Palm Springs Pride announces full schedule for 40th anniversary celebration
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — Greater Palm Springs Pride has announced the full schedule for its 40th anniversary celebration, taking place November 5–8, 2026, with four days of entertainment, cultural experiences, community programming, and its highly anticipated Pride Parade.
This year's celebration promises to be one of the biggest yet, featuring expanded pedestrian-friendly activities, multiple entertainment stages, a vibrant festival marketplace, and special anniversary experiences throughout downtown Palm Springs. News Channel 3 is your place for all things PS Pride, with coverage of the festivities and live-coverage of the 40th Anniversary Palm Springs Pride Parade.
The festivities begin Thursday, November 5, with the new Arenas District Walkabout, running from 6 to 11:30 p.m. Along Arenas Road, visitors can enjoy a pedestrian-only celebration featuring music, dancing, DJs, and special entertainment. Highlights include Pop Royalty, a tribute to Bruno Mars, Michael Jackson, and Prince, with participating businesses including Hunters, Blackbook, Streetbar, Dick's on Arenas, and Chill Bar.
Friday, November 6, officially kicks off the festival entertainment with performances on the Arenas Stage beginning at 3 p.m. Hosted by Jackette Knightley, the lineup includes Alexa Kamryn, Hunny Kita, Tom Aspaul, FEMME A, and a DJ set by Luxx Noir London. Additional entertainment will take place at the Amado Stage, while Palm Canyon Drive introduces the new Pride on the Drive celebration, featuring illuminated decorations, music, food, and a spectacular 100-foot rainbow-lit Ferris wheel.
Saturday, November 7, brings a full day of Pride festivities, beginning with the annual Palm Springs Pride 5K Run & Walk in the historic Old Las Palmas neighborhood. The downtown festival and marketplace open at 11 a.m., featuring more than 250 exhibitors, nonprofit organizations, artists, merchants, and food and beverage vendors.
Saturday's entertainment highlights include appearances by Sizzy Rocket, THE COWGAYS, Jasmine Masters, Honey Davenport, and the MODGIRL GLITTER BALL. The Community Stage will also feature a special presentation, “Palm Springs Is Burning!”, presented by Brothers of the Desert. The 8 p.m. Ballroom celebration will spotlight the creativity, history, and cultural contributions of Black and Latino LGBTQ+ communities.
The celebration reaches its centerpiece Sunday, November 8, with the 40th Anniversary Palm Springs Pride Parade, beginning at 10 a.m. on Palm Canyon Drive. This year's Grand Marshals include Fortune Feimster as National Grand Marshal, Cheyenne Jackson as Celebrity Grand Marshal, Marshall Pearcy as Pride Royalty for Life, and Gary Moline as Community Grand Marshal.
Following the parade, the downtown festival continues from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with live entertainment across three stages. Sunday's Arenas Stage lineup includes GAYC/DC, I Heart Drag Brunch, MODGIRL's RAINBOW RAVE, and headliner Aubrey O'Day.
Beyond the main festival, the official Pride calendar includes additional community events, pool parties, performances, film screenings, and cultural celebrations throughout the weekend.
Palm Springs Pride also continues its commitment to inclusivity with dedicated spaces and resources, including Children's Headquarters, a Youth Zone for LGBTQ+ youth ages 14–21, and a Recovery Oasis offering a substance-free gathering space. Accessible viewing areas, facilities, and accommodations will also be available.
Celebrating four decades of visibility, advocacy, and community connection, the 2026 anniversary weekend builds on a year of special milestones, including the Pride Honors Awards, the inaugural Pride Equality Walk, and the annual Raise the Rainbow Flag ceremony.
Most festival and parade activities are free and open to the public. Organizers encourage community members to support the nonprofit through donations, sponsorships, and volunteer participation to help keep Palm Springs Pride accessible for everyone.
For the complete entertainment schedule, additional event information, and updates, visit:
- Official website: www.pspride.org
- Entertainment lineup: www.pspride.org/lineup
- Official event calendar: www.pspride.org/psevents
- Pride 5K registration: www.PalmSpringsPrideRun.com
