Oct. 27 Daily Briefing: VillageFest rebrand, L-Fund merger, Pride flag goes up, and more

Welcome to Monday, folks. Today is National Black Cat Day, a celebration dedicated to these sleek, mysterious felines who too often get overlooked at shelters due to old superstitions — and the timing couldn’t be more perfect as we head into a week that ends with Halloween. Whether you’re considering adopting one of these beautiful companions, volunteering at a local shelter, or simply sharing adorable black cat photos on social media, it’s the perfect day to show some love for our dark-furred friends!

🎶 Setting the mood: “World Turning” (Live 1976) by Fleetwood Mac

LEADING OFF

VillageFest unveils major rebrand, eyes year-round storefront

Palm Springs’ long-running Thursday night street fair is getting a makeover after 33 years. The VillageFest board unveiled plans for a marketing overhaul and a proposed year-round storefront at the latest City Council meeting.

Driving the news: The board presented a comprehensive marketing strategy developed with Tripepi Smith that includes a revamped ADA-compliant website, interactive vendor maps, expanded social media and seasonal campaigns throughout the year.

• The campaigns — “Falling into Autumn,” “Holiday Market Magic,” “Desert in Bloom” and “Hot Nights, Cool Finds” — aim to keep the event visible year-round.

Why it matters: The plan seeks to rebrand VillageFest as more than a “swap meet” and position it as a small business incubator, potentially creating new revenue streams and entrepreneurial opportunities.

• As a juried event, vendors must handcraft 75% of their merchandise, distinguishing it from typical street fairs.

By the numbers: VillageFest hosts 100 to 200 vendors weekly and draws 8,000 to 10,000 attendees during high season and 4,000 to 6,000 during low season. Returning vendors generate $500,000 annually in fees.

What’s next: The board proposed a “Best of VillageFest” storefront that would give top vendors a platform to sell products beyond Thursday nights.

• The board is exploring a partnership with College of the Desert to create entrepreneurial learning opportunities for students at the Palm Springs campus.

What we’re watching: The board plans to launch an attendee survey Nov. 6 and will measure success through attendance growth, vendor retention and social media engagement.

Dive deeper with our complete story

IN OTHER NEWS

🤝 With town hall meetings now complete, The L-Fund and LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert are moving closer to a merger. The CV Independent’s Kevin Fitzgerald reports that this time next year the structure of The L-Fund may be different but its leaders promise that its mission will remain the same. [Coachella Valley Independent]

🏈 Palm Desert edged Palm Springs 35–28 last Friday, snapping the Indians’ undefeated run. The Aztecs’ win creates a three-way tie at the top of the DEL football standings, with Palm Desert, Palm Springs, and La Quinta all sitting at 3–1. Palm Springs (8-1 overall) hosts Rancho Mirage on Thursday in the final game of the regular season. [Max Preps]

🏳️‍🌈 Palm Springs Pride announced its four-day festival entertainment lineup, centered around a dynamic LGBTQ+ Artist Showcase that spotlights groundbreaking queer talent from across the nation. Entertainment starts on the evening of Thursday, Nov. 6. [KESQ]

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Water Aerobics
10 a.m. | Palm Springs Swim Center
Get some low-impact exercise at the swim center every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday with instructor Donna Newton! ($5)

Mahjong Monday
1 p.m. | Social Cafe & Play Lounge
Come play the American version of Mahjong with others. Play Lounge has two mats and sets, but feel free to bring your own. 

California Community of Men’s Monday Coffee
4:30 p.m. | Social Cafe & Play Lounge
Join the group for coffee, chat, and chew! No RSVPs necessary.

Monday Night Dance Party with Leanna and Miguel
5 p.m.| V Wine Lounge and Martini Bar
Join Leanna and Miguel for a night of dancing to jazz, Latin, pop, disco, and more. ($5)

Palm Springs Navigation Center Community Meeting
5:30 p.m. | PSPD Training Center
This meeting is an opportunity for residents to share feedback, ask questions, and engage in a constructive conversation regarding the Palm Springs Navigation Center

Parks and Recreation Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
The commission advises the City Council on everything related to the planning and monitoring of the city’s 11 parks and rec services and facilities. Check out this evening’s agenda.

See all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• Rocky Horror Picture Show Sing Along at Quadz on Tuesday
  
• Pride on the Page, an LGBTQ book festival, on Saturday
  
• Palm Springs Pride Nov. 6 through 9
  
• Interfaith Pride Kabbalat Shabbat on Nov. 7 at 6:30 p.m.
  
• Palm Springs Pride 5K Run & Walk on Nov. 8
  
• West Side Story in Concert benefit for Dezart Performs Nov. 13-15
  
• Palm Springs Hospitality Golf Tournament on Nov. 14
  
• Coachella Valley Filipino Festival on Nov. 15

Submit your event here

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AND FINALLY …

Palm Springs made history last week by permanently hoisting the original Gilbert Baker-designed Pride flag atop a 65-foot flagpole at Arenas Road and Indian Canyon Drive, ensuring the city’s commitment to LGBTQ+ visibility remains on display year-round.

Driving the news: The Oct. 24 celebration featured live music, drag performances by Bella da Ball and Honey Davenport, and rally moments as the community gathered in the Arenas District to witness the inaugural flag raising.

• The timing coincided with IGLTA (International LGBTQ+ Travel Association) visitors being in town.

Why it matters: As Pride flags face removal in other communities, Palm Springs is moving in the opposite direction — making its symbol of love and unity a permanent fixture in the city’s landscape.

The details: The project was funded through community donations, with Palm Springs Pride continuing to accept contributions at pspride.org/flagpole to support the landmark.