Local & Community
Living Desert Lights Up with “Glow with Pride” Celebration
Tonight, the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is shining bright in celebration of inclusivity and community with its annual Glow with Pride event, an evening filled with color, connection, and conservation.
The event, which runs through 10 p.m., features spectacular glowing lantern displays, live entertainment, special animal encounters, music, and themed cocktails—all designed to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in the heart of the Coachella Valley.
Joining the celebration is local leader and community advocate Billy Rodriguez, representing Silvercrest. He spoke with NBC Palm Springs’ Chloe Carlson live from the zoo, sharing his passion for supporting both people and animals.
“For every ticket sold tonight, we’re donating $5 to the Palm Springs Animal Shelter,” said Rodriguez. “Supporting the community and supporting animals—that’s what we stand for.”
Rodriguez emphasized the importance of visibility and allyship in today’s climate.
“Given everything going on politically, the LGBTQ+ community isn’t always sure we’ll have a voice,” he said. “So to have a space like this—thanks to the Living Desert—that celebrates who we are and where we feel safe, it really matters.”
The event promises not only powerful moments of togetherness but plenty of fun, too. Attendees can enjoy light shows, animal exhibits, food trucks, and a variety of themed drinks as they explore the zoo under the stars.
Rodriguez, who recently returned from Africa, said he’s especially excited to visit the giraffes again, his personal favorite.
With community spirit, wildlife conservation, and inclusivity at its core, Glow with Pride offers a night to remember at one of the desert’s most cherished destinations.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
April 17, 2025
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