The timing could be better. As over 750 worldwide travel professionals from IGLTA wrap up their idyllic week in Palm Springs, we gather on Friday evening to dedicate the Arenas Pride Flag.
Just like the old-fashioned barn raisings from the early days of America, our Pride flag raising is a community effort made possible by a number of small donors and businesses.
Contrast that to the abomination happening with our White House. That expansion to what equates to a “double-wide” is funded by political cronies looking to curry favor with our dictator wannabe. But I digress…
The flag will serve as a powerful symbol of the importance the LGBTQ+ community plays in both the history and the future of Palm Springs. In a time when many tourist destinations are hamstrung on their ability to draw visitors, Greater Palm Springs has stepped up. Not only did Visit Greater Palm Springs invest heavily in bringing #IGLTA2025 to our destination, the Palm Springs City Council on Wednesday night voted unanimously to support Palm Springs Pride with additional ‘in-kind’ funding to cover city expenses.
Although mis-characterized in the local courts of social opinion and by at least one news organization, the funding for Pride was not a bailout. I’m glad our city council supported Pride. And I look forward to having a tear in my eyes tonight as another symbol of support for our community – the Arenas Gilbert Baker-designed Pride flag – is dedicated in defiance to what’s happening in the rest of the country.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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Arenas District Flag Raising Block Party
The Arenas District comes alive with pride and purpose at the Flag Raising Block Party on Friday, October 24 at 5 pm. This free celebration features live music, drag performances, rally moments, and the historic first raising of the iconic Pride flag. All are welcome to join the festivities (including our IGLTA friends, LGBTQ+ travel professionals visiting this week from around the world!). Help us “Be Heard” and show up for equality. More info
East Coachella Valley Pride
The 9th Annual East Coachella Valley Pride Festival is this Sunday, October 26 from 3–8 pm at the Coachella Valley Library Park & Gardens. This youth-led celebration uplifts LGBTQ+ voices in the Eastern Coachella Valley with performances, art, food vendors, and community resources. Performers include Danza Azteca Citlaltonac, Anima Tsitsiki, Mxxa, Mexican folkloric dancers Alma Folklorica Metztli, poet Mario Francisco, Indio-based alternative drag artist Saliva, and local indie band The Divines. The theme of this year’s ECV Pride is “Orgullo floreciendo sin fin” (“Pride blooming without end”). Come for connection, creativity, and pride. More info
12th Annual Reel Women’s Film Festival
The 12th Annual Reel Women’s Film Festival returns to the Palm Springs Cultural Center with a dynamic lineup of films spotlighting women’s voices and global perspectives. Taking place Sunday, October 26, the festival spotlights the films The Day Iceland Stood Still, The Seeds of Vandana Shiva, The Walk, Bicycle, and Matighar. Proceeds benefit Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest, supporting inclusive health care, education, and advocacy across the region. Doors open at 12 pm. Get tickets
Edie: Las Vegas Showgirl Unleashed
On Saturday, October 25 at 7:30 pm, the Palm Springs Cultural Center welcomes Las Vegas drag icon Edie in Las Vegas Showgirl: Unleashed. Fresh off a 13-year run as emcee of Cirque du Soleil’s Zumanity, Edie brings a dazzling, high-energy celebration of her 30-year career to the stage. Expect a whirlwind of song, dance, comedy, and behind-the-scenes stories from ballet to Broadway to Vegas—all served with signature showgirl flair. Get tickets
IGLTA National Convention
Palm Springs is hosting the 2025 International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) Global Convention from Tuesday–Saturday, October 21–25, bringing up to 2,000 travel industry professionals from more than 40 countries to the Palm Springs Convention Center. Since 1983, IGLTA has been a leading force in shaping inclusive tourism worldwide, and this high-profile gathering marks a significant moment for the Coachella Valley. The convention offers a platform for sharing best practices, building global partnerships, and advancing LGBTQ+ representation in travel. Its presence in Palm Springs underscores our region’s role as a welcoming destination and a hub for innovation in hospitality. More info
Revivals After Dark
Revivals After Dark returns Friday, October 24 from 6–7:30 pm at Revivals Palm Springs “Back Alley” with drag icon and DJ Honey Davenport spinning a high-voltage set that fuels both fun and fundraising. This adults-only pop-up transforms the back alley into a vibrant bazaar of pre-loved treasures, leatherwear, erotica, and community connection—all benefiting DAP Health and Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert. More info
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
