As one of the top LGBTQ+ destinations in the country, Greater Palm Springs is gearing up to kick off Pride 2020, which will take place Nov. 3-8. While this year’s event will look different from years past, locals and visitors can still enjoy the Pride celebration both virtually and in-person with social distancing measures in place. This year, Palm Springs Pride is encouraging the community to come together in solidarity, in the spirit of activism and to demonstrate resilience under the theme “Exist. Resist. Persist.” Below, please find a sampling of some of the week’s most exciting events. For a full list of programming, please visit palmspringspride.gay.
Flag Raising: On Nov. 6, Pride will open with a traditional flag raising, where viewers will be able to watch a live stream of elected officials and civic leaders speak about what Pride means to the City of Palm Springs, while rainbow flags will fly throughout the city.
Pride Drive-In Movie Nights: On Nov. 6 and 7, guests can enjoy socially-distant fun underneath the desert stars at a pride-themed drive-in experience. Presented in partnership with Nissan, Greater Palm Springs Pride and the Palm Springs Cultural Center will be playing screenings of films including, “Cured,” “Ahead Of The Curve" and "Exist, Persist, Resist, and Thrive."
Light Up the Night: On Nov. 6 and 7 between 5 p.m. and 12 a.m., visitors and residents are invited to host their own virtual lighting ceremony alongside thousands of other advocates for equality, equity, and diversity across Greater Palm Springs. Light Up the Night will honor those impacted by COVID-19, remembering loved ones lost and creating a glowing show of community support and hope for the future.
Front Runners Pride 5K and Walk: A virtual run or walk as part of the annual Front Runners Pride 5K where participants get to choose their own individual 5K route anytime during Pride Weekend. The event is open to anyone around the globe and provides an opportunity to raise funds for the LGBT Community Center of the Desert. Participants can register at https://www.palmspringspriderun.com.
Land Art Installation: Greater Palm Springs community members are invited to participate in a socially distanced art and culture experience where locals can make placards, signs of hope, message posters, or statements of protest that will be creatively displayed on the city hall lawn. The art installation can be seen starting Nov. 7 at 12 p.m. - Nov. 8 at 5 p.m. Find additional details on the Pride website for how to participate.
In addition to the multitude of events, participants can also indulge in Pride’s virtual food court to help support local restaurants in the community through takeout or outdoor dining.
Photos Courtesy Of: Kamil Zelezik, Estates Photography, Steve Parris