We’ve made it to the finish line of planning for Palm Springs Pride weekend and now it’s time to enjoy the fruits of our labor! The community has been working tirelessly over the past year – not even knowing for sure if Pride will move forward.
Now it’s time to enjoy! KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs will be the soundtrack to your Pride weekend with the new Satur-gays with Ross Mathews starting at 10 am, Pride Parade live coverage with John Taylor and the Retro Sunday Brunch with DJ Galaxy and DJ Eric Ornelas starting at 11 am.
Bookmark this page so you can easily find what’s happening day by day. We’ll see you at our booth under Marilyn’s skirt with many ways to win prizes like a VACAYA LGBT+ Vacation or a $500 prize pack if you register to win with our Ross Mathews’ Fan giveaway.
You can add Gay Desert Guide to your home screen so it’s there at the ready when you need to know what’s happening each and every day with a poke of your finger.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide & KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Ross Mathews Radio Show Saturdays in November on KGAY!
Longtime Coachella Valley resident Ross Mathews joins KGAY 106.5 for a special Pride month Saturday morning show starting Saturday, November 6 at 10:00 a.m. Ross is seen nationally on RuPaul’s Drag Race, The Drew Barrymore Show and more. Ross plans to focus his show on what he knows best…show biz, current events and the Coachella Valley. As Ross puts it “KGAY is celebrating Palm Springs Pride by giving the gayest person in history his own radio show…Me!” Saturdays with Ross Mathews runs through the month of November on KGAY 106.5, on the air in the Coachella Valley and streaming worldwide online!
Show Your Pride, Light Up the Night, and Win!
The deadline to enter Light up the Night is Friday, November 5 at midnight! Residents are invited to show their support for the LGBTQ community and decorate their home or apartment with pink and rainbow lights for the 2nd annual Light Up the Night contest presented by Alaska Airlines. Additional contest sponsors include KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs, Gay Desert Guide and VACAYA LGBT+ Vacations. The best residential decoration wins airfare to anywhere Alaska Airlines flies, and a VACAYA LGBT+ Vacation for two to the Caribbean! Enter today
PALM SPRINGS PRIDE WEEKEND
A Note about Face Coverings & Vaccination Requirements
Face coverings are no longer required to be worn outdoors at non-ticketed large events in the City of Palm Springs, which includes all the outdoor festival and concert space of Palm Springs Pride. However, the City of Palm Springs still requires proof of vaccination (or negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours) for patrons dining indoors at restaurants and bars, and face coverings are required within businesses. So in short, keep your mask and vax handy! More info
FRIDAY
Palm Springs Pride Coming Out Celebration
Palm Springs Pride Weekend kicks off Friday Night, November 5 from 5:00–10:00 p.m. at the Effen Vodka Main stage for the Coming Out Celebration, an evening hosted by Jason Stuart and Bella da Ball, featuring special appearances by SAG-AFTRA members who call Palm Springs home. KGAY Morning Show host John Taylor will be on hand to introduce the evening’s entertainment! Performances include our favorite ladies of dance, Grammy ® award winner Jody Watley (Looking For A New Love), International Queen of Dance Shannon (Let the Music Play) and legendary club diva Jeanie Tracy (Don’t Leave Me This Way, I’m Your Jeanie, Cha Cha Heels). Keep the dancing going and enjoy the Los Angeles DJ duo The Perry Twins. More on Friday’s lineup [here].
