Discover Palm Springs: Pride and Beyond

Palm Springs is an LGBTQ haven for fun in the sun any time of year, but each November Greater Palm Springs Pride amps up the wow factor even more.

With a history dating back 32 years, Palm Springs Pride has evolved into a multi-faceted organization with programming that promotes activism and awareness, community service, and a commitment to queer youth.

This year's Pride Honors Awards were held on September 26 and recognized The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (Organization of the Year), Lisa Middleton (Advocate of the Year), and Doug Hairgrove and Woody Wood (Lifetime Achievement), among others. It's a kick-off to a month of celebrations, culminating in the Pride Parade and Festival on November 4.

There are plenty of can't-miss happenings, including:

Stonewall Street Party – This free outdoor concert will be held at US Bank Stage and also offers the opportunity to honor those who work to preserve gains and meet equal rights challenges facing the LGBTQ community.
November 2, 2018
6 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Two-Day Pride Festival – Free and open to the public, the Festival relocates this year to a new downtown park area and encompasses three venues where attendees can check out acts on two different stages (Pride Stage and Arenas Stage) along with more than 150 vendors and exhibitors ranging from nonprofit organizations, food and beverage stalls, local artists, and more. The Festival is also family-friendly and includes a Children's Headquarters with games and crafts, Youth Zone by Safe Schools Desert City, as well as free HIV testing by Get Tested Coachella Valley.

November 3, 2018
Downtown Park, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Pride Stage, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Arenas Stage, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

November 4, 2018
Downtown Park, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Pride Stage, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Arenas Stage, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Pride Parade – Starting in the Uptown Design District and traveling south toward the Pride Festival at Museum Way, this year's parade is expected to attract more than 60,000 spectators and participants. Expect blue skies, palm tree-lined streets (of course!), and a colorful display of themed floats, local organizations and activists along historic Palm Canyon Drive. Youth Power for Change is this year's theme and the youth of Coachella Valley have collectively been named Grand Marshals of the 2018 Pride Parade.
November 4, 2018
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Can't make Palm Springs Pride? The destination is LGBTQ-friendly any time of year, but if you're looking for another epic gathering, consider Jeffrey Sanker's legendary White Party April 26-29, 2019. Next year marks the event's 30th anniversary, which promises to be action-packed with daytime pool parties, themed night parties, and a T-Dance finale.

Where to Stay

While there is plenty to experience during Pride or any time of year, Palm Springs is also the ideal location for much-needed rest and relaxation. Be sure to schedule "me time" during your visit to take advantage of your accommodations. There's something for every budget, whether it's a boutique hotel, luxury resort, LGBTQ guesthouse, or one of the city's clothing-optional resorts such as Santiago Resort.

The following properties are Palm Springs Pride hotel sponsors (the full list can be seen on the visitor tab at www.pspride.org):

The Saguaro Palm Springs – Nothing says Pride quite like the Saguaro, with its vibrant d�cor and splashes of color around every corner. Each room has a private balcony or patio, though poolside margaritas may be the way to go to meet other Pride participants. Better yet, hop on one of the hotel's desert cruiser bikes to check out the action around town. The hotel is offering 15 percent off its best available rate for Pride.

Vacation Palm Springs – Create your own private getaway by choosing one of an array of properties that celebrate the very best of Palm Springs. Perhaps you're looking for a home with midcentury architectural features, or maybe you'd like to stay in an estate that was once owned by a celebrity? A private backyard and pool is an ideal gathering place for friends, or opt for an intimate villa for a romantic getaway under the desert sun.

Hyatt Palm Springs – This all-suite, pet-friendly hotel offers plenty of space to unwind after a day and night's worth of Pride revelry. Highlights include the HooDoo Cocktail Garden, outdoor pool, and in-room spa and dining services.

Take a Bite Out of Pride

You'll have to eat sometime! LGBTQ-owned businesses are serving up some of the city's most delicious dishes. Here are a few to put on your must-eat list:

Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge – Located in the Uptown Design District, Eight4Nine's all-white interior with hot pink accents is Instagram-ready. Too bad your fans won't be able to taste the culinary team's take on modern American cuisine, including the Tomahawk wagyu ribeye steak for two!

Tropicale Restaurant & Lounge – Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this swanky hotspot is a throwback to Miami's supper clubs and offers al fresco dining to take in those cool desert evenings. The menu draws inspiration from the Pacific Rim, while the signature Tropicale Coconut Martini is a refreshing kick-off to Pride or any occasion.

Trio Restaurant – Midwest comfort food and California cuisine converge for a meal with throwback appeal with dishes such as spinach and artichoke dip and Trio Mac and 5 Cheese, along with moderns riffs such as Tasmanian ocean trout with citrus beurre blanc or Ahi tuna with miso mango reduction.

Getting There

Eleven airlines serve the Palm Springs International Airport with nonstop flights to 19 destinations. These include major hubs, which offer travel possibilities to over 500 cities worldwide. New seasonal flights include:
Delta Air Lines: From Atlanta, December 20, 2018 - March 30, 2019

Frontier Airlines: Seasonal service from Chicago starting December 14, 2018
Sun Country Airlines: Seasonal service from Portland starting November 14, 2018
United Airlines: From Newark, December 19, 2018 - March 30, 2019