Palm Springs, CA —August 13, 2025: The Sunset Music & Comedy Festival, now an official Palm Springs Pride event, returns November 6–9, 2025, for an electrifying fusion of music, laughter, and LGBTQ+ pride under the desert sky. Proudly aligned with both Pride and Veterans Day weekend, this festival is LOUD & PROUD and riding the rainbow wave full throttle, blending world-class performance, unapologetic comedy, and soul stirring community spirit into one unforgettable celebration.
Festival Highlights
Thursday, November 6 – “Roberta Flack: A Soulful Homecoming” (7:00 – 8:30 PM)
Hosted by the incomparable Sweet Baby J’ai at the Cascade Lounge inside Agua Caliente Casino (401 E Amado Rd, Palm Springs, CA), this intimate musical-theatrical tribute offers a soul-stirring homage to the legendary Roberta Flack. Featuring the powerful performances of Sandy Adams, and Amber Flame, the evening is crafted with reverence, reinvention, and raw emotion.
Friday, November 7 – Two Roads: From Roots to Broadway (7:00 – 9:00 PM)
Located at the Palm Springs Cultural Center (2300 E Baristo Rd, Palm Springs, CA), enjoy powerhouse performances by award-winning artists: Tony-nominated Ann Hampton Callaway, Grammy-nominated Amythyst Kiah, and comedic brilliance from Jason Stuart. It’s a high-energy night charged with groove, wit, and liberation.
Saturday, November 8 – “The Revival: Soul & Power.” (7:00 – 9:00 PM)
Returning to the Palm Springs Cultural Center (2300 E Baristo Rd, Palm Springs, CA), Saturday night delivers a transformative evening featuring genre-defying soul-jazz sensation Lady Blackbird, Southern lesbian comedy icon Vickie Shaw, and feminist music legend Holly Near. Near will be honored with the Sunset Legacy of Inspiration Award and will perform a special tribute to womyn’s music—a powerful celebration of artistry, activism, and spirit.
Sunday, November 9 – The Goddess Groove March (10:00 AM)
Join Sunset PrideFest as we strut through the heart of downtown for the Palm Springs Pride Parade! Stepping off at 10:00 AM from Tachevah and Palm Canyon Drive, the parade heads south through the city to Amado Road, pulsing with rhythm and radiant energy. Led by the legendary Holly Near, this vibrant march is a joyful celebration of feminine power, LGBTQ+ pride, and unapologetic presence. So bring your glitter, your groove, your hometown pride, and all your goddess energy—we’re lighting up Palm Canyon in full color.
The Sunset Music & Comedy Festival is hosted by the incomparable Sweet Baby J’ai and proudly produced by the nonprofit Sunset Music and Education Foundation (SMEF). As Executive Director of SMEF, internationally acclaimed artist and cultural producer Sweet Baby J’ai brings visionary leadership and deep artistic roots to every element of the festival experience. Presented as part of the year-round Sunset Music Series, the festival and other concerts during Pride, Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Jazz Appreciation Month, and Juneteenth spotlight the artistic and cultural contributions of historically underrepresented communities. SMEF’s impact extends through its SMARTS Initiative: Sharing Music, Accessing Resources, Transforming Students. This impactful program provides musical instruments, scholarships, and mentorship to underserved youth across the Coachella Valley, helping the next generation find their voice through music.
We are proud to be supported by our official media sponsors, The Hollywood Times and PromoHomo.TV. Their continued commitment to amplifying diverse voices and celebrating cultural innovation helps us extend the reach of our mission and our message far beyond the desert.
Visit www.sunsetmusic.org for full event details, lineup updates, and festival passes, including single-night tickets and Two‑Day Groove Passes.
The Sunset Music & Comedy Festival takes place November 6–9, 2025 at the following venues:
• Nov 6 – Agua Caliente Casino, Cascade Lounge, 401 E Amado Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262
• Nov 7–8 – Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E Baristo Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262
• Nov 9 – Palm Springs Pride Parade, starting at Tachevah & Palm Canyon Dr
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable weekend of pride, culture, community, and celebration. We hope to see you there!
