The Show Must Go On! And so Palm Springs Pride marches forward with plans for what I hope will be the highest attended pride in our history. Why? Let me quote Ron deHarte, the president and CEO of Palm Springs Pride:
“In today’s political climate, where the rights and protections of LGBTQ+ people are facing unprecedented challenges, the act of publicly recognizing community members is more vital than ever. As (the) administration’s attempt to roll back protections and create a sense of fear and uncertainty, events like the Greater Palm Springs Pride Honors Awards serve as a powerful counter-narrative,” said Ron deHarte, President and CEO of Palm Springs Pride.
The honorees for this year’s awards are a diverse and well deserving set of individuals and groups with whom you should be familiar with. And if not, please read their accomplishments covered in the press release.
I’m well acquainted with a number of the honorees including Bob & Ben Kinkaid of Roadrunner Print & Ship and Loren Ostrow, CEO of Living Out. Bob & Ben exemplify LGBTQ+ “family values”, a term that is bandied about by those who hypocritically profess to hold them. Loren Ostrow envisioned a new kind of LGBTQ+ senior housing that has manifested itself in the successful project that I am proud to live in.
They and the other honorees have their connection to our Greater Palm Springs community that will shine bright as they ride down Palm Canyon Drive for the Pride Parade on Nov. 9. The show will go on and demonstrate to the world that, despite political setbacks, we are a resilient bunch who proudly exemplify D.E. and I!
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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CV Lip Sync Battle
Get ready for sequins, sass, and side-splitting spectacle at the CV Lip Sync Battle on Saturday, September 6 from 6–8 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Hosted by comedian Shann Carr and The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, this high-energy showdown features nine local teams battling for glory, glitter, and bragging rights. From therapy dog handlers to mountain conservationists, the valley’s finest will strut, shimmy, and lip sync their way into your heart. Whether you’re cheering for your favorite team or just in it for the laughs, come for the music, stay for the mayhem, and leave with a smile. Get tickets
Greater Palm Springs Spa Month
Greater Palm Springs Spa Month is underway, offering a full month of rejuvenating wellness experiences across the valley’s most celebrated resorts and spas. Check our video short for a Spa Month sneak peek with Brad. With over 100 indulgent deals now available, visitors can enjoy discounted facials, massage treatments, overnight spa packages, and yoga passes—each thoughtfully crafted to help guests relax, recharge, and embrace the healing energy of the desert. Whether you’re seeking a solo escape or a shared retreat, Spa Month is the perfect invitation to unwind. Advance reservations are strongly recommended. More info
Blue Zones Project Food-A-Thon
The 1st Annual Palm Springs Food-A-Thon, presented by Blue Zones Project, takes place Friday, September 5 from 9 am–6 pm at the Community Food Bank at The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert. With a goal of collecting 2,500 pounds of shelf-stable food, the event supports over 350 individuals and families who rely on The Center’s daily services. Attendees are encouraged to become Food-A-Thon Ambassadors by gathering donations from friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Items like pasta, peanut butter, cereal, beans, and rice are especially needed. Every contribution helps nourish the community. More info
Queer Women’s Tea Dance
Celebrate community, connection, and queer joy at the Queer Women’s Tea Dance on Sunday, September 7 from 3–6 pm at the Palm Springs Surf Club. Inspired by the original gay tea dances of the 50s and 60s, this vibrant afternoon gathering offers a welcoming space for women to unwind, dance, and socialize before the week begins. Hosted by The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, the event honors LGBTQ+ history while creating new memories! More info
This Weekend at The Purple Room
