Palm Springs Pride organizers announced a traditional slate of in-person Pride events for the 35th annual LGBTQ celebration scheduled for November 1 – 7, 2021. The Pride parade and festival featuring multiple stages of live entertainment and a vendor marketplace will return to downtown Palm Springs.
The announcement, coming as the COVID-19 crisis subsides, sets the stage for California’s only large-scale, in-person Pride event to move forward in 2021. Providing a space for the community to gather after the stress, uncertainty, and isolation of the pandemic is expected to attract record attendance to Palm Springs. In 2019, Pride Week attracted an estimated 140,000 attendees and generated a $28 million direct spending economic impact for area hotels, shops, restaurants, and other local businesses.
Enjoy Pride in Palm Springs as you Sip, Sashay, Celebrate and Honor those who have courageously fought for equality and are no longer with us. Live your truth and no one else’s. Gather your friends, and together let’s celebrate our fearlessly authentic lives. Embrace diversity and advance the cause of individual freedom for all.
“You Are Included” is more than a theme for Pride 2021; it proclaims all are seen and loved. Our gender identity, race, religion, nationality, health status, and appearance are embraced, celebrated, and welcome at Palm Springs Pride.
When discussing what live events will look like in a post-COVID-19 world, Palm Springs Pride president and CEO Ron deHarte said, “Plans call for traditional Pride Week programming, and we look forward to a celebration of equality and diversity to be remembered for years to come. Of primary importance is hosting a safe event. If health guidelines are issued for large in-person events occurring in November, we are prepared to follow state, county, and city live event protocols.”
deHarte added, “We are frequently asked why does Palm Springs have Pride in November when June is Pride Month around the world. Palm Springs Pride was at the end of May, in June, or even July for our first ten years. Could you imaging the heat in July? We moved out of the month of June to November in 1995 because the 100º plus days were just too hot. Fortunately, Palm Springs Pride in November enjoys beautiful 80º days and cool desert evenings.”
Festival highlights include a Youth Zone, Children’s Garden, LGBTQ artists performing live, 200 back-to-back exhibitors, food and beverage stations, health resources, and HIV testing sites. Take your photo with Arty, the 20′ tall leather bear, and enjoy yourself in the Arenas Rd gayborhood, our pedestrian-only social center of LGBTQ-friendly bars, restaurants, and shopping. There’s something for everyone. Favorite bars and local businesses will be packed and spilling out onto the streets for the biggest LGBTQ street party in Palm Springs.
Details for Pride Week activities can be found online at palmspringspride.gay.
Featured programs and official events scheduled for this year’s Palm Springs Pride celebration include those listed below. In the weeks ahead, organizers will announce additional events along with the entertainment lineup.
George Zander Candlelight Vigil and March
Monday, November 1, 2021 (6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.)
New Downtown Park at Museum Way and Belardo Rd, Palm Springs, CA
Pspride.org
Free Event
Join us in downtown Palm Springs to reflect, remember, and stand up against hate violence around the world. We will honor the memories of all victims of hate crimes and remember George Zander and Chris Zander on the sixth anniversary of the day they were attacked in Downtown Palm Springs. George died on December 10, 2015. Help us carry forward the social justice efforts that defined his life. We must remain determined to change hate, intolerance, and ignorance into love and acceptance.
The vigil will begin at the Downtown Park and features a rally and march through the heart of Palm Springs. We will never forget. Join us as we speak out against hate.
Sponsored by DAP Health
Pride Drive-in Movie Night screening
November 3, 2021 (5:30 – 9:30 p.m.)
presented by Nissan
Camelot Theatres
2300 E Baristo Rd
Pspride.org
Pride Drive-in Movie Night presented by Nissan provides socially responsible and nostalgic fun. The Palm Springs Cultural Center Drive-In Experience invites you to step back in time under the starlit Palm Springs night and re-live the magic of yesteryear with a modern, pop-up cinematic twist!
Join us and celebrate Greater Palm Springs Pride 2021 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center Drive-In. The film is brought to you by our presenting sponsor NISSAN and is a partnership between Greater Palm Springs Pride and the Palm Springs Cultural Center.
Film title and ticket availability available in early August.
November 5
Flag Raising
Friday, November 5, 2021 (10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.)
