Palm Springs Pride 2024: The Ultimate Guide
Palm Springs Pride 2024 is coming! Get ready for another fabulous Pride weekend with our ultimate guide to events, parades, parties, and more in the heart of the desert.
Get ready, because Palm Springs Pride 2024 is about to take over the desert again! With a jam-packed schedule of events from October 30th to November 3rd, there’s something for everyone looking to live their best gay life. Whether you're into drag shows, film nights, block parties, or parades, Palm Springs Pride promises an unforgettable experience. Here’s your comprehensive guide to all the essential events you won’t want to miss.
If you have anything you’d like to contribute to this article, please email us and let us know (and let us know why you want to include it too)!
Which Palm Springs Pride event are you most excited for this year? What's your go-to Pride outfit? Let us know in the comments!
In the meantime, here is our Ultimate Guide to Palm Springs Pride 2024!
Palm Springs Pride 2024 Events Map
🖤 Oct 24 - 27 | Palm Springs Leather Pride
Where: Hotel Zoso, 150 S Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs (Official Host Hotel) & Multiple Locations
Kick off Pride with an enticing weekend of sexual liberation at this year’s Palm Springs Leather Pride! From pool parties to play parties, they’ve got everything your dark leather heart could ask for. Don’t miss the Just For Fans meetup at Blackbook, the Dark Alley Marketplace at Tool Shed, or the Go Deep! dungeon & play party at Hotel Zoso.
🎬 Oct 30 - Film Night: Tom of Finland & Selected Shorts | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E Baristo Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA
Kick off Pride with an evening celebrating the Tom of Finland Foundation's 40th Anniversary. Enjoy a mix of art, film, and cocktails in honor of the foundation’s legacy and cultural impact.
🌈 Oct 31 - Arenas District Stage | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
The Pride celebrations start in the heart of Palm Springs' gayborhood Arenas District! Join the crowd for an evening of music, dancing, and festivities that set the tone for the days ahead.
🕺 Oct 31 - Día de la Reina Featuring Neon Trees | 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Where: Arenas District Pride Stage, 302 E Arenas Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA
NEON TREES will headline this free block party celebration dedicated to the Queens and Kings of Palm Springs. It’s a night traditionally known for ghouls and goblins, but this year, it’s all about reveling in fabulousness.
🎉 Nov 1 - Arenas District Block Party & Pride Weekend Kickoff 2024 | 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Celebrate the start of Pride weekend with high-energy DJs, dancing, and food trucks. The Arenas District transforms into the ultimate party zone with outdoor beverage lounges and house music that will keep you dancing all night long.
🎭 Nov 1 - La Cage Aux Folles - VIP Performance | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Where: Palm Canyon Theatre, 538 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
This VIP performance is a must-see! Enjoy a pre-show reception with champagne, light bites, and luscious desserts during intermission. After the performance, meet the cast and capture some memorable photos.
🦖 Nov 1 - Jurassic Drag at Oscar’s | 7:00 PM & 9:30 PM
Get ready for a prehistoric performance featuring the legendary Coco Peru, Jackie Beat, Sherry Vine, and Varla Jean Merman. This show combines musical spectaculars and comedy, showcasing some of the most talented drag queens who have collectively "survived a hostile world" for millions of years (in drag time, that is).
🕺 Nov 1-2 - DESERTOPIA
Where: The Sonoran / Infusion Beach Club Hotel / Palms Springs Surf Club
A very queer celebration of music, dance, art and a uniquely Palm Springs experience. Featuring a caftan-laden pool party, a club night of extravagant proportions and an outdoor afternoon festival featuring the finest in queer talent and music under the sun and stars in the majestic backdrop of Mt. San Jacinto.
🕺 Nov 1-3 - PRIDE MASSIVE / PALM SPRINGS
Where: RIVIERA RESORT & SPA (Formerly Margaritaville), 1600 N Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs.
Beginning with a star-studded "Drag-A-Licious" drag show into three massive pool parties. "Drag-A-Licious" at 7:30 PM. This spectacular drag show features 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.
