Greater Palm Springs Pride has released the schedule of official events that are expected to attract 75,000 – 100,000 people to the Coachella Valley November 3 – 5, 2017. Considered to be one of the most scenic pride parades in the world, the Greater Palm Springs Pride Festival celebrates its 31st Anniversary, October 31 – November 5, 2017, with multiple block parties, a two-day festival and parade in Palm Springs, California. The 2017 theme, “Viva la Vida!” Live life… and celebrate that you live life as you please. Shout VIVA LA VIDA… yours, mine, ours… And celebrate that we feel alive, alive because we are different, because we are unique, free… happy. Palm Springs is a city where we live life; a life full of the things and people that we love.
Official events and programs of Pride Week 2017 include:
Pride Honors Awards
Thursday, September 28 (6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
The prestigious Palm Springs Pride Honors Awards are presented annually to individuals to honor and recognize the work they have accomplished in furthering the causes of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals, and their allies. The awards reception will take place at the Hyatt Palm Springs located at 285 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs. Admission $50 Honors Circle, $1,000 Champagne Tables for four. All tickets include complimentary Bud Light, wine, and appetizers. For tickets visit bit.ly/pshonors15.
Lifetime Achievement Awards will be presented to Marshall Pearcy and Douglas Woodmansee, who have raised over $2 million for charity since their stage debut 37 years ago as Dottie Du Bois and Maude Chapeau. Also recognized will be community organizer, an advocate for LGBTQ individuals and families, and an eighteen-year member of the PFLAG Palm Springs/Desert Communities chapter since 1999, Christine Hammond.
Well in the Desert, a twenty-year grass roots organization that cares for thousands of people annually whose extraordinary efforts help educate the public and humanize the face of the homeless in Palm Springs, is recognized as Advocate of the Year. With over forty years of service advancing the LGBT movement and special recognition for her commitment to raise the visibility of the lesbian community, Louise Minnick is honored as the Volunteer of the Year.
The Transgender Community Coalition, the largest transgender organization in the Inland Empire serving the needs of the local transgender community, is celebrated as the Organization of the Year. Desert Storm Veteran and community leader Kerry Hendrix is presented with the Spirit of Pride Award for advancing equality, promoting diversity and celebrating the strength and talent of the LGBT community.
The 2017 Friend of Pride is a business and community leader who has stalwartly supported the LGBT community Carolyn Caldwell, and the Spirit of Stonewall Community Service Award recognizes retired professor of nursing, DeAnn Young, whose life has been guided by the belief that one should give to others and the community.
OUT PSP: A Kick Off to Pride Weekend
Wednesday, October 25 (5:00 – 8:00 p.m.)
OUT PSP: A Kick Off to Pride is Greater Palm Springs Pride and the Gay Desert Guide’s kick off to Pride weekend with tastings from select Coachella Valley restaurants, bars, and beverage purveyors. Drop in and sip on signature cocktails at our open bar while you and your friends watch the sun set behind the San Jacinto Mountains!
The gathering is our opportunity to recognize and honor the Grand Marshals of the 2017 Pride Parade. On hand for the kick off will be Celebrity Grand Marshals Craig Ramsay and Brandon Liberati and Palm Springs’ very own singer-entertainer Michael Holmes who is honored as the Community Grand Marshal.
All proceeds from OUT PSP support the Pride organization’s efforts to foster Pride in and respect for the region’s LGBT communities.
Tickets $50 prior to October 15, $75 after. Other levels of support and recognition $250 Friend, $500 Host, and $1,000 partner. Includes tastings from restaurants, bars and beverage purveyors. www. bit.ly/outpsp
El Mirador Plaza, 4th Floor Outdoor Patio, 1180 N Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA
Halloween Palm Springs on Arenas Rd.
Tuesday, October 31 (5:00p.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
Headliner Robin S. and costume contest with over $1,500 in cash and prizes begins at 8:00p.m.
