'You Are Included' :: Palm Springs Pride a Community Coming Out Celebration

READ TIME: 10 MIN.

The following is a press release from Palm Springs Pride:

Palm Springs Pride organizers announced a traditional slate of in-person Pride events for the 35th annual LGBTQ celebration scheduled for November 1 – 7, 2021. The Pride parade and festival featuring multiple stages of live entertainment and a vendor marketplace will return to downtown Palm Springs.

The announcement, coming as the COVID-19 crisis subsides, sets the stage for California's only large-scale, in-person Pride event to move forward in 2021. Providing a space for the community to gather after the stress, uncertainty, and isolation of the pandemic is expected to attract record attendance to Palm Springs. In 2019, Pride Week attracted an estimated 140,000 attendees and generated a $28 million direct spending economic impact for area hotels, shops, restaurants, and other local businesses.

Enjoy Pride in Palm Springs as you Sip, Sashay, Celebrate and Honor those who have courageously fought for equality and are no longer with us. Live your truth and no one else's. Gather your friends, and together let's celebrate our fearlessly authentic lives. Embrace diversity and advance the cause of individual freedom for all.

"You Are Included" is more than a theme for Pride 2021; it proclaims all are seen and loved. Our gender identity, race, religion, nationality, health status, and appearance are embraced, celebrated, and welcome at Palm Springs Pride.

When discussing what live events will look like in a post-COVID-19 world, Palm Springs Pride president and CEO Ron deHarte said, "Plans call for traditional Pride Week programming, and we look forward to a celebration of equality and diversity to be remembered for years to come. Of primary importance is hosting a safe event. If health guidelines are issued for large in-person events occurring in November, we are prepared to follow state, county, and city live event protocols."

deHarte added, "We are frequently asked why does Palm Springs have Pride in November when June is Pride Month around the world. Palm Springs Pride was at the end of May, in June, or even July for our first ten years. Could you imaging the heat in July? We moved out of the month of June to November in 1995 because the 100� plus days were just too hot. Fortunately, Palm Springs Pride in November enjoys beautiful 80� days and cool desert evenings."

Festival highlights include a Youth Zone, Children's Garden, LGBTQ artists performing live, 200 back-to-back exhibitors, food and beverage stations, health resources, and HIV testing sites. Take your photo with Arty, the 20' tall leather bear, and enjoy yourself in the Arenas Rd gayborhood, our pedestrian-only social center of LGBTQ-friendly bars, restaurants, and shopping. There's something for everyone. Favorite bars and local businesses will be packed and spilling out onto the streets for the biggest LGBTQ street party in Palm Springs.

Details for Pride Week activities can be found online at palmspringspride.gay.

Featured programs and official events scheduled for this year's Palm Springs Pride celebration include those listed below. In the weeks ahead, organizers will announce additional events along with the entertainment lineup.

George Zander Candlelight Vigil and March
Monday, November 1, 2021 (6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.)
New Downtown Park at Museum Way and Belardo Rd, Palm Springs, CA
Pspride.org

Free Event

Join us in downtown Palm Springs to reflect, remember, and stand up against hate violence around the world. We will honor the memories of all victims of hate crimes and remember George Zander and Chris Zander on the sixth anniversary of the day they were attacked in Downtown Palm Springs. George died on December 10, 2015. Help us carry forward the social justice efforts that defined his life. We must remain determined to change hate, intolerance, and ignorance into love and acceptance.

The vigil will begin at the Downtown Park and features a rally and march through the heart of Palm Springs. We will never forget. Join us as we speak out against hate.

Sponsored by DAP Health


Pride Drive-in Movie Night Screening
November 3, 2021 (5:30 – 9:30 p.m.)
presented by Nissan
Camelot Theatres
2300 E Baristo Rd
Pspride.org

Pride Drive-in Movie Night presented by Nissan provides socially responsible and nostalgic fun. The Palm Springs Cultural Center Drive-In Experience invites you to step back in time under the starlit Palm Springs night and re-live the magic of yesteryear with a modern, pop-up cinematic twist!

Join us and celebrate Greater Palm Springs Pride 2021 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center Drive-In. The film is brought to you by our presenting sponsor NISSAN and is a partnership between Greater Palm Springs Pride and the Palm Springs Cultural Center.

Film title and ticket availability available in early August.

November 5

Flag Raising
Friday, November 5, 2021 (10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.)
Presented by Lighthouse Dispensary
Pspride.org

Pride Weekend starts with our traditional Flag Raising, where our elected officials and civic leaders speak about what Pride means to the City of Palm Springs.?Cheer on and witness in person or online the unfurling of the giant rainbow flag from the top of iconic buildings and homes across the city. Rainbow flags symbolic of both the unity and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community will fly throughout the city and remind the world that everyone is supported, embraced, and welcome in Palm Springs.

Location announced in early August.


