The complete guide to Greater Palm Springs Pride 2023: A calendar of key events
Ready for one of Palm Springs' biggest celebrations?
According to organizers, Greater Palm Springs Pride 2023 will feature 150,000 participants, making the event California's largest free Pride festival south of San Francisco.
Whether you can only swing by the parade or you're making your schedule for a whole weekend of Pride events, we've got all the info you need in our Pride calendar below.
Wednesday, Nov. 1
Official unfurling of the rainbow flag
When/where: 10 a.m. at the Jerry Stergios Tower, 1150 N. Indian Canyon Road, Palm Springs
Cost: Free
What to expect: Mark the official launch of Pride week with the annual unfurling of the rainbow flag from the Stergios Tower at Desert Regional Medical Center.
Thursday, Nov. 2
Fiesta ¡Orgullo! First Palm Springs Latin Pride Block Party
When/where: 6 to 10 p.m. on Arenas Road between Indian Canyon Drive and North Calle Encilia
Cost: Free
What to expect: Join the fiesta in the Arenas District with Latin rhythms, live shows and hosts.
Friday, Nov. 3
Grand opening of Trevor Wayne store
When/where: 4 to 7 p.m. at 901 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: Free
What to expect: Formally "Trevor Wayne Pop Art," the newest version of his store includes art pieces, books and art-related decor, as well as original art by local artists. The opening party will also include the grand openings of neighbors, Phylum and Cicada Fine Art.
LGBTQ servicemember wreath-laying ceremony
When/where: 6 p.m. at the Pride Festival Hornitos Stage, Palm Canyon Drive and East Amado Road
Cost: Free
What to expect: A pre-Veterans Day Ceremony with a parade of colors by veterans' organizations and remarks from dignitaries. The ceremony honors LGBTQ servicemembers and thanks all who served in the United States Armed Forces.
Arenas District Pride Weekend Kickoff
When/where: 6 to 11:30 p.m. on Arenas Road, between Indian Canyon Drive and North Calle Encilia
Cost: Free
What to expect: Start the weekend party with high-energy DJs and dancing in the streets. Headlining White Party Global DJ is one of the most-demanded female DJs, Isis Muretech. The event also include food trucks and outdoor beverage lounges.
Interfaith Pride Shabbat service
When/where: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at United Methodist Church of Palm Springs, 1555 E. Alejo Road
Cost: Free
What to expect: People of all faith communities and beliefs are encouraged to join the 2023 Pride Welcoming of the Sabbath Service. This pluralistic service, with a core of Jewish liturgy, includes song, ancient poetry, contemporary readings and meditation led by members of local clergy.
Broadway in Drag competition
When/where: 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Pride Festival Hornitos Stage
Cost: Free, but VIP costs $50
What to expect: This popular drag pageant returns with contestants vying for the Best in Drag crown. Hopefuls will have to bring their A-game when it comes to impersonating Broadway’s most treasured stars and starlets. 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, Nov. 4
Palm Springs Pride 5K Run and Walk
When/where: 8 a.m. at West Chino Drive and Belardo Road
Cost: $40 online registration through Nov. 1; $40 no shirt or $50 with shirt for in-person registration on Nov. 3; $30 online registration for virtual participants; $25 online or in-person registration for youth under 18
What to expect: Tie up those laces because the Palm Springs Pride 5K Run and Walk is back in the Old Las Palmas neighborhood. The 3.1 mile out and back course starts on West Chino Drive at Belardo Road and meanders through Old Las Palmas, once home to some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. All online registrants receive a T-shirt and commemorative medal. Proceeds will benefit The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert and Transgender Health & Wellness Center. Note: must register in advance.
Pride Festival
When/where: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Palm Canyon Drive from East Amado Road to West Baristo Road and the Arenas District
Cost: Free
What to expect: Enjoy this street fair, music festival and gathering place in the heart of Palm Springs. Amenities will include The La Crema Experience, the Recovery Oasis, DAP Health Wellness Pavilion, Children’s Garden and Youth Zone. A number of performers will hit the stage throughout the day, including headliners Lisa Lisa at 7 p.m., "Frozen" and "Wicked" star Idina Menzel at 8 p.m. and Chichi LaRue at 9 p.m.
Youth Zone
When/where: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Market Street between Museum Way and Andreas Road
Cost: Free
What to expect: Hosted by Safe Schools Desert Cities, the Youth Zone is the hub for LGBTQ+ youth between the ages of 14 and 21 and their allies. The Youth Zone features entertainment and games, free food and drinks, dancing, music, contests, drag and makeup fun, creative expression, chalk drawings, washrooms and safe-sex information.
