Pride season is still going strong!
Although 2026 may be coming to a close, one of the most popular LGBTQ+ cities is ready to wrap up the year with a bang. Taking place Friday, November 6 to Sunday, November 8, the 40th Anniversary Greater Palm Springs Pride will bring the stunts, shenanigans, and queer joy to the vibrant Arenas District.
With this year's official theme titled "Be Included," everyone in the LGBTQ+ community can let their hair down and enjoy the beautiful weather as Palm Springs throws one of the biggest Pride celebrations all year. Now, the million-dollar question for visitors likely is where they should stay to enjoy all of the action. Thankfully, that's where Hotel ZOSO comes in.
Located less than two minutes away by walk, the 4-star boutique resort is found in the heart of the Arenas Road gay bar district. For those who've never been to Palm Springs, Arenas Road has all of the staple LGBTQ+ bars and stores including Dick's, Chill Bar, Hunters, Quadz, Blackbook, and many more. Plus, the famous street is parallel to Palm Springs' vibrant downtown district filled with delicious restaurants, adorable shops, and even more lively bars.
Specifically for Palm Springs Pride, massive free block parties take place right in the street adjacent to the hotel. While the festivities last all weekend, the legendary Pride Parade kicks off Sunday morning along nearby Palm Canyon Drive. Since Hotel ZOSO is right next to downtown, guests are in prime position to walk over and catch the floats.
The location is already a major selling point, but it wouldn't be a proper stay in Palm Springs without taking advantage of some of the amenities onsite. Hotel ZOSO features an outdoor salt-water pool, a 24/7 fitness center, a relaxing spa, and multiple dining and nightlife options. Their fierce drag bingo is a staple as it runs every Friday and Saturday right in the lobby, also known as The Lounge. Hosted by local drag icons Angelique Va Gorgeous and Dolly Parden'Me, the event promises high-energy banter and prizes that'll make for a memorable trip.
October and November are the perfect time to visit Palm Springs as the weather couldn't be more ideal. The outdoor salt-water pool is chilled in the summer and heated in the winter, so the temperature is always right. Tourists can also get cozy by enjoying shaded cabanas, daybeds, and a seasonal poolside bar. For special events like Palm Springs Pride or The Dinah, pool parties are amped up that even include drag brunches and headliner performances.
Hotel ZOSO was kind enough to host me for my birthday weekend with my closest friends in the world. The wonderful staff welcomed us with such open arms and really made us feel like part of the family. Plus, the other guests at the property felt like chosen family as we sipped on cocktails at the pool, competed in a wild game of bingo, and explored the hotel together.
As Zara Larsson famously sang, "Summer isn't over yet!" Palm Springs is the best place to escape all of the seasonal depression that's quickly approaching as winter creeps up on all of us. Plus, as the political climate proves to be more hostile towards the LGBTQ+ community at large, these safe spaces and inclusive environments are needed now more than ever.
Beyond all of the luxurious accommodations at Hotel ZOSO and the convenient gay bars nearby, there's also plenty of queer businesses in the heart of Palm Springs. One critically acclaimed hotspot that's highly recommended by tourists and locals alike is Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge.
The eatery is considered a modern landmark and a prominent staple in the Palm Springs dining and social scene. As a fun fact, the establishment is actually found in a cavernous, landmark 1954 midcentury-era building that originally served as the city's first U.S. Post Office. Located in the fashionable Uptown Design District, it features a chic, minimalist all-white interior punctuated with bold hot-pink and colorful accents, a back-lit onyx bar, and views of the San Jacinto Mountains.
My friends and I easily agreed that Eight4Nine was the best meal we had all weekend. From the tasty cocktails to the delicious entrées, everything on the menu was succulent and rich. Let's just say the three of us quickly downed the Royale 849 Burger, Pasta E Ragù Bucatini, and Chicken Milanese. Add in the Coachella Lime Pie for the birthday dessert? It was truly a perfect birthday dinner! The hospitable staff, beautiful ambiance, and gorgeous architecture really make this destination a can't-miss spot in Palm Springs.
Once the partying is over, relaxing at the spa or enjoying a theatrical drag cabaret show at Hotel ZOSO guarantees a memorable trip for everyone in the queer family. Relax, recharge, and reset with your gay peers this Pride season. Learn more about Hotel ZOSO by visiting the official website here.
This beautiful birthday trip was provided by Hotel ZOSO.
