Big Gay BBQ And June Pride

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

While Palm Springs’ official Pride weekend is in November, we still like to celebrate in June when the rest of the world does, so we throw a Big Gay BBQ on Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15. You could even come on Friday to pre-party ahead of the big event, and stay until Monday to recover. 

Find your stay

Everyone’s got a vibe they’re trying to create when they go on a vacation. Click here for a quick look (and photos!) of Palm Springs boutique hotels that cater to gay men. I’ve also given you a brief description below. (I have visited six of the ones listed, and each one had its own very cool vibe. Almost all of them offer a light breakfast, and some provide lunch as well.) 

Santiago Resort — Clothing-optional gay men’s resort with gardens and all-day sun.

INNdulge Palm Springs — Legendary gay men’s resort with 24-hour heated pool.

Vista Grande Resort — Historic, lush, and vibe-rich gay resort for men.

The Hacienda at Warm Sands — Award-winning service, pools, and private comfort.

Descanso Resort — A stunning mid-century modern retreat for men.

Triangle Inn Palm Springs — Intimate resort with tropical gardens and spa.

Twin Palms Resort — Contemporary style and vibrant communal spaces.

Casa Oliver — Luxury, design-forward space for the stylish gay traveler.

Canyon Club Hotel — Close to nightlife, with spa and garden-style pool.

Desert Paradise Resort Hotel — Saltwater pool and peaceful setting in Warm Sands.

El Mirasol Villas — Lush gardens, two pools, 10-man spa, blending Old Hollywood charm with modern comfort.

Now that that’s settled, you need to decide what to do. I’ve got some help for you there, but you might as well have a coffee and talk it over. These spots will come in handy over the weekend anyway:

Ernest Coffee — Stumptown roasts and an outdoor patio.

Koffi — Local chain with excellent house-roasted brews. There are three in Palm Springs.

Cafe La Jefa — Chic Latin-owned coffee shop with healthy bites.

Cafe Mon Amour — Sweet French cafe and bakery on Palm Canyon. 

Gre Records and Coffee — If you love vinyl (LPs baby) you can have a cup of joe and browse their selection.

Cartel Coffee — Up near Arrive hotel, just north of the design district.

Suggested itinerary for Friday night:

Check into your hotel and then check out these great events.

7 p.m.: It’s Me, Charlie — Joined by the legendary Michael Orland (renowned pianist and associate musical director of American Idol), Charlie brings his signature charm, wit, and powerhouse voice to a dynamic setlist spanning pop, blues, and Broadway, all delivered with a dazzling cabaret flair. At Revolution Stage Company, 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive. Full Bar.

9 p.m.: Dinner at Blackbook (kitchen open until midnight), 315 E Arenas Rd. 

10:30 p.m. – Visit Tool Shed, 600 E Sunny Dunes Rd., Palm Springs’ original leather/Levi gay bar.

Midnight: Dance at Reforma (Gasolina) or Hunters, or Chill Bar, where you can enjoy iconic Arenas Road views.

Saturday

Have a morning of relaxation and exploration. Grab a coffee or mimosa at Grand Central. Have a bite to eat as well. Great grilled cheese sandwich if that’s your thing.

Drag brunches:

Shiz vs Hogwarts at Reforma — Not just your usual drag show, these are themed drag shows. This one, I believe, has a Shakira emcee.

Oscar’s Bitchiest Brunch — One of the oldest and longest running drag shows in Palm Springs.

Things to do:

Palm Springs Art Museum — “To Move Toward the Limits of Living: LGBTQ+ Works from the Collection.” This ongoing exhibition features 45 works by 19 artists, including notable figures like Mark Bradford, Nan Goldin, Jim Isermann, Catherine Opie, and Wolfgang Tillmans. It explores themes of identity, marginalization, and resilience, highlighting how LGBTQ+ artists have navigated and responded to experiences of exclusion.

Or, you can relax by the pool at your resort. Because up next is…

Big Gay BBQ (Day 1), from 3 to 10 p.m. Arenas District, Food, music, community celebration in the heart of the gay district.

After 10 p.m.:

Hunters – Top DJs, strong drinks, packed dance floor.

Chill Bar – Outdoor patios, themed parties, and go-go dancers.

Toucans Tiki Lounge — Polynesian-themed, drag shows and lively crowd.

Bunker — Oscar’s Gay Men Only area

Evening Citizen — Speakeasy “on” Arenas. Make a reservation.

Sunday

Morning – Brunch and pool time. Check out a drag show at Chill Bar’s Amazing Sundays or grab breakfast at FARM, L’Atelier, or Sonny’s on Arenas.

At 3 p.m. it’s back to the Big Gay BBQ (Day 2) until 7 p.m.

After 7 p.m.

Oscar’s — Cabaret or themed shows depending on schedule.

Tool Shed — Chill with locals and travelers alike.

Hunters — Linger with the dance crowd closing the weekend.

Monday morning

Breakfast options before departure include Wilma & Frieda’s (famous for comfort food and churro waffles); Billy Reed’s (it’s on your way out of town, and some say the breakfasts are the best — very old school, a bit Midwest in decor); and Boozehounds (did you bring your puppers? Great place to go!).

Grab a last coffee at Ernest or Koffi before hitting the road or get some chips for munching when you leave Billy Reed’s.

Have a wonderful Pride Month, and guess what? We get to do it again even bigger in November!