Your Ultimate 2025 Events Guide to Gay Palm Springs (So Far)…
*This article was originally published on 1/2/25 and has been updated on 6/12/25 for more accuracy and relevance.
Palm Springs is year-round sunshine, a welcoming LGBTQ+ community, and a cultural calendar so packed you’ll wish you had more vacation days. If you’re a gay traveler craving a fabulous escape, Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley offer an electrifying blend of art, music, fashion, and fun. So, let’s dive into the can’t-miss events for the first half of 2025 (January - July)!
Shout-out to our friends at Gay Desert Guide for their annual compiling of events (which we are ruthlessly borrowing for this article). Check them out for day-by-day listings of nightlife, drag shows, happy hours, and more!
And just a heads up, White Party Palm Springs will NOT be taking place in 2025. They are taking a year off, but they’ll be back in full-swing in 2026!
If you have anything you’d like to contribute to this article, please email us (and let us know why)!
In the meantime, here are our votes on the ultimate 2025 events guide to Gay Palm Springs (so far)…
2025 Ultimate Palm Springs and Coachella Valley Calendar of Events
January
Palm Springs International Film Festival (Jan 2-13): Roll out the red carpet for an unparalleled cinematic experience.
Coachella Valley Firebirds Pride Night (Jan 11): Hockey meets fabulousness at Acrisure Arena.
The Center & Equality California: From Resilience to Action (Jan 13): Advocacy and inspiration collide in this impactful event.
Palm Springs Art Festivals (Jan 18-19): Celebrate creativity at Frances Stevens Park.
Justin Timberlake - Forget Tomorrow World Tour (Jan 20): Experience JT live in an unforgettable concert.
The Center Social (Jan 22): Meet and mingle at this community favorite.
The Southwest Arts Festival (Jan 23-26): A dazzling display of artistic talent in Indio.
5th Annual Desert Open Studios Tour (Jan 24-26): Peek inside the studios of Coachella Valley’s finest artists.
Palm Springs Health Run & Fitness Expo (Jan 25): Get moving and stay healthy at this high-energy event.
Art Party 2025 (Jan 25): A night of art, entertainment, and elegance.
February
Taste of Jalisco Festival (Jan 31-Feb 2): A fiesta of flavors in Cathedral City.
PS Test Fest (Feb 6): Experience drag, music, and cocktails galore at Toucans.
Tour de Palm Springs (Feb 7-8): Bike through the stunning Coachella Valley.
Palm Springs Readers' Festival (Feb 7-9): Celebrate literature and storytelling at Hotel Zoso.
Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival (Feb 13-Mar 2): Enjoy this annual celebration of dates and fun.
Modernism Week (Feb 13-23): A celebration of architecture and design.
Out at the Fair (Feb 15): Celebrate inclusivity at the Riverside County Fair.
International Bear Convergence (Feb 20-24): Bears, cubs, and otters unite at Hotel Zoso.
2025 Palm Springs International Pride Hockey Tournament (Feb 21-23): Watch LGBTQ+ athletes shine on the ice.
McCormick's Palm Springs Collector Car Auction (Feb 21-23): Bid on vintage cars at this iconic auction.
ARRIVAL from Sweden: The Music of ABBA (Feb 22): Relive the magic of ABBA live on stage.
March
2025 BNP Paribas Open (Mar 2-16): World-class tennis takes over Indian Wells.
Luck Be a Lady Gala (Mar 1): A glamorous evening of glitz and giving.
Mini Gay Day (Mar 1): Disneyland gets a fabulous LGBTQ+ twist.
Cathedral City LGBT Days (Mar 7-9): Celebrate diversity and inclusion in Cathedral City.
Metropolitan Fashion Week (Mar 8-9): Fashion and elegance at the Palm Springs Art Museum.
Desert X (Mar 8-May 11): Discover cutting-edge art installations across the desert.
Red Dress Dress Red Party (Mar 15): Dress to impress at this Palm Springs Air Museum extravaganza.
Fashion Week El Paseo (Mar 15-19): Haute couture takes center stage.
Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards (Mar 29): Celebrate philanthropy and community impact.
April
Faux Fur Ball (Apr 5): A paw-some evening benefiting animal welfare.
Coachella (Apr 11-13 & 18-20): The iconic music festival returns with star-studded lineups (with Lady Gaga leading the lineup)!
