Greater Palm Springs Pride officials Wednesday announced the complete schedule for this weekend’s 40th anniversary Palm Springs Pride event.
Pride festivities actually got started Wednesday and will conclude Sunday throughout the downtown area and the Arenas District.
This year’s theme is “Be Included.” Aubrey O’Day and The Cowgays are set to headline and various Grad Marshals will preside, including comedian Fortune Feimster and Grammy- and Emmy-nominated actor, singer and songwriter Cheyenne Jackson.
Officials said the event was expected to draw about 220,000 attendees.
The celebration kicked off with an official unfurling of the 30-foot rainbow flag at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Desert Regional Medical Center, where city officials, community leaders and hospital representatives gathered at the historic Bell Tower.
Thursday will feature a pedestrian-only space at Arenas District to allow attendees to explore participating businesses in the area. The Arenas District Walkabout will take place from 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Arenas Road.
Participating businesses include Hunters, Blackbook, Streetbar, Dick’s on Arenas and Chill Bar.
The main festival will take place Friday through Sunday, featuring performances at the Arenas District stage, a 5K run and walk, various festival activities and a cultural presentation by Brothers of the Desert.
The parade will start at 10 a.m. Sunday on Palm Canyon Drive, beginning at Tachevah Drive and traveling south to Amado Road.
The complete schedule is available at pspride.org.