Presented by Lighthouse Dispensary
Pspride.org
Pride Weekend starts with our traditional Flag Raising, where our elected officials and civic leaders speak about what Pride means to the City of Palm Springs. Cheer on and witness in person or online the unfurling of the giant rainbow flag from the top of iconic buildings and homes across the city. Rainbow flags symbolic of both the unity and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community will fly throughout the city and remind the world that everyone is supported, embraced, and welcome in Palm Springs.
Location announced in early August.
Palm Springs Coming Out Celebration
A Night of Hundred Stars
Friday, November 5, 2021 (5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.)
Palm Canyon Drive from Museum Way to Tahquitz Canyon Way
Free Event. VIP tickets available for pre-reception in late summer.
Pspride.org
Presented by the City of Palm Springs and partners featuring SAG-AFTRA, US Bank, DAP Health
The Coming Out Celebration is a citywide evening of entertainment and surprises. As the COVID-19 crisis subsides after the stress, uncertainty, and isolation of the pandemic, our community can once again come out, come together and celebrate.
You Are Included – join us and Hundred Stars that love the desert and embrace the spirit, the energy, gratitude, and a profound sense of community in Palm Springs. Bring your friends and family, taste great food, shop, enjoy the entertainment and the best people-watching as you kick off Pride Weekend.
Head to the city’s streets at the center of downtown for a night of revelry. Be entertained by live performances on the main stage and surprises around every corner. The night will feature drop-ins from Hundred Stars – the faces and voices that entertain and inform America and the world. Artists, comedians, and musicians that live in or call Palm Springs home will join the festivities as a way of supporting the community they call home.
A host for the evening is the national co-chair for the SAG-AFTRA LGBTQ committee, actor, and comedian Jason Stuart who said, “This moment is significant in that we have a yearning to be connected with our friends and family.” Many SAG-AFTRA members call Palm Springs home. “This celebration allows artists to come out in celebration of all that Palm Springs represents – life, love, community, the desert environment, diversity, and our friendly mid-century vibe!”
Tickets to a VIP cocktail reception fundraiser for the 35-year-old 501c(3) nonprofit Palm Springs Pride organization will be available late summer. Enjoy the unique opportunity to support the Pride organization and mingle with many local actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists, and other media professionals. It will be a night of a Hundred Stars!
Palm Springs. Like No Place Else.
Interfaith Pride Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, November 5, 2021 (6:30 p.m.)
Follow us for details @ facebook.com/orhamidbarps
We invite people of all faith communities and beliefs to join the 2021 Pride Welcoming of the Sabbath Service.
The Interfaith Pride Kabbalat Shabbat is a pluralistic prayer service with a core of Jewish liturgy that will include song, ancient poetry, contemporary readings, and meditation led by members of our local clergy.
Join us on Facebook LIVE @ https://www.facebook.com/orhamidbarps
Presented BY: Or Hamidbar PS, United Methodist Church of Palm Springs,
Bloom in the Desert Ministries UCC, Hope Palm Springs, and Saint Gilles Catholic Community.
Light Up the Night
November 1 – 7, 2021 (5:00 p.m. to Midnight daily)
Presented by Alaska Airlines and Gay Desert Guide
Help illuminate Palm Springs in a sea of pink or rainbow. Homes and businesses are called on to light up in pink or rainbow colors celebrating all-inclusive love and solidarity for the LGBTQ+ community in Palm Springs. The lighting event symbolizes the hope of a community that understands the impact of discrimination and hate in our lives.
Everyone is invited to host their Pride lighting ceremony alongside thousands of other advocates for equality, equity, and diversity across Greater Palm Springs. Encourage your friends and neighbors to join in. How you choose to Light Up the Night is limited only by your imagination.
The best display of lights – in pink or rainbow – could win you air travel certificates for two on Alaska Airlines and other great prizes. The public will vote online for the best residence and business decorations.
Saturday
Front Runners Pride 5K Run and Walk
Saturday, November 6
West Chino Drive and Belardo Road
palmspringspriderun.com
Palm Springs Pride 5k Run and Walk start at Chino Drive and Belardo Road, Palm Springs.
The 2021 Palm Springs Pride 5k Run and Walk will be an in-person and Virtual event. The in-person run and walk start at 8 a.m. The 5k course through Old Las Palmas is an out and back course on paved city streets with a slight elevation change of just 117 feet. The course winds through a former citrus grove that gave way to homes of celebrities like Liberace, Mary Martin, Alan Ladd, William Powell, George Randolph Hearst, Kirk Douglas, Lily Tomlin, and more. Proceeds from the 2021 Palm Springs Pride 5k Run and Walk will be donated to our major beneficiary, the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert.
