The 9th Annual Cathedral City LGBT+ Days, presented by Agua Caliente Casinos, concluded this past weekend with unprecedented attendance and community participation, marking it as the most successful iteration of the event to date.
The three-day celebration, which ran from March 7-9, 2025, brought together LGBTQ+ celebrities, artists, performers, community leaders, and visitors from across the region, creating an atmosphere of inclusivity and pride throughout Cathedral City.
Record-Breaking Attendance & Competition Winners
Sunday’s signature Parade of Beds and Bed Race drew record crowds as thousands of spectators lined Avenue Lalo Guerrero to cheer on teams racing their creatively decorated beds. The friendly competition, a beloved tradition of the event, was expertly emceed by John Taylor (KGAY) and local legend Bella Da Ball, whose entertaining commentary added to the excitement as teams vied for prizes and local fame while entertaining the largest audience in the event’s history.
The 2025 Bed Race Winners included:
- Fastest Time: Cathedral City Fire Department
- 2nd Fastest Time: KGAY 106.5 FM
Best Decorated Bed:
- 1st Place: Cathedral City Boys & Girls Club
- 2nd Place: Sue Casa
- 3rd Place: Queen Duvet
Most Spirited Group: Cathedral City Boys & Girls Club
Best Theme Bed: Cathedral City Administration
The Cat City Drag Race crowned Sue Casa as the winner and Royal Highness with her show-stopping “Exorcist” performance that wowed judges and spectators alike!
“The community spirit this year was truly inspiring,” noted Cathedral City Mayor Nancy Ross. “Seeing so many people come together to celebrate diversity and inclusion exceeded all our expectations.”
Entertainment Highlights
Miss Conception’s “Sashay through the Desert – Celebrating 25 Years of Broadway and the Big Screen” performances at the Mary Pickford Theatre were a standout success, with nearly sold-out crowds for both Friday and Saturday night shows. The celebrated “female delusionist” captivated audiences with her tribute to a quarter-century of entertainment excellence.
Another tremendous success was the inaugural Bingo & Brunch at Luchador Brewing with Ethylina Canne and Miss Patsi from Dinner with Patsi, which packed the venue to capacity, establishing it as an instant favorite among attendees.
Local venues played a vital role in enhancing the weekend’s festivities. The Roost Lounge hosted multiple events throughout the weekend, including a special performance by Grammy Award-winning artist Thelma Houston on Saturday as part of their Nest Fest event. One Eleven Bar also contributed to the celebration with special programming that added to the weekend’s vibrant atmosphere.
The official after party, Tequila & Trivia hosted by Deven and Ned at Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City’s Agave Caliente Tequila Bar, drew a strong turnout as attendees enjoyed pride-themed cocktails while competing for exciting prizes. This popular event provided the perfect finale to the weekend’s celebrations.
The weekend was further packed with diverse entertainment options, including:
- The spectacular LGBT+ Days Pride Drone Show sponsored by The Roost Foundation and produced by Grizzly Entertainment that illuminated Downtown Cathedral City
- Saturday’s Pride Pool Party at CCBC Resort featuring DJ Billy
- The Cat City Drag Race, which added a fresh element to the festivities
Special Recognition & Community Engagement
A highlight of this year’s celebration was the presentation of the Inaugural Cathedral City Pride Legacy Award to Chris Parman, this year’s event producer and former Communications & Events Manager. The award, which will be presented annually, recognizes outstanding contributions to improving the quality of life for LGBTQ+ residents in Cathedral City. Parman’s dedication and vision have been instrumental in the event’s growth and success over the years.
This year also marked the first time the event was branded as “LGBT+ Days,” with the addition of the “+” reflecting Cathedral City’s expanded commitment to inclusivity and representation of the entire diverse community.
“Cathedral City has always strived to create a welcoming environment for all,” said Ryan Hunt, Communications & Events Manager for the City of Cathedral City. “The overwhelming response to this year’s celebration demonstrates how much this event means to our community and visitors alike. We’re especially proud of our decision to expand our branding to include the ‘+’ in LGBT+ Days, ensuring we represent our entire diverse community. I also want to congratulate Chris Parman on receiving the Inaugural Pride Legacy Award—an honor that is beyond well-deserved given his tremendous contributions to our LGBTQ+ community and special events over the years.”
Sponsor Support
The success of the event was made possible through strong partnerships with numerous sponsors. Cathedral City LGBT+ Days extends heartfelt gratitude to Presenting Sponsor Agua Caliente Casinos and all supporting sponsors including City of Cathedral City, Mary Pickford Theatre, Club 541, Willie’s, 849 Restaurants, Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage, The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa, Roadrunner Print & Ship, The Roost Foundation/The Roost Lounge, CCBC Resort Hotel, St. John’s Community Health, Gay Desert Guide, KGAY 106.5 FM (who also provided talent John Taylor, Eric Ornelas and DJ Galaxy), 103.1 MeTV FM, GED Magazine, One Eleven Bar, Dinner with Patsi, Montage Agency, and Desert Gay Tourism Guild.
The generous support from these community-minded organizations and businesses was instrumental in creating an exceptional experience for all attendees and ensuring the continued growth of this important celebration.
Looking Ahead
With the unprecedented success of the 2025 event, organizers are already looking forward to next year’s 10th anniversary celebration, which promises to be even more spectacular.
The Cathedral City LGBT+ Days continues to grow as California’s first Pride event of the year and an essential celebration in the Coachella Valley’s cultural calendar.
For more information about Cathedral City LGBT+ Days, visit the official website or follow @CathedralCityLGBTDays on social media.
