Pride Highlights: Palm Springs Pride 2024
Palm Springs isn’t just a Pride destination for the LGBTQ+ community – it’s a way of life here. Our little California desert oasis has become the destination for gay men seeking sun-soaked fun and fabulousness year-round. And when it comes to event season, no celebration shines brighter than Palm Springs Pride. Whether you’re a leather aficionado, a lover of drag, or a dance party connoisseur, there’s something for everyone here. So, mark your calendars now because Palm Springs Pride 2025 will surely be as epic as this year was!
To learn more about all the fun you can have here in Palm Springs and our beautiful Coachella Valley, check out some of our blog favorites, like Best Gay Nightlife in Palm Springs, The Best Sex Shops and Adult Play Gear for Gay Men in Palm Springs, and Escape to Bliss: Best Gay Men's Spas and Spa Resorts in Palm Springs.
We had gay-old time this year experiencing various Pride events ourselves, so here are our Pride highlights for Palm Springs Pride 2024!
Pride Highlights: Palm Springs Pride 2024
Palm Springs Leather Pride
The festivities began with a steamy weekend of Palm Springs Leather Pride, where the city’s sultry side was on full display. From the Dark Alley Marketplace at Tool Shed to the Go Deep! Dungeon & Play Party at Hotel Zoso, this event embraced liberation and kink with sophistication. Blackbook’s Just For Fans Meetup? A sultry cherry on top.
Día de la Reina Featuring Neon Trees
Arenas District was electric as NEON TREES headlined the Pride Stage, turning this free block party into a night of pure magic. Think less ghouls and goblins, more glitter and glamour!
Jurassic Drag at Oscar’s
The iconic Coco Peru, Jackie Beat, and their Jurassic drag sisters Sherry Vine, and Varla Jean Merman delivered a prehistoric riot at Oscar’s. Their collective wit and talent? Positively Jurassic in scale.
DESERTOPIA
For the younger, edgier crowd, DESERTOPIA served up queer magic. Poolside caftans, gender-fluid vibes, and a backdrop of Mt. San Jacinto made this a celebration of art, music, and individuality. Not the typical Palm Springs scene, but a new generation of refreshingly queer inclusivity!
PRIDE MASSIVE / PALM SPRINGS
"Drag-A-Licious" was a highlight for us – a spectacular drag show featuring an all-star lineup of Ru Girls (aka Drag Race Queenz), including Kimora Blac, Shannel, Roxxxy Andrews, Jorgeous, Kylie Sonique Love, and Vanessa Vanjie Mateo – and kicking off three incredible pool parties that left us gagging for more.
Dina Martina Halloween
Presented by Rainbow Entertainment Group at the Revolution Stage Company, Dina Martina – one of our all time favorite Provincetown comedy queens – returned to Palm Springs with her tragically hilarious blend of absurdity and drag brilliance. If you missed her, pencil in January 2025 – she’s not to be missed!
Palm Springs Pride 5k Run and Walk
The Palm Springs Front Runners & Walkers hosted another successful 5K event to raise funds for local LGBTQ+ organizations. All ages and abilities were (and are always) welcome to participate in this annual community-building event.
SISTER SLEDGE at the Palm Springs Pride Festival Marketplace
The legendary SISTER SLEDGE brought down the house with timeless hits, while the Festival Marketplace offered an irresistible mix of shopping, dining, and cultural vibes.
CCBC’s Rainbow Splash Pool Party
The clothing-optional Rainbow Splash at CCBC Resort provided the perfect mix of fun and relaxation, with DJ Bobby spinning tunes and a “play” area to boot.
Palm Springs Pride Parade
Nothing compares to the iconic Pride Parade, which transformed Palm Canyon Drive into a kaleidoscope of love, music, and community spirit!
Palm Springs Pride on the Rooftop
We saved the best for last: our very own Palm Springs Pride on the Rooftop Party. With stunning views from the Flannery Exchange rooftop our celebration included music by DJ MODGIRL, The Desert Studs dancers, and yours truly – The Palm Springs Guys! Delicious drinks & bites were provided by Lulu’s, and a portion of the proceeds benefited the LGBTQ Center of the Desert. Keep an eye out for next year’s rooftop event as tickets went fast this year!
George Michael Reborn at the Festival Marketplace
George Michael Reborn graced the Palm Canyon Drive Main Stage this year, which was almost as good as the man himself. They definitely brought the energy and nostalgia we all know and love from the music!
Brunch with Miss Richfield 1981
The inimitable Miss Richfield 1981 brought Pride to a delightful close at EIGHT4NINE with a brunch that had everyone laughing, eating, and loving every minute.
What was your favorite Palm Springs Pride event this year? Let us know!
If you’re curious to learn more about living in Palm Springs and our beautiful Coachella Valley surrounding desert cities, check out (Palm Springs Guy) Glen Nadeau’s Modern Living Palm Springs. From best neighborhoods to hidden gems to essential local resources for buyers & sellers, Glen promises to give you a much more targeted answer than ChatGPT, Google or the news will.
Lucky for us locals, Pride is a year-round experience here in Palm Springs. It’s a haven of sunshine, community, and fabulous living with events that have locals and visitors alike feeling safe and free to be who they are.
From our stunning mid-century modern architecture to our vibrant nightlife, it’s easy to fall in love with this desert gem. Friendships are formed over martinis at local gay bars, memories are made lounging by resort pools, and the sunsets are pure magic. Whether it’s for Pride or a quiet weekend away, Palm Springs will always welcome you with open arms.
