It was a great kickoff to the 2025 Pride weekend on Thursday. It started off with KGAY & GayDesertGuide welcoming arriving passengers at Palm Springs International Airport, handing out our visitor map and guide, and interacting with locals and visitors where the pride spirit was palpable.
As Pride festivities got underway on Arenas, I made my way toward the Cultural Center where there was a confluence of major LGBTQ comedic forces.
It was the 25th anniversary of Sordid Lives, the movie that got its start there and ran for 96 continuous weeks! Del Shores hosted with some original cast members for a commemorative screening. Mayor Ron deHarte declared Thursday as “Sordid Lives Day” in Palm Springs. While we were attending the VIP reception upstairs, Miss Richfield tumbled out of dressing room and had to pass through – curtsying to the crowd as she entered the only elevator in the place. Jackie Beat was also on the bill.
Leaving the venue, our radio station was playing “Good Times” by Chic. As I drove in the moonlight home, the lyrics really resonated with me:
Good times, these are the good times
Leave your cares behind, these are the good times
Good times, these are the good times
Our new state of mind, these are the good times”
We have a brief respite from the world‘s troubles this weekend celebrating Pride. After Tuesday’s blue election victory across the board, we had a little good news to bolster our spirits. And while Rome may be burning and Trump is our modern day Nero, we aren’t going to let it bother us tonight. We’ll have a full weekend of pride celebrations.
The song continues:
Happy days are here again.
The time is right for making friends.
Let’s get together. How about a quarter to ten.
Come tomorrow let’s all do it again.
We will have Good Times this Pride weekend in Palm Springs! Our theme, “Be Heard” couldn’t be more timely. No matter what your color on the Arenas District Flag is, there will be something for you to do: You can build community, make a new ‘friend’ on a social app, dance the night away, shop and dine at our local businesses, or show your financial support at one of the many fundraisers throughout town.
Let’s cut the rug, a little jive and jitterbug
We want the best, we won’t settle for less
Don’t be a drag, participate
Clams on the half shell and roller-skates, roller-skatesGood times
These are the good times
Our new state of mind
These are the good times!
Good Times indeed. If only for this weekend can we set our cares behind and celebrate. Happy Pride!
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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PRIDE WEEKEND
Palm Springs Pride Weekend of Nonstop Entertainment
Get ready for nonstop entertainment at Palm Springs Pride! All weekend, Downtown Palm Springs will come alive with music, drag, DJs, and live performances across four lively stages. Whether you’re into dance beats, soulful singers, or dazzling drag showcases, there’s something for everyone. Check out the detailed full entertainment schedule and plan your Pride weekend now — you won’t want to miss a moment!
FRIDAY
A Star for Mark Hunter Seymour
Join the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce on Friday, November 7 at 11 am in the Arenas District as they honor Mark Hunter Seymour with the 481st star on the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars. Recognized for his contributions to entertainment and civic leadership, Seymour has long championed LGBTQ+ visibility and community empowerment. The public is invited to celebrate this milestone at Hunters Nightclub on Arenas Rd, where Seymour’s legacy will be permanently etched into the city’s cultural landscape. More info
FRI: Community Food Bank Open House & Food Drive
Celebrate one year of expanded service at The Center’s Community Food Bank One-Year Anniversary Open House and Food Drive on Friday, November 7 from 4–5:30 pm. Guests are invited to take a tour of the beautiful expanded facility, enjoy some ice cream, and help stock the shelves by bringing food items to donate. The event is a free opportunity to celebrate the success of the Community Food Bank and support the essential work it does for the community. More info
KGAY T-Shirt Swap
KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 invites Pride-goers to the Arenas District on Friday, November 7 from 4–6 pm for the 2025 KGAY Commemorative T-Shirt Swap, sponsored by Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Trade the gently used shirt off your back to benefit Well in the Desert, make a suggested $20 donation to Palm Springs Pride, and pick up fresh Pride gear while enjoying a live broadcast with John Taylor. Stop by the KGAY booth near the new Pride flag and register to win a two-night stay at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, including dinner for two at The Bistro! The KGAY activation also features a photo booth opportunity—snap a commemorative picture with the new Landmark Pride Flagpole as your backdrop! More info
Can’t make it to the T-Shirt Swap in person? You can still show your Pride and support KGAY by grabbing the official 2025 KGAY Pride Shirt online. Featuring a bold, celebratory design in your choice of colors, this limited-edition shirt lets you rep Palm Springs Pride wherever you are. Shop now
The Old Gays Q&A and Book Signing
Celebrate Pride with viral sensations The Old Gays at the Palm Springs Art Museum on Friday, November 7 from 3–5 pm. Join Robert, Mick, Bill, and Jessay for a heartfelt Q&A and book signing of The Old Gays Guide to the Good Life, filled with laughter, resilience, and unapologetic joy. These Cathedral City icons have inspired millions—now’s your chance to meet them in person and hear their stories live. Books available in the Museum Store. More info
Picnic on Palm Canyon