👑 Nov 1-3 - Miss Dina Martina Halloween
Where: Revolution Stage Company, 611 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Dina Martina returns to Palm Springs with a blend of surreal comedy and “tragically funny” performance. This drag legend is known for leaving audiences in hysterics, so don’t miss out on this experience!
🕺 Nov 1-3 - Desert Heat Palm Springs Pride
Where: Hotel Zoso, 150 S Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs
Paul Nicholls & Justin David present The Biggest Parties of Palm Springs Pride with 3 Days, 5 Events, and 12 All Star DJs – including BRUT, HEAT Pool Party, The GPS, PARADISE Pool Party, and SUPER SUNSET TEA CLOSING PARTY.
🏃 Nov 2 - Palm Springs Pride 5k Run and Walk | 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Where: W Chino Dr & Belardo Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Join the Palm Springs Front Runners & Walkers for a 5K event to raise funds for local LGBTQ+ organizations. All ages and abilities are welcome to participate in this annual community-building event.
🛍️ Nov 2 - Festival Marketplace and Entertainment | 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Don’t miss SISTER SLEDGE at 8:00 P.M. on the Palm Canyon Drive Main Stage. The marketplace on Palm Canyon Drive opens up, featuring a diverse array of artists, food, beverages, and shopping. It’s the heart of Pride where you can sip, sashay, and celebrate with friends.
🏊 Nov 2 - Rainbow Splash Pool Party | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Where: CCBC Resort, 68-300 Gay Resort Dr, Cathedral City, CA 92234
Cool off with a splash at CCBC Resort's pool party. Your ticket includes day-pass resort access and music by DJ Bobby. Dive in and relax with friends old and new!
🎶 Nov 2 - Arenas District Official Block Party 2024 | 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
The biggest free LGBTQ+ street party in Palm Springs takes over the Arenas District. The bars and businesses will be packed to the rafters with people dancing to DJs under the stars. Open-air beverage lounges and revelers fill the streets to celebrate Pride.
🎤 Nov 2 & 3 - Shakira “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” World Tour at Acrisure Arena
On November 2nd, Shakira kicks off the North American leg of her world tour at Acrisure Arena in Greater Palm Springs. It’s your chance to see this GRAMMY® Award-winning artist perform live.
🏳️🌈 Nov 3 - Palm Springs Pride Parade | 10:00 AM - Noon
Where: Palm Canyon Dr from Tachevah to Amado
The iconic parade steps off in the Uptown Design District, making its way through downtown Palm Springs in a riot of color, music, and joy. It’s the highlight of Pride weekend, filled with vibrant floats and community pride.
🥂 Nov 3 - Palm Springs Pride on the Rooftop | 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where: Flannery Exchange, 750 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Party with a parade view! This rooftop celebration includes music, drinks, bites, and plenty of fun with local celebs like DJ MODGIRL, The Desert Studs, and yours truly – The Palm Springs Guys! Presale tickets include two free drinks from the full bar. Delicious drinks & bites provided by Lulu’s. In addition to the GA tickets, there are some limited parking passes and 6-pack VIP table options available too (yaasss, VIP)! Limited parking available for purchase as well. Benefitting the LGBTQ Center of the Desert. Tickets now on sale – and use the discount code PSGUYS to get $5 off general admission tickets.
🛍️ Nov 3 - Festival Marketplace and Entertainment | 11:00 AM – 6 PM
Don’t miss GEORGE MICHAEL REBORN on the Palm Canyon Drive Main Stage. The marketplace on Palm Canyon Drive continues, featuring a diverse array of artists, food, beverages, and shopping. It’s the heart of Pride where you can sip, sashay, and celebrate with friends.
🍳 Nov 3 - Brunch with Miss Richfield 1981 | 1:00 PM
Where: EIGHT4NINE Restaurant & Lounge, 849 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs
End your Pride weekend on a high note with brunch hosted by the drag legend Miss Richfield 1981. Her interactive format, homespun warmth, and edgy improv promise an unforgettable experience.