The incomparable Robin S. (“Show Me Love” “Luv 4 Luv”) will headline Halloween Palm Springs along with the high-energy talents of The Perry Twins, Pepper MaShay, Keisha D, Marina Mac and DJ Corey D. New This Year…Andrew Christian Fashion Show and Sunny 103.1 FM “Disco Dance Contest.”
Purchase your Ketel One Vodka Lounge or VIP Backstage All Access tickets. Includes: hosted bar, beer & liquor tastings, Meet & Greet with Robin S. and the performers, snacks and the coolest & scariest Halloween decorations in town. For tickets visit www.HalloweenPalmSprings.com.
George Zander Candlelight Vigil and March
Wednesday, November 1 (6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.)
Free Event. Join us in downtown Palm Springs at 6 p.m. for the 2nd annual event to reflect, remember, and stand up against hate violence around the world. We will join in memory of all victims of hate crimes and remember George Zander on the 2nd anniversary of the day he and Chris Zander were attacked in downtown Palm Springs. George died on December 10, 2015. On the anniversary of the attack we will gather to reflect. Help us carry forward the social justice efforts that defined George Zander’s life and honor his memory so that no other individual falls victim to a crime of hate. We must remain determined to change hate, intolerance, and ignorance into love and acceptance. The vigil will begin on La Plaza, in front of Grand Central, and features a rally and march through the heart of Palm Springs. We will never forget. Join us as we speak out against hate.
Grand Central, 160 La Plaza, Palm Springs, CA
Viva la Vida Street Party
Friday, November 3 (6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.) Weekend Kick Off! The outdoor street party is a free Pride event. Join us at the US Bank Stage, on Arenas Rd. between Indian Canyon Dr. and S Calle Encilia, to celebrate life and shout VIVA LA VIDA… yours, mine, ours! Celebrate that we feel alive, alive because we are different, because we are unique, free… happy. Palm Springs is a city where we live life; a life full of the things and people that we love.
The party starts with Miss Rusty Waters and the ladies of Risqué. Then the flamboyant Los Angeles based synth disco trio, Iconique takes the stage with their upbeat, and theatrical 1980s influenced performance. Dancing in the street kicks into full gear with Jen DM (Hi Fashion DJ set) and a soulful, ball, vogue house beat.
US Bank Stage on Arenas Rd. between Indian Canyon Dr. and Calle Encilia, Palm Springs.
www.pspride.org. Admission is free to the public, however, gate donations help keep Pride free for everyone to attend. 21+.
The Off-Broadway Smash Hit Comedy,
THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA McBRIDE
Friday, November 3 (7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.)
Saturday, November 4 (2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.)
Award-winning Dezart Performs opens its 10th Anniversary theatrical season with the outrageously funny Off-Broadway comedy THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA McBRIDE.
Matthew Lopez’ critically-acclaimed play about big hair and high heels tells the story of Casey, a handsome, young Elvis impersonator who gets fired from his gig in a run-down, Panama City, Florida bar. When the bar owner brings in a B-level drag show to replace his act, Casey finds that he has a whole lot to learn about show business and himself.
THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA McBRIDE was a New York Times Critic’s Pick: “A stitch-in-your-side new comedy… full of sass and good spirits!”
THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA McBRIDE runs Pride Weekend (Friday-Sunday) at the Pearl McManus Theater (in the historic Palm Springs Woman’s Club), 314 S Cahuilla Road, Downtown Palm Springs.
Tickets are $28-40. To purchase, call 760-322-0179, or order tickets online at www.dezartperforms.org
Interfaith Shabbat Service
2017 Interfaith Welcoming Pride Shabbat Service
Friday, November 3 (6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
People of all faith communities and no faith communities are invited to join the Interfaith Welcoming Pride Shabbat service. This ecumenical service, with a core of Jewish liturgy, includes singing, praying and meditation as well as ancient and contemporary readings, led by representatives of our diverse community faith groups. Hospitality reception follows for people to enjoy refreshments with friends and neighbors as we begin the Greater Palm Springs Pride weekend with this third annual interfaith gathering.
