Palm Springs Pride

Paying tribute to the 45th anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York, the Greater Palm Springs area will hold its Pride Week Nov 2 through 9 with the theme I Am Pride: Stonewall 45.

Greater Palm Springs Pride says the goal is to reflect on the impact the fight for equality is having around the world, from Russia to many African countries to the Middle East.

Palm Springs is situated at the foot of the majestic San Jacinto Mountains in southern California. The celebrations serve several small cities within the Coachella Valley, which essentially runs between Los Angeles and San Diego.

The roster of events will include the Pride Honors Awards, the Equality Concert, the Palm Springs Pride Golf Classic, the Broadway in Drag pageant, the 14th annual Frontrunners Run/Walk, the Official Ladies’ Party, block parties and many other festivities. Most celebrations will be held in downtown Palm Springs.

“Any special block parties will be free, and they will be on Nov 8,” says Ron deHart, president of Greater Palm Springs Pride. The parade, scheduled for Sunday, Nov 9, will begin at 10am.

“November in the desert is a beautiful time of year, and we look forward to extending a warm and friendly welcome to those visiting,” deHart says.

Alaska Airlines is the official airline for Palm Springs Pride. WestJet is the only Canadian airline that flies directly into Palm Springs, but Air Canada has flights to major cities in California with connecting flights to Palm Springs.

For a complete schedule of Pride events, check the Palm Springs Pride website.

Just before Pride celebrations begin, the leather community will hold Leather Pride. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert. Leather Pride events will take place Oct 30 through Nov 2. For more information, visit Desert Leather Pride.

For the most up-to-date travel information on gay Palm Springs, see our City Guide, Listings Guide, Events Guide and Activities Guide.

For more information on Palm Springs check visitgaypalmsprings.com and visitgreaterpalmsprings.com.