Why Palm Springs Pride is a Must-Visit
Palm Springs is more than just a city; it’s a year-round playground where the sun shines and the LGBTQ+ community thrives. With its welcoming atmosphere, breathtaking desert landscapes, and endless array of cultural events, it’s the ultimate destination to celebrate love, equality, and pride. So come for Pride, stay for the friendships, the nightlife, and the promise of unforgettable memories. See you soon in Palm Springs! 🏳️🌈
More Gay-Friendly Resources
10 Best Gay Bars in Palm Springs for Your Next Gaycation Getaway
Discover the 10 best gay bars in Palm Springs for an unforgettable gaycation getaway. From chill vibes to dance floors, explore the top gay-friendly spots in the Arenas district and beyond. Your ultimate guide to Palm Springs gay nightlife!
Palm Springs is a destination-state-of-mind for gay men looking to let their guard down and embrace their inner selves. With our stunning desert landscapes, year-round sunshine, and thriving LGBTQ+ scene, there’s nowhere quite like Palm Springs for a fun-filled gaycation getaway.
So let’s talk about the gay bars! Our city is sprinkled with fun and flirtatious nightlife gems, from cozy neighborhood watering holes to dance clubs. While there is much more to the magic of Palm Springs than simply getting our drink on, I always like to remember that our gay history is rooted in bar culture. Undercover gay bars run by the brave few were where we first found our community in stealth – and it wasn’t that long ago when it was extremely dangerous to do so. In many other parts of the world, it’s still dangerous just to be gay – let alone the kind of out-and-proud we get to be here in Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. So, the next time you’re here in Palm Springs, raise a glass to our community and how far we’ve come!
If you have anything you’d like to contribute to this article, please email us and let us know (and let us know why you love it too)!
In the meantime, here are our votes on the 10 Best Gay Bars in Palm Springs! 🥂🌴
The 10 Best Gay Bars in Palm Springs:
1. Blackbook Bar & Kitchen
Winner of Desert Sun's Best Restaurant in 2020, Blackbook is the real "chill bar" in the Arenas district. Its sleek, industrial style creates the perfect atmosphere for relaxing with friends or making new ones. Plus, they boast some of the best bar food in Palm Springs! Whether you’re looking to meet new friends at their welcoming bar and communal tables or just want a laid-back spot to unwind, Blackbook has you covered. Visit Website
2. Chill Bar
The coolest gay bar and dance club (pun fully intended) in Palm Springs as far as we’re concerned. Chill Bar is a beloved staple in the Arenas district, offering drag bingo, go-go boys, and those iconic disco-ball male statues that make for perfect Instagram moments. It’s where you go when you want to let loose and get your dance on (on the weekends), or just be unapologetically you any night of the week. Their Monday night happy hours are some of the best (and cheapest) in town too ;) Visit Website
3. Dicks
Dicks is all about cruising, drinking, and having a blast. It’s cruising culture at its most traditional, and that’s why we love it. This Arenas district gem is gay-owned, operated, and dedicated to serving the gay community. The drinks are strong and so are the bartenders. Their Friday happy hour is even more affordable (but the drinks are just as strong). With an unapologetically bold vibe, Dicks wants you to come, have fun, and keep cumming (or coming) back for more. Visit Website
4. Hunters
Hunters has been the go-to gay bar and dance club in Palm Springs for over 20 years. With the longest (Friday) happy hour in the Valley, this Arenas district hotspot serves up drag shows, karaoke, and DJs that keep the dance floor packed all night long. It’s loud, proud, and always entertaining. It’s also an in-season destination hot spot for bachelorette parties these days. We realize our gay community has mixed feelings about that, so consider yourself warned. Visit Website
5. One Eleven Bar
Formerly known as Studio One 11, One Eleven Bar has everything you need for a memorable night out. With weekly drag shows, karaoke, and live local entertainment (they’ve even got a grand piano they magically roll off and on stage!), it’s a versatile spot where old friends meet new ones. One Eleven is also home to Vanity’s Dollhaus, and lots of Ru Girls (Ru Paul’s Drag Race) Queen make cameo appearances there as well. Free entry and good vibes make this the top pick in Cathedral City. Visit Website
6. Quadz