Bochner Sanctuary at Temple Isaiah Jewish Community Center, 332 West Alejo Road, Palm Springs
Visit Temple Isaiah online www.templeisaiahps.com/
Additional information contact: 760-325-2281
Pride Meet & Greet Party at CCBC Resort
Friday, November 3 (6:00 p.m. – 4:00 a.m.)
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Hors d’oeuvre and more!
8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. – Karaoke. Come show us what you have!
10:00 p.m. – 4:00 a.m. – After hours Party
11:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. – Hot Go-Go Boys
DJs Spinning all night long
Tickets $25 online as part of Weekend Pass at www.bit.ly/ccbcparty or $30 at the door. Clothing optional. 21+.
CCBC Resort is the largest clothing optional gay men’s resort in the nation, featuring infamous pool parties with award-winning DJs. CCBC Resort, 68-300 Gay Resort Drive, Cathedral City, CA. Tickets are $25 in advance online at pspride.org or $30 at the door. 21+.
Palm Springs Front Runners & Walkers 5K Run and Walk
Saturday, November 4 (6:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., Race starts at 8:00 a.m.)
Takes place through Old Las Palmas Neighborhood. Registration Fee: $35 (Until Oct 30), $40 (Oct 31 to Nov 4). Same Day Registration will be available starting at 6:30 a.m. until 7:45 a.m. Portion of race registration fees assist Greater Palm Springs Pride to keep the festival free. Run benefits LGBT Center of the Desert – Palm Springs.
Online registration available at our pride run website at: priderunpalmsprings.com.
5K Run and walk starts at Palm Canyon Dr. at West Chino Dr. (behind The Corridor Shops complex) and goes through the Old Las Palmas neighborhood for a 3.1 mile out and back loop with a slight elevation change of approximately 200 ft. All participants receive a colorful, microfiber t-shirt and each finisher will get a three-inch commemorative medal. Awards will be presented to top male and female finishers in designated age categories.
Palm Springs Front Runners & Walkers is a running and walking club for lesbians, gay men, their families and friends. We are primarily a fitness club, dedicated to good health through exercise. For additional information about Palm Springs Front Runners and Walkers: www.psfr.org.
More information at www.priderunpalmsprings.com.
Two-Day Pride Festival
Saturday and Sunday, November 4 and 5 (times vary by stage)
Pride Stage presented by Desert AIDS Project, Arenas Rd. and Belardo 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. on Sat & 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Sun
Arenas Stage 6:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. on Fri, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. on Sat & 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Sun
Downtown Palm Springs! Free Admission!
Palm Canyon Dr. will be closed to traffic and transformed into a vibrant, pedestrian friendly Pride Festival unique to Southern California. Enjoy a diverse array of artists, entertainers, outdoor beverage lounge, and purveyors of a variety of items including, jewelry, snacks, and sweets. Add all that to great shopping restaurants, clubs, and entertainment venues located along world-famous Palm Canyon Dr. The result is like no place else – Palm Springs Pride.
Features include a Children’s Headquarters (CHQ) space for games and crafts, the Safe Schools Desert Cities Youth Zone, presented by Grace Hellen Spearman Foundation, and HIV/AIDS testing by Get Tested Coachella Valley. Over 150 exhibitors, non-profit organizations, your favorite food trucks, fair food, and beverage vendors will be on hand along with the Arenas Rd. Outdoor Beverage Lounge by Trio.
The Festival is a free community event held on Palm Canyon Dr. between Amado and Baristo Rd. and on Arenas Rd. and Tahquitz Canyon Way from S Calle Encilia to Belardo.
Gate donations will be accepted at entry points to help keep Pride free for everyone to attend.
