Greater Palm Springs Pride announces theme for 2026 celebration

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) - Greater Palm Springs Pride announced today that the theme for this year's Pride celebration is "Be Included."   

"Through our year-round efforts to educate the public, advocate for civil rights and foster authentic inclusion, we serve as a vital cultural touchstone and a powerful catalyst for the LGBTQ+ movement driving significant economic, artistic and social progress for the city we call home,'' Ron deHarte, president of Greater Palm Springs Pride, said in a statement.   

The 40th annual event will be held from Nov. 6-8. A festival will take place along the downtown area and the Arenas District, which will feature live entertainment, an expansive marketplace and nightly block parties. The Pride parade will be held at 10 a.m. on Nov. 8, with more than 200 entries traveling along Palm Canyon Drive to Amado Road.   

Hailed as the largest event in Palm Springs, Pride Week usually attracts more than 20,000 attendees and is expected to generate $38 million for local hotels, restaurants and other stores throughout the city, organizers said.

"The theme is an invitation to embrace your full self,'' Jasmine Sullivan Waits, the organization's executive director, said in a statement. "In a time when fundamental rights are under persistent legislative attack across the United States, being included is a meaningful act of community strength. Our goal is to ensure that every individual, regardless of where they are from, finds more than just a festival in Palm Springs; they find a foundation for empowerment and community solidarity."