VIP ticket-holders have access to a pre-concert reception with hosted bar and appetizers at the Hyatt Palm Springs. During the pre-reception, the 2021 Pride Honorees will be recognized for their service to the community. Honorees include Race Bannon, Nancy Worthington, Betty C. Berrysmith, Keisha D, Cliff Young, Jim Hollenbeck, and Streetbar. More info
On Friday night, you’ll also be the first to see artist Yvette Mattern‘s Global Rainbow art laser light installation presented by Lighthouse Dispensary Palm Springs & Coachella, lighting up the festival’s night sky on Friday and Saturday. More info
Sharing our Desert’s LGBTQ+ History
Palm Springs Pride and the Palm Springs Library present an official Pride Event – Sharing Our Desert’s LGBTQ+ History: An Inaugural Exhibition, at the Welwood Murray Memorial Library. Learn about the history of the Greater Palm Springs Area and how it became a welcoming place for the LGBTQ+ community. The exhibit is open throughout Pride Weekend: Friday & Saturday, November 5 & 6 from 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. and Sunday, November 7 from 12:00–5:30 p.m. More info
Interfaith Pride Kabbalat Shabbat
On Friday, November 5 at 6:30 p.m., people of all faith communities and beliefs are invited to join the 2021 Welcoming of the Sabbath Service in-person at the United Methodist Church or on Facebook Live. 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. 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. More info
Niki Haris at Oscar’s
On Friday, November 5: Oscar’s Palm Springs presents jazz chanteuse Niki Haris, serenading the audience with re-imagined arrangements of the classics while serving up her sassy insights and boisterous banter about life, love, motherhood, and her stellar career including her well-known role as the big voice behind Madonna. Get tickets
SATURDAY
FrontRunners Pride 5K Run & Walk
Palm Springs Front Runners & Walkers are hosting their annual Pride 5K Run/Walk in person this year (while also providing a virtual option), on Saturday, November 6, starting at 8:00 a.m. and winding through Palm Springs’ Old Las Palmas neighborhood amidst homes of celebrities like Liberace, Mary Martin, Alan Ladd, William Powell, George Randolph Hearst, Kirk Douglas, Lily Tomlin, and more. Proceeds benefit The LGBTQ Community Center of The Desert and The Transgender Health and Wellness Center. Thanks to Craig Ramsey for lending his support in hosting the event. More info
Palm Springs Pride Street Festival
A street fair, a music festival of diverse artists, and a gathering place, the Palm Springs Pride Festival is a celebration of all that is LGBTQ+ in Palm Springs taking place in downtown Palm Springs along Palm Canyon Drive, Museum Way, and Belardo Rd. The exhibitor marketplace runs Saturday, November 6 from 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 7 from 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Enjoy beverages and food with friends while you explore a diverse array of artists, entertainers, beverage stations, and purveyors of a variety of items including jewelry, snacks, and sweets. Add all that to downtown Palm Springs’ great shopping, restaurants, clubs, and entertainment venues. Features include a Children’s Headquarters (CHQ) space for games and crafts, the Youth Zone by Safe Schools Desert Cities, and HIV/AIDS testing by Get Tested Coachella Valley. Over 200 exhibitors, non-profit organizations and businesses will be on hand, including yours truly, Gay Desert Guide, along with KGAY 106.5 and VACAYA LGBT+ Vacations. Stop by and say hi and register to win a VACAYA vacation! More info
Saturday Pride Entertainment Lineup
Palm Springs Pride entertainment takes place on four stages throughout the festival: the Effen Vodka Main Stage, the Park Stage presented by DAP Health, the Alaska Airlines Altitude Lounge and the Arenas Stage. Performers on Saturday, November 6 include Anita Treadmill’s Divas on the Dance Floor, Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus, Shann Carr & Friends, Beth Sacks, Kat Cunning, RuPaul’s Girl All-Star Invasion Drag Race Celebrities, and headliners Third Eye Blind at 8:30 p.m.…plus many, many more.
View the full Saturday Entertainment Lineup
Art of Pride Exhibition
The Palm Springs Pride Art of Pride Exhibition celebrates work by the Coachella Valley’s vibrant community of LGBTQ artists. This live, in-person, on-site exhibition of the works of LGBTQ artists can be seen at the Pride Festival on November 6 & 7. From paintings, glass, ceramics, photography, and more, the Festival showcases a variety of mediums and artwork styles for avid collectors and festivalgoers to browse and purchase directly from the artists. This is a free event hosted by Art of Pride at Palm Springs Pride. More info
Girlz Skate Jam
Under the banner of Palm Springs Pride, Lesbo Expo presents Girlz Skate Jam on Saturday, November 6 from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at the Palm Springs Skate Park. The main event will feature a host of fabulous skaters including Alana Smith, Brianna King, Brooklinn Khoury, Eunice Lee, Erin Wolfkiel, Juli Penelope, Allysha Bergado and more. Enjoy free drinks and bleacher seating, plus a free beginner girlz skate clinic held prior to the event; if you’ve always wanted to try skateboarding, now is your chance! More info
Drag-O-Rama at the Palm Springs Cultural Center
On Saturday, November 6, at 5:00 p.m., once you’ve had a chance to “do” the Pride Festival downtown, but before dinner and the evening festivities, it’s time for Drag-O-Rama with hostess Rosemary Galore at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. It’s a great multimedia drag show, and it’s all about Palm Springs, from the glamorous movie star history to the outrageous bachelorette parties, and everything in between (including competing Marilyn Monroes). Rosemary and her cast of queens, Alexa Kamryn, Athena Kills, and Kendra Oinxxx, will have you out of your seats, clapping and shouting for more. Get tickets
Desertopia Pride Weekend Palm Springs
Desertopia is a very queer celebration of music, dance, art and a uniquely Palm Springs experience taking place Pride Weekend and sponsored by KGAY 106.5. Featuring a caftan-laden Infusion Beach Club Pool Party on Saturday, November 6 from 1:00–6:00 p.m., followed by dancing at Asia SF from 9:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m. On Sunday, November 7 from 2:00–10:00 p.m. it’s the Desert Outdoor Fest at The Sonoran, featuring the finest in queer talent and music under the sun and stars with the majestic backdrop of Mt San Jacinto. Performers include Monique Heart, Lovefingers, Heidi Lawden, and Shaun J. Wright. More info
SUNDAY
Palm Springs Pride Parade
The centerpiece event of Pride weekend is the Palm Springs Pride Parade, stepping off Sunday, November 7 at 10:00 a.m. in the Uptown Design District at Tachevah and Palm Canyon Dr. and traveling south down Palm Canyon Drive’s tree-lined streets, through downtown, ending at the entrance to the Pride Festival at Amado. Show up to cheer and support local organizations, activists, marching groups, and themed floats.
