQIA+ skateboarding event. Ticket includes after-party with the skaters. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. for ticket holders and walk-up cash ticket sales (if not sold out). This event is inclusive of all girlz. Skaters will demonstrate their best tricks and vie for prizes.
Price: $15

Saturday, Nov. 6
6–11:30 p.m.
Arenas Road Gayborhood Block Party
Arenas Road between Indian Canyon Drive and Calle Encilia, Palm Springs. pspride.org
This block party is a signature event focused on the heart of the Palm Springs gayborhood … a celebration of Pride as well as the symbolic embrace of Arenas Road. LGBTQ bars and local businesses pack to the rafters and spill onto the streets for the biggest free LGBTQ street party in Palm Springs. Join Pride revelers and dancers at the open-air beverage lounge. The block party invites residents and visitors to discover (and rediscover) all that Arenas Road has to offer.

Sunday, Nov. 7
9 a.m.–1 p.m.
PS Drag Brunch 
Pride Edition
Roly China Fusion,
1107 N. Palm Canyon Drive,
Palm Springs. eventbrite.com
Palm Springs hottest drag show, PS Drag Brunch, hosts the most fabulous Pride edition event! Enjoy boys in bikinis, unforgettable dim sum, premium balcony views at the Pride Parade step-off point, and a top-tier drag show hosted by resident leading lady Rosemary Galore. This one-of-a-kind event has three ticket levels: Diva/VIP, Mean Girls Lounge, and Basic Bitches.
Price: $75–$150

Sunday, Nov. 7
9 a.m.–noon
Eight4Nine Bottomless Champagne Brunch and Parade Viewing Party
Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge, 849 N. Palm Canyon Drive,
Palm Springs. eight4nine.com
For the fifth year, Eight4Nine offers a bottomless champagne and mimosas three-course Pride brunch menu — a great way to eat and drink well while enjoying the parade from the patio or lounge. Eight4Nine is donating 25 percent of sales from the Pride brunch menu to Greater Palm Springs Pride to help keep Pride free and accessible for everyone.
Price: $46 per person plus tax and gratuity

Sunday, Nov. 7
9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Trio Pride Parade Party
Trio Restaurant, 707 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs.
triopalmsprings.com
Trio’s big top and patio offer a perfect spot to watch the Pride parade while enjoying cocktails and a delicious brunch with friends. The brunch benefits our local Pride organization.
Price: Varies

Sunday, Nov. 7
10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade
From Tachevah Drive on 
North Palm Canyon Drive to Amado Road, Palm Springs. 
pspride.org
Known for its crystal-clear blue skies and year-round sunshine, the city of Palm Springs comes alive during the annual Pride celebration. Thousands of spectators gather along palm tree-lined streets to cheer on and support local organizations, activists, and themed floats that pass along historic Palm Canyon Drive. The parade is scheduled to last two and a half hours. Enjoy emcee commentary as parade contingents pass by official reviewing stands:
• Broadcast reviewing stand 
 at Eight4Nine Restaurant 
 & Lounge, 849 N. Palm
 Canyon Drive
• Deaf Pride reviewing
 stand with Sign Language
 interpretation near Amado
 Road and North Palm 
 Canyon Drive
• Main reviewing stand at 
 Granvia Valmonte and 
 Palm Canyon Drive

Sunday, Nov. 7
11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Pride Festival, Downtown Palm Springs
A street fair, music festival, and gathering place, the Pride festival celebrates all that is LGBTQ+ in Palm Springs. Sip, sashay, and celebrate in several downtown Palm Springs open-air event venues. Festival features include:
• Art of Pride exhibition of 
 work by LGBTQ+ artists.
• The Alaska Airlines Altitude
 Lounge for non-stop DJs
 and dancing in our block-
 long outdoor bar, on 
 Belardo Road next to the
 Kimpton hotel.
• Arenas Road, the
 “gayborhood: of Palm
 Springs, features DJ sets
 all weekend on the Arenas 
Stage. Food, dancing, and
 beverages await you and
 your friends.
•The Effen Vodka Main Stage
 on Palm Canyon Drive
•The Park Stage presented 
 by DAP Health in the new 
 downtown park

