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The ultimate guide to Greater Palm Springs Pride 2024 events, tickets, parking

Brian Blueskye, Palm Springs Desert Sun
8 min read

It's time to embrace your vibrant colors and celebrate Pride week — Palm Springs style.

Greater Palm Springs Pride runs from Wednesday, Oct. 30 to Sunday, Nov. 3 and features many events throughout the long weekend, from a free alt-pop concert to the annual Pride Parade.

This year's Pride Week theme is "Be You." Greater Palm Springs Pride President and CEO Ron deHarte said in a statement the theme "reinforces the city's reputation of cherishing the value and dignity of all people."

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“Pride in Palm Springs is a celebration where you can be yourself and be true to who you are. ... (it) embraces the power of self-expression, inclusiveness, and love," deHarte said in the statement.

Whether you're looking for a block party or somewhere to eat brunch as the parade goes by, we have all the info, and answers to some of the most common Pride questions.

For more information on Pride, visit pspride.org/psevents.

What's the parking situation for Pride?

All the usual downtown Palm Springs parking structures will be open during Greater Palm Springs Pride 2024, including those across from the Palm Springs Art Museum and the main structure off Indian Canyon across from the Drift Hotel.

How much does it cost to attend Palm Springs Pride?

The vast majority of Pride events are free, but check the detailed list below to see which require tickets. There will be donation boxes at the site of all free events for attendees to donate to the local nonprofit that runs Pride. Donations help keep Pride free and accessible to everyone.

What's the Palm Springs Pride schedule?

See the list below for a full rundown of the Pride events taking place between Wednesday, Oct. 30 and Sunday, Nov. 3.

WEDNESDAY

Film Night: 'Tom of Finland' and Selected Shorts

A scene from "Tom of Finland" featuring Tom (right), his sister and a possible love interest.
A scene from "Tom of Finland" featuring Tom (right), his sister and a possible love interest.

Enjoy this celebration of all things Tom of Finland, aka Touko Laaksonen, a Finnish artist who stylized homoerotic art. The evening features selected shorts by Tom Of Finland Foundation artists-in-residence, a preview of upcoming documentary "House of Leather" and a screening of the film "Tom of Finland."

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When: 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 30

Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs

How much: $15 to $40

THURSDAY

Dia de la Reina featuring Neon Trees

The iconic indie rock band Neon Trees will headline the Arenas District Pride Week opening event, Día de la Reina, on Oct. 31. Ashley Osborn
The iconic indie rock band Neon Trees will headline the Arenas District Pride Week opening event, Día de la Reina, on Oct. 31. Ashley Osborn

This year, Palm Springs' beloved Halloween night block party in the Arenas District will feature not just a night of (costumed) ghosts, ghouls and goblins, but a headlining performance by the alternative band Neon Trees of "Everybody Talks" fame.

When: 5 to 10:30 p.m. Oct. 31

Where: Arenas District Pride Stage

How much: Free admission

FRIDAY

Endeavor with Pride: Sweat, Celebrate and Shine

Get ready to sweat with ACE-certified group Fitness Instructor Jase Nagaia and kick off your pride weekend with a 45-minute workout to upbeat music.

When: 11 to 11:45 a.m. Nov. 1

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Where: Arenas District Pride Stage

How much: Free admission

Rainbow Palette: Expressions of LGBTQ Artistry

The Stephen Baumbach Gallery will host this art exhibition featuring LGBTQ+ artists across mediums such as painting, sculpture and photography. A portion — 10% — of all sales will be donated to Greater Palm Springs Pride.

When: 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 1-3

Where: Stephen Baumbach Gallery, 4116 Matthew Drive, Palm Springs

How much: Free admission

Arenas District Pride Weekend Kickoff

The Arenas District will host a Pride Weekend Kickoff at 4 p.m. on Nov. 1.
The Arenas District will host a Pride Weekend Kickoff at 4 p.m. on Nov. 1.

High-energy DJs and dancing in the streets? Yes, please! As if Halloween wasn't enough of a kickoff, Pride weekend officially starts here with house and dance music, food trucks and outdoor beverage lounges.

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When: 4 to 11 p.m. Nov. 1

Where: Arenas District

How much: Free admission

LGBTQ Servicemember Wreath Laying Ceremony

Honor LGBTQ servicemembers and show appreciation to all those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces at the Pride Wreath Laying Ceremony at 6 p.m. Nov. 1.
Honor LGBTQ servicemembers and show appreciation to all those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces at the Pride Wreath Laying Ceremony at 6 p.m. Nov. 1.

Join American Legion Post 519, VFW, Palm Springs DAV local chapter 66, AMVETS, the US Army Special Forces Association and Veterans for Peace at the Pride Festival stage ahead of Veteran's Day to honor LGBTQ servicemembers and to show appreciation to all those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

When: 6 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 1

Where: Pride Festival Amado Stage

How much: Free admission

La Cage Aux Folles VIP Performance

Palm Canyon Theatre's production of "La Cage Aux Folles" runs Oct. 25-Nov. 10 at the local theater in Palm Springs, Calif.
Palm Canyon Theatre's production of "La Cage Aux Folles" runs Oct. 25-Nov. 10 at the local theater in Palm Springs, Calif.

You've probably seen the popular film adaptation of the 1973 play starring Nathan Lane and Robin Williams called "The Birdcage." For Pride, Palm Canyon Theatre is bringing the tale back to the stage. The story is set in a drag nightclub in Saint-Tropez, France, run by George and his partner, Albin, who is also known as Zaza, the star performer. When George's son, fathered during a one-night fling, brings home his bride-to-be and her bigoted politician father, laughable adventures ensue as they navigate around the “family business.”