KGAY 106.5 Morning host John Taylor and KGAY Retro Lunch Mix’ DJ Galaxy wil ride in the Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade Sunday, broadcasting on KGAY from a luxurious 2021 Lexus LC500 convertible! Special thanks to Andre LaPlante for piloting and supplying such a gorgeous car and to KGAY Production Director E.J. Tyler for engineering the “in parade” broadcast. Look for KGAY 106.5 in the pride parade immediately following the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert (“The Center”) and just in front of the colorful Gay Desert Guide Palm Springs Nissan Leaf….and make some noise!
Celebrate Community Grand Marshal Streetbar, recognized for positively impacting the region through many years of support to community organizations and fundraising efforts, large and small. And for the first time, San Francisco’s Dykes on Bikes will be throttling their engines and rumbling their pipes down our parade route, along with over 250 contingents hailing from Greater Palm Springs and surrounding areas, including up to 500 students representing 56 schools with Gay-Straight Alliances. Learn more about this year’s parade contingents [here] and if you can’t make it in person, PromoHomo.TV will be broadcasting live, too. More info
Here are three great options for viewing the Pride Parade in style:
- Eight4Nine Bottomless Champagne Brunch & Parade Viewing Party – Three-course brunch menu with bottomless mimosas and champagne.
- PS Drag Brunch Pride Edition at Roly China Fusion – Boys in bikinis, dim sum, premium balcony views, and a top-tier drag show hosted by Rosemary Galore.
- Trio Pride Parade Party – The perfect spot for watching the parade from the Trio Big Top and Patio; bring friends and enjoy a delicious buffet brunch with cocktails.
Skater Girlz After Parade Party
On Sunday, November 7, after the Pride Parade, it’s the Skater Girlz After Parade Party, featuring the Annual Lesbo Expo Awards Ceremony starting at 2:30 p.m. outdoors at The Alibi. This year’s awardees are “sporting women” Sierra Prescott (Skateboarding), Pennie Feehan (Golf), Kim Kieler (Hiking), and Mich Brodeur (Pickleball). With MC/Comedian Mina Hartong and the live music of Jennifer Corday. More info
Sunday Pride Entertainment Lineup
Entertainment continues Sunday, November 7 on all four Palm Springs Pride stages, so you can make your way from the parade right into the adjacent festival and keep the celebration going. Performers on Sunday include Cheer L.A., Sassy Ross, Ninja Twins, and headliners Flock of Seagulls performing at 4:30 p.m. on the Main Stage…just to name a few.
View the full Sunday Entertainment Lineup
More Pride Weekend Events
- Pri Pri at the Palm Springs Art Museum – Fri., Nov. 5, from 7:00 p.m.–Late. SOLD OUT. Featuring an incredible line-up of music, performance, and, art, including Slayyyter, Saturn Risin9, rafa esparza, Papi Juice, Brown Skin Hazel, Brontez Purnell, and hosted by drag icon Charlene.
- Palm Springs Pride Weekend at CCBC Resort Hotel – Nov. 5–7, Feat. DJ Bobby poolside on Saturday, November 6 from 12:00–4:00 p.m.
- Desert Pride Cup – Saturday, November 6 from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. at Victoria Park. The West Hollywood Soccer Club (WHSC) is hosting this first annual co-ed tournament with over 120 players from Southern California and around the nation.
