The Greater Palm Springs Pride celebrates its 25th Anniversary, November 5-6, 2011, with a two-day festival in Palm Springs, California. The 2011 theme, "Justice Today. Equality Forever!" pays tribute to the progress achieved toward equality while also serving as a reminder that the struggle for equal rights for all individuals continues.
25th Anniversary Pride Parade: November 6
Considered to be one of the most scenic pride parades in the world, thousands of spectators will gather along palm tree lined streets to cheer and support local organizations, activists and themed floats along historic Palm Canyon Drive. The parade is scheduled for Sunday, November 6 at 10 a.m. starting at E. Ramon Rd. and travels north on S. Palm Canyon Drive to Alejo Drive.
Section of Rainbow 25 Flag in Parade
Community leaders will carry a large section of the Key West 25th Anniversary Rainbow Flag in this year’s Palm Springs Pride Parade. The rainbow flag was created by Gilbert Baker, who will receive the 2011 Palm Springs Pride Lifetime Achievement Award. The rainbow flag is an international, universal symbol of gay pride. Originally a mile-and-a-quarter long, the Rainbow 25 Flag was unfurled on June 15, 2003 in Key West.
Two-Day Pride Festival: November 5 and 6 (10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
Only a rainbow mile from downtown, the pride festival is held at Palm Springs Stadium. Festival highlights include: US Bank Main stage featuring live entertainment and over twenty performances, over 100 exhibitors and non-profit organizations, farmer’s market, food and beverage vendors, 2nd base bar with multiple beer stations, author’s village, HIV/AIDS testing by Desert Aids Project, and AARP Walgreens Wellness Tour Bus. The Palm Springs Stadium/Sunrise Park is located at 1901 E. Baristo Rd. Admission is $10 daily at festival gates or online at www.pspride.org.
Arenas Block Party ’11: November 5, 2011 (6:00 p.m.-11:30 p.m.)
Produced by Palm Springs Pride in conjunction with Business Owners of Arenas Road in Palm Springs, this new street festival is a free community event for 21 years and older. Live music, guest DJs, street performers and drag queens will keep thousands entertained as they celebrate Pride Weekend on Arenas Road, home to a large collection of gay bars, restaurants and local businesses.
Broadway in Drag: November 4 (8:00 p.m.)
Kicking off Pride festivities, the Palm Springs Canyon Theater will raise the curtain for beautiful female impersonators who will entertain spectators as they are judged on evening gown, talent and swimsuit. The Palm Canyon Theater is located at 538 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. Admission is $35.00; $50 VIP Seats/Voter’s Circle. For tickets, call 760-323-5123.
Palm Springs has the largest collection of gay and lesbian resorts in the United States with nearly 30 gay and lesbian-owned and/or operated resorts and guesthouses. For travel deals and upcoming events, go to www.VisitGayPalmSprings.com.
For additional for Greater Palm Springs Pride festivities, go to www.pspride.org