Recovery Oasis
When/where: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. in downtown Palm Springs
Cost: Free
What to expect: Stop in for sobriety fun at the Recovery Oasis where everyone can celebrate Pride. Also open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Rainbow Splash Pool Party
When/where: Noon to 4 p.m. at CCBC Resort, 68-300 Gay Resort Drive, Cathedral City
Cost: $45 in advance, $50 at the door
What to expect: Join friends, old and new, at CCBC Resort for music and a pool party. Your ticket includes eight hours of day pass resort time. Tickets can be purchased at bit.ly/CCBCPool
Arenas District Official Party of Pride
When/where: 5 to 11:30 p.m. on Arenas Road between Indian Canyon Drive and North Calle Encilia
Cost: Free
What to expect: LGBTQ+ bars and local businesses pack to the rafters and spill onto the streets for the biggest free LGBTQ+ street party in Palm Springs. The Official Party of Pride includes performers JAE FUSZ and DJ MOHAMMAD.
Tuff Party
When/where: 8 to 11 p.m. at Tool Shed, 600 E. Sunny Dunes Road, Palm Springs
Cost: General admission is $25, VIP is $55
What to expect: TUFF Party is an all-inclusive dance party for the fetish and alternative lifestyle members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Tickets can be purchased at tuffparty.com
Endeavor With Pride: A Pre-Parade Workout
When/where: 8:30 a.m. North Palm Canyon Drive & East Granvia Valmonte, Palm Springs
Cost: Free
What to expect: ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor Jase Nagaia will lead a low-impact workout to set the tone and prepare for parade day.
Sunday, Nov. 5
Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade
When/where: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Palm Canyon Drive between Tachevah Drive and East Amado Road, Palm Springs. The La Crema Wines Parade Stage is located at East Granvia Valmonte and North Palm Canyon Drive. The Deaf Pride reviewing stand is north of East Amado Road at North Palm Canyon Drive and features sign language Interpretation. Seating is available for the deaf community on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cost: Free
What to expect: Thousands of spectators gather for the annual Pride parade, which features local organizations, activists and themed floats along Palm Canyon Drive.
Pride Festival
When/where: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Palm Canyon Drive from East Amado Road to West Baristo Road and the Arenas District
Cost: Free
What to expect: A street fair, music festival and gathering place in the heart of Palm Springs. Amenities will include The La Crema Experience, the Recovery Oasis, DAP Health Wellness Pavilion, Children’s Garden and Youth Zone. A number of performers will hit the stage throughout the day, including headliners Kylie Sonique Love at 1:50 p.m. and 10,000 Maniacs at 3 p.m.
Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge Champagne Brunch and Parade Party
When/where: 9 a.m. until parade ends, Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge, 849 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs.
Cost: Brunch menu is $48 per person plus tax and gratuity. Make reservations early at 760-325-8490 or eight4nine.com/#reservation
What to expect: Enjoy parade viewing from the patio or lounge. 25% of sales will be donated to Greater Palm Springs Pride.
TRIO Parade Party
When/where: 9 a.m. until parade ends, TRIO, 707 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: Call for cost. Limited seating available. For reservations call 760-864-8746.
What to expect: Enjoy food, champagne, mimosas and Bloody Marys at TRIO during the Parade from the TRIO big top and patio. A portion of sales will be donated to Greater Palm Springs Pride.
Pride Block Party
When/where: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Arenas Road between Indian Canyon Drive and Calle Encilia, Palm Springs
Cost: Free
What to expect: A block party in the Arenas District featuring open-air beverage lounges and food trucks. Music by KGAY 106.5's DJ Galaxy, DJ Eric Ornelas and DJ Mod Girl.
Alice B. Toklas Celebrates PSP2023
When/where: 7 to 8:30 p.m., Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Cost: $40 for members. $50 non-members. Proceeds help fund the future Palm Springs LGBTQ World History Museum. Call (442) 268-5004. MoAW.org
What to expect: A reading of the one-woman show based on the life of Alice B. Toklas by actress Barbara Kerr. The play, "The Necessary Luxury Company," written by Marty Martin, takes place after Gertrude’s death on an evening when Alice has invited a few of her friends for a sumptuous dinner she prepares while reminiscing about her extraordinary life with Gertrude Stein and the myriad artists and writers that peopled their lives.
Ema Sasic covers entertainment and health in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at ema.sasic@desertsun.com or on Twitter @ema_sasic.
Desert Sun reporter Brian Blueskye covers arts and entertainment. He can be reached at brian.blueskye@desertsun.com or on Twitter at @bblueskye.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: When is Palm Springs Pride 2023? A timeline of key events
