The 2nd Annual Cathedral City LGBT Days, presented by the Cathedral City Auto Center, celebrates the lives, history, and wonderful accomplishments the community has contributed in making Cathedral City one of the “most livable” cities in America and a testament to its perfect equality score by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. The festival provides an opportunity to recognize the strength in our diversity, appreciate our similarities, and stand united for the equal rights of all Americans.
The festival begins with an Opening Night Kick-off Celebration hosted by Jersey Shore at the Festival Lawn in Downtown Cathedral City, 68-510 East Palm Canyon Drive, on Friday, March 25th from 5 pm – 9 pm with DJ Music on the Main Stage and free performances by the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus and Simeon Den’s Dance Troupe. The performances will take place in front of a seven-story Equality Hot Air Balloon that will offer rides. In addition, the celebration includes an art show by West Coast Artists and a Battle of the Bars – Bartender Competition with commentary via the Jersey Shore Cam. The battling bars include AJ’s on the Green & Splash Bar, The Barracks, Bontá Restaurant & Bar, Chill Bar Palm Springs & Scorpion Room, and Toucan’s Tiki Lounge Palm Springs. At 9 pm, attendees can dress in costume and enjoy a Rocky Horror Picture Show sing-a-long hosted by radio personality Nicolas Snow at the adjacent Mary Pickford Theatre.
Beginning at 9 am to 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday, the festival offers an art show by West Coast Artists featuring high quality art from around California. On Saturday, LGBT organizations will also exhibit and offer information adjacent to the art show on the Festival Lawn.
On Saturday morning at 10 am, attendees can watch and cheer on their favorite teams for the Cathedral City LGBT Days’ Bed Race. It’s our pride parade with a little drama and suspense. Teams of five are encouraged to sign-up now, decorate a float on wheels, step into some sports shoes, and race for prizes. Four individuals will push one person sitting on the bed from the rainbow start line on Avenida Lalo Guerrero and end at the finish line in front of City Hall.
At noon on the Main Stage, ticketed guests will have an opportunity to watch the latest stand-up comedy routine by the legendary Coco Peru during the Easter Bonnet Champagne Brunch with Coco Peru. The brunch is hosted by local favorite, Bella da Ball. Tickets are available at www.CathedralCityLGBTDays.com.
Festival goers can also splish-splash and soak up the sun at an LGBT Days pool party hosted by CCBC Resort Hotel located at 68300 Gay Resort Drive from 12 noon to 4 pm.
At 3 pm, the fun continues in downtown with an Easter Bonnet Stroll & Contest on the Main Stage. Prizes will be given out according to various festive bonnet categories.
From 4 pm to 11 pm, CCBC Resort Hotel offers late night entertainment and special events. For the latest information, go to www.ccbcresorthotel.com.
At 7 pm, head to the Mary Pickford Theatre for A Sordid Saturday Night. The event, presented by D&D Carpet, includes a Red Carpet Reception at 7 pm, a replay of the hit movie, “Sordid Lives” on the big screen, and a Question and Answer session with Writer/Director Del Shores, and many cast members including Ann Walker (LaVonda), Newell Alexander (Wardell), Rosemary Alexander (Dr. Eve), and Kirk Geiger (Ty). After the movie, guests will enjoy a Cast Meet & Greet Reception and take photographs with the movie’s stars. Tickets are available at www.CathedralCityLGBTDays.com.
On Easter Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm, attendees can attend many Easter Brunches at participating restaurants including the official LGBT Days’ Drag Brunch at AJ’s on the Green & Splash Bar as well as Bontá Restaurant & Bar, El Portal Mexican Restaurant, Mike’s American Bistro, or Sunshine Café.
From 11 am to 7 pm, CCBC Resort Hotel is hosting an Easter Day Pool Party with complimentary Mimosas from 11 am to 1 pm.
At noon, bring the kids for an Easter Egg Hunt in front of Desert Cinemas where 3,000 colorful eggs will be hidden filled with candy and goodies. Kids can take their pictures with our special guest, the Easter Bunny.
After enjoying Easter Brunch and the Easter Day Pool Party at CCBC Resort Hotel, Cathedral City LGBT Days wraps up with an official closing party at The Barracks Bar located at 67-625 E Palm Canyon Drive beginning at 4:00 pm with a free BBQ and a list of drink specials.
For all festival information, go to www.CathedralCityLGBTDays.com