Viva la Vida Pool Party
Saturday, November 4 (10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.)
Noon-2:00 p.m. – Food Fun and Frolic
1:00 p.m. – Drag Show and Mr. CCBC Pride 2017 Contest (First Place wins two night stay)
3:00 p.m. – Keisha D Sings Live
Hot Go-Go Boys
4:00 p.m. – Turkish oil wrestling
9:00 p.m. – FOAM PARTY
Join men from around the world for a day of sunshine, music and fun. This colorful, gay men’s resort hotel is 6.7 miles from the Palm Springs Art Museum.
Admission is $30.00 in advance as part of Weekend Pass; $35 at the door. For Weekend Pass visit www.bit.ly/ccbcparty. Clothing Optional. 21+.
CCBC Resort is located at 68-300 Gay Resort Drive, Cathedral City, CA. 760-324-1350. www.ccbcps.com
DYKE MARCH & Rally
Saturday, November 4 (4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
3rd Annual Palm Springs Rally and March. A group of lesbian identified women gathering, networking and celebrating Pride. Expect great speakers, music and a fun raffle. We will meet at 4:00 p.m. in Frances Stevens Park at Alejo and Palm Canyon Dr. The march will begin at 5:30 p.m. to the Arenas Main Stage for a great opening set with Drag King Jesse Jones and vocalist Keisha D. Join us for some good Pride fun!
The march led by a drum line coordinated by Melanie Jones. Once on the main stage we will introduce our featured speaker.
The Palm Springs Dyke March is for dykes. Dykes gather at the Dyke March to celebrate our love and passion for women and for ALL dykes. We celebrate our queerness in all its manifestations. We understand dyke identity to include those of us who are questioning and challenging gender constructs and the social definitions of women: transdyke, MTF, transfeminine, transmasculine, genderqueer, and genderfluid dykes. We welcome all women who want to support dykes to march with us. Celebrate dyke diversity!
We continue to hold the Dyke March as a dyke-only space. We invite our male allies to enjoy our Frances Stevens Park rally with us, and to please support us from the sidelines during our march to Arenas. Facebook.com/psdykemarch.
Women’s Pride Dance
Presented by L-Fund
Saturday, November 4 (7:00 p.m. to Midnight)
The L-Fund, which was recently honored by Greater Palm Springs Pride for its work in meeting the financial needs of lesbians in the Coachella Valley, will host this Pride Weekend Dance.
Admission is $20 (advance, at www.l-fund.org), or $30 at the door.
Get your groove on at The Hard Rock Hotel, 150 S Indian Canyon Dr., in Palm Springs.
Info: 760-304-8487 or www.L-Fund.org.
Arenas Rd. Block Party ’17 Sponsored by Hunters
Saturday, November 4 (6:00 – 11:00 p.m.)
Free event, 21+.
A fun night of Pop, Drag, and Rock ’n’ Roll, performances. The party starts with the Dyke March Rally at 6:00 p.m. and then Drag King Jesse Jones takes the stage and followed by vocalist Keisha D. Continuing with pop artist Z LALA, then The Gand Band performs their Rock ’n’ Soul jukebox full of 60s Psychedelic, Spy, Sci-Fi, and Surf music, 70s Funk, and Chicago Blues. Making a special appearance in Palm Springs is fun-loving party queen Mama Tits, the star of Seattle’s #1 and longest running weekly drag brunch. Closing the Block Party with their epic pop sound is cutting-edge British music duo Unsung Lilly.
Sponsored by Hunters Nightclubs
Located between Indian Canyon Dr. and S Calle Encilia on Arenas Rd. in downtown Palm Springs. www.pspride.org
Admission is free, however, gate donations will be accepted at entry points to help keep Pride free for everyone to attend.
Miss Richfield 1981 “2020 Vision–A Survival Guide For The New World!”
Saturday, November 4, (8:00 p.m.)
