Get ready, hunnies, because Palm Springs Pride is serving up a rainbow explosion of color and light! This year’s Pride Week is not just a vibe—it’s a full-on visual extravaganza that’ll have you gagging in the best way possible. The third annual Pride Week Public Art Project is coming in hot, turning downtown Palm Springs into a technicolor dreamland. With stunning projections and jaw-dropping installations, the city’s about to be draped in art and light, creating an inclusive celebration that’s all about embracing diversity and love.

Why stop at a parade when you can turn an entire city into a queer art gallery? This year’s installations will showcase the brilliance of local artists Aaron Allen Marner, Marconi Calindas-Cafege, and Jaco Moretti. And if you thought this would just be a casual stroll through some art—think again! Palm Springs Pride is taking over iconic downtown locations, transforming landmarks like The Hyatt Palm Springs and Forever Marilyn into a glittering, immersive spectacle of animated light and design.

Whether you’re a local or flying in for the event, this is the Pride experience you won’t want to miss. Set for November 1 and 2, the public art project brings together community spirit, creative expression, and colorful diversity. And the best part? It’s all free, open to the public, and guaranteed to leave you feeling every shade of the rainbow. Let’s dive into the fabulous details of what you can expect.

Lights, Colors, and Downtown Landmarks: The Pride Playground

Get your Insta feed ready, because downtown Palm Springs is about to get a glow-up! Three major spots are getting a technicolor makeover: The Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs staircase tower, The Hyatt Palm Springs, and the iconic Forever Marilyn statue. These aren’t just some light shows, baby—they’re a full-on immersive experience. Creative director Brandon Ray Henderson is leading the charge with projection mapping that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped into a world of swirling colors and dazzling animations. Picture this: the entire facade of The Hyatt Palm Springs lit up with vibrant imagery reflecting the spirit of Pride, while Forever Marilyn becomes a beacon of inclusivity, glowing with animated sequences that’ll have you mesmerized. This is art with a purpose, darlings, and it’s a celebration of love, unity, and the beauty of being your true self.

Meet the Artists Behind the Magic

What makes this year’s public art project extra special? The artists. These three powerhouses are bringing something fresh, bold, and socially charged to the table. First up, Aaron Allen Marner—this year’s Pride Parade Grand Marshal. Known for his thought-provoking work that tackles social justice, mental health, and racial inequality, Marner’s art is as powerful as it is colorful. His geometric shapes and vibrant hues are a celebration of diversity and hope. His art doesn’t just hang on a wall—it jumps out at you, grabs you by the feels, and leaves you thinking long after you’ve walked away.

Then there’s Marconi Calindas-Cafege, a local legend in the Palm Springs art scene and the recipient of the Palm Springs Pride Spirit of Stonewall Arts & Culture Award. Their work fearlessly confronts LGBTQ+ rights and other pressing social issues. Marconi’s pieces are bold, dynamic, and not afraid to push boundaries. When you see their work light up the city, you’ll feel the passion and purpose behind every stroke.

Last but definitely not least is Jaco Moretti, a photographer whose work is like a love letter to men, nature, and Palm Springs itself. His photography captures the essence of Palm Springs’ unique architecture and the rugged beauty of its surroundings. Moretti’s work is sensual, intimate, and a perfect fit for the Pride Week project. His lens brings a fresh perspective to the city, and his pieces are sure to stop you in your tracks.

Projection Mapping: The Art of Transforming a City

Now, let’s talk about the real showstopper—projection mapping. If you’ve never experienced this before, get ready to have your mind blown. Projection mapping turns buildings into canvases, using light and imagery to transform everyday structures into something magical. At Palm Springs Pride, these projections will bring The Hyatt Palm Springs and Forever Marilyn to life, creating a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns that reflect the spirit of Pride. It’s not just pretty to look at—it’s a message of inclusivity and unity, beamed across the city for everyone to see.

This year’s projections will run from dusk until 10:00 p.m., so make sure to carve out some time to head downtown and take it all in. Whether you’re a seasoned Pride-goer or a first-timer, these installations will remind you of what Pride is really about: coming together to celebrate our beautiful, diverse community.

A Legacy of Art at Palm Springs Pride

Palm Springs Pride has always been about more than just parades and parties. Over the years, they’ve showcased an incredible array of LGBTQ+ artists, from painters to sculptors to illustrators. Since 2015, the Pride poster art has been a major highlight, with artists like Nat Reed, Shag, and Richard Vaughn contributing their talents to create iconic pieces that capture the spirit of the event. In 2021, Palm Springs Pride even hosted the West Coast premiere of American artist Yvette Mattern’s Global Rainbow, a laser light sculpture that lit up the night sky with seven beams of colorful light.

This year, the tradition continues with a focus on public art that’s as interactive as it is beautiful. Whether it’s the stunning projections or the incredible works of Aaron Allen Marner, Marconi Calindas-Cafege, and Jaco Moretti, you’ll see firsthand how art can be a powerful tool for connection, reflection, and celebration.

Why You Can’t Miss Palm Springs Pride Week 2024

If you’re still on the fence about heading to Palm Springs for Pride, let this be your sign to book those tickets, honey! Between the parade, the parties, and this year’s epic public art project, Palm Springs Pride Week is the ultimate way to celebrate who you are and who we are as a community. You’ll not only get to enjoy incredible art but also soak up the one-of-a-kind atmosphere that Palm Springs offers. This isn’t just an event—it’s a full-blown celebration of love, diversity, and acceptance, set against the backdrop of one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

And don’t forget, the Pride Parade kicks off on November 3 at 10:00 a.m. in Uptown. It’s the perfect way to cap off a weekend of art, celebration, and pride. With free events, stunning visuals, and a chance to be part of something bigger, why wouldn’t you want to be there?

The Future of Public Art at Palm Springs Pride

Palm Springs Pride has always been at the forefront of blending art with activism, and the public art project is just another way they’re pushing the envelope. By showcasing LGBTQ+ artists and turning the city into a canvas for light and color, they’re creating spaces for dialogue, reflection, and joy. And as Pride continues to grow each year, we can only expect these installations to get bigger, bolder, and even more spectacular.

Whether you’re there to support the artists, snap some pics, or just revel in the beauty of it all, this year’s public art project is sure to leave a lasting impression. Palm Springs Pride is more than just a party—it’s a movement, and this art installation is a shining example of how we can celebrate who we are while pushing for a brighter, more inclusive future.

Share Your Pride Experience

Palm Springs Pride Week isn’t just about taking in the art—it’s about being part of the experience. Whether you’ve been coming to Pride for years or this is your first time, we want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments below and share your favorite moments, whether it’s a dazzling light show or the energy of the parade. Let’s make this year’s Pride Week a celebration we’ll all remember.