Quadz is our kind of video "sports bar" — but swap the sports for showtunes, popular, classic, and gay-iconic film & TV moments that gay men LOVE to sing and monologue along to! The also host ongoing karaoke and weekly events. The Arenas district wouldn’t be the same without this TV bar, where everyone gets to revel in gay culture and music nostalgia. Visit Instagram
7. Roost Lounge
This neighborhood bar in Cathedral City offers a welcoming atmosphere where all are free to "roost." With ongoing weekly entertainment and karaoke, Roost Lounge is perfect for a laid-back evening out in Cat City. It’s a bit of an older crowd of regulars, but entertainment always brings a mixed crowd to the nest. Visit Website
8. Streetbar
Open since 1991, Streetbar is a Palm Springs institution! Mostly known as drawing an older crowd, this neighborhood bar is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Known for their strong, cash-only drinks, they also serve up cabaret and karaoke to keep the party going. Visit Website
9. Tool Shed
The last remaining leather bar in Palm Springs (RIP, Barracks!), Tool Shed is all about that warm sands cruising scene. With daily happy hours and themed nights like Thursday's "Underwear Nights," it's the place to be for a more fetish-forward adventure. It also happens to be right across the street from Club 541 – our newest (and only) sex club. Just saying ;) Visit Website
10. Toucans Tiki Lounge
Dance your heart out at this no-attitude bar, known for its friendly patrons, great music, and packed dance floor. With regular drag shows, live performances, and Sunday tea dances, Toucans Tiki Lounge is the ultimate spot to let your inner diva shine. Visit Website
Comparisons:
Hunters vs. Chill Bar: Both offer lively dance floors, but Hunters is known for its lengthy happy hour, while Chill Bar shines with its variety of drag events and go-go boys.
Blackbook Bar & Kitchen vs. One Eleven Bar: Blackbook is all about a sleek, modern vibe with its industrial style and whiskey selection, while One Eleven Bar gives off a more classic, piano-bar ambiance with a mix of karaoke and live entertainment.
Tool Shed vs. Dicks: Tool Shed caters to the leather and cruising scene with themed nights, while Dicks offers a more laid-back cruising experience with more of a dive bar feel.
Palm Springs: Your Next Gaycation
Palm Springs is the place to be for a fun, flirty, and fabulous gaycation getaway. Whether you’re dancing the night away at Chill Bar or enjoying a chill evening at Blackbook, there’s a spot here for every mood. Plus, with an inviting community, making new friends, having new experiences, and creating lasting connections is practically a given. It's easy to see why this desert oasis has become a haven for gay men. So pack your harness, put on your best swimwear, and come experience the magic of Gay Palm Springs for yourself!
A Gay Man's Guide to a Hot Summer in Palm Springs
Here’s our ultimate guide to hot summer fun for gay men in Palm Springs. From chic resorts and stylish grooming spots to lively bars, eateries, and thrilling adventures – here's what you need to know to have a sizzling summer getaway.
Warm summer nights in the low desert are when the boys come alive and the hot gay summer fun begins here in Palm Springs, California. With its vibrant LGBTQIA+ community, endless sunshine, and year-round array of activities, Palm Springs is the ultimate summer destination for gay men looking to have a fabulous getaway. Whether you're lounging by a clothing-optional pool, boozing & cruising, or just dancing the night away, there's no place quite like Palm Springs for a memorable and exciting summer escape.
What do you love about Palm Springs in the summer? Email us and let us know.
In the meantime, here’s our gay man's guide to a hot summer in Palm Springs!
Stay Gay
Palm Springs boasts an impressive selection of gay resorts, each offering unique amenities and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're planning a solo trip or a getaway with besties, these resorts are perfect for indulging in some poolside flirtation and restoration.
Start by checking out our favorite stylish trio of men-only resorts by the Resorts Palm Springs group: Twin Palms Resort, Santiago Resort, and Descanso Resort. The next-level experience at any of these three resorts will never disappoint. Be sure to check out each resort website for any summer deals that might be happening too.
For more enticing clothing-optional experiences, check out:
Triangle Inn: An architectural gem.
Canyon Club: Known for its frisky atmosphere.
El Mirasol: Offers understated grandeur with a clothing-optional pool.
Vista Grande: Waterfalls, lounge spots, and naked men (of course).
The Hacienda: A home away from home (and more of a swimsuit-optional respite).
