2023 Top LGBTQIA+ Events in Gay Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley
Who wants to have a gay old time this year? The Coachella Valley is the perfect destination for all of us to live it up in 2023. Palm Springs, California is known for its warm climate, pool parties, and diverse array of events that cater to the LGBTQIA+ community. Whether you're a local or just browsing, you can always find something fun and exciting to do in our little desert paradise.
Let's dive in and explore the 2023 Top LGBTQIA+ Events in Gay Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley!
Palm Springs International Film Festival
Date: January 15-16
Location: Palm Springs, CA
Experience the art of cinema at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, featuring new and celebrated international features and documentaries. With over 135,000 attendees from around the world, it's an event you don't want to miss.
The 2nd Annual Palm Springs Pinot Noir Festival
Date: January 27-28
Location: Palm Springs, CA
If you're a fan of Pinot Noir, the Palm Springs Pinot Noir Festival is the perfect event for you. This two-day festival features tastings, seminars, and more, dedicated to the celebrated wine grape.
Oasis Music Festival
Date: January 26-29
Location: Palm Springs, CA
Get ready to dance the night away at the Oasis Music Festival, a four-day music festival featuring live performances by world-renowned DJs and musicians.
Southwest Arts Festival
Date: January 26-29
Location: Indio, CA
Immerse yourself in the arts at the Southwest Arts Festival, a three-day celebration featuring over 250 acclaimed artists and their unique creations.
The Center's Info-A-Go-Go
Date: January 25
Location: Palm Springs, CA
Come out and explore a range of free services at The Center's Info-A-Go-Go, a community resource fair that includes health screenings, career assistance, and more.
Art Party, Palm Springs Art Museum
Date: January 28
Location: Palm Springs, CA
Sip on cocktails, groove to live music, and view incredible artwork at the Art Party in support of the Palm Springs Art Museum.
Palm Springs Health Run & Fitness Expo
Date: January 28
Location: Palm Springs, CA
Get fit and support a great cause at the Palm Springs Health Run & Fitness Expo, which includes a 10K, 5K, and 1K run/walk event and a fitness expo featuring a range of health and wellness vendors.
Tour de Palm Springs
Date: February 11
Location: Palm Springs, CA
Join the fun at the Tour de Palm Springs, a bike ride and fundraising event that benefits local charities.
Modernism Week 2023
Date: February 16-26
Location: Palm Springs, CA
Discover the beauty of mid-century modern design, architecture, and culture at Modernism Week, a celebration featuring tours, lectures, films, and more.
Palm Springs Air Museum Gala
Date: February 18
Location: Palm Springs, CA
Don your black-tie attire and head to the Palm Springs Air Museum Gala, a sophisticated event featuring a cocktail reception, dinner, and live entertainment in support of the museum.
International Bear Convergence IBC 2023
Date: February 23-27
Location: Palm Springs, CA
Meet fellow members of the bear community and enjoy pool parties, dance events, and more at the International Bear Convergence.
McCormick's Palm Springs Exotic Car Auction
Date: February 24-26
Location: Palm Springs, CA
If you're a car enthusiast, don't miss McCormick's Palm Springs Exotic Car Auction, a three-day event featuring rare and exotic automobiles from around the world.
"Isn't It Romantic" Jazz Band Concert & Gala Fundraiser
Date: Feb 27
Location: Palm Springs, CA
Description: Enjoy an unforgettable evening of jazz music, delicious dinner, and a silent auction while supporting the talented Palm Springs High School Jazz Band. This event is a must-attend for anyone who loves music and wants to contribute to a great cause.
La Quinta Arts Celebration
Date: March 2–5
Location: La Quinta Civic Center Campus
The La Quinta Arts Celebration is a four-day festival showcasing the works of over 200 artists from various mediums, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, and photography. It's a great opportunity for art lovers to admire and purchase unique pieces.
Cathedral City First Friday Art Walk
Date: March 3
Location: Art and Design District
The Cathedral City First Friday Art Walk is a monthly event that highlights local artists in the Art and Design District. The event features live music, food, and drinks, making it a great way to experience the local art scene.
Cathedral City LGBT Days
Date: March 3–5
Location: Downtown Cathedral City
The Cathedral City LGBT Days is a celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community featuring live entertainment, food vendors, and a parade. This annual event brings together people of all backgrounds to celebrate diversity and inclusivity.
World Pride Mardi Gras Fashion Show PS Art Museum
Date: March 4
Location: Palm Springs Art Museum
The World Pride Mardi Gras Fashion Show is a high-fashion event that showcases outrageous costumes and designs. After the show, there will be an exciting party where you can mingle with fellow fashion enthusiasts.
Desert X
Date: March 4–May 7
Location: Multiple Locations
Desert X is a biennial art exhibition that takes place in the Coachella Valley. It features installations from artists all over the world, giving visitors a chance to explore the desert landscape and see some incredible art.