Advance registration is $30 before September 30, $35 before November 4, $40 after November 4. Same-day registration will be available from 7:00 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. The in-person run and walk may be limited in the number of attendees, so please register early.
Register now, and also join the Facebook event and follow us on Instagram. Join the virtual celebration!
For details, visit our event website: https://www.palmspringspriderun.com
5th Annual Palm Springs Pride Golf Tournament
Saturday, November 6 (7:00 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
Location announced soon.
Register: www.stonewallgolfers.com
The Palm Springs Pride Golf Tournament, presented by the Stonewall Golfers, returns with a friendly 4-Person Team Scramble.
The entry fee buys 18 holes of championship golf, cart, practice range access, a light breakfast, and an awards lunch. Register by going to the Events page at www.stonewallgolfers.com, create a guest account, and select the Palm Springs Pride event on 11/6/21. You may form your foursomes.
Questions or requests: info@stonewallgolfers.com
www.stonewallgolfers.com
Pride Festival Day 1
Saturday, November 6, 2021 (11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
Free event
A street fair, a music festival of diverse artists, and a gathering place, the Pride Festival is a celebration of all that is LGBTQ+ in Palm Springs. Downtown Palm Springs. Exhibitor marketplace opens at 11:00 a.m. Free Event.
Sip, Sashay and Celebrate in one large Event Venue in Downtown Palm Springs! All the action happens on Palm Canyon Dr and in the new downtown park and surrounding streets.
• Main Stage on Tahquitz and Palm Canyon. (2 p.m.–10:00 p.m.)
• Downtown Park Stage on Museum Way and Museum Dr (2 p.m.–10 p.m.)
Servicemember Reembrace Wreath Laying for LGBT Veterans
Saturday, November 6, 2021 (2:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m.)
Pride Festival Main Stage
We pause to remember the men and women who have given their lives in defense of our freedom. Only days before Veteran’s Day, the Palm Springs LGBTQ community will come together to hold a wreath-laying ceremony and memorial service at the Pride Festival main stage. The service is in honor of the LGBTQ individuals who have served the US as soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, and Coast Guard members.
November 6 and November 7
Youth Zone @ the Pride Festival
The Youth Zone is the hub for LGBTQ+ youth and their allies at the Pride Festival.
Free access for youth 14 to 21
Open Saturday 11 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Pride Youth Zone is our safe space for queer youth to hang out and meet others within the Pride Festival.
The Youth Zone features continuous entertainment and activities, free food and drink, games, dancing, DJ Eric Ornelas, karaoke, seating, contests, games, youth-only confidential testing, drag and make-up fun, great conversation, creative expression, chalk drawing, shade from the sun, toilets and a washing station, safe sex information. EVERYTHING IS FREE. All youth are embraced.
The Zone is created and hosted by Safe Schools Desert Cities and sponsored by the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast.
Children’s Garden – C-HQ
A playful place for children and their accompanying adults to celebrate Pride
Free for infants to pre-teen
Open Saturday 11 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Look for the BIG Rainbow and Jumpy at the festival.
Families are invited to join us for arts and crafts and games. Hosted by Palm Springs Pride, C-HQ is a lively place for children and accompanying adults. A private family-only place is hands-on fun for you and your kids — from infants to pre-teens.
We’re excited to host a free attraction for children and LGBTQ+ families during Pride Weekend. LGBTQ+ families are welcomed to the Children’s Garden for free kid-friendly activities.
All kids are encouraged to have fun during Pride and learn the importance of being proud of who they are.
Complimentary snacks and cool drinks, a nap area, and a clean port-a-potty along with a diaper-changing station ensure that the children’s space fulfills the needs of a festival-going family. Parents are required to stay in the children’s play area with their children.
Sunday
S Drag Brunch Pride Edition
Sunday, November 7 (9:00 a.m. – Noon)
Roly China Fusion
1107 N Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs
www.psdragbrunch.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, including a top-tier drag show hosted by resident leading lady- Rosemary Galore.
This one of a kind even has three ticket levels to choose from, Diva/VIP, Mean Girls Lounge, and of course – the Basic Bitches.
Join us for the most fun Pride has to offer. Buy tickets at www.psdragbrunch.com/
Proceeds benefit the nonprofit Palm Springs Pride organization.
