Event Dates
From: Friday, October 30, 2026
To: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Dark Alley Palm Springs 2026
Leather Mart is one of the most popular events held during Palm Springs Leather Pride.
Dark Alley Palm Springs 2026
Dark Alley returns to Palm Springs for two nights of leather, fetish gear, music and cruising during Palm Springs Leather Pride.
Hosted at the Tool Shed, the outdoor marketplace brings together leather men, bears, pups and their admirers, with fetish vendors, drinks and a Halloween costume contest.
- Stay at the five-star L’Horizon Resort & Spa, an adults-only luxury retreat with private bungalows, two pools, a spa and outdoor dining. Its South Palm Springs location makes it a convenient base for reaching Tool Shed.
The Event
- Next Edition: Friday, October 30, 2026 To Saturday, October 31, 2026.
- Friday: 5 pm to 1 am. Official Leather Pride parking lot event.
- Saturday: 8 pm to 2 am. Vendor Mart and Halloween Costume Contest.
- Venue: Tool Shed, 600 E Sunny Dunes Road, Palm Springs.
- Admission: Friday’s official Leather Pride programme lists $15 admission at the door. Saturday is free, with donations welcome.
- Highlights: Leather and fetish vendors, DJs, drinks, socialising and the Tool Shed’s leather crowd.
- Dress Code: Leather, denim, harnesses, rubber and fetish gear are popular, but there is no published compulsory dress code.
- Check out the top 10 hotels in Palm Springs.
What to Expect
Dark Alley transforms the Tool Shed parking lot into an outdoor gathering place for the Palm Springs leather community.
- Browse stalls selling leather clothing, fetish accessories and gear from independent vendors.
- Meet visiting leathermen, bears, pups and members of the local leather community.
- Enjoy drinks and music, with the bar and outdoor marketplace providing plenty of opportunities to socialise.
- Return on Saturday for the Halloween Costume Contest and the second evening of vendors.
The event is part of Palm Springs Leather Pride, which runs from Thursday 29th October to Sunday 1st November 2026.
The Venue – Tool Shed
- Tool Shed is Palm Springs’ established leather and Levi bar, located on Sunny Dunes Road, south of downtown.
- The bar has a traditional neighbourhood layout, with a long bar counter, pool table, outdoor patio and regular leather-themed events. It is also closely associated with the Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert.
- Dark Alley takes over the adjacent parking lot, creating additional outdoor space for vendors and the Leather Pride crowd.
Before Dark Alley
Start the evening on Arenas Road, Palm Springs’ principal gay nightlife street, before heading south to Tool Shed.
- Dick’s on Arenas – A gay bar with a leather-friendly crowd, DJs and themed events. Particularly popular during Leather Pride.
- Hunters Palm Springs – A large gay nightclub with a dance floor, patio and regular entertainment. A convenient meeting point before the evening parties.
- Chill Bar – A contemporary gay bar with an open-front terrace, cocktails and DJs, attracting a mixed crowd throughout the weekend.
Tool Shed is south of Arenas Road. Allow approximately 15 to 20 minutes to walk or take a short rideshare.
Where to Stay for Dark Alley
Stay in South Palm Springs or Warm Sands for convenient access to Tool Shed. Downtown is also practical if you plan to attend other Leather Pride events around Arenas Road and Hotel Zoso.
- Sparrows Lodge – A luxury adults-only boutique retreat with rustic-modern rooms, a courtyard swimming pool, hot tub and restaurant. A good choice for guests seeking a quieter stay between the Leather Pride parties.
- La Maison Hotel – An adults-only boutique hotel with individually furnished rooms, a swimming pool and sun terrace. Located in South Palm Springs, a short drive from Tool Shed.
- Hotel California – An adults-only boutique hotel with a landscaped courtyard, outdoor pool, hot tub and complimentary breakfast. A convenient option for guests who prefer a smaller property near South Palm Springs nightlife.
- Little Paradise Hotel – An intimate adults-only hotel with spacious rooms, an outdoor swimming pool and mountain views. Its peaceful location is well suited to guests wanting a quiet place to recover after the parties.
For the full Leather Pride weekend, book from Thursday 29th October to Monday 2nd November 2026.
Save on Hotels
Hotels Fill up Fast so plan early!
Book now and on pay arrival.
Where we stay!
The Colony Palms is charming & has a
great pool, offers great value for money.
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Dark Alley Palm Springs Website
Gay Map of Palm Springs
Palm Springs has a number of gay bars and clubs most of which are located around Canyon Drive in down town area.
Address: 888, East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs
- Resort-style base with a palm-ringed pool, cabanas, and mountain views.
- Modern rooms, comfy beds, and a lobby bar plus poolside service.
- Gym on site; paid parking; easy step to downtown fun.
