Greater Palm Springs Pride

Palm Springs, CA

November 6-8, 2026

For three exciting days, downtown Palm Springs comes alive as more than 200,000 people take to the streets for Greater Palm Springs Pride, the largest LGBTQ+ celebration in the Coachella Valley.

Explore the marketplace, where artists, makers, and other vendors travel from near and far to sell handmade and curated goods. Food trucks and booths line the streets, fueling the festivities.

The Pride parade—the highlight of the weekend—delivers a high-energy glimpse of local LGBTQ+ organizations, allies, businesses and other supportive groups. The 2026 theme, “Be Included,” invites you not only to embrace who you are, but also to celebrate alongside a sea of people proudly doing the same.

Pride Page

Schedule

All events below take place in Downtown Palm Springs. 

Oct. 17, 2026 Pride Walk • 8:30 a.m.
Promote equality ahead of Greater Palm Springs Pride.
Nov. 6, 2026 Pride Festival • 3–11:30 p.m.
Explore shops, food trucks, artists, entertainment, and vendor booths.
Nov. 7, 2026 5k Run & Walk • 8–11 a.m.
Walk or run through Old Las Palmas to support good causes.
Pride Festival • 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Day two of food trucks, artists, entertainment, and vendor booths.
Nov. 8, 2026 Parade • 8 a.m.
Join thousands to cheer on more than 100 paraders celebrating pride and allyship.
Pride Festival • 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
A final day of food trucks, artists, entertainment, and vendor booths.

Updated September 24, 2026

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History

Palm Springs Pride began in 1986 with “Sizzle,” a variety show organized by the Desert Business Association. Community groups expanded the celebration into a Pride weekend, and the Gay & Lesbian Alliance of the Desert later established a formal festival. In 1992, the city’s first Pride parade brought 35 groups into the streets, marking a major step toward greater LGBTQ+ visibility.

The celebration grew after moving to Veterans Day weekend in 1995 and to Palm Canyon Drive in 1997, when it also became known as Greater Palm Springs Pride. Its incorporation as a nonprofit and the festival’s move downtown in 2014 helped transform Pride into one of the region’s largest events. That growth paralleled broader civic progress, including Palm Springs electing the nation’s first all-LGBTQ+ city council in 2017.

As Greater Palm Springs Pride celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026, look back at the people and milestones that shaped its journey. Click here to explore the full history of Pride in Greater Palm Springs.

Pride Page

 

While You’re Here

Greater Palm Springs Pride offers plenty to do, but if you find yourself with some free time or you’re looking to put some distance between you and the crowds, these dining, shopping, and arts and culture destinations will keep you busy.

 

YOUR GUIDE TO PRIDE

Greater Palm Springs Pride FAQ

What day is Pride in Palm Springs?

Greater Palm Springs Pride starts on Friday, November 6, 2026, and ends on Sunday, November 8, 2026.

Is Palm Springs Pride free?

Yes, Greater Palm Springs Pride, including the parade and the festival, is free.

How many people come to Palm Springs Pride?

More than 200,000 people attend Greater Palm Springs Pride each year.

Is Palm Springs Pride family friendly?

Yes, Greater Palm Springs Pride is family friendly.

Children aged 12 and under, accompanied by an adult, can head to the Children’s Headquarters (CHQ) between Museum Way and Andreas Road. In addition to a diaper changing station, complimentary snacks and drinks, a nap area, and restrooms are available for kids to enjoy.

A Youth Zone also between Museum Way and Andreas Road welcomes LGBTQ+ teens and young adults ages 14-21 and their allies. Free food and drinks, activities, games, music, seating, and contests give the kids something to do.

Who runs Palm Springs Pride?

A board of directors governs Greater Palm Springs Pride, and a Pride Organizing Committee manages the operations. At the head of the Board of Directors sits President & CEO Ron deHarte, followed by Treasurer Rabbi Dr. Jules King, Secretary Bill Wheeler, and Directors at Large Paulina Angel and Tom Davis.

How long does the Pride parade last in Palm Springs?

The Greater Palm Springs Pride parade typically lasts about 2 hours.

What is the weather like during Palm Springs Pride?

With more than 300 days of sunshine in Greater Palm Springs, the weather is typically sunny. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Stay hydrated if you plan to be outdoors most of the day during Pride.

Check the weather before heading out to Pride festivities to be best prepared.

What is the history of Palm Springs Pride?

In 1986, the first Pride celebration was hosted in Palm Springs at the Riviera Resort’s ballroom. A few years later, Charles Pierce, a top female impersonator at the time, headlined a Pride benefit concert at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert. Later, in 1992, the first Pride parade in Palm Springs—attended by hundreds of people—began at Williams Road and ended at Demuth Park. Becoming increasingly popular, the Greater Palm Springs Pride had a $14.1 million economic impact by 2011. The event has continued to grow, with a current estimate of more than 200,000 people attending each year. Click here to learn more about the history of Greater Palm Springs Pride. 

Where does the Palm Springs Pride parade start?

The Greater Palm Springs Pride parade starts at the corner of Tachevah Drive and North Palm Canyon Drive, heading southbound and ending at the entrance to the Pride festival at Amado Drive.

What are the stages of the Palm Springs Pride?

The Arenas District Stage is located on Arenas Road between North Calle Encilia and Indian Canyon Drive. The DJ Stage at the entrance to the Pride festival is located at Amado Drive and North Palm Canyon Drive. And finally, the Pride Community Stage is located at Tahquitz Canyon Way and North Palm Canyon Drive.

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