Description

The 2012 Palm Springs Pride theme “Long May It Wave” is a salute to the worldwide symbol of equality whose rainbow stripes have led a fight for equality while embracing our diversity and celebrating the unity of our community.  Intended to celebrate the past and future progress toward equality, the theme also celebrates the profound sense of pride that the rainbow flag brings to individuals around the world.
 
Pride 2012 raises awareness for equal rights and full equality for individuals locally and globally.  In our own backyard, we are one step closer to the day when every American will be able to marry the person they love, regardless of gender, and to have that important commitment recognized by the law of the land.  However, gay and lesbian individuals in California and forty-three other states still don’t have the right to marry the person they love and in seventy-six countries around the world it is still illegal to be gay.

Palm Springs Pride Parade Sunday Nov. 4th 10am-12 Noon:
Parade Route: Steps off at W. Ramon Rd. and travels north on S. Palm Canyon Drive to E. Tamarisk Rd.

Known for its crystal blue skies, year-round sunshine, stunning landscape, palm tree lined streets and starry nights the City of Palm Springs comes alive during the annual Pride Celebration. Rainbow flags and glitter will fill the streets as the ever present Mount San Jacinto Mountains star in the most scenic Pride Parade in the world. The downtown parade steps off at 10am and travels north from W. Ramon Rd. along historic Palm Canyon Drive.

130 performers scheduled for November 3 and 4
Karmin & The Crystal Method to Headline Pride Fest
Adrenaline-chasing music lovers bring your friends and enjoy the electronic music duo headliner The Crystal Method.  Get Tickets Online  The Palm Springs Pride celebration will feature an unprecedented number of performers and attractions with a phenomenal lineup of 130 artists gathered to celebrate equality, freedom and diversity in the LGBT community.  Seven stages and three dance venues will be set up throughout the festival grounds at Sunrise Park and downtown Palm Springs, giving way to a wide range of musical genres that include rock, electronic pop, jazz, country, hip-hop and more.  See about the festival.

Official Pride Event
Pride Honors Awards
The prestigious Palm Springs Pride Honors Awards are presented annually to individuals to honor the work they have put into furthering the causes of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and their allies. The awards reception will be  November 2 at the Hyatt Regency Suites in Palm Springs located at 285 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs.  Admission is $15, includes complimentary beer, wine and appetizers. 

Official Pride Event
Hot Wet & Proud Pool Party
Join us for a day of sunshine at the clothing optional weekend pool party featuring live DJ’s, drag show and a nude contest along with a free BBQ and no host cocktails at the CCBC Resort on November 3 from Noon to 11:00pm. Admission is $25.00 in advance; $30 at the door. (Advance tickets include Single-day Pride Festival admission).  Click here for tickets.  CCBC Resort is located at 68300 Gay Resort Drive, Cathedral City, CA  92234.  760-324-1350.  Tickets and information.

BLOCK PARTY ’12 is a 21+ party in the streets celebrating Pride – Palm Springs Style. Bring your friends and enjoy the musical headliners and guest DJs entertaining under the stars on Arenas Road.  Street performers along with food and beverage stations will also fill the streets.  Thousands of dancing party goers and a few dishy drag queens are expected.
 
This street party is a signature event that brings the Pride celebration to the heart of Downtown … celebrating Pride as well as the symbolic embrace of Arenas Road!
 
Favorite gay bars and local businesses will be packed to the rafters and spilling out onto the streets for the biggest free LGBT street party in Palm Springs.
 
Expect the streets to be packed with Pride revelers, dancers and roving performers.
 
Palm Springs Pride is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from the party are earmarked for charitable organizations.  The street party does cost a lot to put on with the entertainer fees, fencing, security, tent rentals, toilets, printing, stage, sound, and lighting, nevertheless, the party is free for all who attend.  However, we depend on revelers putting a buck or two in the kitty to help cover the cost of the event.
 
*valid State ID or Passport required to enter the party venue starting at 6:00pm.

Official Pride Event
Broadway in Drag Pageant
You won’t believe your eyes as a bevy of beautiful female impersonators vie for the crown in this lavish production which promises to delight, entertain and amuse. The contestants will be judged on evening gown, talent and swimsuit. Palm Canyon Theatre, providing professional, quality entertainment to the Coachella Valley for more than 15 years is presenting the second annual BROADWAY IN DRAG pageant, an official Palm Springs Pride Event.
Last year’s event sold out. The standing room only inaugural production was the toast of the town and kicked off the Palm Springs Pride festivities with a BANG! click here to read more

Official Pride Event
Hands On: Pride at Ace Hotel & Swim Club
Gay-owned Ace Hotel is the place in town to celebrate pride with a massage, amazing food and cocktail in hand, poolside, drenched in sunshine and good music. Join a big, gay roster of DJs and performers with a killer view of the San Jacintos from your deck chair. Part of Ace’s five-day music and arts festival during pride, Hands On is also a benefit for the Palm Springs Pride fund to support Coachella Valley Gay-Straight Alliance organizations — $5 of each ticket supports LGBTQ high school events and programs. Admission is $20 at the door. Saturday afternoon November 3.  Poolside Patio, Ace Hotel & Swim Club, 701 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA 92264. 760-325-9900.