All Worlds: Known for letting it all hang out.
Desert Paradise: A haven of seclusion.
INNdulge: Features comfortable cabanas with cooling fans.
Where To Get Your Hair Did
Feeling hot starts with looking hot. Head to Daddy’s for a makeover, or try Sunny Dunes Barber Shop for a trendy cut. The Men’s Grooming Spot offers waxing, massages, skincare, hair, and nail services in a cool spa setting in nearby Cathedral City (aka Cat City).
Where To Get Your Drink On
The Arenas district is the gay epicenter (aka gayborhood) of Gay Palm Springs, featuring a variety of lively bars and clubs like:
Dick’s: Perfect for cruising.
Chill Bar: Perfect for mingling.
Quadz: The fun place for show tunes lovers.
Evening Citizen: A classy speakeasy-style lounge.
More of our favorites just outside the Arenas district:
Canopy Wine Lounge: Offers a sophisticated wine selection in downtown Palm Springs.
Tailor Shop: A cocktail bar in Uptown with a cool speakeasy vibe.
Tool Shed: The only leather and Levi bar, known for its happy hours and cruisy theme nights.
Barracks Bar: Famous for its Sunday Beer Bust, Wednesday Underwear Night, and other (very cruisy) leather events, located in Cathedral City.
For more nightlife options, check out our Best Gay Nightlife in Palm Springs.
Where To Eat
Stay hydrated (it’s the desert, guuurrrl!) and stay well-fed with some of our favorite Palm Springs' dining spots:
Koffi: Perfect for a morning kickstart.
Townie Bagels: Freshly boiled bagels and baked goods.
FARM: A Provencal-style gem.
Chicken Ranch: Farm-to-table salads and rotisserie chicken.
Santorini Gyro Restaurant: Affordable and delicious Greek cuisine.
Clandestino: Modern Mexican and Latin American delights.
Blackbook: Known for being the best bar food in town.
French Miso Cafe: A unique blend of Japanese and French cuisine.
Bar Cecil: A modern bistro experience celebrating individuality and creativity.
For more dining options, visit our The Perfect Gay Getaway in Palm Springs for the Solo Traveler.
Where To Play
Palm Springs offers a range of enticing activities from mild to wild:
CCBC Resort: Known for its range of sex-positive special events.
CLUB541: Palm Springs’ newest (and hottest) sex club.
All Worlds Resort: Features a play area maze and offers day passes.
Canyon Club Hotel: Features a play area labyrinth and offers day passes.
Pool parties: There are always pool parties happening throughout the summer months. Check out Gay Desert Guide, or make fast friends while you're in town to find out where the fun private pool parties are ;)
If you’re planning to live your best gay life here in Palm Springs, stay safe and be sure to get tested at one of our amazing local clinics offering free STI and HIV testing. Check out our Get Tested, Stay Fabulous: Your Ultimate Guide to STI and HIV Testing in Palm Springs.
Where To Explore
If you want to venture out on some traditional tourist excursions in and around Palm Springs, explore:
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: Offers breathtaking views, hiking, and cooler climates at the top of San Jacinto Mountain.
Joshua Tree National Park: Known for its natural wonders in the high desert.
Palm Springs Art Museum: Features an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art in a nice air-conditioned environment.
Mid-Century Modern Tours: Explore the architectural wonders that define Palm Springs, with guided or self-led tours. Consider Palm Springs Mod Squad Tours or Mid-Century Modern Tours. If a self-guided tour is more your jam, you can caravan around some iconic Mid-century modern neighborhoods with The Palm Springs Guys MCM Architecture Self-Guided Tour Guide (Google Maps GPS-ready)! And the open houses here in Palm Springs on the weekends will have you feeling like you’re at Modernism Week.
Check out our Best Summer Activities in Gay Palm Springs for more inspiration.
Where To Shop
Find all your gaycation fashion needs and unique home goods that will awe-inspire right here in Palm Springs:
Division Palm Springs: Our favorite variety of short shorts (the unofficial official shorts of Palm Springs).
GayMart USA: America's Favorite Gay Superstore.
Gear Leather & Fetish: High-quality fetish goods.