BNP Paribas Open
Date: March 6–19
Location: Indian Wells Tennis Garden
The BNP Paribas Open is the largest two-week combined ATP and WTA Tour tennis tournament in the world. This event is a must-attend for tennis enthusiasts and sports lovers.
Hollywood's Biggest Night at Trio
Date: March 12
Location: Trio Restaurant
Hollywood's Biggest Night at Trio is a night of glitz and glamor, where you can watch the Oscars live while enjoying cocktails and delicious food.
CV Rep Fundraiser - Puttin' On the Glitz
Date: March 13
Location: CV Rep
Puttin' On the Glitz is a fundraiser for the CV Repertory Theatre. The event features live entertainment, cocktails, and a silent auction. It's a great way to support the arts and have a good time.
Glow in the Park
Date: March 15–April 30
Location: Indian Wells Tennis Garden
Glow in the Park is an interactive art installation featuring illuminated sculptures. This event is a fun way to explore the Indian Wells Tennis Garden and experience some incredible art.
Fashion Week El Paseo
Date: March 17–23
Location: The Gardens on El Paseo
Fashion Week El Paseo is the ultimate fashion event in Palm Springs. The event features fashion shows from top designers, live entertainment, and a variety of vendors. This is a must-attend event for fashion enthusiasts.
Red Dress Dress Red Party
Date: March 18, 2023
Location: Palm Springs Air Museum
Get ready to paint the town red at the annual Red Dress Dress Red Party. Dress up in your most fabulous red frock and dance the night away in a sea of crimson at the Palm Springs Air Museum.
2023 Desert Open Studios Tour
Date: March 18-19 & March 25-26, 2023
Location: Various locations in the Coachella Valley
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the thriving art scene in the Coachella Valley. Visit local artist studios and see their creative process firsthand during the Desert Open Studios Tour.
Rainbow Challenge Golf Tournament
Date: March 19, 2023
Location: Escena Golf Club
Tee off for a good cause at the Rainbow Challenge Golf Tournament. Play a round of golf and support the LGBTQIA+ community in Palm Springs.
Variations of Three Pianos, Six Hands
Date: March 20, 2023
Location: McCallum Theatre
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of classical music with Variations of Three Pianos, Six Hands. Three of the world's top pianists will take to the stage for a magical performance you won't want to miss.
Palm Springs Int'l Gay Hockey Tournament
Date: March 23-26, 2023
Location: Desert Ice Castle
Lace up your skates and hit the ice for the Palm Springs International Gay Hockey Tournament. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-time player, this tournament is a must-attend event for hockey fans in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Palm Desert Food & Wine 2023
Date: March 24-26, 2023
Location: The Gardens on El Paseo
Treat your taste buds to a weekend of culinary delights at the Palm Desert Food & Wine 2023. Sample dishes from top local chefs and sip on the finest wines from around the world.
The Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards DAP Health
Date: March 25, 2023
Location: Palm Springs Convention Center
Honor the memory of renowned interior designer Steve Chase and support DAP Health at the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards. Enjoy an evening of dinner, drinks, and live entertainment as we celebrate those who have made a difference in the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS.
One PS Community Picnic & Community Expo
Date: March 25, 2023
Location: Ruth Hardy Park
Bring your friends, family, and furry companions to the One PS Community Picnic & Community Expo. Enjoy a day of fun in the sun with local vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment.
Trans Pride 2023 - Empower and Employ
Date: March 26–29
Location: Palm Springs Art Museum
Trans Pride 2023 is a four-day event that is dedicated to celebrating the transgender and gender non-conforming community. This year's event features a job fair, a talent showcase, and a rally. The event aims to empower and employ transgender and gender non-conforming people, while also raising awareness about the challenges and issues that they face.
Palm Springs Jewish Film Festival
Date: March 31
Location: Camelot Theatres
The Palm Springs Jewish Film Festival is an annual event that showcases the best in Jewish cinema. The festival features films from around the world that explore Jewish culture, history, and identity. This year's festival includes screenings of short and feature-length films, as well as discussions with filmmakers and special guests.
Palm Springs Speaks present Al Franken
Date: April 1
Location: Richards Center for the Arts
Palm Springs Speaks is a speaker series that brings some of the most prominent figures in politics, entertainment, and culture to Palm Springs. This year, the series presents Al Franken, the former United States Senator, and comedian. Franken will discuss his career in comedy, his time in the Senate, and his thoughts on the current political landscape.
Palm Springs Animal Shelter's Faux Fur Ball
Date: April 1
Location: Palm Springs Air Museum
The Faux Fur Ball is an annual fundraiser for the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. The event features a runway show where adoptable pets are escorted down the catwalk by local celebrities. There are also auctions, a gourmet dinner, and dancing. All proceeds from the event go to support the shelter's efforts to rescue and care for animals in need.
Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival Weekend 1 & 2
Date: April 14-16 & April 21–23
Location: Empire Polo Club
The Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival is one of the most famous music festivals in the world. The event features some of the biggest names in music, as well as art installations and other attractions. This year's lineup includes Billie Eilish, Harry Styles, and Lizzo.
