Downright giddy! That’s how me and my friends were feeling as election results steamrolled in on Tuesday night. We were joined together via FaceTime — because one of our friends was so superstitious about gathering in person that he refused to watch together.
This time the drinks were flowing in celebration not defeat as we did two years ago. In the days that have followed, the news has just gotten better. It was a big blue wave!
For our LGBTQ+ community, we feel a collective sigh of relief. Not that the cruelty is over, because so much damage has been done. But the calvary is just over the proverbial hill and we’re about to be saved from the Trump administration’s continued gutting of our rights and visibility.
So our 40th Palm Springs Pride celebration will feel unencumbered by the weight of another election loss. “Be Included” is a new starting point for us to gain back those losses that will likely take a decade or more to fully reverse. It’s amazing to me what two years of a concerted effort — laid out in part by the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 — have done.
They take credit for Trump’s executive orders affecting the National Park Service, for example. Here’s their take on it:
The Executive Order President Trump signed last year on National Parks, Smithsonian museums, and monuments was designed to counter those who attempt to “rewrite our Nation’s history.”
The National Park Service published a series of 25 articles (removed last year) on places that tell LGBTQ+ history. One of the sites was the Kinsey Institute. Alfred Kinsey infamously oversaw the sexual molestation of 317 boys, beginning at the age of two months. Yet the NPS lauded Kinsey’s “research” for contributing to a “heterosexual-homosexual rating scale, placing the sexual behavior of individuals along a continuum.”
As disturbing as that claim is, it’s just one example of the coordinated effort that took place and that we will have to work to reverse.
For this weekend, we’ll proudly fly our Pride flags and march down the street in solidarity with all our the letters in our LGBTQIA+ alphabet. Let’s embrace one another in unity as we feel the collective weight of Trump’s cruelty start to lift off our chests. (Just don’t try to hug KGAY’s John Taylor. A well meaning bear did so last week and he cracked a rib.)
Stop by our Arenas Road welcome center this weekend, take a selfie, register to win our fabulous giveaway or support the Palm Springs AIDS Memorial with the “Threads For Hope” commemorative t-shirt. And let’s share a “high five” (not a hug) celebrating our 40th Pride.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
For the latest, follow our socials @GayDesertGuide and @KGAYPalmSprings and listen to KGAY Palm Springs wherever you reside!
#ILoveGayPalmSprings #ILoveGayCatCity #ILoveGayTravel #ILoveGay #SayKGAY #FindYourOasis #SupportYourStation #VisitGPS #LGBTQTravel #VisitPalmSprings
Greater Palm Springs Pride Celebration
Downtown Palm Springs bursts with color, music, and community spirit during the Greater Palm Springs Pride Celebration, running Friday through Sunday, November 6–8. Celebrating four decades of pride under the official theme “Be Included,” the festival spans Palm Canyon Drive and Arenas Road with food, beverages, artisan crafts, and non-stop live entertainment. Festivalgoers can experience dynamic performer lineups across the Arenas District Stage, DJ Stage at Palm Canyon and Amado, and Pride Community Stage at Tahquitz and Palm Canyon, bringing together residents and visitors for an extraordinary weekend filled with unity, diversity, and celebration across the downtown area.
Gay Desert Guide Pride Planner
Our Pride Planner 2026 is your one-stop resource for parade details, stage guides, dining recommendations, weekend schedules, FAQs, and more as Palm Springs celebrates 40 years of Pride. Check it out and make your pride plans! Here’s what you’ll find on that page:
Limited-Edition Pride Tees and Getaway Prize Package
Celebrate Palm Springs Pride while making a difference through KGAY 103.1’s Threads for Hope fundraiser in the Arenas District! From 3–7 pm Friday, stop by the KGAY 103.1 and Gay Desert Guide booth and make a minimum $20 donation to benefit the Palm Springs AIDS Memorial. As an added boost, DAP Health will match donations, helping double the impact of your contribution. Plus, you’ll receive a beautiful limited-edition commemorative T-shirt celebrating 40 Years of Community, while supplies last!