Just Fabulous Palm Springs: Modern lifestyle boutique.
PS Homeboys: Specializes in Mid-Century meets Modern home décor.
Revivals: It’s like a gay Good Will that supports comprehensive healthcare at DAP Health for the LGBTQ+ community.
For more shopping ideas, visit our Best Gay Shopping in Palm Springs.
Where To See a Show
From drag shows, karaoke and underwear nights to a thriving live local theater scene, we've got something for every taste here in Palm Springs. Here are a few of our favorites:
One Eleven Bar: Features drag shows, karaoke, and live entertainment, often featuring acclaimed Ru Girls (aka Ru Paul's Drag Race Queens).
Toucans Tiki Lounge: Primarily known for it’s fun local drag shows.
Drag Brunch: There are always fun drag brunch shows on the weekends here. Check out Gay Desert Guide’s Fun and Fabulous Drag Brunches in Greater Palm Springs for listings.
Oscar’s: Offers dancing, live dinner entertainment, drag brunches, and their signature T-Dance on Sundays.
Palm Springs Cultural Center: Hosts LGBT film festivals, live performances, and so much more.
Local theater: Check out our Palm Springs Performs: A Tour Of The Desert’s Finest Theaters.
For more ideas and inspiration, check out our Best Summer Activities in Gay Palm Springs.
Palm Springs is a fabulous destination for gay men year-round, offering warm weather, vibrant culture, and a welcoming community. Whether you're making new friends or enjoying the array of activities, Palm Springs is the perfect place for hot summer fun and having experiences to remember.
The Perfect Gay Getaway in Palm Springs for the Solo Traveler
Discover the ultimate gay solo traveler's guide to Palm Springs, CA. From luxurious resorts to delicious dining and vibrant nightlife, find out why this desert oasis is the perfect place for living your best gay life.
Ah, Palm Springs! A Mid-century modern mecca nestled in the Coachella Valley under the Californian sun, serving up a slice of paradise with a side of fabulous for the gay male solo traveler. This is where the vibe is as warm as the desert heat, where you can let it ALL hang out without a care in the world, and where every moment is a chance to celebrate who YOU are in this world. Welcome to Palm Springs, the ultimate destination for gay men seeking a solo (or boys weekend) adventure, relaxation, and everything in between.
Why Palm Springs?
Palm Springs is more of a lifestyle for gay men than it is a destination. It’s a safe haven where the LGBTQ+ community isn't just welcomed; it's celebrated. Our little desert oasis offers year-round sunshine, stunning architecture, and a vibe so inclusive you'll feel like you've finally come home – especially if you're flying solo. It's all about living your best life here, and often in ways guys have never truly experienced (or even imagined) until they get here.
Stay in Style
Santiago Resort: Luxe Lounging
At the Santiago Resort, luxury meets liberation in a clothing-optional paradise. Dive into their saline pool, indulge in complimentary poolside lunch, and make new friends under the Palm Springs sun. If it's all booked, their equally chic siblings, Descanso and Twin Palms, are just around the corner.
INNdulge Palm Springs: Economical Elegance
For a blend of affordability and allure, INNdulge is your haven in the Warm Sands district. With a 24-hour heated salt water pool, a 12-man jacuzzi, and decades of experience, it's the perfect pick for those new to the clothing-optional scene.
CCBC Men’s Resort Hotel: Playful Retreat
Seeking fun in a sex-positive space? CCBC Resort in Cathedral City (aka Cat City) offers a vast playground for your desires with special events – CUMUNION sex parties and male bonding pop-up events – day and night passes, and endless opportunities for adventure.
Dine Like You Mean It
Breakfast
Koffi: Kickstart your day with their robust oat milk iced lattes and satisfying egg sandwiches, available at various chic locations across Palm Springs.
Townie Bagels: For freshly boiled bagels and scrumptious baked goods, this spot in the Antique Shopping District is a must-visit.
FARM: A Provencal-style gem serving traditional French dishes with a twist of local flavors. Be early to beat the brunch rush!
Lunch
Clandestino: Dive into Latin American delights with a side of artistic flair, brought to you by the creators of FARM and Tac/Quila.