Dining Out for Life
Date: April 27
Location: Various locations
Dining Out for Life is an annual fundraiser for local HIV/AIDS service organizations. Participating restaurants donate a portion of their proceeds from the day to support these organizations. In Palm Springs, over 60 restaurants are participating in the event, making it a great way to try out new restaurants while also supporting a good cause.
Stagecoach
Date: April 28–30
Location: Empire Polo Club
Stagecoach is a country music festival that takes place at the same location as Coachella. The event features some of the biggest names in country music, as well as line dancing, barbecue, and other country-themed activities.
Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus Presents Notorious
Date: April 28–30
Location: Annenberg Theater
The Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus is a beloved institution in the Palm Springs community. This year, they present Notorious, a musical tribute to some of the most notorious people in history, including Al Capone, Bonnie and Clyde, and Marilyn Monroe.
Palm Springs Hot Rodeo
Date: May 4–7
Location: Multiple locations
The Palm Springs Hot Rodeo is a three-day event that celebrates the LGBTQ+ rodeo community. The event features bull riding, steer wrestling, and other rodeo competitions, as well as line dancing and other western-themed activities.
Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast
Date: May 11, 2023
Location: Palm Springs Convention Center
The Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast is an annual event that celebrates the legacy of Harvey Milk, an American politician and gay rights activist. The event includes a keynote speaker, awards ceremony, and a delicious breakfast. The goal of the event is to promote diversity, equality, and inclusion in the community.
White Party Global
Date: May 12-14, 2023
Location: Various locations in Palm Springs
White Party Global is a legendary dance music festival that attracts thousands of attendees from all over the world. This three-day event includes some of the biggest names in music, as well as pool parties, fashion shows, and other exciting events. The dress code is all white, which creates a stunning visual effect.
Joshua Tree Music Festival
Date: May 18 - 21
Location: Joshua Tree, CA
Description: Immerse yourself in the magic of the Joshua Tree desert with this four-day festival that celebrates music, art, and culture. With an exciting lineup of musicians, artists, and performers, you'll be sure to have a great time while experiencing the beauty of the desert.
Lizzo The Special 2our
Date: June 2, 2023
Location: Acrisure Arena
Lizzo, the Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter, and flutist, will be performing her hits at the Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa. The event promises to be an unforgettable experience with Lizzo's signature blend of funk, soul, and hip hop.
Splash House June Weekend
Date: June 9-11, 2023
Location: Various locations in Palm Springs
Splash House June Weekend is a music festival that takes place across multiple venues in Palm Springs. The event features some of the hottest names in electronic dance music, as well as pool parties, after-parties, and other exciting events.
Out in the Vineyard Gay Wine Weekend
Date: July 14-16, 2023
Location: Various wineries in Sonoma Valley
Out in the Vineyard Gay Wine Weekend is a three-day event that celebrates the LGBT community's love of wine. The event includes wine tastings, gourmet meals, and other activities at some of the most beautiful wineries in Sonoma Valley. The event also raises funds for LGBT charities.
Splash House August Weekend 1 & 2
Date: Aug 11-13 & Aug 18-20, 2023
Location: Various locations in Palm Springs
Splash House August Weekend 1 & 2 is another music festival that takes place across multiple venues in Palm Springs. The event features more than 30 acts, pool parties, and after-parties. It's a perfect way to enjoy the last days of summer.
Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend
Date: Sept 20–24, 2023
Location: Various locations in Palm Springs
Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend is the largest lesbian event in the world, attracting thousands of women from around the globe. The event includes pool parties, comedy shows, concerts, and other activities at various locations throughout Palm Springs.
Mini-Modernism Week 2023
Date: Oct 19-22
Location: Palm Springs, CA
Description: Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore Palm Springs' mid-century modern scene during Mini-Modernism Week 2023. This smaller version of the popular Modernism Week event features tours, lectures, films, and more, perfect for those who want to experience the best of mid-century modern design and architecture in a shorter timeframe.
Palm Springs Leather Pride
Date: Oct 26–29, 2023
Location: Various locations in Palm Springs
Palm Springs Leather Pride is a four-day event that celebrates the leather and fetish community. The event includes parties, workshops, and contests, as well as a parade down Palm Canyon Drive.
Palm Springs Pride
Date: Nov 3–5, 2023
Location: Downtown Palm Springs
Palm Springs Pride is an annual event that celebrates the LGBT community's diversity, culture, and achievements. The event includes a parade, a festival, and live entertainment from some of the biggest names in music. The event promotes equality, acceptance, and love for all.
Well, honey, there you have it – a roundup of some of the hottest events coming up in Palm Springs and throughout the Coachella Valley. From film festivals to rodeos, nightly drag shows to hot springs, what more could we ask for?
Don't miss out on all the excitement. Mark your calendars, book your flights, and get ready for some serious fun in Palm Springs this year!