While you’re there, be sure to ENTER TO WIN the Ultimate Palm Springs Getaway / Stay-cation, featuring $1,000 in prizes from some of the area’s favorite attractions, restaurants, and businesses. One lucky winner will receive a two-night stay at Hotel Zoso, passes for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, plus gift cards from Lulu California Bistro, Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill, Johannes, Ponzu Sushi, Monster Shakes, Townie Bagels Bakery Cafe, and Festival Theaters! Stop by the KGAY 103.1 and Gay Desert Guide booth on Arenas Road throughout Pride Weekend to enter for your chance to win this incredible Palm Springs prize package!
Palm Springs Pride Weekend Schedule
Get an overview of the weekend itinerary using the Palm Springs Pride Weekend Schedule: On Friday, November 6, start the day poolside at the Official Pride Pool Party hosted at Palm Springs Surf Club from 2–6 pm featuring a heated pool, lazy river, live DJ, and food and drink specials. Later that evening, join a welcoming service led by local clergy during the Interfaith Pride Kabbalat Shabbat at United Methodist Church of Palm Springs from 6:30–7:30 pm, or gather with chosen family as festival stages open downtown, including the Arenas District Stage from 3–11:30 pm and the DJ Stage at Palm Canyon Drive and Amado Road from 5–11:30 pm.
On Saturday, November 7, registered participants can join the sold-out Pride 5K Run & Walk hosted by Palm Springs Front Runners and Walkers from 8–11 am, or enjoy a clothing-optional poolside afternoon with DJ entertainment, dining, and drinks at Runway during the CCBC Rainbow Splash Pool Party at CCBC Resort Hotel from noon–4 pm. Saturday’s free Pride Festival stages run from 11 am–11:30 pm on the Arenas District Stage, and 11 am–10 pm on both the DJ Stage at Palm Canyon and Amado and the Pride Community Stage at Tahquitz and Palm Canyon. On Sunday, November 8, the main event is the Palm Springs Pride Parade along Palm Canyon Drive starting at 10 am. Following the parade, entertainment continues across the downtown festival grounds at the Pride Community Stage and DJ Stage until 5 pm, and on the Arenas District Stage until 7 pm. More info
Palm Springs Pride Stage Guide
Map out your entire weekend dance card with our Palm Springs Pride Stage Guide, highlighting non-stop live performances across three downtown stages all weekend. Festivalgoers can experience headliners including pop artist Aubrey O’Day taking the stage on Sunday, November 8 at 6 pm, and queer country stars The Cowgays—featuring Adam Mac, Brooke Eden, and Chris Housman—performing on Saturday, November 7 at 6 pm. Additional featured acts include Tom Aspaul, Luxx Noir London, Sizzy Rocket, GAYC/DC, and the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus, along with daily drag showcases hosted by Jackette Knightley, Jai Rodriguez, Christina Dahling, and Bella da Ball.
KGAY listeners can also catch their favorite DJs on the Arenas Stage, starting with MODGIRL presenting GLITTER BALL on Saturday, November 7 at 8:25 pm. The KGAY talent continues on Sunday, November 8 with DJ Galaxy spinning at 12 pm, DJ Eric Ornelas taking the decks at 3 pm, and MODGIRL returning to close out the afternoon with a RAINBOW RAVE at 4:45 pm. More info
Palm Springs Pride Parade
Festive floats and marching groups transform Palm Canyon Drive for the Palm Springs Pride Parade on Sunday, November 8 at 10 am. Grand Marshals include Fortune Feimster, Cheyenne Jackson, Marshall Pearcy, and Gary Moline. KGAY’s own John Taylor and Brad Fuhr help lead the procession along the downtown parade route in vehicles from Jessup Auto Plaza. Home viewers can watch live television coverage on KESQ CW 5 hosted by Patrick Evans, Angela Chen, and Katie Boer, or catch Nicholas Snow‘s online broadcast on PromoHomo.TV starting at 9:30 am. Get all the details and route map in our Front Row Guide to 2026 Palm Springs Pride Parade
Also This Weekend
Sam Morrison: Sugar Daddy
Raunchy comedy and touching personal reflection take the stage at Palm Springs Plaza Theatre when comedian Sam Morrison presents Sugar Daddy on Friday, November 6 at 7 pm. Presented by Alan Cumming, this hit Off-Broadway show shares Morrison’s hilarious story of finding love at a gay bear festival and navigating grief after losing his partner. More info
