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Palm Springs to host ‘bigger, bolder’ Big Gay BBQ
Riverside County Jun 05, 2024
| Photo courtesy of Palm Springs Pride
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The Big Gay BBQ returns to Palm Springs this weekend.
Produced by Palm Springs Pride, the organizer of the city’s annual Pride celebrations in November, has brought back the two-day free block party “with delicious BBQ, friends, fun, and community spirit,” according to organizers. The event takes place Friday and Saturday, bringing the Arenas District alive from 5 to 11 p.m. with DJs and live bands on Arenas Road between Indian Canyon Drive and Calle Encilia.
This is the second iteration of the BIG Gay BBQ, and organizers promised a “bigger, bolder, and more delicious” experience than ever.
The event features six barbecue masters offering classic favorites such as smoked pulled pork, baby back ribs, brisket, turkey and chicken, organizers said. Adding to the culinary adventure, sides include BBQ beans, coleslaw and “baby back mac and cheese.” For dessert, there’s peach cobbler, banana pudding and homemade cookies.
“This is the 13th year Palm Springs Pride has been creating extraordinary experiences on Arenas Rd,” Ron deHarte, president and CEO of Palm Springs Pride, said in a statement. “The BIG Gay BBQ is a unique June Pride month celebration for the Palm Springs community. As the sun sets and the desert cools down, the Arenas District will be the place to gather with friends, have fun, and celebrate Pride.”
General admission is free, and Optional VIP ticket holders receive “the ultimate Glamping BBQ dinner,” four cocktails and front-of-line access at the event bar.
The event is a fundraiser that helps to keep Palm Springs Pride events free admisison, according to organizers.
Corday and the Magic 70s band, led by award-winning singer-guitarist Jennifer Corday, will perform live on both nights. DJ Galaxy and DJ Modgril will spin during the event.
Sponsors include the city of Palm Springs, Coachella Valley Firebirds, New Orleans, Silvercrest, Desert Care Network, Gay Desert Guide, KGAY 106.5/92.1 FM, Blackbook Bar & Grill, Chill Bar Palm Springs, Hunters Nightclubs, Streetbar, Dick’s on Arenas, The Kimpton Rowan, Pepsi, The Development Department, The Coachella Valley Independent, The Standard Magazine and GED Magazine.
More information on the event is at www.BIGgayBBQ.com.