Santorini Gyro Restaurant: Authentic Greek cuisine that's as delicious as it is affordable. Don't miss their outdoor seating in Palm Springs for prime people-watching.
Chicken Ranch: Committing to freshness, enjoy farm-to-table salads, rotisserie chicken, and seasonal ingredients for a rejuvenating lunch.
Dinner
French Miso Cafe: Where Japanese meets French cuisine in a cozy setting. Quality dining awaits, but keep an eye on their hours.
Blackbook Bar & Kitchen: Located in the bustling Arenas district, known for the best bar food in town and a lively happy hour scene.
Workshop Kitchen & Bar: A farm-to-table experience with a James Beard-award winning design. It's a culinary journey not to be missed.
Bar Cecil: For a bistro experience that celebrates individuality and creativity, both in its aesthetics and its cuisine. Book ahead, it's a hot ticket!
Nightlife
Cheers, Queers!
The Arenas district is the gayborhood epicenter of all things Gay Palm Springs. Start at Blackbook where it’s easy to meet new friends sitting right at the bar. Then hop around to (it’s a short block) to check out other gay watering holes like Dick’s, Streetbar, Chill Bar, Hunters, Quadz, or the (semi-hidden) speakeasy-style Evening Citizen for more boozing and cruising. While you’re at it, check out retail stores like GayMart, Rough Trade Gear, Division Menswear, or Ball Beachwear for all of your poolside (and bedside) needs.
Truss & Twine: Specializing in era-themed classic cocktails, Truss & Twin is Workshop Kitchen’s chic cocktail bar, alongside a desert-inspired menu using ingredients from the Coachella Valley.
Canopy Wine Lounge: A swanky newcomer offering a world-class wine selection in a sophisticated setting. With a focus on providing a memorable experience, Canopy has already gained popularity for its swanky atmosphere and has become a stunning addition to Palm Springs' bar scene.
Tailor Shop: A "purveyor of fine spirits and bespoke traditions". They are Uptown Palm Springs' newest cocktail bar with a distinct speakeasy-style ambiance. Picture a dark, moody interior with velvet banquettes, leather chairs, and a wrap-around marble bar. It's the perfect cooldown for those hot desert evenings.
PS Air Bar: A fun Airline-themed speakeasy inside the Bouschet wine store, featuring cocktails, dinner, naughty flight attendants, and live entertainment on the weekends. There's no place else quite like this, and every seat is first class (literally). You know we love a good theme bar!
Purple Room: Honoring the Rat Pack era and the quintessential "Old Hollywood" Palm Springs experience – Michael Holmes’ Purple Room is the desert’s premier supper club and live performance space, featuring local and national jazz artists and the always popular, The Judy Show! – a parody of the great icons of the 60s. Grab a cocktail during happy hour and enjoy some (free) local music during the week.
Experiences to Remember
Entertainment Extravaganza
Drag Shows Galore: From the playful Mile High Boozy Brunch at PS Air Bar to Vanity's Doll Haus at One Eleven Bar in Cat City, Palm Springs offers an array of drag performances that promise fabulous fun. Here’s a complete list of drag shows from Gay Desert Guide for more drag show events. Shantay, you stay!
Sunday Funday: Embrace the local tradition with drag brunches, Palm Springs pool parties, and the legendary tea dance at Oscar's. After you’ve had enough disco, strap on some leather gear head on over to the Barracks for their popular Beer Bust.
Cultural Cachet
Mid-Century Modern Tours: Dive deep into the architectural wonders that define Palm Springs, with guided or self-led tours. Consider Palm Springs Mod Squad Tours or Mid-Century Modern Tours. If a self-guided tour is more your jam, you can caravan around some iconic Mid-century modern neighborhoods with The Palm Springs Guys MCM Architecture Self-Guided Tour Guide (Google Maps GPS-ready)! And the open houses here in Palm Springs on the weekends will have you feeling like you’re at Modernism Week!