Palm Springs Coming Out Celebration: A Night of Hundred Stars
Friday, November 5, 2021 (5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.)
Palm Canyon Drive from Museum Way to Tahquitz Canyon Way
Free Event. VIP tickets available for pre-reception in late summer.
Pspride.org

Interfaith Pride Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, November 5, 2021 (6:30 p.m.)
Follow us for details @ facebook.com/orhamidbarps

We invite people of all faith communities and beliefs to join the 2021 Pride Welcoming of the Sabbath Service.

The Interfaith Pride Kabbalat Shabbat is a pluralistic prayer service with a core of Jewish liturgy that will include song, ancient poetry, contemporary readings, and meditation led by members of our local clergy.

Join us on Facebook LIVE @ https://www.facebook.com/orhamidbarps

Presented BY: Or Hamidbar PS, United Methodist Church of Palm Springs,
Bloom in the Desert Ministries UCC, Hope Palm Springs, and Saint Gilles Catholic Community.

Light Up the Night
November 1 – 7, 2021 (5:00 p.m. to Midnight daily)
Presented by Alaska Airlines, and Gay Desert Guide

Help illuminate Palm Springs in a sea of pink or rainbow. Homes and businesses are called on to light up in pink or rainbow colors celebrating all-inclusive love and solidarity for the LGBTQ+ community in Palm Springs. The lighting event symbolizes the hope of a community that understands the impact of discrimination and hate in our lives.

Everyone is invited to host their Pride lighting ceremony alongside thousands of other advocates for equality, equity, and diversity across Greater Palm Springs. Encourage your friends and neighbors to join in. How you choose to Light Up the Night is limited only by your imagination.

The best display of lights - in pink or rainbow - could win you air travel certificates for two on Alaska Airlines and other great prizes. The public will vote online for the best residence and business decorations.

Saturday

Front Runners Pride 5K Run and Walk
Saturday, November 6
West Chino Drive and Belardo Road
palmspringspriderun.com

Palm Springs Pride 5k Run and Walk start at Chino Drive and Belardo Road, Palm Springs.

The 2021 Palm Springs Pride 5k Run and Walk will be an in-person and Virtual event. The in-person run and walk start at 8 a.m. The 5k course through Old Las Palmas is an out and back course on paved city streets with a slight elevation change of just 117 feet. The course winds through a former citrus grove that was later home to such celebrities as Liberace, Mary Martin, Alan Ladd, William Powell, George Randolph Hearst, Kirk Douglas, Lily Tomlin, and more. Proceeds from the 2021 Palm Springs Pride 5k Run and Walk will be donated to our major beneficiary, the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert.

Advance registration is $30 before September 30, $35 before November 4, $40 after November 4. Same-day registration will be available from 7:00 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. The in-person run and walk may be limited in the number of attendees, so please register early.

Register now, and also join the Facebook event and follow us on Instagram. Join the virtual celebration!

For details, visit our event website: https://www.palmspringspriderun.com

5th Annual Palm Springs Pride Golf Tournament
Saturday, November 6 (7:00 a.m. – 2 p.m.)

Marriott's Shadow Ridge Golf Resort in Palm Desert, 9002 Shadow Ridge Rd., Palm Desert
Register: www.stonewallgolfers.com

The Palm Springs Pride Golf Tournament, presented by the Stonewall Golfers, will be held at Marriott's Shadow Ridge Golf Resort in Palm Desert. The event will be a friendly 4-Person Team Scramble.

The entry fee buys 18 holes of championship golf, cart, practice range access, a light breakfast, and an awards lunch. Register by going to the Events page at www.stonewallgolfers.com, create a guest account, and select the Palm Springs Pride event on 11/6/21. You may form your foursomes.

Questions or requests: [email protected]
Facebook: stonewallgolfers
Website: stonewallgolfers.com

Pride Festival Day 1
Saturday, November 6, 2021 (11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
Free event

A street fair, a music festival of diverse artists, and a gathering place, the Pride Festival is a celebration of all that is LGBTQ+ in Palm Springs. Downtown Palm Springs. Exhibitor marketplace opens at 11:00 a.m. Free Event.

Sip, Sashay and Celebrate in one large Event Venue in Downtown Palm Springs! All the action happens on Palm Canyon Dr and in the new downtown park and surrounding streets.
� Main Stage on Tahquitz and Palm Canyon. (2 p.m.–10:00 p.m.)
� Downtown Park Stage on Museum Way and Museum Dr (2 p.m.–10 p.m.)

Servicemember Reembrace Wreath Laying for LGBT Veterans
Saturday, November 6, 2021 (2:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m.)
Pride Festival Main Stage

We pause to remember the men and women who have given their lives in defense of our freedom. Only days before Veteran's Day, the Palm Springs LGBTQ community will come together to hold a wreath-laying ceremony and memorial service at the Pride Festival main stage. The service is in honor of the LGBTQ individuals who have served the US as soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, and Coast Guard members.