Pride Weekend at Toucans Tiki Lounge
Pride Weekend at Toucans Tiki Lounge kicks off Friday, November 6 with Flip Phone’s Palm Springs Pride Disco & FurBall featuring DJ Gracy D from 4–7:30 pm and DJ Trixie Mattel from 7:30–9:30 pm. On Saturday, November 7, enjoy drag brunch with Luxx Noir London, followed by NYC’s Motherdisco with DJ Emil Cohen from 4–10 pm and an all-Madonna party. The finale arrives Sunday, November 8 with drag brunch starring Laganja Estranja, doors at 4 pm, and host Meatball presenting Fat Slut featuring Willam, Big Dipper, Jasmine Masters, Vander Von Odd, Landon Cider, Biqtch Puddin, Alexa Kamryn, Kyra Jete, Sasha Cassadine, and DJ Bella Spreads. More info
Cheyenne Jackson: That Guy from That Thing
Grammy and Emmy Award nominee Cheyenne Jackson takes center stage at McCallum Theatre for an intimate, one-night-only concert performance in That Guy from That Thing on Sunday, November 8 at 6 pm. Audiences will embark on an eclectic musical journey featuring a wide-ranging setlist of timeless classics and contemporary hits spanning Nat King Cole, Elton John, Sara Bareilles, and Leonard Bernstein. This featured Pride weekend show offers a funny, touching evening of song and personal reflection. More info
HRC Palm Springs Garden Party
The HRC Palm Springs Garden Party is on Saturday, November 7 from 1:30–4:30 pm. Marking its 25th anniversary milestone, this sold-out elegant afternoon gathering and auction brings together equality advocates to honor Michael Childers with the HRC Community Impact Award and Marc Malkin with the HRC Visibility Award, while raising essential funds for civil rights initiatives. More info
The Minutes
A small-town city council meeting turns contentious when a new member questions previous recordkeeping in The Minutes, playing at CV Rep October 28–November 15. Written by Pulitzer Prize winner Tracey Letts, this razor-sharp political satire peels back the polished surface of local democracy to uncover hidden secrets, raw power plays, chilling truths, and a timely examination of civic hypocrisy that resonates deeply with contemporary politics. More info
Jonathan Karrant: Great American Songbook
Supper club sophistication comes to The Purple Room Supper Club when Jonathan Karrant draws from the Great American Songbook on Friday and Saturday, November 6–7. Dinner service begins at 6 pm before the show starts at 8 pm. Karrant celebrates his new album Full Circle alongside an all-star jazz band. More info
John Cameron Mitchell: Hedwig 25th Anniversary
Head to the Palm Springs Cultural Center for the Hedwig 25th Anniversary Movie Tour on Saturday, November 7 from 7–10 pm. Creator, director, and star John Cameron Mitchell hosts a 4K restoration screening of Hedwig and the Angry Inch followed by an intimate live Q&A and a mini-acoustic performance. Arrive early for a pre-show costume contest featuring prizes. More info
- Hercules vs. Vampires • Nine opera singers and the LA Opera Orchestra perform a live operatic score synchronized to Mario Bava’s 1961 cult film starring Reg Park and Christopher Lee on Friday at 8 pm at McCallum Theatre. Composer Patrick Morganelli provides the adventurous new score for this operatic camp classic.
- Del Shores’ Sordid Lives • This cult classic dark comedy explores family dynamics, acceptance, and Southern charm through November 15 at Palm Canyon Theatre.
- Jurassic Drag • Drag legends Coco Peru, Jackie Beat, Sherry Vine, and Varla Jean Merman perform a prehistoric-themed show filled with comedy, music, and razor-sharp wit on Friday with two shows at 7 and 9:30 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center.
- Morgan Stanley 5th Annual Palm Springs Pride Community Event • Financial experts Nick Puncer and Matt Kaczmarek lead an insightful panel discussion on LGBTQ+ wealth planning, followed by a rooftop networking reception on Friday from 11 am–2 pm at Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs.
- Zeppelin USA • The authentic concert sound and classic rock catalog of Led Zeppelin take the stage in this tribute on Friday from 8–11 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa.
