We have PRIDE to celebrate! And this week reminds us of why the L-G-B-T-Q-A-I-2S’s come together as one each November. We’ve been preparing for over a year now, as last year’s pride went virtual. But now we’re in live and in person for a week of great things to do! We’re the place to find them.
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Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide & KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Palm Springs Pride Weeks Kicks off
Palm Springs Pride presents the George Zander Candlelight Vigil and March on Monday, November 1 at 6:00 p.m., beginning at the Downtown Park with a rally and march through the heart of Palm Springs. Reflect, remember, and stand up against hate violence around the world and honor the memories of all victims of hate crimes. 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. More info
Show Your Pride, Light Up the Night, and Win!
Residents and businesses are invited to show their support for the LGBTQ community and decorate their storefront, 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. There are separate contests for the best business decoration [more info] and best residential decoration [more info] with prizes including airfare to anywhere Alaska Airlines flies, and a VACAYA LGBT+ Vacation for two to the Caribbean!
Pride Week at Oscar’s
Experience the diverse artistry of Oscar’s Pride 2021 events throughout the week, starting with Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles (The world’s only all LGBTQ+ Mariachi band) on Monday, November 1 at 8:00 p.m. Then it’s a hilarious night of comedy with Bruce Vilanch and Poppy Champlin on Wednesday, November 3 at 7:00 p.m. , Open Mic Night with American Idol vocal coach Michael Orland on Thursday, November 4 at 6:00 p.m., and on Friday, November 5: Oscar’s 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
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, opening Thursday, November 4 from 6:00–8:00 p.m. 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 continues 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
Benefits of Diversity & Inclusion in Tech
The Relationship Group at Morgan Stanley presents 2021 Palm Springs Pride: You Are Included, A Conversation With Bev Crair on Wednesday, November 3 from 3:00–4:00 p.m. on Zoom. Janet Malachowsky of Morgan Stanley will interview Bev Crair, Senior Vice President at Oracle, about inclusivity of LGBTQ people in Tech, at the executive level and all levels throughout the corporation. Importantly, Bev will highlight the social, financial and creative benefits of Diversity and Inclusion. More info
Hike Indio Hills Badlands Trail with Kim
The LGBTQ Center of the Desert presents Walk and Hike with Kim, occasional treks for women led by Kim Kieler. On Tuesday, November 2, join Kim at 7:45 a.m. to hike the Indio Hills Badlands Trail, a 5.2-mile easy loop trail with a 800-ft elevation through small twisting canyons, colorful terrain, open ridge tops, and a high point with 360° views. You must be double-vaccinated and maintain physical distancing on the trail, bring a liter of water, and reserve your spot online ahead of time. More info
Positive Life Series – Wasting and HIV
The HIV+ Aging Research Project Palm Springs presents the Positive Life Series on Tuesday, November 2 at 6:00 p.m. on Zoom. This month’s topic: “Wasting and HIV” will be presented by Marc Vincent in association with Thera Technologies. Future Positive Life programs include: “Healthy Sex & STDs” with Phyllis Ritchie, MD (Dec. 7). Registration required. More info
PALS Death Cafe
PALS (Planning Ahead for LGBTQ Seniors) presents a Death Cafe on Thursday, November 4 from 2:00–3:00 p.m. on Zoom. A Death Cafe is a group-led open conversation about death and dying; and in doing so to live life more fully. It is not a counseling or bereavement group; and there is no agenda, specified topics, or designated outcomes. Bring your curiosity and questions and engage in a discussion about the aspects of death and dying that interest you. More info
Jazzville Palm Springs: Matt Forbes and his Vintage Pop Orchestra
Jazzville, the live jazz scene presented by Barry Martin/DJ Baz and Take Five Entertainment, presents Matt Forbes and his Vintage Pop Orchestra on Thursday, November 4 at 7:00 p.m. at the vibrant Cascade Lounge inside Agua Caliente Casino in Palm Springs. Forbes and his 12-piece orchestra bring a bold, new sound to ‘vintage pop.’ Matt is being hailed as one of the most important new voices to hit the genre in more than a decade. As a lone baritone in a sea of pop tenors, the Canadian crooner is drawing widespread acclaim for his dynamic, soulful reinterpretations of pop songs, old and new. Cocktails, wine and delicious small bites available. More info
PALM SPRINGS PRIDE WEEKEND PREVIEW
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, and performances by 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
Gather with friends, and 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
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
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. 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 106.6 and VACAYA LGBT+ Vacations. Stop by and say hi! 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
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. 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.
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
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. Featuring a caftan-laden Infusion Beach Club Pool Party on Saturday, November 6 from 1:00–6:00 p.m. followed by the extravagant propotions of the Asia SF Club Night 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 in the majestic backdrop of Mt San Jacinto. Performers include Monique Heart, Lovefingers, Heidi Lawden, Shaun J. Wright. 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 will have you out of your seats, clapping and shouting for more. Get tickets
Girlz Skate Jam and Parade After-Party
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 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
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
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 Shrek The Musical running through 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
More Pride Weekend Events
- 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.
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).
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
- Sharing Our Desert’s LGBTQ+ History (a Palm Springs Pride Event)
Thu. Nov. 4 –Sun. Nov. 7 at Welwood Murray Memorial Library - Jazzville Palm Springs: Matt Forbes and his Vintage Pop Orchestra
Thu. Nov. 4 at 7:00 p.m - 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 - 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
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.