- LGBTQ-friendly crowd year-round; a relaxed hub for Pride or a sunny weekend. Website
Address: 400 E Tahquitz Canyon WayPalm Springs, CA 92262
- Resort-style Hilton with a large pool deck, cabanas, hot tubs, and mountain views.
- Clean rooms in desert tones; many with balconies or patios; suites for extra space.
- Lobby bar, casual dining, poolside service, solid gym, and friendly crews.
- LGBTQ-welcoming base near the action; easy pick for Pride or a sunny weekend. Website
Address: 227 N Indian Canyon DrPalm Springs, CA 92262
- Adults-only boutique with a pool courtyard, hot tub, and on-site spa.
Cozy rooms with fireplaces in select categories; breakfast included
Free self-parking and a walk-to-everything downtown location.
Queer-friendly base steps from Arenas Road bars and Pride weekend action. Website
Address: 175 S Cahuilla RdPalm Springs, CA 92262
- Historic casitas around citrus gardens with two serene pools
- Design-led rooms; many with patios, kitchenettes, fireplaces, and soaking tubs.
- Light breakfast, bikes, and easy self-parking; a calm, central base.
- LGBTQ-welcoming hideaway, steps from Arenas nightlife yet blissfully quiet. Website
Address: 68369 Sunair RdCathedral City, CA 92234
- Men-only, clothing-optional resort with a big pool, hot tubs, and palm-shaded courtyards. Social by day, cruisy after dark;
- steam/sauna and dedicated play spaces on site.
- Rooms run from basic to suite-style with kitchenettes; renovated options available.
- Consent-led, friendly crowd; built for sun, swims, and easy meet-ups.
- Website
Address: 217 E Arenas Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262
- Pop-forward gay hub with a big bar, a real dance spot, and a breezy patio.
- Frozen favorites and house cocktails with early happy-hour deals.
- Drag showcases, DJ pop nights, and viewing parties keep it playful.
- Welcoming mix of locals and visitors; easy launch point for a full Arenas run.
- Open: Daily 11am-2am
- Website
Address: 302 E Arenas RdPalm Springs, CA 92262
- Generous pours at twin bars, with frozen favorites and early deals.
Video walls, big floor, and a patio to cool off between tracks.
DJs swing from chart pop to throwbacks; drag spotlights pop up.
Friendly queer crowd—great for groups, date nights, or a solo spin. - Open: Monday to Wednesday 11am-11pm,
- Thursday to Sunday 10am-2am,
Address: 315 E Arenas Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262
- Cocktails with range and a deep whiskey list; quick pours at the rail.
- Lounge-plus-patio built for people-watching and pre-game chat.
- Smash burgers, hot chicken, tacos, and vegan picks
- Proudly queer crowd and friendly crews—an easy anchor for an Arenas run.
- Open Daily 12pm-12am
- Website
Address: 68718 E Palm Canyon Dr #203, Cathedral City, CA 92234
- Welcoming lounge with nightly shows.
Karaoke, piano nights, guest singers.
Strong cocktails, fair prices, patio.
Easy central spot in Cat City. - Open: Monday–Friday 2pm–2am, Saturday–Sunday 12pm–2am
- Website
Address: 541 Industrial Pl E, Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States
- Men-only indoor sex club with card-only entry and late-night sessions.
- Front-desk check-in, lockers, social bar up front, darker play zones
Consent and privacy are core; no cash or substances on site. - Solid pick for cruisers and newcomers wanting a clean, straightforward setup.
- Open: Monday Tuesday closed Wednesday 10am-3pm 9pm-2am
- Tuesday Friday 7pm-3am Saturday Sunday 6pm-3am
- Website
Address: 125 E Tahquitz Canyon Way #102, Palm Springs, CA 92262
- Karaoke-first gay lounge with camp anthems and big sing-alongs.
- Compact room, bar-front banter, and hosts who keep it fun.
- Generous pours, frozen favorites, and easy happy-hour deals.
- Queer crowd with welcoming vibes—prime warm-up before the strip’s dance spots.
- Open: Wednesday to Saturday 4pm-1.30am
- Sunday, Monday & Tuesday 8pm-1.30am
- Website
Address: 200 S Indian Canyon DrPalm Springs, CA 92262
- Music-video hub with drag pop-ups, karaoke, and sing-along peaks.
- Wide bar, screens everywhere, and a patio to reset between sets.
- Generous pours and early happy-hour deals keep the tab friendly.
- Proudly queer crowd with visitors in the mix; easy for an Arenas run.
- Open: Daily 2pm-2am, Sunday 1pm-1am
- Website
Address: 301 E Arenas Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States
- Easygoing men-leaning bar with fast pours and a friendly rail.
- Patio seats with misters; inside stays social, not club-loud.
- Daily drink specials keep the tab kind.
- Welcoming queer crowd; a smooth launch point on Arenas.