- Day of the Dead Showcase • Aerial acrobats perform dramatic showcases alongside a free art exhibition and artisan vendor village celebrating Día de los Muertos on Saturday from 12:30–7 pm at Art Flying Aerial.
- Dance Ranch / Country Dance Saturdays • Country western dance enthusiasts learn Intermediate Two-Step with guest instructor Jim Drew and the “Drunk (And I Dont Wanna Go Home)” beginner line dance with Kyle Young on Saturday from 6–9:30 pm at Step by Step Dance Studio.
- Opera Under the Stars • Conductor John Mario di Costanzo leads six operatic soloists and the Coachella Valley Symphony in highlights from Strauss’ Die Fledermaus on Saturday from 7–8:30 pm at Rancho Mirage Amphitheater. The outdoor concert is presented in partnership with the Palm Springs Opera Guild.
- Margaret Cho: Choligarchy • Comedian and actor Margaret Cho delivers a hilarious stand-up performance packed with social commentary and personal stories on Saturday from 7–10 pm at Palm Springs Plaza Theatre.
- Chris Tucker Live! • Chris Tucker brings his legendary energy and sharp observational humor to the stage on Saturday from 8–11:59 pm at The Show.
- Fortune Feimster: Takin’ Care of Biscuits • Fortune Feimster performs her upbeat stand-up comedy with infectious energy on Sunday at 8 pm at Palm Springs Plaza Theatre.
- Pride: ’26 Edition • Artist Troy Schooneman showcases four distinct fine art collections exploring the male form through classical references, photography, constructed imagery, and imagined artifacts running through November 15 at Rubine Red Gallery.
Join the Oasis Insiders to get our twice-weekly newsletter with our Top Things to Do!
SAY KGAY to Save on Rivalry Merch
Ride the Heated Rivalry wave with a fresh batch of themed T‑shirts now available through the Pride Store. Some designs rep your favorite fictional teams from the show, while others turn up the temperature with bolder, more provocative takes. Pick your style, show your fandom, and save 10% storewide at checkout with promo code SAYKGAY – Shop Now
Visitor Map & Guide – FREE!
Check out the latest edition of the K‑Gay Desert Guide Visitor Map & Guide! To help you find everything you need as a visitor or local, we feature the top places to Dine & Sip, Shop, find Attractions, Massage & Spa, Nightlife, Drag Shows, and more, all curated to make exploring the valley even easier. Look for the latest edition at 300+ businesses and newsstands around town, as well as at hotels, visitor centers, and participating sponsors, or view it online.
Click below to sign up for our Gay Desert Guide Oasis Insiders Newsletter to get our Weekly Blog, Top 3 Events for the weekend, Hot Deals and Cool Events all delivered to your inbox every Friday!
- Palm Springs Pride 2026
Nov 6–8 in downtown Palm Springs - Palm Springs Pride Parade 2026
Sun. Nov 8 at 10 am along Palm Canyon Drive - Pride Weekend at Toucans Tiki Lounge
Fri.–Sun., Nov 6–8 - 25th HRC Palm Springs Coachella Valley Garden Party (Sold out)
Sat. Nov 7 from 1:30–4:30 pm at the Dinah Shore Estate - Taste & Sounds of Cathedral City: Fields of Valor
Nov 7 at Cathedral City Community Amphitheater - Cheyenne Jackson: That Guy from That Thing
Sun. Nov 8 at 6 pm at the McCallum Theatre - The Minutes
Oct 28–Nov 15 at CVRep - November at The Purple Room
Live Entertainment Tue-Thu, Dinner Shows Fri–Sun - November at the McCallum Theatre
Diverse world-class Broadway productions, music, dance, and comedy - Coachella Valley Home Show
Fri.–Sun. Nov 13–15 at Riverside County Fairgrounds - Palm Springs Food & Wine Festival
Fri.–Sun. Nov 13–15 at Palm Springs Downtown Park - Urinetown: The Musical
Nov 13–29 at Revolution Stage Company - Dada Woof Papa Hot – presented by THE BENT
Nov 13–29 at Palm Springs Cultural Center - 5th Annual Pride on the Page Book Festival
Sat. Nov 14 from 10 am–pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Latitude 61 Out & About
