Arenas District Bars Launch ‘Skip the Line' Fundraiser to Support Palm Springs Pride

Local Bars Step Up to Support Pride When Community Needs It Most

In a remarkable show of community solidarity, the bars of Palm Springs' iconic Arenas District have joined forces to launch the “Skip the Line" promotion, a creative fundraising initiative designed to support Greater Palm Springs Pride during a challenging funding year for LGBTQ+ organizations nationwide. This effort is made even more impactful by the customers of the Arenas District, whose support of these businesses and participation in the promotion are crucial to the success of Greater Palm Springs Pride.

At a time when Pride organizations across the country are being forced to scale back programs and cancel events due to funding shortfalls, Palm Springs is demonstrating what's possible when a community rallies together. The Skip the Line all access pass represents an innovative partnership between the Arenas District's vibrant nightlife venues and the nonprofit organization that has been bringing the community together for decades.

Skip the Line offers purchasers exclusive priority access to participating Arenas District bars, with proceeds directly benefiting Greater Palm Springs Pride. This unique collaboration showcases the deep connection between the District's hospitality businesses and the LGBTQ+ community they proudly serve.

"The Arenas District bars didn't wait to be asked—we saw a need and stepped up," said Rob Giesecke from Chill Bar. "This is our community, and Greater Palm Springs Pride is the heart of what brings us all together each year. We're honored to do our part in ensuring that this tradition not only continues but also thrives. When you support local businesses, you're supporting the entire community, and this partnership proves it."

The initiative comes at a critical time when many LGBTQ+ organizations are facing unprecedented financial pressures. Greater Palm Springs Pride is no different, having recently announced a $350,000 shortage this year. While other cities are making difficult decisions to curtail programming, some are cancelling Pride events completely, Palm Springs is rising to meet the moment and creating space for the community to come together and celebrate.

"We are deeply grateful for the extraordinary level of support from each bar in the Arenas District," said Ron deHarte, President of Greater Palm Springs Pride. "This kind of grassroots partnership is exactly what our community is built on. These businesses understand that Pride isn't just an event, it's a lifeline for our community, a celebration of who we are. Their commitment will go a long way to ensure we can continue our mission of bringing people together and creating moments of joy, visibility, and connection."

Skip the Line all access passes are now available for purchase, with 100% proceeds going directly to Greater Palm Springs Pride programming. Community members and visitors can purchase passes, supporting both the Arenas District's thriving bar scene and one of the region's most important LGBTQ+ institutions. Businesses scheduled to participate include Blackbook, Chill Bar, Dick’s, Hunter’s, Quadz, and Streetbar.

For more information about the Skip the Line Pass, please visit https://bit.ly/arenasskip.

About Greater Palm Springs Pride

Greater Palm Springs Pride is a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating and supporting the LGBTQ+ community through year-round programming, education, and the region's signature Pride celebration.

About the Arenas District

The Arenas District is Palm Springs' historic LGBTQ+ neighborhood, home to a vibrant collection of bars, restaurants, and businesses that have served as gathering places for the community for generations.