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: Escape the heat and explore the breathtaking views and cooler climates. The Tram climbs up two-and-a-half-miles of Chino Canyon cliffs to the top of Mt. San Jacinto State Park – an elevation of 8,516 feet and temperature drop of nearly 20 degrees. It’s the “world’s largest rotating tram car” and it features spectacular views of the panoramic valleys below. Enjoy a moderate hike through its 50+ miles of hiking trails and butterscotch-scented Jeffrey pines. Then grab a cocktail at the lodge and retire to the observation decks for happy hour before a nice dinner at Mountain Station’s Peaks Restaurant.
Palm Springs Art Museum: Get inspired by the Palm Springs Art Museum’s incredible 12,000 works collection of modern and contemporary art, architecture, and design. Just look for the 26-foot sculpture of Marilyn Monroe located directly in front of the Museum! Locals get in for free on Thursday evenings, so be sure to make a new local friend beforehand ;)
CLUB541: Yes, your sexual exploration also counts as cultural cachet! CLUB541 is Palm Springs newest sex club exclusively for men who want to explore the depths of their fantasies. It’s also walkable from the Tool Shed (Palm Springs exclusive leather bar) and several men-only hotels like Santiago.
Your Oasis Awaits
Palm Springs can be a life-changer when it comes to your happiness and well-being. Palm Springs' welcoming LGBTQ+ community, vibrant culture, and endless opportunities for leisure and exploration make it an unparalleled choice for those looking to live their best gay lives. Whether you're seeking a much-needed getaway, a second haven, or a new permanent place to call home, Palm Springs promises a lifestyle filled with joy, freedom, and fabulousness. In a world where you can be anything, Palm Springs invites you to be unabashedly you. So pack your bags (or don't, we won't judge), and dive into whatever adventure awaits you here.
More Gay-Friendly Resources
What You Need To Know About The Palm Springs LGBTQ+ Community [VIDEO]
Best 2022 Holiday Events in Gay Palm Springs
If you're wondering how you can make the yuletide gay this year in Palm Springs, here's our pick of the Best 2022 Holiday Events in Gay Palm Springs coming up throughout December!
If you're wondering how you can make the yuletide gay this year in Palm Springs, here's our pick of the Best 2022 Holiday Events in Gay Palm Springs coming up throughout December. Happy Holidays, guys!
Palm Springs Holiday Events To Make The Yuletide Gay
Dec. 2 | Official city holiday tree lighting | Frances Stevens Park
Dec. 2-18 (Weekends) | “Palm Springs Getaway” | Palm Canyon Theatre
Dec. 2 (Multiple Days) | “Sounds of the Holidays” | Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Dec. 3 | Festival of Lights Parade | Downtown Palm Springs
Dec. 4 | 13th Annual Men of the Desert Fashion Show and Luncheon | Palm Springs Air Museum
Dec. 4 | The Roost's Wreath Decoration Contest and Auction on December 4th
Dec. 4, 11 & 18 | The Dirty Show Holiday X-Travaganza! With Deven Green and Handsome Ned | Dietlart
Dec. 16-18 | Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus “Naughty or Nice?” | Annenberg Theater at Palm Springs Art Museum
Dec. 23 | Western X-Mas: Holiday Bear Retreat | CCBC
Barracks
Dec. 3 | Snuggie & Union Suit Party
Dec. 10 | PigDaddy (Not exactly holiday-themed, but why not mix things up?)
Dec. 31 | Barrack's Ball Drop
Oscar's
Dec. 17 | Jackie Beat’s “War on Christmas”
Dec. 24 | Bitchiest Brunch Christmas Eve Edition
Dec. 25 | Oscar's FREE Christmas Breakfast
Dec. 31 | Drag Me Into 2023 | Two Dinners and Shows
Palm Springs Cultural Center
Dec. 10 & 11 | ‘Stars: A Galaxy of Song’ | Modern Men: Coachella Valley Men's Chorus
Dec. 17 | Pied Piper: A Twisted Holiday Tale | Palm Springs Dance Project
Dec. 20 | Deserted Films: Holiday Oddities
Runway @ CCBC
Dec. 9 | Vixen's Ho Ho Ho Show
Dec. 17 | Unwrapped Packages
The Purple Room
Dec. 18 | Judy's Old Fashioned Christmas
Dec. 23 | Blue Suede Christmas! Elvis: The Early Years