- Open: Daily 11am-2am Saturday & Sunday 6am-2am
- Website
Address: 600 E Sunny Dunes RdPalm Springs, CA 92264
- Leather-led bar with a social patio, pool table, and fast pours.
- Beer busts, underwear or gear themes, and cigar meetups set the rhythm.
- Cold beer and sturdy long drinks at friendly prices.
- Men-forward crowd; easy place to mingle, flirt, and gear up.
- Open: Daily 10am-2am
- Website
Address: 2100 N Palm Canyon DrPalm Springs, CA 92262
- Drag powerhouse with tiki kitsch, two bars, and a real dance floor.
- Resident cast plus guest queens, Latin sessions, and pop-heavy DJ nights.
- Tiki cocktails and frozen crowd-pleasers with quick service.
- Proudly queer crowd with visitors in the mix; prime for birthdays and date nights.
- Open: Daily 5pm-2am (Closed Tuesday & Wednesday)
- Website
Address: 224 E Arenas RdPalm Springs, CA 92262
- Neighborhood gay bar with a long counter and a misted patio.
- Straight-up cocktails, cold beer, and wallet-kind daily specials.
- Pop videos, karaoke nights, and social energy over club noise.
- Local staple with an open, men-leaning crowd
- Open: Daily 10am-2am
Address: 125 E Tahquitz Canyon Way #108, Palm Springs, CA 92262
- Drag-forward courtyard party with tasty comfort plates and fruity cocktails.
- Big vocals, camp banter, and tribute nights keep the stage busy.
- Mimosa towers at brunch; fast service when the patio is packed.
- Proudly queer crowd with visitors in tow—great for birthdays and date nights.
- Open: Daily 4pm-9pm Sunday 3pm-7pm
- Website
Address: 67555 E Palm Canyon DrCathedral City, CA 92234
- Martinis, frozen rounds, and happy-hour prices set you up.
- Lounge room with video screens, bar-front chat, and a small stage.
- Karaoke, piano nights, drag bingo, and show-tune blocks keep it lively.
- Queer crowd with visitors in the mix—easy base for couples, friends, and solo drop-ins.
- Open: Friday Saturday 2pm-12am Sunday & Thursday 2pm-11pm
- Monday to Wednesday 2pm-10pm
- Website
Address: 224 N Palm Canyon DrPalm Springs, CA 92262
- Strong martinis, frozen favorites, and friendly prices.
- Compact lounge with a long bar and easy banter.
- Pop-video vibe with karaoke or themed sets in the mix.
- Proudly queer crowd; a relaxed anchor for an Arenas bar run.
- Open Daily 5pm-2am
- Website
Recommended Hotels in Palm Springs By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Palm Springs that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
Kimpton Rowan
4 Star, Great Pool
- 4-star, Great pool, downtown location
- Close to the gay district
- Private bathroom, plush bathrobes
- Chic urban oasis with rooftop pool, mountain views.
The Colony Palms
4 Star, Great Value
- 4-star, downtown, stunning views
- Close to the gay district
- Pillow-top mattresses, Frette linens
- Offers luxury spa, mountain-view pool, and fine dining in a central location.
Andreas Hotel & Spa
3 Star, Great Location
- 3-star, adults only, central location
- Close to the gay district
- Free breakfast, courtyard
- Provides a tranquil adults-only experience with spa services and a central Palm Springs location.
Casa Cody
3 Star, Readers Choice
- 3-star, historic inn, lush gardens
- Close to the gay district
- Air-conditioned, inspired decor
- Historic inn with adobe architecture, serene garden views and close to local attractions.
Video Guide to Gay Palm Springs
Charlie Harding finds locals to teach him the ins and outs of gay locations
Top Gay Neighbourhoods in Palm Springs
Palm Springs, an oasis in the California desert, has long been an LGBTQ+ haven, drawing visitors with its warm climate, iconic mid-century architecture, and welcoming vibe. Many neighbourhoods have a significant gay presence, but Arenas Road is undeniably the heart of the city’s gay scene.
Downtown | Arenas Road
Photo: Andreas Road is close to some of the best gay resorts in Palm Springs
- Arenas Road, once just a regular street, started its transformation into a gay hotspot in the 1980s and hasn’t looked back since.
- From bars and clubs to restaurants and shops, it’s the pulsating heart of the city’s LGBTQ+ scene and close to the city’s best hotels and resorts.
- The street also plays host to large open-air events during Halloween and Palm Springs Pride.
- Discover the best things to see and do in the Palm Springs
Tahquitz River Estates
4-minute drive from Arenas Road with a relaxed vibe, superb adults-only resorts and famous pool parties.
Palm Desert
20-minute drive from Arenas Road with several upscale boutiques, art galleries, and beautiful public art.
Cathedral City
A 10-minute drive from Arenas Road and home to the world Famous gay parties at the Barracks complex
Indian Wells
The destination for the desert’s most luxurious resorts and spas, offering top-notch amenities and services.
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