The City of Palm Springs has officially declared October 17, 2026 as Palm Springs Desert Winds Day, honoring the Palm Springs Desert Winds Symphonic Band as it launches its 25th Anniversary Season. Mayor Naomi Soto will present the city proclamation at 8:45 AM in Downtown Palm Springs outside Starbucks, just before a free morning performance by the PSDW Pop Band during the inaugural Palm Springs Pride Equality Walk—now the kickoff to the 40th Annual Palm Springs Pride Celebration.
The proclamation highlights the shared legacy between Palm Springs Pride and the Palm Springs Desert Winds, both of which have spent 25 years uplifting the Coachella Valley’s LGBTQ+ community through visibility, creativity, and performance. PSDW Artistic Director Dean McDowell noted that the recognition is especially meaningful as the band helps launch Pride’s milestone 40th anniversary.
The 2026–27 season continues the celebration of LGBTQ+ culture with several major events. PSDW will once again lead the Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade, maintaining its tradition as the first marching band to step off. Founder Gary Moline has been named a Grand Marshal for the parade’s 40th anniversary, honoring his role in establishing the valley’s premier wind ensemble.
Later in the season, PSDW presents its flagship concert, Stronger Together, at the McCallum Theatre on Sunday, November 22, 2026, at 3:00 PM. The performance unites the region’s three largest LGBTQ+ performing arts organizations—PSDW, Modern Men, and the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus—alongside Broadway star Adam Jacobs, known for originating the title role in Disney’s Aladdin. The concert will feature works centered on hope, resilience, and pride.
Residents, visitors, and parade‑goers are invited to gather in Downtown Palm Springs on October 17 to witness the proclamation and enjoy the free Pop Band performance. Tickets for the November 22 McCallum Theatre concert are available now. Full season details and ticket information can be found at www.psdesertwinds.org.
Founded in 2001, the Palm Springs Desert Winds Symphonic Band is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of more than 110 musicians. The ensemble is dedicated to artistic excellence, music education, and community engagement, and has awarded nearly $80,000 in scholarships to local young artists.
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