Glow with Pride – The Living Desert (Apr 17): A magical night of lights and Pride under the stars at the zoo.
Dining Out For Life – DAP Health (Apr 24): Dine local to support HIV/AIDS services—one bite at a time.
Disney Pride in Concert – PSGMC (Apr 24–27): Disney magic gets a fabulous Pride remix with the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus.
Stagecoach (Apr 25–27): Country fans, boots, and LGBTQ+ cowboys take over the desert.
May
Hot Rodeo Palm Springs (May 2-5): Yeehaw! Experience LGBTQ+ rodeo magic.
David Sedaris – Palm Springs Cultural Center / Camelot Theatre (May 3): The beloved humorist brings his wit to the desert stage.
Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast (May 8): Honoring Harvey Milk’s legacy with an inspiring community breakfast.
Int’l Day Against Homophobia (May 17): A global day of LGBTQ+ awareness and allyship.
Long Beach Pride (May 17–18): Just a drive away, this coastal Pride fest features parades, performances, and good vibes.
WorldPride – Washington DC (May 17 – Jun 8): A global Pride celebration of unity, advocacy, and fabulousness.
Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week (May 30 – Jun 8): Savor prix-fixe menus from local LGBTQ+-friendly restaurants.
June
AIDS/LifeCycle 2025: The Final Ride (June 1-7): Ride for a cause in this inspiring event.
Home Movies Out of the Closet / PSCC (June 1): A day-long celebration at the Palm Springs Cultural Center with a free LGBTQ+ home-movie preservation session, followed by rare film screenings and a reception.
Dazzling Divas Cabaret Fundraiser / PSGMC (June 1): A fabulous fundraising cabaret by the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus celebrating iconic divas to support their 2025 season.
Give OUT 2025 (June 5): A national LGBTQ+ giving day encouraging community donations to support local nonprofit organizations.
Firefighters Fish Fry / Ruth Hardy Park (June 6): A beloved annual fundraiser featuring fish dinners, country dancing, raffles, and good old community spirit.
Equality Wine & Food Fest / Hyatt Palm Springs (June 7): A celebration of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC winemakers and chefs with tastings, live music, and community pride.
LA Pride! Marches On (June 8): LA Pride’s roving celebration heads to Palm Springs with music, drag, and mobile joy.
Pride Live! Hollywood (June 11–29): A national storytelling and advocacy tour uplifting LGBTQ+ voices, including performances in Hollywood and Palm Springs.
No Kings Mass Protest / DTPS Park (June 14): A bold trans-led protest and community gathering in downtown Palm Springs for visibility and liberation.
Big Gay BBQ / Arenas District (June 14–15): A festive BBQ takeover with DJs, drag, and dancing in the heart of the Arenas District.
Palm Springs International ShortFest / Festival Theaters (June 24–30): The world’s largest short-film festival with LGBTQ+ showcases, filmmaker panels, and networking events.
The Center Social / 103.1 MeTV FM (June 25): A monthly LGBTQ+ social mixer broadcast live on local radio and filled with great vibes and local connections.
San Francisco Pride (June 28–29): The iconic West Coast Pride celebration with parades, stages, and performances.
July
Gay Wine Weekend – Sonoma (Jul 18–20): Wine tastings, vineyard parties, and the famous Twilight T-Dance.
San Diego Pride 2025 (July 19–20): One of SoCal’s biggest Pride events with parades, block parties, and empowerment for all.
August
Splash House 2025 (August 8–10 & 15–17): A desert dance music oasis spread over two weekends with pool parties, after-hours, and float-worthy fun.
Big Bear Romp (August 14–17): A leather and leisure mountain getaway with hiking, hot tubs, and homoerotic camaraderie.
Out On The Mountain / Six Flags (August 22): An LGBTQ+ private pride night at Six Flags Magic Mountain filled with thrill rides and live performances.
September
Gay Days Anaheim 2025 (September 12–14): Disneyland-adjacent Pride weekend with group outings, red shirts, and magic in the air.
The Dinah / The Riviera Resort (September 24–29): The world’s largest women’s party and music festival returns to Palm Springs with poolside beats and queer empowerment.
October
One Night Out Paris / PS Air Museum (October 4): A glamorous Parisian-themed party under the stars with DJs, live drag, and couture-inspired looks.