- Flagging in the Desert – Saturday, November 6 from 12:00–4:00 p.m. at Ruth Hardy Park. Local flaggers welcome visitors from around the country, with DJ Phil B spinning. Come to enjoy the music, watch and learn if you like. Donations will benefit SafeHouse of the Desert.
- L-Fund Women’s Golf Tournament – Saturday, November 6 from 7:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. at the San Gorgonio Golf Course in Palm Desert.
- Pride Golf Tournament – Saturday, November 6 from 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. with Stonewall Golfers at Desert Willow Golf Resort Firecliff Course.
MORE PERFORMANCES
Murder at the Howard Johnson’s
Desert Theatreworks presents Murder at the Howard Johnson’s by Sam Bobrick and Ron Clark opening Friday, November 5 and running through Sunday, November 21. Murder at the Howard Johnson’s is a laugh-out-loud riot featuring a woman, her husband and her lover hatching hilarious murder schemes…unsuccessfully. Set in a Howard Johnson’s hotel room in the 1970s, this comedic love triangle is filled with plot twists and surprises that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It is one ridiculous situation and extravagant sight gag after another in this rapid-fire comedy. Get tickets
Shrek the Musical
Palm Canyon Theatre presents their final performance of Shrek The Musical on Sunday, November 7. “Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek….” And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Children under 12 get in free to this kid-friendly production. Get tickets
Amanda McBroom at The Purple Room
The Purple Room Supper Club presents Amanda McBroom in concert with music director Michele Brourman and Bass player Larry Tuttle on Friday & Saturday, November 5 & 6. Come for an evening of songs and stories of love gone wrong, love gone right, and observations about the passion of politics in these crazy days…with songs by Cole Porter, Stephen Sondheim, Leonard Cohen, Dorothy Fields, and of course, Amanda herself, (Including her biggest hit, “The Rose”). Dinner at 6:00 p.m., Show at 8:00 p.m. Get tickets
Kenny Loggins at The Show, Hall & Oates at Fantasy Springs
Saturday, November 6 brings your choice of classic superstar performers, with Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage presenting Kenny Loggins – Kenny at the Movies [More info], at 8:00 p.m. and at the same time, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino’s Special Events Center presents Daryl Hall & John Oates [More info] (rescheduled from April).
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
The Desert Rose Playhouse presents Hedwig and the Angry Inch, playing now through Sunday, November 21. This rock musical by John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask tells the hilarious, harrowing, and essentially uplifting tale of how a “slip of a girlyboy” from communist East Berlin, Hanschel, becomes the “internationally ignored song stylist” known as Hedwig after a botched sex change operation. With a little help from her band, Hedwig examines her quest for her other half, for love, and ultimately for her identity. All seats get cocktail service before and during shows. Get tickets
Gay Desert Guide Fall Pride 2021 Map & Guide is Out Now
Our latest Fall Pride 2021 edition of the Gay Desert Guide Map & Guide is hot off the presses and available where you’ll find brochures at hot spots all over town! Pick up your hard copy today or check out our online version to find all the top places for Food & Drink, Nightlife, Shopping, Attractions, Gay Resorts with passes, Dispensaries and other services. Check it out
LOOKING AHEAD
Bourbon Tasting at The Purple Room
Join the Purple Room Supper Club for a Bourbon Tasting on Monday, November 8 from 4:00–6:00 p.m., featuring Sazerac Distillery premium bourbon. Among the fine bourbons you will taste are the Van Winkle and Sazerac. Get tickets
Electricity at Oscar’s
Oscar’s Downtown Palm Springs presents the play Electricity, with performances every Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m. The Advocate calls Electricity “The hottest play in Palm Springs.” It’s a deliciously hilarious, sexy and at times heartbreaking romance between Brad and Gary, once closeted gay classmates who make an unlikely couple after sharing a motel room following their 10th high school reunion. There’s an “electricity” between them (“Do you feel it?”) that brings them back to that same room after every successive reunion from 1983 to 2013. Get tickets
Thursday: Veterans Day Parade; No VillageFest
