How much fun can you pack into just one city street? A lot. Head down to the Arenas District in Palm Springs and that truth becomes very clear. From hip bars, lounges, and dance clubs to groovy retail outlets and modern dining, Arenas Road—part of the Palm Springs Entertainment District—is the heart of the city’s LGBTQ+ scene, welcoming to all and always a stellar experience. Home to several popular annual festivals, this creative hub is one of the top go-to spots in Greater Palm Springs. Whether you’re looking for a great meal followed by some fun or simply a night out for some laughter and connection, this area is ideal. Here are the top highlights to experience.
Nightlife
The Evening Citizen
A speakeasy in Palm Springs? Right this way. Creative, innovative, and just plain fun, The Evening Citizen boasts a distinctly original vibe. Reservations are encouraged, my dears, so book online—fabulous website by the way. Above all, this modern speakeasy experience is a groovy blend of past eras where thinkers and drinkers came to escape everyday brouhaha. Take note: The bartenders are sharp and love to experiment with modern flavors, techniques, and presentations.
Chill Bar Palm Springs
Chill Bar is one of the area’s best hot spots. Relish the groovy mix of retro and modern elements. Beyond the broad range of cocktails and beers, the outdoor patio is a popular spot where friends and locals make new connections. Check out the schedule for drag shows (Hocus Pocus Drag Brunch rocks), bingo night, and Sunday brunches.
StreetBar
Enjoy top drag performances and other lively stage entertainment pepper at this long-revered establishment. At Streetbar, the bartenders become your pals and the variety of drinks are a welcome comfort. A fun time all around.
Dick’s on Arenas
The owner of Dick's on Arenas has often said that “gay culture was born in gay bars, as they provided safe spaces for gay people to gather.” That said, this longtime go-to has it all—can’t-miss drink specials, theme nights, performances, energized music, and great connections. Consider the $5 wine and well drinks at Happy Hour, or those $3 beers.
Hunters Palm Springs
Hunters is a popular go-to spot for festive nightlife, an epic dancefloor and sublime DJs. The eclectic mix of souls brightens this place. It’s a perfect venue to gather with friends and bond, people watch, and sip away. Chances are you’ll be on the dance floor sooner than you think at this fabulous corner hot spot. Check their calendar, too, because there’s always a variety of themed events. Risqué Drag Show, for instance, is popular with its rotating drag performers. Monday Latin Fever Drag Show is also a winner. Tribute nights with bands also filter into the mix.
Quadz
This famous video bar feels like a neighborhood Cheers. Quadz has been actively entertaining locals and visitors for years. Expect super fun video clips of the best of musical theatre—from stage and screen every Friday, Saturday, and Monday evenings. The best part: Audience participation is welcomed. Why not sing along or even shake a tambourine. Take note of the weekly events here—Trivia Tuesdays and Karaoke Thursdays standout and there’s always something fun happening on Sunday evenings.
Dining
BlackBook Kitchen + Bar
Also known as great place for cocktails with friends, BlackBook found its way to one of America’s Top 15 Local Nightlife Spots. You’ll get the best of both worlds here: drinks and great meals. You can’t go wrong with any of the speciality cocktails. Try the Hello Kitty Kitty (Gruven Polish potato vodka, Giffard Violette, orgeat, fresh lemon, and lemon soda). Meals hit the spot, too—not too fancy, not too pub-y. Disco Fries (cheese, bacon, tomato, ranch, buffalo, scallions) or Birdie Fingers (tenders, slaw, comeback sauce) are great starters. This is also home to the Original Palm Springs Style Nachos and Nashville Hot Chicken. Street tacos, two-handed burgers, and other signature sandwiches fill out the menu.
Johannes
Voted “Best Continental Restaurant, “Best Fine Dining,” “Best Romantic Dining,” and “Best Martini” by Palm Springs Life Magazine readers, there’s never a bad meal at Johannes. Austrian-born chef and owner Johannes Bacher serves innovative European cuisine, making this experience downright memorable. Think: upscale casual ambiance. Try their martini and consider the Malayan meatballs for an appetizer, and dinner top picks like the pork tenderloin medallions, pan seared Hokkaido scallops, and sear roasted sashimi grade Arka salmon. Bonus points for the dreamy atmosphere and interior design.
Shopping
GayMart USA
The famous men's shop is known for carrying trendy swimwear, underwear, and other clothing, or lack thereof. T-shirts, souvenirs, and other adult necessities filter into the mix in the must-see shop.
Division Menswear
This shop specializes in premium resort wear, swimwear, athletic wear, and accessories, everything here is uniquely crafted to “elevate” one’s everyday look. From fancy thread worn for a night out to that sunny vacay, this place has it all. Even gym wear. Think: versatile fashion that moves with you.
EVENTS
Greater Palm Springs Pride
Greater Palm Springs Pride is the fall season’s signature celebration—vibrant, inclusive, and every bit as entertaining as you can imagine. Over the course of several days and nights (November 6-9), you can experience an unforgettable street fair, a music festival, and a wonderfully fun gathering across several downtown Palm Springs open-air event hotspots. Sunday’s (November 9) Pride Parade along Palm Canyon Drive is a must-see, filled with dazzling floats and top-notch entertainment.
Something to know: There’s a Bonafide Children’s Headquarters (CHQ) space for games and crafts, and the Youth Zone, hosted by Safe Schools Desert Cities, is also a nice touch for parents who can trust their children in the hands of seasoned pros. All that, plus music and dancing, and more than 200 marketplace exhibitors, non-profit organizations, and food and beverage vendors, and these first few days of November truly stand out.
From colorful events and inclusive spaces that welcome everyone, discover why Pride is Year-Round in Greater Palm Springs!
