Palm Springs Pride 2015
According to the U.S. Census, Palm Springs is the third "gayest city" in America, with up to 50 percent of its resi- dents identifying as LGBT. The city also sports more LGBT residents over the age of 50 than any city in America, per capita, yet the area is vibrant and its residents are vital. Maybe, this is why Pride is so successful in this desert community-they're blessed enough to live proudly every day, all year round.
It's that kind of Pride that will transform this Southern California city from Friday, November 6 through Sunday, November 8. In 2015, Palm Springs Pride is slated to become one of the largest Pride events in Southern California. Without a doubt, Palm Springs Pride is enjoying a new era of success.
How Does Palm Springs Do It? Here's How
IT'S FREE! Most Pride festivals are enclosed by fencing and held in a public park. Palm Springs Pride is free to the public. Over 140,000 are expected to take advantage of free entry this year!
IT'S WALKABLE AND COMMUNITY-BASED: Palm Springs Pride offers an open footprint, located in the cen- ter of downtown Palm Springs. Beer gardens are fenced, but overall, the event is completely walkable and guests can enjoy dozens of award-winning restaurants. You can visit all of the LGBT bars on Arenas (Hunters, Chill, Sidebar, etc.) Explore art galleries and downtown merchants offer- ing everything from mid-century modern furniture and accessories to cutting-edge fashion.
IT'S THE ULTIMATE PRIDE EXPERIENCE: Guests can define their own Pride... Have brunch after the parade, meet for cocktails poolside, take the lesbians with kids to coffee, walk your pets downtown, have dinner with the guys at a brew pub or culinary favorite and dance till you drop at your favorite bar.
Keeping Palm Springs Pride FREE Means Supporting Pride Organizers, Their Ancillary Events, and Fundraising Efforts
Friday, October 9, starts the "pride" sensibility with the Pride Honors Awards at the Downtown Palm Springs Hyatt. The event is designed to recognize those indi- viduals who have changed, benefitted and aided the Palm Springs LGBT Community. Lifetime Achievement Awards will be presented to the renowned photographer Michael Childers and human rights activists Melinda Tremaglio.
Friday, November 6 opens with OutPSP, the "unofficial" Pride Kickoff Event, at the El Mirador Plaza, 4th Floor Outdoor Patio. OutPSP is a garden party that honors National Grand Marshal Evan Wolfson and the Grand Marshals Randy Johnson and Paul Campion. Wolfson is widely credited as the mastermind behind the legal strategy that won marriage equality and Johnson and Campion are two plaintiffs in the historic Supreme Court case. Meet them and learn what Pride is really about: making a difference, celebrating our community, its allies and recognizing those who have made a difference.
Saturday and Sunday, November 7 and 8 brings us the Pride Festival and it is jam-packed! With six stages featuring over 100 performances, multiple food and booths, three "adult" beer and beverage gardens (no tickets required, they take cash!), a children's headquarters and youth zone, along with more then 150 exhibitors, it guarantees fun for all. The weather in Palm Springs usually ranges in the mid 80s during the day and upper 60s at night, so the weather outside is anything but frightful!
Saturday, November 7 also features the Arenas Block Party, a 21+ event from 6 to 11 p.m. Considered one of the highlights of the weekend, join emcee's Pauly and Monks, Candis Cayne, WRabel, Ricky Rebel, Dwntwn and look for a special performance by DJ Frankmusik.
Sunday, November 8, brings us the annual Pride Pa- rade as it rumbles right through downtown Palm Springs. The streets are overflowing with spectators. Every bar, restaurant and breakfast joint will be resplendent with revelers, who will all be joyous and Prideful!
Here Are A Few Extra Tips for Enjoying Palm Springs Pride Weekend
There are dozens of ways to experience the desert: Visit the shops on El Paseo or the discount stores at Cabazon Outlets. Enjoy one of the city's vibrant casinos, ride the Tram or go for a hike in the desert. Take in the Palm Springs Art Museum or any of the many other cultural offerings. Palm Springs is a haven for arts, culture and diversity. Come experience it!
For tickets and more information, go to pspride.org.
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