Palm Springs Pride: What you need to know

Come out, come out wherever you are —It’s time for Palm Springs Pride 2022.

This year marks the 36th celebration. On Thursday, the City of Palm Springs officially designated the block of Arenas Road between Indian Canyon Drive and Calle Encilia as the Arenas District. It’s the LGBTQ+ area in Palm Springs, clustered with bars, restaurants, shopping, old school barbering, piercing services, and more.

This queer destination began to take shape in the early 1990s. The first gay bar opened on Arenas Road in 1991, while most surrounding buildings were vacant storefronts.

Also, the rainbow crosswalk at Calle Encilia and Arenas Road was designated Drag Queen Crossing.

Here’s a roundup of Palm Springs Pride events taking place Saturday and Sunday that let you say it loud and proud.

Saturday

• Todrick Hall concert

When: 8 p.m.

Where: Truly Vodka Main Stage at North Palm Canyon Drive and West Amado Road

Admission: Free

Sunday

• Palm Springs Pride Parade

When: 10 a.m.

Where: Palm Canyon Drive between Tachevah Drive and Amado Road

• Pussy Riot concert

When: 4 p.m.

Where: Truly Vodka Main Stage at North Palm Canyon Drive and West Amado Road

Admission: Free

Saturday and Sunday

• Arenas District Block Party

When: Saturday noon-11:30 p.m., Sunday noon-6 p.m. 

Where: Between Indian Canyon Drive and South Calle Encilia on Arenas Road

Admission: Free

• Pride on the Page

What: LGBTQ+ book festival from the Palm Springs Public Library Foundation featuring books written by LGBTQ+ authors and moderated panel discussions.

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Where: Welwood Murray Memorial Library

Admission: Free

• “Telling their Stories – Celebrating their Legacy” exhibit

What: LGBTQ+ History & Archives of the Desert tell stories of local LGBTQ+ organizations, businesses, and events.

When: Saturday 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Sunday noon-5:30 p.m. 

Where: Welwood Murray Memorial Library

Admission: Free