Palm Springs, CA

In a demonstration of community solidarity, Palm Springs’ Arenas District bars have come together to launch the Skip the Line promotion, a creative fundraising effort aimed at supporting Greater Palm Springs Pride during a challenging financial year for LGBTQ+ organizations nationwide.

At a time when Pride events across the country are being scaled back or canceled due to severe funding shortages, Palm Springs is stepping forward with innovation and unity. The Skip the Line all-access pass provides purchasers with exclusive priority entry at participating Arenas District venues, with proceeds directly benefiting Greater Palm Springs Pride.

“The Arenas District bars didn’t wait to be asked—we saw a need and stepped up,” said Rob Giesecke of Chill Bar. “This is our community, and Greater Palm Springs Pride is the heart of what brings us all together each year. We’re honored to do our part in ensuring that this tradition not only continues but thrives.”

Addressing a Critical Funding Shortage

Greater Palm Springs Pride recently announced a $350,000 shortfall this year, reflecting a nationwide trend of financial pressures affecting LGBTQ+ organizations. While some cities have had to cut programs or cancel Pride events altogether, Palm Springs is showing what’s possible when local businesses and the community rally together.

“We are deeply grateful for the extraordinary level of support from each bar in the Arenas District,” said Ron deHarte, President of Greater Palm Springs Pride. “This kind of grassroots partnership is exactly what our community is built on. These businesses understand that Pride isn’t just an event, it’s a lifeline for our community.”

Community-Driven Partnership

The Arenas District, Palm Springs’ historic LGBTQ+ neighborhood, has long been a hub for nightlife, culture, and activism. Participating venues in the Skip the Line initiative include Blackbook, Chill Bar, Dick’s, Hunter’s, Quadz, and Streetbar, each pledging to contribute 100% of proceeds to Pride programming.

This partnership highlights not only the resilience of Palm Springs’ LGBTQ+ community but also the unique connection between local hospitality businesses and the Pride tradition that brings residents and visitors together year after year.

How to Support

Skip the Line passes are now available for purchase, offering both locals and visitors a way to support Greater Palm Springs Pride while enjoying the Arenas District’s vibrant bar scene.

For more information or to purchase a pass, visit: https://bit.ly/arenasskip