Sat. Nov 21 at Latitude 61 at Amado Rd and Hermosa Dr - Palm Springs Desert Winds Fall Concert
Sun. Nov 22 at 3 pm at the McCallum Theatre - The Who’s Tommy
Tue.–Sun. Nov 24–29 at the McCallum Theatre
KGAY 103.1 FM
The KGAY 103.1 Retro Lunch airs Monday through Friday from noon–1 pm, with DJ Galaxy (Vincent Corrales) and DJ Eric Ornelas playing an hour of their nonstop throwback mixes. On Sundays, we put all five hours together for the Retro Sunday Brunch from 11 am–4 pm. Perfect party music! The KGAY Sunday Tea Dance with MODGIRL airs every Sunday from 4–6 pm (right after the Retro Brunch). All our DJs took honors in the Best of Coachella Valley this year! Listen to KGAY 103.1 online
🎧 This Weekend: Get ready for a full weekend of Pride beats with your favorite KGAY 103.1 DJs! DJ Galaxy kicks things off at Fur Friday at Hunters Nightclub on Friday from 4–9 pm, then keeps the party going at the Pool Party & Brunch at ARRIVE Hotel on Saturday starting at 11 am. Saturday night, MODGIRL takes over the Palm Springs Pride Arenas Stage with GLITTER BALL at 8:25 pm. After Sunday’s Pride Parade, head back to the Arenas Stage for DJ Galaxy at 12 pm, DJ Eric Ornelas at 3 pm, and MODGIRL with RAINBOW RAVE at 4:45 pm. See the full Pride Stage guide here.
Sunny 106.5 FM
Take the sunshine indoors with the Sunny 106.5 Alexa skill — just tell Alexa to “enable Sunny Palm Springs Radio skill” and the brightest variety will be one voice command away at home or at work. Sunny 106.5 is the Coachella Valley’s new home for feel‑good hits from the ’90s, 2000s, and beyond, blending familiar favorites with local updates and weekday weather from Patrick Evans. Play Sunny 106.5 Online
Join the Sunny 106.5 Lucky Duck Club and get access to secret contests, sweet offers, surprises and more! This week, you can enter to WIN TICKETS to Jonas Brothers – The Burning Up Tour All Over Again on Tuesday, November 17 at 7:30 pm at Acrisure Arena! Lucky Duck Members get insider perks and first dibs on exciting station events — it’s free, easy, and full of rewards for Sunny listeners. 👉 Sign up now
MeTV 92.1 FM
The holidays are on the air! 92.1 MeTV FM has officially switched to its all-Christmas music format, delivering nonstop holiday favorites across the Coachella Valley through December 27. From timeless classics by Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra to modern hits from Mariah Carey and more, we are serving up the perfect soundtrack for the season. Tune in to 92.1 FM or stream online at 921MeTVFM.com and let the festive spirit follow you wherever you go.
- Palm Springs Pride at 40: Resilience, Community and the Road Ahead
- Record Number of LGBTQ Lawmakers Elected to Congress in Historic Midterms
- THE MINUTES – Reviewed by Stephen Radosh
- MODGIRL Shares Musical Influences Ahead of Palm Springs Pride Performance
- Margaret Cho Brings Comedy, Activism, and Choligarchy to Palm Springs Pride
Find out what’s happening on any given day by browsing our Gay Desert Guide Online Event Listing Calendar, and for the big picture, take a look at major upcoming events in our 2026-27 Coachella Valley Calendar of Events.
Listen to KGAY over the air, stream it [here], or listen on iHeart Radio with Alexa or Siri by saying “Play K-G-A-Y” John Taylor is on mornings 6–10 am and program director Chris Shebel is on afternoons. Our Retro Lunch with DJ Galaxy and DJ Eric Ornelas is heard on Sundays as the Retro Lunch & Sunday Brunch from 11 am–4 pm, followed by MODGIRL spinning the KGAY Sunday Tea Dance from 4–6 pm.
This Way Out, the award‑winning weekly LGBTQ radio program, airs every Sunday at 6:30 a.m. on KGAY 103.1 and is also available on‑demand via our streaming player under Menu>Streams>Podcasts. As the only internationally distributed LGBTQ radio show, it airs on about 200 community stations worldwide and delivers global queer news, reporting, interviews, and cultural features.
