Greater Palm Springs Pride announces ‘Be Included’ theme for 40th annual celebration

Greater Palm Springs Pride has announced “Be Included” as the official theme for its 40th annual Pride celebration, scheduled for Nov. 6–8, 2026.

The nonprofit organization said the theme reflects its mission to advance LGBTQ+ visibility, dignity, and equality through year-round advocacy, education, and community engagement.

“This theme is an invitation to embrace your full self,” said Jasmine Sullivan Waits, Executive Director of Greater Palm Springs Pride. “In a time when fundamental rights are under persistent legislative attack across the United States, being ‘included’ is a meaningful act of community strength. Our goal is to ensure that every individual, regardless of where they are from, finds more than just a festival in Palm Springs; they find a foundation for empowerment and community solidarity.”

Ron deHarte, President of Greater Palm Springs Pride, described the organization as a cultural and economic force in the region. “Through our year-round efforts to educate the public, advocate for civil rights, and foster authentic inclusion, we serve as a vital cultural touchstone and a powerful catalyst for the LGBTQ+ movement, driving significant economic, artistic, and social progress for the city we call home,” he said.

Pride Week is the largest annual event in Palm Springs and the most significant gathering of LGBTQ+ people in the Coachella Valley, according to the organization.

The celebration is projected to generate $38 million in direct economic impact for local hotels, restaurants, and retail businesses, with more than 200,000 people expected to attend.

The festival will span Downtown Palm Springs and the historic Arenas District, featuring multiple stages of live entertainment, an exhibitor marketplace, and nightly block parties.

The Pride Parade is set for Sunday, Nov. 8, beginning at 10 a.m. The procession, which will include more than 225 entries, steps off in Uptown Palm Springs and travels south along Palm Canyon Drive to Amado Road.

Registration for parade participants and vendors is open at Greater Palm Springs Pride’s website.

Waits said the 2026 event carries added significance given the current political climate. “The effort to protect our rights continues in statehouses across the country,” she said. “When we gather in Palm Springs, we are modeling the society we advocate for, one where human dignity is non-negotiable. We provide a space where you don’t just ‘fit in’; you are celebrated, protected, and empowered to move the conversation forward.”

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