Picnic on Palm Canyon kicks off Pride Weekend with a lively street party on Friday, November 7 from 5–9 pm in downtown Palm Springs. Guests can enjoy free rides on a towering 100-foot ferris wheel, savor bites from local food trucks and pop-ups, sip cold drinks, and dance to live music under the desert stars. It’s a festive evening of food, fun, and celebration in the heart of Palm Canyon Drive. More info
Sunset Music & Comedy Festival
The Sunset Music & Comedy Festival brings soul, laughter, and liberation to Palm Springs continuing Friday–Sunday, November 7–9. Each night offers a distinct celebration: On Friday, November 7 at 7 pm “Two Roads: From Roots to Broadway” sets the tone for the weekend with powerhouse performances by Tony-nominated jazz vocalist Ann Hampton Callaway and Grammy-nominated Americana-soul artist Amythyst Kiah plus Comedian Jason Stuart! Saturday, November 8 at 7 pm “The Revival” is a spiritual and sonic awakening led by Lady Blackbird plus Southern-fried comedy from Vickie Shaw, and Holly Near with a stirring tribute to the Womyn’s Music movement. The Goddess Groove March on Sunday, November 9 during the Palm Springs Pride Parade is a joyful, high-energy celebration of sisterhood, spirit, and unapologetic pride led by Holly Near. More info
Miss Richfield 1981 – There’s a Pill for That!
Miss Richfield 1981 brings her all-new comedy show There’s a Pill for That! to the Palm Springs Cultural Center on Friday & Saturday, November 7 & 8 at 7 pm. With interactive humor, songs, and games, Miss R hilariously explores our medicated world and promises to make you feel better—no prescription required. Whether you’re afflicted, addicted, or just need a laugh, this campy, feel-good performance delivers the perfect dose of outrageous fun. Get tickets
Jackie Beat – Honk if You’re Horny
Legendary drag icon Jackie Beat storms the Palm Springs Cultural Center with Honk If You’re Horny—a no-holds-barred celebration of Pride packed with hilarious parodies, twisted classics, and live vocals that slay, on Friday & Saturday, November 7 & 8 at 9 pm. Expect zero subtlety, maximum sass, and comedy so bold it practically comes with a warning label. This spectacle is loud, proud, and absolutely unmissable. Get tickets
Male Aesthetic: Dance, Music, Visual Art
Male Aesthetic, a powerful fusion of dance, music, and visual art is Friday, November 7 from 5–6:30 pm at Nickerson-Rossi Dance House. Featuring athletic choreography by Nickerson-Rossi Dance, live vocals from the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus, and evocative mixed-media works by artist Michael Hinkle, this immersive event explores male beauty, strength, and vulnerability through three distinct lenses. Get tickets
Global Queer Resistance Through Street Art
Impell Gallery presents Global Queer Resistance Through Street Art, an evocative exhibition running Friday–Sunday, November 7–9 from 2–7 pm. The show features work by acclaimed queer street artist Jeremy Novy alongside pieces from his international collection. Through bold visuals and powerful messaging, the exhibition explores how queer street art reclaims public space, challenges discrimination, and celebrates joy. More info
Priscilla Official Pride Performance and VIP Reception
Palm Canyon Theatre brings the glitter and glam with Priscilla Queen of the Desert, running through Sunday, November 16. On Friday, November 7, elevate the experience with the Official Pride Performance and Exclusive VIP Reception. The evening begins at 6:30 pm with hosted light bites and complimentary drinks, followed by the 7:30 pm performance of this high-energy musical adventure. Intermission features decadent desserts, making this a fabulous night of drag, pop anthems, and Pride celebration. Get tickets
Head over Heels
Desert TheatreWorks opens its run of Head Over Heels on Friday, November 7 (running through November 30) with a musical journey through the kingdom of Arcadia. Fueled by the infectious hits of the Go-Go’s, this joyful production blends royal drama, mistaken identities, and heartfelt discovery into a celebration of love, freedom, and self-expression. Get tickets
Road Closures
Expect major road closures and limited parking in Uptown and Downtown throughout the weekend. Plan ahead and check the full article for details on closures, ADA parking, and parade routes: Road Closures and Parking Tips
Pinky Pony Corral VIP Lounge
Saddle up for Pride weekend at Chill Bar Palm Springs with the Pink Pony Corral VIP Lounge, open daily from Friday–Sunday, November 7–9. This glittery queer rodeo fantasy blends Chappell Roan glam with cowboy cool, offering wristband holders exclusive lounge access, a private entrance, complimentary drinks, and specialty cocktails. Come and go as you please. More info
Desert Heat Weekend at Hotel Zoso
Desert Heat returns as the ultimate Palm Springs Pride Weekend takeover at Hotel Zoso from Friday–Sunday, November 7–9. This high-energy series of parties features nonstop music from world-class DJs. The weekend kicks off Friday night with BRÜT from 9 pm–4 am, followed by Saturday’s HEAT Pool Party from 11 am–6 pm and GPS – Gay Pride Saturday from 10 pm–4 am. Sunday wraps with the Disco Paradise Pool Party from 1–7 pm and the Super Sunset Tea from 9 pm–4 am, closing out Pride with a bang. Get tickets
SATURDAY
Palm Springs Pride Festival
Celebrate love, diversity, and community at the two-day Palm Springs Pride Festival on Saturday, November 8 and Sunday, November 9. Spanning multiple downtown venues including Palm Canyon Drive and the Arenas District, this bustling street fair and music festival features over 200 exhibitors, live performances by LGBTQ+ artists, the Children’s Headquarters, Youth Zone, food vendors, and health resources. Festival hours run Saturday from 11 am–9 pm on Palm Canyon and until 11:30 pm on the Arenas Stage, with Sunday festivities continuing from 11 am–5 pm across all venues. Come out and be part of the celebration!
