Pride Parade 2025: A Celebration of Love, Color, and Community
Story and Photos by Pat Krause

Palm Springs once again painted the streets in every color of the rainbow as the 2025 Pride Parade brought thousands of spectators downtown for one of the desert’s most anticipated celebrations. With more than 200 entries, this year’s parade was expected to last about two hours—but nobody was in a hurry to see it end.

Chris Carrington, Albert Ontiveros, Bart Verry, Adam Martinez, and Chris Cruz — Palm Springs Animal Shelter Float

Local dignitaries and celebrities waved from shiny convertibles, while businesses and community organizations rolled by on floats that shimmered with creativity and pride. Charities, advocacy groups, and businesses marched together, proudly carrying banners, waving flags, and even bringing along pets decked out in their finest rainbow accessories. The rhythmic beat of marching bands, baton twirlers, and flag wavers filled the air with pure joy.

Bob Chada, Michael Watson, Keith May, and Michael Hare — Firebirds Float

Crowds lined Palm Canyon Drive from early morning, cheering as floats tossed candy, beads, and souvenirs into eager hands. The parade began promptly at 10 a.m. on Sunday, November 9, with fans of all ages—toddlers to seniors—lining the sidewalks. Wheelchairs rolled alongside strollers, and many attendees walked several blocks just to find a perfect spot. Some came in sparkling costumes; others came simply to share in the love and laughter that Pride brings to the Coachella Valley.

But the celebration didn’t stop at the parade. Pride Week kicked off days earlier with pool parties, concerts, and the always-popular Harvey Milk Breakfast, followed by a barbecue and an awards ceremony honoring local champions of equality: Ben & Bob Kincaid, Valerie Midland, Loren Ostrin, Honey Davenport, and Rev. June Voight. The festivities wrapped up with a lively post-parade brunch—because in Palm Springs, Pride means more than a parade; it’s a full weekend of friendship, visibility, and community spirit.