Get ready, because Palm Springs Pride is about to serve up an event you can’t miss. Día de la Reina is turning Halloween night into a celebration fit for royalty, with the one and only Neon Trees headlining the opening night of Pride Week! This iconic indie rock band will take center stage in the heart of Palm Springs’ Arenas District on October 31st, lighting up the evening with their infectious energy. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a first-timer, expect a night filled with all the vibes: good music, colorful crowds, and the unshakeable spirit of pride.

The Palm Springs Pride celebration has always been about unity, diversity, and being unapologetically yourself. With the Pride Week theme ‘Be You’, this year’s kickoff is all about celebrating that truth, underlining the city’s tradition of welcoming everyone to express their authentic selves. The opening block party, Día de la Reina, promises to be the perfect mix of live music, food, drinks, and fabulousness. Neon Trees will bring their signature sound to the party, providing the ultimate soundtrack for a Pride that’s as colorful and electric as the desert city itself.

From October 31 to November 3, Palm Springs will be alive with pride events—culminating in the annual Pride Parade. But make no mistake, the energy and excitement will peak on opening night as Neon Trees steps up to deliver a performance you won’t soon forget. Let’s dive into why this event, and this band, is one for the books.

Who Are Neon Trees?

If you don’t already know Neon Trees, let’s fix that. This American rock band made waves in the late 2000s with their hit single “Animal,” which topped the charts and quickly became a radio staple. With a sound blending indie rock, pop, and new wave influences, the band didn’t just capture hearts—they owned airwaves. Songs like “Everybody Talks” and “Sleeping With a Friend” helped define their success, placing them firmly on the Billboard Hot 100. Their music is known for its catchy beats, high-energy performances, and lyrics that resonate with just about anyone who loves a good hook.

Neon Trees’ frontman, Tyler Glenn, adds a particularly special layer to the band’s appeal, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. Tyler came out as gay in 2014, becoming a powerful advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility in the music industry. His personal journey of navigating faith, sexuality, and self-expression has deeply resonated with many fans, making Neon Trees not just a hit-making band, but also a symbol of courage and authenticity. In fact, Tyler’s solo project, Excommunication, explores his experiences with faith and his coming-out story, pushing boundaries both musically and socially.

More than just a band with a catchy beat, Neon Trees has become a beacon of representation and inclusivity. They show how music and love can unite people from all walks of life, which makes them the perfect fit to headline Palm Springs Pride’s opening night.

Día de la Reina: The Ultimate Block Party

Halloween has always been big in the queer community, but Palm Springs is taking it to a whole new level with Día de la Reina. Think less spooky, more fabulous. This free block party will fill the streets of the Arenas District with an unforgettable night of drag queens, music, food, and drinks. Palm Springs Pride has always been about creating an open space for everyone to celebrate their uniqueness, and Día de la Reina is no exception. Expect the street to be packed with locals and visitors alike, all there to live their best lives.

The Arenas District has been hosting extraordinary experiences for 13 years now, and this year’s event promises to be the most thrilling yet. Día de la Reina focuses on honoring the Queens and Kings of the Palm Springs scene, making it a night of celebration for everyone who knows how to work a crown—or just loves to celebrate those who do. The vibrant energy and inclusive spirit of this event are set to make it a must-attend part of Pride Week.

Neon Trees will hit the stage at 8:00 PM, ensuring the crowd is dancing, singing, and fully immersed in the moment. With their upbeat tracks and Glenn’s magnetic stage presence, you can count on this performance to be the crown jewel of the evening.

Why Neon Trees Are a Perfect Fit

So, why are Neon Trees such a great fit for this event? Beyond their stellar discography and stage presence, the band embodies everything Palm Springs Pride stands for—authenticity, unity, and self-expression. Tyler Glenn’s story of coming out and advocating for LGBTQ+ youth through his work with the LOVELOUD Foundation has inspired countless people to embrace who they are, without fear or shame. Glenn’s passion for creating safe spaces and fostering understanding within communities is reflected in Neon Trees’ music, which often tackles themes of love, identity, and acceptance.

Neon Trees’ music has long been a soundtrack for living out loud. Their upbeat anthems resonate with fans across the world, but especially with the LGBTQ+ community. It’s more than just entertainment; it’s about creating a space where everyone can feel seen, heard, and celebrated.

When Ron deHarte, the President and CEO of Greater Palm Springs Pride, announced the band as headliners, it was clear that this would be a perfect match. “Their music is a perfect fit for the vibrant and inclusive spirit of Palm Springs Pride,” deHarte said, adding to the anticipation surrounding the event.

Palm Springs Pride: A Tradition of Unity and Diversity

Pride in Palm Springs has always been about embracing who you are. The theme for this year’s celebration, ‘Be You,’ couldn’t be more fitting. With events running from October 31 to November 3, the city will be filled with a variety of activities celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. Whether it’s the Pride Parade, which kicks off at 10:00 AM on Palm Canyon Drive, or the downtown block parties, there’s something for everyone.

Palm Springs has a long history of championing equality and diversity. Since the first Coachella Valley Pride event in 1986, Greater Palm Springs Pride has continued to create spaces for the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate their identities while advocating for equal rights. It’s a celebration of love, acceptance, and progress that draws thousands from all over to experience the magic of the desert city.

What To Expect During Pride Week

While Día de la Reina will surely be a highlight of the week, Palm Springs Pride has plenty more to offer. The annual Pride Parade, happening on November 3, is one of the largest LGBTQ+ events in the region, drawing crowds that fill the streets to celebrate. You can expect floats, music, and plenty of rainbow flags waving in support of the community.

Additionally, there will be the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast, Pride Honors Awards, OUTstanding Voices events, and more. Each event is designed to promote unity and amplify the voices of the LGBTQ+ community. And of course, the food, music, and desert sunshine make Palm Springs a perfect destination to enjoy Pride to its fullest.

Be a Part of Palm Springs Pride

If you’ve never been to Palm Springs Pride, now is your chance to join a celebration like no other. From the block parties to the live performances, every corner of the city will be filled with energy and pride. Neon Trees headlining Día de la Reina is just the beginning of what promises to be an unforgettable week.

Mark your calendars for October 31—because Pride kicks off in a big way this year. Be prepared to dance, sing, and embrace the full spirit of Palm Springs Pride. See you there, Queens and Kings!

Share Your Thoughts and Experiences!

What are you most excited about for this year’s Palm Springs Pride? Whether it’s the music, the parade, or the community spirit, we want to hear from you! Leave a comment below with your thoughts, ideas, or past Pride experiences—let’s keep the conversation going!