Palm Springs Pride 5K Run & Walk
Lace up for a morning of pride, purpose, and community at the Palm Springs Pride 5K Run & Walk on Saturday, November 8 from 8 am–12 pm. Starting behind the Corridor Shops, this scenic route winds through Old Las Palmas and Vista Las Palmas, celebrating unity while raising vital funds for eleven local LGBTQ+ nonprofits. See them all on our event listing: More info
The Official Palm Springs Pride Pool Party
Celebrate Pride poolside at the Palm Springs Surf Club during the Official Palm Springs Pride Pool Party on Saturday, November 8 from 11 am–5 pm. This 21+ event features access to the island pool, lazy river, and poolside bar, plus live DJ entertainment and a taco bar available for purchase. With thousands of attendees and a unique desert–surf setting, it’s the ultimate way to soak up the spirit of Pride. Get tickets
Rainbow Splash Pool Party
Make a splash at this official Palm Springs Pride event: the Rainbow Splash Pool Party on Saturday, November 8 from noon–4 pm at CCBC Resort Hotel in Cathedral City. Dive into an afternoon of music, community, and celebration with specialty drinks, festive floats, and sunny vibes. Get tickets
That Totally ’80s Party
Get ready to rewind the clock at That Totally ’80s Party on Saturday, November 8 from 7–10 pm at Canopy Wine Lounge. DJ Galaxy spins the decade’s greatest hits while guests sip wine, flaunt their fiercest 80s looks, and celebrate Pride in true retro style. Neon, nostalgia, and nonstop dancing await. Get tickets
Neon Oasis Party for Queer Women
Neon Oasis is the ultimate destination for queer women and friends on Saturday, November 8 from 8 pm–2 am at The Sonoran in Palm Springs. Powered by SHE Entertainment and Eden Entertainment Group, this high-voltage Pride Weekend party delivers electrifying music, bold energy, and the place where the vibe hits just right. Get tickets
HRC Palm Springs Garden Party
Guests will celebrate equality in style at the 24th HRC Palm Springs Garden Party on Saturday, November 8 from 2–4:30 pm. Held at a private estate, this SOLD OUT signature Pride weekend fundraiser honors the City of Palm Springs and the Transgender Health & Wellness Center for their leadership and impact. More info
SUNDAY
Palm Springs Pride Parade
The Palm Springs Pride Parade steps off Sunday, November 9 from 10 am–12 pm, bringing colorful floats, fierce performers, and joyful community spirit to downtown. Starting in the Uptown Design District at Tachevah and Palm Canyon Drive, the parade travels south to the Pride Festival at Amado, where the celebration continues with music, open-air festivities, and LGBTQ+ pride in full bloom. More info
If you can’t be there in person: PromoHomo.TV® streams the 2025 Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade live starting at 9:30 am (with re-broadcast to follow!) Learn more
Protect the Dolls Brunch
Celebrate Pride with purpose at Protect the Dolls Brunch on Sunday, November 9 from 12–2 pm at The 4707. This glamorous afternoon features dazzling performances by trans and gender-expansive drag artists, a custom brunch buffet, flowing mimosas, and a trans DJ setting the vibe. Hosted by the Transgender Health & Wellness Center, the event uplifts the TGI community while supporting vital programs that foster resilience, visibility, and joy. Get tickets
LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Survey
The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert invites Coachella Valley residents to take part in its new LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Survey, designed to gather insights that will shape future programs, services, and advocacy efforts. By sharing lived experiences, participants help strengthen community support and ensure that local voices are heard and valued. Please take the 30-minute survey by Sunday, November 9.