Sunday, Nov. 7
11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Youth Zone 
Presented by T-Mobile
Market Street between 
Museum Way and Andreas Road, 
Palm Springs. pspride.org
The Youth Zone is the hub for LGBTQ youth between ages 14 and 21 and their allies. The Youth Zone features continuous entertainment and activities, free food and drink, games, dancing, DJ Eric Ornelis, karaoke, seating, contests, games, youth-only confidential testing, drag and makeup fun, great conversation, creative expression, chalk drawing, shade from the sun, toilets and a washing station, and safe-sex information.
Hosted by Safe Schools 
Desert Cities.

Sunday, Nov. 7
11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Children’s Headquarters (CHQ)
Market Street between 
Museum Way and Andreas Road, Palm Springs. pspride.org
Families are invited to join for arts, crafts and games. Hosted by Greater Palm Springs Pride, CHQ is a playful place for infants to pre-teens and accompanying adults. Complimentary snacks, drinks, a nap area, restroom, and diaper-changing station are provided to festival-going families. Parents are required 
to stay in the play area with their children.

Sunday, Nov. 7
2–10 p.m.
Skater Girlz 
After Parade Party
Albi Palm Springs, 
369 N. Palm Canyon Drive, 
Palm Springs.
facebook.com/pslexpopresents
A queer, lesbian and trans women’s community welcomes all for a Parade After Party featuring emcee and comedian Mina Hartong and rock ‘n’ roller Jennifer Corday. Live entertainment, dancing, and an awards presentation celebrate and honor women who have given their talents to sports in the community.
Limited seating. No host bar and food will be available.
Price: $15

Pride Festival Tips
Parking

There is plenty of downtown parking. However, plan extra time to locate a spot before the parade. We suggest parking away from Palm Canyon Drive for both the festival and parade. These locations are only a short walk from the Pride events:

• The Downtown Project
 Parking Garage is accessible from North Museum Drive in
 front of the Palm Springs Art
 Museum. Parking is free with
 a four-hour time limit.

• Downtown Parking Structure,
 275 S. Indian Canyon Drive

• E. Amado Road and adjacent
 side streets

• Andreas Road toward Calle 
 El Segundo

• Tamarisk Road toward 
 Ruth Hardy Park

• Tachevah Drive toward
 Katherine Finchy Elementary
 School

Bike Parking

Bike to the festival and park in the bike corrals at the corner of S. Palm Canyon Drive and Arenas Road, on the east side of Palm Canyon Drive in front of Welwood Murray Library, and in the north parking area at the Palm Canyon Theatre. There are bicycle-shaped racks, “hitch” bike racks, and bike corrals in the downtown area, providing hundreds of spaces for bike parking.

ATMs

ATMs are located near beverage booths and the food court.

Restrooms


Public restrooms are available daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the downtown development project adjacent to Il Corso Restaurant, the Kimpton Rowan Hotel, and Isabelle sculpture at 111 N. Palm Canyon Drive. Other locations are available at:

• In the new downtown park

• Palm Canyon Drive and 
 N. Via Las Palmas (Sunday)

• Palm Canyon Drive and 
 E. Alejo Road (Sunday)

• 349 N. Palm Canyon Drive
 (Sunday)

• On Arenas Road between
 Hunters and Streetbar

Donation Stations

Bins are located throughout the festival. The nonprofit Pride organization encourages attendees to donate cash or loose change in the big collection bins to help keep Pride free for everyone. The Donation Brigade will collect donations all weekend.

Lost and Found

Check for lost items at the main Pride Welcome Center near the intersection of Museum Way and Belardo Road. After the event, you can contact Greater Palm Springs Pride at 760-416-8711.

Security

Both Palm Springs Police and event security staff ensure everyone’s enjoyment of the event. Please report all suspicious activity or problems to Palm Springs Pride staff members or directly to security or law enforcement officers. If you see something, please say something.

Pets


Pets are welcome. However, please be aware of the hot pavement during the day. All dogs must be leashed or harnessed.