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When: 8 p.m. Nov. 1

Where: Palm Canyon Theatre, 538 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

How much: $78

SATURDAY

Children's Headquarters (CHQ)

The Children's Headquarters will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 2 in downtown Palm Springs during Pride weekend.
The Children's Headquarters will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 2 in downtown Palm Springs during Pride weekend.

Families are invited to head to this kids' area for arts, crafts and games on Saturday. CHQ is a child-friendly place for everyone from infants to pre-teens and accompanying adults to enjoy the Pride festivities. Complimentary snacks, drinks, a nap area, a restroom, and a diaper-changing station are provided to festival-going families. Parents are required to stay in the play area with their children.

When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 2

Where: 1 block west of Palm Canyon, Museum Way and North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

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How much: Free admission

Palm Springs Pride 5K Run and Walk

Come out to watch the Palm Springs Pride 5K Run and Walk at 8 a.m. on Nov. 2 in downtown Palm Springs.
Come out to watch the Palm Springs Pride 5K Run and Walk at 8 a.m. on Nov. 2 in downtown Palm Springs.

The Palm Springs Front Runners & Walkers are hosting this run and walk to raise funds for local LGBTQ+ organizations and promote inclusivity in sports and throughout the community. All ages and abilities are welcome to join. Since 2016, the event has raised over $200,000 for worthwhile LGBTQ community organizations such as The LGBT Community Center of the Desert, Safe Schools Desert Cities, The Marsha P. Johnson LGBTQ+ Youth Drop in Center and College of the Desert's Gender and Social Diversity Pride Center

When: 8 a.m. Nov. 2

Where: The race starts and ends at W. Chino Drive and Belardo Road

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How much: $25 for youth under 18, $30 for virtual participants and general registration is $40.

Flagging in the Desert

Join the Desert Flaggers for a free event at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 2 at Ruth Hardy Park in Palm Springs.
Join the Desert Flaggers for a free event at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 2 at Ruth Hardy Park in Palm Springs.

Have you ever wanted to learn how to flag? Join Desert Flaggers for this free event at Ruth Hardy Park featuring an instructional class and a silent auction of donated flags. DJ Casey Alvia will provide the soundtrack to dance, flag or just sit and watch.

When: 10:30 a.m. Nov. 2

Where: Ruth Hardy Park, 700 Tamarisk Road, Palm Springs

How much: Free admission

Rainbow Splash Pool Party

Cool off at this pool party at CCBC Resort in Cathedral City featuring a poolside set by DJ Bobby.

When: Noon Nov. 2

Where: CCBC Resort, 68-300 Gay Resort Drive, Cathedral City

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How much: $49.87

Arenas District Official Block Party 2024

Head to downtown Palm Springs for the Arenas District Official Block Party from 4 to 11 p.m. on Nov. 2.
Head to downtown Palm Springs for the Arenas District Official Block Party from 4 to 11 p.m. on Nov. 2.

This free block party taking place in the heart of Palm Springs' "gayborhood" will pack LGBTQ+ bars and other local businesses to the rafters and spill onto the streets for a huge street party. Enjoy live entertainment provided by DJs all night, and head to the open-air beverage lounge for libations.

When: 4-11 p.m. Nov. 2

Where: Arenas District, E Arenas Road & Indian Canyon Drive

How much: Free admission

SUNDAY

Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade

The 2024 Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade begins at 10 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 3 along Palm Canyon in downtown Palm Springs.
The 2024 Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade begins at 10 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 3 along Palm Canyon in downtown Palm Springs.

Prepare for arguably the weekend's biggest event, the annual Pride Parade. The colorful parade steps off in the Uptown Design District at Tachevah and Palm Canyon Drive and travels south through downtown, ending at the entrance to the Pride Festival at Amado Road.

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When: 10 a.m. Nov. 3

Where: Downtown Palm Springs

How much: Free admission

TRIO Pride Parade Party

TRIO Palm Springs will host its annual Pride Parade Party with bunch, champagne, mimosas and more. Space is limited, so make your reservation now.

When: 9 a.m. Nov. 3

Where: TRIO Palm Springs, 707 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

How much: Price varies per entrée

More info: Limited seating, call 760-864-8746 for reservations

Brunch with Miss Richfield 1981

Enjoy the Brunch with Miss Richfield 1981 at 1 p.m. on Nov. 3 at Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge in Palm Springs.
Enjoy the Brunch with Miss Richfield 1981 at 1 p.m. on Nov. 3 at Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge in Palm Springs.

Don't miss the fabulous Miss Richfield 1981 as she brings her hilarious show, filled with edgy improv, folksy humor and more to EIGHT4NINE Restaurant & Lounge. 25% of all proceeds will be donated to Greater Palm Springs Pride.

When: 1 p.m. Nov. 3

Where: Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge, 849 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

How much: Price varies per entrée

More info: $96, call 760-325-8490 or visit eight4nine.com/#reservation

THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND

Pride Festival Marketplace and Entertainment

The Greater Palm Springs Pride Festival will run 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Nov. 2 and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 3 in downtown Palm Springs.
The Greater Palm Springs Pride Festival will run 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Nov. 2 and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 3 in downtown Palm Springs.

Walk the streets of downtown Palm Springs to browse LGBTQ flag-covered merchandise, snacks, beverages and more. This street fair will also include live entertainment at the Pride Festival Amado Stage.

When: 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Nov. 2 and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 3

Where: Throughout downtown Palm Springs (along Palm Canyon Drive and by the Marilyn statue)

How much: Free admission, with food and other items available for purchase

Brian Blueskye covers arts and entertainment for the Desert Sun. He can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter at @bblueskye.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: What to know about the Palm Springs Pride parade, festival

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