The 24th Annual City of Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade takes place Thursday, November 11 at 3:30 p.m. along Palm Canyon Drive. Concert and fireworks finale immediately follows the parade, at Palm Canyon Drive and Amado Road. NOTE: VillageFest will not be held on Veterans Day, Thursday, Nov. 11 More info
Jazzville Palm Springs: Amanda Castro Band
Jazzville, the live jazz scene presented by Barry Martin/DJ Baz and Take Five Entertainment, presents the Amanda Castro Band on Thursday, November 11 at 7:00 p.m. at the vibrant Cascade Lounge inside Agua Caliente Casino in Palm Springs. With a 7-piece band and 3 dancers, Amanda Castro fuses 1920’s, swing, big band, New Orleans traditional, even today’s current pop songs and turns them into a new musical experience. Her rich voice, energetic charisma and fun personality helps Amanda bring the music of the past and present back to life in a vintage, but still modern fashion.. Cocktails, wine and delicious small bites available. More info
- Friday’s Palm Springs Pride Entertainment Schedule
Fri. Nov. 5, 5:00 p.m–11:00 p.m., feat. Jody Watley, Shannon, Robyn Party & more… - Saturday’s Palm Springs Pride Entertainment Schedule
Sat. Nov. 6, 11:00 a.m.–Midnight, feat. Third Eye Blind, Probe 7, Kat Cunning & more… - Sunday’s Palm Springs Pride Entertainment Schedule
Sun. Nov. 7, 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., feat. A Flock of Seagulls & more… - Amanda McBroom at The Purple Room
Fri. & Sat., Nov. 5 & 6, Dinner at 6:00, Show at 8:00 - Niki Haris at Oscar’s
Fri. Nov. 5 at 7:00 p.m. - Sharing Our Desert’s LGBTQ+ History (a Palm Springs Pride Event)
Thu. Nov. 4 –Sun. Nov. 7 at Welwood Murray Memorial Library - Shrek The Musical, presented by Palm Canyon Theatre
October 22–November 7 - Murder at the Howard Johnson’s presented by Desert Theatreworks
Nov. 5–21 - Palm Springs Pride Festival 2021 – Downtown Palm Springs
Sat. Nov. 6 from 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. & Sun. Nov. 7 from 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. - Girlz Skate Jam (a Palm Springs Pride Event)
Sat. Nov. 6 from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Palm Springs Skate Park - Pride Drag-O-Rama
Sat. Nov. 6 from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Desertopia Pride Weekend
Sat. Nov. 6 at Infusion Beach Club and Asia SF, Sun. Nov. 7 at The Sonoran - Front Runners Pride 5K Run & Walk 2021
Sat. Nov. 6 at 8:00 a.m. In-Person at Old Las Palmas Neighborhood and Virtually - Jazzville Palm Springs: Amanda Castro Band
Thu. Nov. 11 at 7:00 p.m - 2nd Annual Turkey Drop Off
Sat. Nov. 13, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at Platinum Star Properties - McCormick’s 71st Palm Springs Exotic Car Auction
Nov. 19–21 at the Palm Springs Convention Center - A Night on Broadway with Desert Winds Freedom Band
Sat. Nov. 20 from 7:00–9:00 p.m. at Temple Isaiah Palm Springs
Welcome New Partner!
An ethereal desert beauty permeates every experience at Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel, where urban enchantments meet epic scenery. The 153 soothing, spacious guestrooms and suites offer a restorative retreat after heart-thumping adventures on rugged trails or in the lively nightlife scenes. At the rooftop pool and bar, pair brilliant sunsets with masterful cocktails. Learn more
- Streetbar 30th Anniversary Earns Nod in LGBTQ Pride Parade
- Queer Works Announces First Coachella Valley Transgender Day of Remembrance
- Teddy Bear and Alexander Rodriguez Get Beary Opinionated on ‘Bear With Us, Gurrrl!”
- BWW Review: SHREK THE MUSICAL at Palm Canyon Theatre
- Comedy Legend Carol Burnett Takes the Stage at Agua Caliente
It’s time for Grand Central! Located in the heart of downtown palm springs, they serve seasonally fresh, California cuisine with fun twist. Offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and full bar, Grand Central Palm Springs is your favorite locals spot. Save 40% with this HOT DEAL: Get a $25 gift card to Grand Central Palm Springs for just $15! Get Your Deal
We also have Hot Deals at Jolene’s Bar & Grill, One Eleven Bar, Destination PSP, Grand Central, Lulu California Bistro, Runway, Monster Shakes, Mary Pickford Theatre, Roost Lounge, Johannes and more! See All Deals
Listen to KGAY 106.5 over the air, stream it [here], or listen on TuneIn Radio with Alexa or Siri by saying “Play K-GAY 1065 from Tune In Radio.” John Taylor is on mornings 6–10 a.m. and program director Chris Shebel is on afternoons. Our Retro Lunch with DJ Galaxy and DJ Eric Ornelas is now heard on Sundays as the Retro Lunch & Sunday Brunch from 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