Pride Under the Pines / Idyllwild (October 4): A high-altitude LGBTQ+ retreat with live music, vendors, and fresh mountain air.
Joshua Tree Music Festival (October 9–12): An eclectic, intimate, and magical music festival set in the soulful desert landscape of Joshua Tree.
Modernism Week – October (October 16–19): A mini version of Palm Springs’ iconic celebration of midcentury architecture and design.
Center Stage Gala / The Center CV (October 17): An elegant evening of philanthropy and entertainment supporting The LGBTQ Center of the Desert.
Casual Concours / Great Autos (October 18): Palm Springs’ favorite car show for modernist motors and vintage vibes.
IGLTA Convention in Palm Springs (October 21–25): The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association brings its global convention to Palm Springs for the first time.
Palm Springs Pride Equality Walk (October 25): A brand-new kickoff event for Pride weekend promoting LGBTQ+ equity and community visibility.
Palm Springs Leather Pride 2025 (October 30–November 2): Four days of leather, kink, and community with parties, contests, and brotherhood.
November
Palm Springs Pride (Nov 6–9): One of the most vibrant Pride events in the U.S.—parades, parties, and rainbow love.
For Even More Fun 😈
If classic cruising and sex-positive fun is more what you seek, check out our favorite hot spots and their ongoing calendar of events…
Canyon Club Hotel
Canyon Club Hotel is the only gay men’s resort in downtown Palm Springs, offering a saltwater pool, a 16-man spa, and a unique garden oasis hedge maze. Affordable rates and day passes make it a popular choice for visitors seeking fun and relaxation.
Casa Oliver
Formerly All Worlds Resort, Casa Oliver is the largest gay men’s clothing-optional resort in Warm Sands. Enjoy their spacious pool, hot tub, outdoor showers, and both an outdoor and indoor maze play area. Day and night passes are available on weekends for added convenience.
CCBC
The CCBC Resort in Cathedral City (aka Cat City) is a haven for exploration and fun. Known for hosting special events like CUMUNION parties and pop-up events, this clothing-optional resort also offers day and night passes for endless possibilities.
Club 541
Club 541 is Palm Springs’ newest men’s-only club, designed for those eager to explore their fantasies. Open most nights and Wednesday afternoons (happy hump day!), it’s also conveniently close to the Tool Shed and several men-only hotels like Santiago.
Tool Shed
Known as Palm Springs’ premier leather and Levi bar, the Tool Shed is famous for its daily happy hours, cruising, and themed nights like Thursday Underwear Nights. Located in Warm Sands, it’s a must-visit for nightlife enthusiasts.
Why Palm Springs is Your Next Gay Paradise
Have you attended any of these Palm Springs staples before? Share your experiences with us!
If you’re curious to learn more about all the fun you can have here in Palm Springs and our beautiful Coachella Valley, check out some of our blog favorites, like Best Gay Nightlife in Palm Springs, The Best Sex Shops and Adult Play Gear for Gay Men in Palm Springs, and Escape to Bliss: Best Gay Men's Spas and Spa Resorts in Palm Springs.
With events for every interest, you’ll find yourself enchanted by the charm of Palm Springs. Whether lounging by the pool, drinking bottomless mimosas at drag brunch, exploring the breathtaking desert landscapes, or down on your knees in a dark room – there’s no shortage of fun to be had and opportunities to make new friends and unforgettable memories. So pack your bags and let Palm Springs work its magic because you’ll likely be planning your next visit before you even leave!
Curious About Buying, Selling, or Relocating?
In addition to being one half of The Palm Springs Guys – I’m also one of Palm Springs top-producing Realtors.
And as a COMPASS agent, I can help you find and negotiate the best price for your desert dream home. COMPASS remains the #1 ranked brokerage in the country, so I take great pride in knowing that my clients are in such good hands.
Hospitality is what drives me because helping folks achieve their real estate goals is essentially helping them build a better life for themselves.
Check out my website at Modern Living Palm Springs, or reach out to me directly. Ask me anything – I promise to give you much more support than ChatGPT, Google or the news will.
Your Palm Springs Insider,
Glen Nadeau (pronounced “Ned-oh” as in “meadow”)
📱 Call or Text: 805-220-8097
📨 Email: glen.nadeau@compass.com
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