Miss Richfield 1981 returns to Palm Springs with her brand new show, “2020 Vision—A Survival Guide for The New World”, an official Palm Springs Pride event
The show features Miss Richfield 1981s unique take on audience participation along with new songs, new videos, and most importantly, a new message for our new world! During these strange times, Miss R wants to provide a message of hope—or at least survival!
Miss Richfield 1981 dedicates her life to the friendly citizens and responsible merchants of her hometown – Richfield, MN. Her live performances across the country receive critical acclaim with The New York Post declaring Miss R as “the must-see act in Provincetown” and The Chicago Sun-Times describing her as “Garrison Keillor meets Mary Tyler Moore.” Miss R’s wide appeal includes riotous appearances on “The Tonight Show” & “Today” on NBC, “Cake Boss” on TLC, and “Watch What Happens Live” on Bravo along with being a national spokesperson for Palm Springs, CA.
$30 General Admission; $40 Premium, $60 VIP available online at www.OutlandishPS.com
Camelot Theaters, 2300 E Baristo Rd, Palm Springs, CA
After Hours Party
Saturday, November 4 (10:00 p.m. – 4:00 a.m.)
Hot Go-Go Boys
Come frolic under the stars at the Official Pride after hours party for men at CCBC Resort, the largest clothing optional gay men’s resort in the nation.
Tickets are $25 in advance as part of Weekend Pass and $30 at the door. For Weekend Pass visit www.bit.ly/ccbcparty. Clothing optional. 21+.
CCBC Resort, 68-300 Gay Resort Drive, Cathedral City
VIP Pre-Parade Breakfast
Sunday, November 5 (8:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.)
Join us for a pre-parade breakfast just steps away from the Parade staging area at Desert Regional Medical Center’s El Mirador Tower Building. What a great way to celebrate and start the day!
The gathering is an opportunity to celebrate with friends and meet special guests, the Grand Marshals and Pride Awards Honorees. Tickets are $30
- Enjoy a delicious hot breakfast including a fruit buffet
- Mimosas, Bloody Mary’s and Screwdrivers
- Music
- 1 Block from the Parade Start!
Presented by Desert Regional Medical Center.
100% proceeds support the Pride organization’s efforts to foster Pride in and respect for the region’s LGBT communities.
1180 N Indian Canyon Dr # W120, Palm Springs, CA
Tickets at www.bit.ly/PreParty17
EIGHT4NINE Restaurant & Lounge Champagne Brunch and Parade Party
November 5 (9:00 a.m.)
Grab your family and friends and make plans to join us for Pride Brunch on Sunday, November 5, 2017.
How It Works: The 849 Champagne Brunch event is a great way to enjoy the Pride Parade and to help your local Pride organization. 849 will donate 25% of your purchases during this special brunch to Greater Palm Springs Pride, to help keep Pride free and accessible for everyone. Join us for the annual Pride Parade and enjoy.
Make your reservations early by calling 760-325-8490 or visit www.eight4nine.com/#
849 N Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA.
dish Creative Cuisine’s Annual Pride Parade Party
Sunday, November 5 (9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.)
The party starts at 9:30 a.m. on the terrace and balcony above dish Creative Cuisine at Tachevah and Palm Canyon Dr., the starting point is the perfect location for watching the parade!
Celebrate Pride in style, with a glass of champagne in hand and a buffet steps away. Individual tickets are $80 before Sept 30, $90 between Oct 1-15, and $100 after Oct 15.
Subject to availability. Located at 1107 North Palm Canyon Dr. at Tachevah in the historic Twist Building in the Uptown Design District. 21+.
To purchase tickets please call dish Creative Cuisine at 760-322-7171. www.dishCreativeCuisine.com
$10 of every ticket will be donated to Greater Palm Springs Pride.
Palm Springs Pride Parade
Sunday, November 5 (10:00 a.m.)