EIGHT4NINE Restaurant & Lounge Champagne Brunch and Parade Party
Sunday, November 7 (9:00 a.m.)
849 N Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs
eight4nine.com/
Grab your family and friends and make plans to join us for Pride Brunch.
How It Works:
The special EIGHT4NINE Pride Champagne Brunch menu is a great way to eat and drink well while enjoying the Pride Parade while you also help your local Pride organization. EIGHT4NINE will donate 25% of the sales from the Pride Brunch menu to Greater Palm Springs Pride to help keep Pride free and accessible for everyone. Join us for the annual Pride Parade and enjoy.
Make your reservations early by calling 760-325-8490 or visit
https://eight4nine.com/
Trio Pride Parade Party
Sunday, November 7 (9 a.m. until parade ends)
707 N Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs
triopalmsprings.com
Trio is the perfect spot for watching the parade from our Trio Big Top and Patio.
Bring your friends, enjoy brunch, watch the Pride Parade and celebrate at Trio.
Questions or Reservations: 760-864-Trio (8746)
Proceeds benefit the nonprofit Palm Springs Pride organization.
Palm Springs Pride Parade
Sunday, November 7 (10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
Free Event.
The colorful parade steps off in the Uptown Design District at Tachevah and Palm Canyon Dr. and travels south through downtown ending at the entrance to the Pride Festival at Amado. www.pspride.org
Known for its crystal blue skies and year-round sunshine, the city of Palm Springs comes alive during the annual Pride celebration. Thousands of spectators will gather along palm tree-lined streets to cheer and support local organizations, activists, and themed floats along historic Palm Canyon Dr. The parade is scheduled to last two and a half hours.
Pride Festival Day 2
Sunday, November 7, 2021 (11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
A street fair, a music festival of diverse artists, and a gathering place, the Pride Festival is a celebration of all that is LGBTQ+ in Palm Springs. Downtown Palm Springs. Exhibitor marketplace opens at 11:00 a.m. Free Event.
Sip, Sashay and Celebrate in one large Event Venue in Downtown Palm Springs! All the action happens on Palm Canyon Dr and in the new downtown park and surrounding streets.
• Main Stage on Tahquitz and Palm Canyon. (2 p.m.–10:00 p.m.)
• Downtown Park Stage on Museum Way and Museum Dr (2 p.m.–10 p.m.)PS
ABOUT THE 2021 PALM SPRINGS PRIDE FESTIVAL POSTER
This year’s Palm Springs Pride Poster and T-Shirt artwork were created by fine artist Shag (aka Josh Agle) and celebrate this year’s theme of “You are Included.” Shag has his retail store and gallery in Palm Springs aptly called “The Shag store” located on N Palm Canyon Drive https://shagstore.com. Shag has had solo exhibitions worldwide, been on numerous magazines and album covers, and hired by too many corporate companies to list for his artworks, including Disney and Coca-Cola.
“Capturing the spirit of love, gratefulness, survival, health, and a profound sense of community that the 2021 Pride celebration represents is a big ask for an artist. If anyone can capture the feeling of what this year’s celebration represents in an iconic print, it’s Shag,” said Ron deHarte, president of Palm Springs Pride. “His strong images, mid-mod lifestyle, ability to create the scene everyone wants to be in is exactly what our community needs this year.”
Shag also works closely with the Coachella Valley Board of Marketing (the CVB), The Palm Springs Animal Shelter, Pride, Modernism Week, and many other exciting and socially responsible organizations. We welcome everyone to visit and enjoy our Shag store in Palm Springs.
ABOUT GREATER PALM SPRINGS PRIDE
(Link to Palm Springs Pride logo)
Greater Palm Springs Pride (www.pspride.org) is a nonprofit community enhancement organization founded to promote public education and awareness of individual rights and civil liberties of the LGBTQ community. And to promote this communities’ history, diversity, and future prosperity. Palm Springs Pride has been a tireless advocate for equality and diversity since the first Coachella Valley Pride event was held in 1986.
The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization brings together the skills, talents, and vision of our diverse community through its programs, including the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast, Pride Honors Awards, the Cesar Chavez Breakfast, and the Pride Parade, Pride Festival, and the downtown Arenas Rd. Block Party.
For more information about Greater Palm Springs Pride, visit www.pspride.org. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/palmsprings.pride.
