On the first weekend of November, the gays of the United States will celebrate their final Pride of 2022. While the more prominent commemorations of the Stonewall Riots are held throughout June in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, America’s Pride season actually begins in March with Florida’s Cape Coral Pride and concludes nine months later with the Greater Palm Springs Pride.
Scheduling PS Pride in the midst of autumn is pragmatic. The swelteringly high desert temperatures combined with the high median age of the region’s retiree population make a summer Pride uncomfortable at best and, at worst, fatal. Fortunately, the weather in November is comparably more hospitable, so we rounded up Palm Springs’ hottest events to help you wrap up the 2022 Pride season.
The Arenas District Pride Weekend Kickoff
Hit the ground running at PS Pride’s pre-gayme. Presented by the tag team of Gay Desert Guide and KGay 106.5 in the Arenas District of Palm Springs, this daytime dance party will feature DJ Mr. D and a Retro Lunch with DJ Galaxy.
Broadway in Drag Pageant Palm Springs
To paraphrase Miss Congeniality, “She’s beauty, she’s grace, she’s the drag queen of 50 states.” Palm Spring’s favorite drag contest returns to PS Pride, featuring a bevy of Broadway-belting contestants competing in such categories as creative dress, evening dress, and talent. Hosted by Brian Scott and Dana Adkins, proceeds from this event will benefit The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert. Think of it as a camp for a good cause.
Brütally Proud
Say “sir yes sir!” when Brüt party invades the Barracks to butch up Palm Springs Pride. The turntables will be flanked by DJs Brian Novy and Brüt founder Dan Darling blasting tribal, progressive, and tech-house beats all night long. So be sure to shine your boots and stomp the dancefloor.
Desertopia
Spanning the weekend of PS Pride, this LGBTQ music festival will feature sizzling beats from DJ Harvey, Bears in Space, and Derek Monteiro. Think of it as a queer Coachella, but with fewer straight girls shrieking “Whoooo!” in your ears. Spread across multiple venues, Desertopia promises nightlife events, a pool party, and a traditional Sunday beer bust. And you can look forward to the designated “margarita mom” Mr. John Anthony wet your whistle when he puts the “cock” in cocktails.
Desert Heat
Paul Nicholls and Justin David team up to make you sweat with this weekend-long bacchanalia. Alternating between afternoon pool parties at the Saguaro Hotel and nighttime dance parties at various Palm Springs clubs, this barrage of events features the turntable talents of House of Labs, Alexander, Alex Acosta, and Nina Flowers.
Ongina’s Palm Springs Pride Drag Brunch
After a night of twerking and grinding your jaw, give yourself a chance to recover with a mimosa and some much-needed carbs. Join RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Ongina as she hosts a cavalcade of queens, including Morgan McMichaels, Delta Work, Jessica Wild, Amber Crane, and Barbara Wire in this Pride iteration of the traditional drag brunch.
Palm Springs Pride Parade 2022
Of course, no Pride event would be complete without its iconic parade. Running along Palm Canyon Drive, this procession celebrating the best of Palm Springs’ queer culture will travel through the city’s downtown and finish at the entrance to Pride Festival at Amado. This year, the parade will feature the Grand Marshalls Rev. Benita Ramsey, Willie Rhine, Chef Andre’ Carthen, and PFLAG. And be sure to slather on sunscreen. It may not be summer, but those Palm Springs days are hotter than the go-go dancers grinding on the parade floats.
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