The low-desert has long proven a welcoming haven for the LGBTQ community, with plenty of gay bars, drag shows, and other community spaces.
Palm Springs first rose as a high - end opulence outflow in the 1930s , when silver screen actress Greta Garbo holiday there with her rumored devotee , writer Mercedes de Acosta . As the ten fall apart on , public figures like Rock Hudson , Liberace , and Cary Grant also sought solace in the desert to miss public examination . There ’s little doubt that the resort city ’s organic evolution into a haven for LGBTQ night life was in direct response to some of these early starter . now , there are hundreds of LGBTQ - owned line of work and almost one-half of the population identify as a member of the community of interests . The metropolis even has the nation ’s first all - LGBTQ City Council .
The majority of LGBTQ bars in Palm Springs are centre along Arenas Road , but that was n’t always the pillowcase . The area ’s original homo bars were plant in still - unincorporated Cathedral City , about fifteen minutes away . According to Ron deHarte , president and CEO ofPalm Springs Pride , “ It ’s a story that can be repeat in towns across the country . 50 years ago , gay bars found a large-minded Cathedral City was the property that business owners could dish up their merry clientele . ” Today , you’re able to still visit spots likeAMP Sports Lounge , one eleven bar , Rooster Bar , orBarracks Bar .
Founded by Mariah Hanson , Dinah Shore Weekendhas been on-going for 30 long time and symbolize the largest lesbian / queer womanhood - led event in the cosmos . Mark your calendar for September 21 , which is The Dinah ’s prescribed initiative political party and send-off to a night of saturnalia . The weekend continues through September 25 , with annual effect like the Black & White Ball andThe L Wordpool company , all befall at Margaritaville Resort in Palm Springs .
AsiaSF Palm Springs
Avoiding gamy , triple - digit temperatures , Palm Springs ’ annual Pride celebration takes place in November . This year differentiate the city ’s 37th annual Pride Celebration and will be harbor from November 4–6 , with an anticipated crowd of up to 200,000 people . Until then , delay out these LGBTQ bar and dance clubs which offer karaoke nights , drag brunches , unrecorded DJs , sexy go - go dancers , show tunes , and more .
Streetbar
Streetbar was the first gay legal profession to open on Arenas Road , and will be plough 31 this year . It holds the distinction of being the longest - operating LGBTQ ginmill in the Coachella Valley . well eff for its karaoke nights that run from Sunday to Wednesday , they are famous for their heavy pours and day-by-day top ledge special . Streetbar also has an extended happy time of day , which pass from 10 am to 8 promethium . Think of it as your friendly neighborhood prevention , a set - back place with a well-disposed vibration .
Hunters
Hunters is the spot that caters to every sort of societal tendency . If you ’re feel especially positive about your trivia cognition , match out a doubleheader of Trivia Tuesdays at 5:30 pm followed by karaoke at 8 pm . On Sundays , the Risque Drag Revue is always a hitting , as is the good afternoon afternoon tea terpsichore . The club is wide , with indoor and outside space . The card is filled with comfort food classics with a twist — such as the Hey Girl Hey Hot Wings .
Roly China Fusion
If you have n’t yet been to Roly China Fusion ’s rooftop Sunday Drag Brunch , it ’s time to remedy that . And also adjudicate whether you are a Diva , Mean Girl , or Basic Bitch — the three tier of seats that also get with extras like a complimentary nursing bottle of champagne . Tickets bug out at $ 45 , and all include a two - row brunch of Formosan optical fusion ravisher like Sea Bass Satay , provided by chef and proprietor Chad Gardner . identify after Chad ’s married man Roly , the restaurant is vibrant and whimsical , making it a great touch for date night .
AsiaSF
With positioning in Palm Springs and San Francisco , AsiaSF is a peachy point for a special juncture like a natal day or day of remembrance . The world - famous Ladies of AsiaSF will delight you with their lively club brunch and dinner party performances that admit vocalizing , dance , and lip - syncing . AsiaSF has been a longtime supporter of the trans community and all of their performing artist are trans women who showcase their talent on a microscope stage that seat in the midriff of a fab dining room . Executive chef Jen Solomon accompanies the experience with her cut - edge Cal Asian cuisine .
Toucans Tiki Lounge & Cabaret
The friendly stave merge with secure cocktails have been Toucans a victor of accolades such as honorable dance guild , best drag show , and the desert ’s number one gay bar . It also hosts the metropolis ’s longest continually - running drag show with Tommy Rose & The Playgirls on Sundays . On Monday Night , innkeeper Jesus Coria hosts a Latin Drag Revue , and you’re able to transmit jazzy vibraharp on Friday nights with Jazmyn “ The People ’s Queen ” Simone . Before you know it you ’ll be smile at your fellow audience members , unable to agitate the infectiousness of the music .
Chill Bar
Chill Bar ’s name is deceiving , because if you visit any night of the week it is anything but chill . A full calendar of events include Leche Libre Latin Night on Wednesday , when a DJ spins Latin house , salsa , and cumbia . On Varsity Night Fridays an array of go - go dancers ( aka the Varsity Boys ) share their own take on first team sports with music by Dawna Montell . The Sunday Drag Brunch is also legendary , often with guest appearances from stars like Naysha Lopez fromRuPaul ’s Drag Race .
Blackbook
exalt by the Nevada Gaming Commission ’s “ black book ” of excluded persons , this saloon intend to do just the opposite by making certain that everyone feel welcome . It ’s sure as shooting made good on that hope and has since been voted the best legal profession in Palm Springs , even taking dwelling prizes in the dear classic cocktails and best eating house categories . So do n’t pause to order food while you ’re here — this is n’t your average Browning automatic rifle food . call up Nashville Hot Chicken , Pollo Asado Tacos , and Disco Fries . We also have sex that they have the largest whiskey pick in the Coachella Valley .
Tool Shed
bonk as the original leather and Levi sail bar in Palm Springs and a place where men who wish men gather , Tool Shed is turn up in the Warm Sands territory about four blocks down from Arenas . They have a packed calendar of events — from Massage Mondays to Underwear Night on Fridays — and are the home bar for Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert . There ’s also 0 - 69 Bingo every Saturday afternoon , with happy minute prices and fun prizes . Things can get a flake lustful here , particularly on a crowded dance storey with pulse music , so be prepared .
Oscar’s
If you ’re hanging out in business district Palm Springs and are look for a articulatio coxae position with weekly and one - off events , then Oscar ’s is your streak . loose on the outdoor terrace adorned with Mr. and umbrellas , or hang out in spite of appearance . Do n’t miss the Bitchiest Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays at 10 am and verify you delay for the Mimosa Men on Saturdays at 1 post-mortem examination — take note that brunch , beverage , and bottomless mimosas are sold individually . Oscar ’s is within walk distance from the Palm Springs Art Museum , so you could pack in a bit of culture while you ’re there as well .
Quadz
If belt out out show melody is on the menu for the night , then be certain to chew the fat Quadz , a sing - along legal profession with VJs and a mixing of classic video clips . Both topical anesthetic and tourists lie with this spot that lionize some of the most iconic musical theatre minute in chronicle . With show tunes on the schedule three night a week ( Mondays , Fridays , and Saturdays ) , a filmmaker ’s gallery on Wednesdays , and karaoke on Thursdays , everyone has a chance to be a lead here — or at least channel one for the night .
Streetbar
Roly China Fusion
@officialasiasfps
Chill Bar Palm Springs
Blackbook
Tool Shed
@oscars_palmsprings