November 6 and November 7

Youth Zone @ the Pride Festival
The Youth Zone is the hub for LGBTQ+ youth and their allies at the Pride Festival.
Free access for youth 14 to 21.
Open Saturday 11 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Pride Youth Zone is our safe space for queer youth to hang out and meet others within the Pride Festival.

The Youth Zone features continuous entertainment and activities, free food and drink, games, dancing, DJ Eric Ornelas, karaoke, seating, contests, games, youth-only confidential testing, drag and make-up fun, great conversation, creative expression, chalk drawing, shade from the sun, toilets and a washing station, safe sex information. EVERYTHING IS FREE. All youth are embraced.

The Zone is created and hosted by Safe Schools Desert Cities and sponsored by the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast.

Children's Garden – C-HQ
A playful place for children and their accompanying adults to celebrate Pride
Free for infants to pre-teen
Open Saturday 11 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Look for the BIG Rainbow and Jumpy at the festival.

Families are invited to join us for arts and crafts and games. Hosted by Palm Springs Pride, C-HQ is a lively place for children and accompanying adults. A private family-only place is hands-on fun for you and your kids – from infants to pre-teens.

We're excited to host a free attraction for children and LGBTQ+ families during Pride Weekend. LGBTQ+ families are welcomed to the Children's Garden for free kid-friendly activities.

All kids are encouraged to have fun during Pride and learn the importance of being proud of who they are.

Complimentary snacks and cool drinks, a nap area, and a clean port-a-potty along with a diaper-changing station ensure that the children's space fulfills the needs of a festival-going family. Parents are required to stay in the children's play area with their children.

Sunday

PS Drag Brunch Pride Edition
Sunday, November 7 (9:00 a.m. - Noon)
Roly China Fusion
1107 N Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs
www.psdragbrunch.com/

Palm Springs HOTTEST drag show PS Drag Brunch hosts the most fabulous Pride Edition event!

Enjoy boys in bikinis, unforgettable dim sum, premium balcony views at the Pride Parade step-off point, including a top-tier drag show hosted by resident leading lady- Rosemary Galore.

This one of a kind even has three ticket levels to choose from, Diva/VIP, Mean Girls Lounge, and of course - the Basic Bitches.

Join us for the most fun Pride has to offer. Buy tickets at www.psdragbrunch.com/
Proceeds benefit the nonprofit Palm Springs Pride organization.

EIGHT4NINE Restaurant & Lounge Champagne Brunch and Parade Party
Sunday, November 7 (9:00 a.m.)
849 N Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs
eight4nine.com/

Grab your family and friends and make plans to join us for Pride Brunch.

How It Works:
The special EIGHT4NINE Pride Champagne Brunch menu is a great way to eat and drink well while enjoying the Pride Parade while you also help your local Pride organization. EIGHT4NINE will donate 25% of the sales from the Pride Brunch menu to Greater Palm Springs Pride to help keep Pride free and accessible for everyone. Join us for the annual Pride Parade and enjoy.

Make your reservations early by calling 760-325-8490 or visit
https://eight4nine.com/

Trio Pride Parade Party
Sunday, November 7 (9 a.m. until parade ends)
707 N Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs
triopalmsprings.com

Trio is the perfect spot for watching the parade from our Trio Big Top and Patio.
Bring your friends, enjoy brunch, watch the Pride Parade and celebrate at Trio.

Questions or Reservations: 760-864-Trio (8746)
Facebook: PalmSpringsTrio
Proceeds benefit the nonprofit Palm Springs Pride organization.

Palm Springs Pride Parade
Sunday, November 7 (10:00 a.m. To 12:30 p.m.)
Free Event.

The colorful parade steps off in the Uptown Design District at Tachevah and Palm Canyon Dr. and travels south through downtown ending at the entrance to the Pride Festival at Amado. www.pspride.org

Known for its crystal blue skies and year-round sunshine, the city of Palm Springs comes alive during the annual Pride celebration. Thousands of spectators will gather along palm tree-lined streets to cheer and support local organizations, activists, and themed floats along historic Palm Canyon Dr. The parade is scheduled to last two and a half hours.

Pride Festival Day 2
Sunday, November 7, 2021 (11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

A street fair, a music festival of diverse artists, and a gathering place, the Pride Festival is a celebration of all that is LGBTQ+ in Palm Springs. Downtown Palm Springs. Exhibitor marketplace opens at 11:00 a.m. Free Event.

Sip, Sashay and Celebrate in one large Event Venue in Downtown Palm Springs! All the action happens on Palm Canyon Dr and in the new downtown park and surrounding streets.
� Main Stage on Tahquitz and Palm Canyon. (2 p.m.–10:00 p.m.)
� Downtown Park Stage on Museum Way and Museum Dr (2 p.m.–10 p.m.)


This story is part of our special report: "Pride 2021". Want to read more? Here's the full list.

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