Free Event. The colorful parade steps off in the Uptown Design District at Tachevah and Palm Canyon Dr. and travels south through downtown ending at the entrance to the Pride Festival at Amado Rd. www.pspride.org
Known for its crystal blue skies and year-round sunshine, the city of Palm Springs comes alive during the annual Pride celebration. 60,000 spectators are expected to gather along palm tree-lined streets to cheer and support local organizations, activists, and themed floats along historic Palm Canyon Dr. The parade usually lasts under two hours.
This year we recognize as the National Grand Marshal, retired United States Navy SEAL Kristin Beck. Kristin Beck, born Christopher Beck is known to be the first female Navy SEAL. Beck distinguished herself in 20 years of exceptionally meritorious service with Special Operations Forces (SOF) in the U.S. Navy SEAL teams before retiring in 2011 and after taking part in thirteen deployments, including seven combat deployments.
Fitness expert Craig Ramsay and celebrity hairstylist Brandon Liberati who shared their first year of marriage with the world on the Bravo show “Newlyweds: The First Year,” Filmed here in Palm Springs, have been named Celebrity Grand Marshals of the 2017 Palm Springs Pride Parade.
Recognized as Community Grand Marshal is Palm Springs’ very own singer-entertainer and restaurateur Michael Holmes. Best known as owner of Michael Holmes’ Purple Room, the leader of The Michael Holmes Trio, and the creator and star of The Judy Show! Michael is recognized for his generosity in supporting the local community. From entertaining to hosting a wide variety of charity benefits, Michael Holmes makes a positive and lasting impact on Palm Springs.
Transgender Pride and March [include TCC logo]
Presented by Transgender Community Coalition
Sunday, November 5 (10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.)
During the Palm Springs Pride Parade
Come join the Transgender Community and its allies as they March for Trans-Equality in the Pride Parade with their 100 foot Transgender Flag. We will gather on Parade Sunday at 9:30AM in the parade staging area on Palm Canyon Dr. between Tachevah and Vista Chino. For more information and location place March for Equality in the subject line to: Info@TransCC.org
Trans Pride
Trans Pride has joined its brothers and sisters in the PRIDE Weekend Celebrations.
LADY VALOR
Sunday, November 5 (6:00 p.m.)
6:00 p.m. Kristin Beck, Navy SEAL Conversation / Meet & Greet
8:00 p.m. screening of Lady Valor
Come meet retired United States Navy Seal Kristin Beck whom overturned the Transgender ban in the military during the Obama Administration and changed the treatment of Transgender people at the TSA checkpoints. Come hear her story and see the documentary Lady of Valor.
For more information type Trans Pride in the subject line of an email and send to: Info@TransCC.org
Admission $40.00
Camelot Theatres, 2300 East Baristo Road, Palm Springs, CA
For more information: www.TransCC.org or (760)218-4326
Relaxing Closing Pool Party
Sunday, November 5 (10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.)
Relaxing Pool Party with surprise beverages served poolside.
Tickets are $25 in advance as part of Weekend Pass online at www.bit.ly/ccbcparty and $30 at the door. Clothing optional. 21+.
CCBC Resort, 68-300 Gay Resort Drive, Cathedral City. 760-324-1350.
ABOUT GREATER PALM SPRINGS PRIDE
Greater Palm Springs Pride (www.pspride.org) is a nonprofit community enhancement organization founded to promote the public education and awareness of individual rights and civil liberties of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and to promote the history, diversity and future prosperity of the Greater Palm Springs LGBT community. Palm Springs Pride has been a tireless advocate for equality and diversity since the first Coachella Valley Pride event was held in 1986.
The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization brings together the skills, talents and vision of our diverse community through its programs which include the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast, Pride Honors Awards, OUT PSP a food and drink event, the Pride Parade, Pride Festival, the unique Pet Pride Parade, and the downtown Arenas Rd. Block Party.
For more information about Greater Palm Springs Pride, visit www.pspride.org. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/palmsprings.
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