🌈 Palm Springs Pride: Where the Desert Comes Alive with Color

Each November, Palm Springs transforms into one of the most vibrant celebrations of LGBTQ+ pride in the country. Palm Springs Pride, a free, open-air festival and parade, draws more than 200,000 people to the heart of downtown for a weekend that’s equal parts joy, activism, and desert magic.

A Desert Legacy of Pride

What began in 1986 as a dinner and variety show has evolved into one of the largest Pride events in California. Today, it stretches for blocks along Palm Canyon Drive, with floats, music, dancers, and a sea of rainbow flags waving beneath the San Jacinto Mountains.

Organized by Greater Palm Springs Pride, a nonprofit founded to celebrate diversity and champion equal rights, the event stands as both a party and a statement that visibility, community, and inclusion matter.

2025 Theme: Be Heard

This year’s theme, “Be Heard,” invites attendees to speak up, show up, and celebrate every voice. The message reflects a deeper spirit that runs through Palm Springs itself, a city that has long embraced LGBTQ+ residents, artists, and visitors from around the world.

When and Where

The 2025 festival runs Thursday, November 6 through Sunday, November 9, with events centered in the Arenas District and along Palm Canyon Drive.
The Pride Parade steps off Sunday morning at Tachevah Road and Palm Canyon Drive, marching south through downtown for a colorful, two-hour procession of community groups, drag royalty, and local legends.

Festival Highlights

The heart of the weekend is the Pride Festival & Street Fair, a free, open-air celebration featuring food vendors, art, music, and two main stages. Expect a nonstop lineup of performances, from local DJs to nationally known artists, all framed by that perfect Palm Springs sunshine.

Other events include the Pride 5K Run & Walk, pool parties, block parties, and intimate gatherings hosted across the city’s bars and resorts. For those who like to plan ahead, the full schedule of events is already live.

Why It’s Different Here

Unlike most Pride celebrations, Palm Springs Pride takes place in November — when the desert cools down and the energy heats up. The combination of warm days, cool nights, and mountain views creates a festival vibe that feels both relaxed and electric.

Palm Springs is also one of the most LGBTQ+-inclusive cities in the United States, making Pride here more than a weekend.  It’s a reflection of how the community lives every day.

Planning Your Weekend

• Book early — Hotels and rentals fill fast for Pride weekend.

• Arrive early for the parade — Palm Canyon Drive gets crowded quickly.

• Stay hydrated — Even in November, the sun can surprise you.

• Check the map and schedule before heading downtown: pspride.org/psevents

The Spirit of the Desert

Palm Springs Pride isn’t just about rainbow flags and music, it’s about belonging. It’s about celebrating who we are, together, under the desert sun. Whether you’re marching, dancing, or simply watching it all unfold from a café patio, you’ll feel what this city does best: unity, joy, and pride that lasts far beyond one weekend.