Palm Canyon Theatre rolls out the glittery road trip adventure with Priscilla Queen of the Desert, running October 24–November 16. This high-energy musical follows three drag queens across the Australian outback, packed with dazzling costumes, iconic pop anthems, and a heartfelt celebration of identity, friendship, and fabulousness. Get tickets
The Addams Family Musical
Get ready for a delightfully ghoulish weekend as The Addams Family Musical takes over Rancho Mirage Amphitheater, Friday–Sunday, October 24–26. Presented by Desert Theatricals and the City of Rancho Mirage, this lively production features a live orchestra and a cast of local stage favorites. With Wednesday Addams in love and Gomez caught in a secret, expect hilarity, heart, and spooky charm in this all-ages musical comedy. Get tickets
The Inheritance – Part 2
The Bent Theatre Company presents The Inheritance – Part 2 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center/Camelot Theatre, running through Sunday, November 2. Inspired by E.M. Forster’s Howards End, this sweeping drama explores three generations of gay men as they navigate survival, identity, and the meaning of home. Whether or not you saw Part One, audiences will be seamlessly caught up before diving into this emotional journey of connection, reckoning, and renewal. Adult content; nudity included. Get tickets
The Cottage
Broadway’s killer comedy The Cottage runs through Sunday, November 2. Set in the 1920s, this stylish and scandalous romp follows one woman’s daring decision to expose her affair—unleashing a whirlwind of secrets, betrayal, and absurd hilarity. With razor-sharp dialogue and unexpected twists, the production offers a wickedly funny take on love, marriage, and the messiness in between. Get tickets
AutumnFest at the Tram
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will host its inaugural AutumnFest celebration on Saturday, October 25 from 11 am–3 pm. Held at Pines Café atop the tramway, the event features a festive three-course German meal and live polka music by Bavarian Stew. Guests can enjoy bratwurst, sauerkraut, schnitzel, German chocolate cake, and Bavarian pretzels while soaking in the Alpine atmosphere. Specialty beers and traditional attire are encouraged for a full cultural experience. More info
Halloween Chili Car Show
Palm Springs Air Museum fires up the fun with its 16th annual Halloween Chili Car Show on Saturday, October 25 at 10 am. Classic cars and spicy chili come together in this festive celebration, featuring tastings from museum volunteers’ secret recipes starting at 11 am. Costumes are encouraged, and family-friendly vibes abound. Get tickets
Concert for Autism 18
A remarkable day of music and community spirit awaits at Concert for Autism 18 at Big Rock Pub in Indio. Guests will enjoy performances by Fever Dog, Dufreign, Whitewater, The Ill Eagles, Palm Swings, Courtney Chambers, Derek Jordan Gregg, David Saba, The Hellions, Giselle WOO and Night Owls, Jetta King, Julian and the Band, Nick Galvan, Rick Shelley, Lansce Riebsomer, and Kimberly Cofer. In addition to the great music, the event will include silent auctions and drawings, along with activities for kids. The fun runs all day on Saturday, October 25 starting at 1 pm. More info
61st Annual Golf Cart Parade
Palm Desert’s most whimsical tradition rolls back into town on Sunday, October 26 for the 61st Annual Golf Cart Parade! Festivities kick off at 8 am with a pancake breakfast, followed by the colorful, community-powered parade at noon along El Paseo. From creatively decked-out carts to local entertainment, this beloved event celebrates the spirit of the Coachella Valley while raising funds for area charities. Lace up your walking shoes and join the fun! More info
10th Annual Night Sky Festival
The Night Sky Festival returns Friday and Saturday, October 24–25, celebrating the awe-inspiring skies of Joshua Tree National Park with a weekend of stargazing, science, and creativity. This annual fundraiser for Sky’s The Limit Observatory and the Joshua Tree National Park Association features telescope clinics, gold panning, solar crafts, astronomy lectures from NASA scientists, and a spectacular Saturday night star party with live music and constellation tours. All tickets must be purchased in advance: Get tickets
NoirCon 2025
NoirCon offers four days of shadowy intrigue, cinematic grit, and literary depth from Thursday–Sunday, October 23–26. This year’s theme, “Novel Journeys,” brings seven riveting films to the big screen, each adapted from classic noir novels. Featured titles include Detour, In a Lonely Place, The Talented Mr. Ripley, Lost Highway, Suddenly, Gideon’s Day, and Blitz. Each screening is paired with guest-hosted insights and behind-the-scenes stories. Beyond the films, NoirCon offers panels, award presentations, and a keynote on adaptation by Kristen Lopez, making this a must-attend for noir lovers and newcomers alike. Get tickets
Take the 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 October 31.
