Yup, you read that headline right: There's still a Pride left in 2011! Capping off an amazing year of celebrations around the world, the 25th annual Palm Springs Pride kicks off next weekend, November 5-6, with the typical trappings (parade, block parties, giant consumer festival in the baseball stadium) all under clear desert skies and 90-degree weather. Fall really is the best time to experience the Coachella Valley.
Although if you're craving an alternative “yay to gay” at this point, the Ace Hotel & Swim Club (where else?) has you covered with Hands On, a five-day celebration of queer music and culture. From November 2-7, catch an incredible line-up of performers, artists, DJs from both coasts, plus film screenings, a gallery show by photographer Jeremy Kost, and a pop-up shop curated by BUTT Magazine with nary a camp rainbow in sight. Save 15 percent on rooms and treatments at the Feel Good Spa , too. Full details below.
Daily
The Clubhouse, 1-9pm -- BUTT Shop (featuring BUTT-exclusive clothing, new pin-up calendars, and a collaborative Ace-BUTT tank for a pretty penny), and "SHOW ME YOUR LOVE" gallery exhibit, featuring seven new photographic works by the Polaroid genius Jeremy Kost.
Wednesday, November 2
Opening Party @ the Clubhouse, 8-10pm – hosted by mr Black.
MR. BLACK & Howie Pyro DJ Sets @ the Amigo Room, 10pm-2am – gay psychobilly, voodoo rock, garage weirdos, and other rad miscellany, spun all on vinyl.
Thursday, November 3
Pool Party with mr. Black LA, 11am-4pm
Screening: The Strange History of Don't Ask Don't Tell @ the Commune, 8pm – The fascinating, horrifying and ultimately victorious tale of gays and lesbians in the military. Director in attendance for a Q&A following the screening.
KINGDOM with DJ Day @ the Amigo Room, 10pm-2am – NYC's notorious queer producer KINGDOM brings his particular brand of electro magic to ¡Reunión!
Friday, November 4
Screening: Paris Is Burning @ Commune Pool, 8-9:30pm – A celebration of NYC’s gay ball culture in the 1980s, this epic documentary explores gender, race, polyester and total realness and leaves you feeling indescribably inspired.
Stay Gold (SF) vs. Mustache Mondays (LA) @ Commune, 9:30pm-midnight – A tag team of four of the West Coast's best and baddest DJs help you kill a pair of heels.
TVOD & Sean Carnage present Blok & Myles Cooper @ The Amigo Room, 10pm-midnight
Saturday, November 5
Pool Party with Fun Active Gentlemen's Society, 11am-4pm
LIGHT ASYLUM (NYC) + BEYONDADOUBT (PDX) + CockFight (LA) @ the Amigo Room, 9pm-Late – Soul-spinning, operatic drama; bounce and club tracks (and Beth Ditto tour-mate); and an underground warehouse party hailing from Los Angeles, help turn you around and get thanked by your own ass.
Sunday, November 6
Soul 45s Pool Party with Hard French (SF), 11am-4pm
Jackie Beat Live + Hard French DJ Set @ the Amigo Room, 8pm-Midnight
Monday, November 7
R-Rated Sissy Bingo @ King's Highway, 7-9pm – Singing Hostess Linda Gerard, a self-titled OWL (Older Wiser Lesbian), hosts a special R-Rated version of her internationally renowned bingo night just for Pride.
All events subject to change. Daytime events are included in a $16 daily Swim Club pass (or if you stay in the hotel); evening events 21+ and free to all. To receive 15 percent off rooms, use code HANDSON when booking (valid Nov 1-8). Visit AceHotel.com/handson for most complete schedule and full details.
For general travel info, check out our Palm Springs Travel Guide, then use our Travel Search tool to to find the best deals on airfare and car rentals.