This weekend at the Purple Room Supper Club: On Friday, September 5, Scot Bruce channels the young Elvis in Elvis: The Early Years, bringing hip-swiveling charm and rock ’n’ roll nostalgia to the stage. Saturday, September 6 features powerhouse vocalist Brenna Whitaker in A Voice and a Piano, an intimate evening of jazz standards and soulful originals with Grammy-winning pianist Sam Barsh. Then on Sunday, September 7, don’t miss The Judy Show!—Michael Holmes’ hilarious and glamorous tribute to Judy Garland and her iconic guests. Dinner is served at 6 pm with an 8 pm show on Friday and Saturday; Sunday’s seating begins at 5 pm with the show at 7 pm. Get tickets
TRANSA—A Celebration
TRANSA—A Celebration brings trans artistry to the forefront on Saturday, September 6 from 3–7 pm at the Getty Center. Inspired by Red Hot Organization’s groundbreaking TRANSA album, this free, site-wide event features performances by Ahya Simone, Devendra Banhart, Teddy Geiger, Nina Keith, Green-House, CLARITY, and more. Guests can explore sound installations in the Central Garden, a pop-up reading room by ONE Archives, and a screening room showcasing decades of LGBTQ+ media. Free with timed-entry reservations: More info
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Friday, September 5
Drag Bingo/Trivia Nights (alternating) | 4:30–7 pm at Arrive Hotel
Food Truck Fridays | 5–10 pm in Downtown Indio
Saturday, September 6
Cat Adoption Event for Coachella Valley Cat Club | 11 am–3 pm at Earthwise Pet Nutrition
Solar Sessions at Royal Sun Palm Springs | 12–6 pm
Country Dance Saturdays: Lonely Drum Line Dance with Kyle Young | 7 pm at Step by Step
LOOKING AHEAD
TUE: Positive Life Series – “Physicology”
Discover the transformative power of the mind–body connection at Positive Life Series – “Physicology”: Mind Body Connection in Health, happening Tuesday, September 9 from 6–9 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center/Camelot Theatre. Created by Michael Koth, PhD, the Physicology program offers fresh insights into holistic well-being and the science behind mental and physical harmony. Registration is required by Sunday, September 7 at midnight to reserve a complimentary sandwich from Sprouts—no exceptions. Come curious, leave inspired. More info
Auditions for the Modern Men Chorus
Modern Men – Coachella Valley Men’s Chorus invites singers to audition for its 12th season and upcoming holiday concert, Cool Yule. An open rehearsal will be held Monday, September 8 from 6:30–8:30 pm, with auditions beginning at 8:30 pm. A second audition opportunity will take place Saturday, September 13 at 11 am. Tenors are especially encouraged, though all voice parts are welcome. This is a chance to join a vibrant musical community and help bring harmony to the desert. More info
Tramway Annual Maintenance
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will close for annual preventative maintenance from Monday, September 8 through Sunday, October 12, with a tentative reopening scheduled for Monday, October 13 at 10 am. The last day to ride before the closure is Sunday, September 7. This year’s maintenance includes rebuilding the carriage on cabin one, replacing the counter haul rope, and conducting state-permit testing and control system servicing by Switzerland-based technicians.
Get our Free Visitor Map & Guide
Check out our Summer 2025 Edition of the K-Gay Desert Guide Visitor Map & Guide! To help you find everything you need as a visitor or local, we feature the top places for Food & Drink, Nightlife, Shopping, Attractions, Gay Resorts with passes, Dispensaries, and other services. Look for the latest edition at businesses and newsstands around town, or browse it online right here!
Click below to sign up for our Gay Desert Guide Oasis Insiders Newsletter to get our Weekly Blog, Top 3 Events for the weekend, Hot Deals and Cool Events all delivered to your inbox every Friday!
- CV Lip Sync Battle 2025
Sat. Sep 6 at 6 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - September is Greater Palm Springs Spa Month
Special offers at spas throughout Greater Palm Springs, Sep 1–30 - Michael Holmes’ Purple Room
The Judy Show! Sundays, Elvis: The Early Years (Sep 5), Brenna Whitaker (Sep 6) - Healthy Desert, Healthy You! Environmental Health Summit
Sep 11 & 12 at The Westin Rancho Mirage - September at the McCallum Theatre
The Righteous Brothers (9/10), Jon Lovitz (9/13) & more. - Gay Days Anaheim
Fri.–Sun. Sep 12–14 at Disneyland Resort - Annual Marketing Summer by Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce
Fri. Sep 12 from 8:30 am–12:30 pm at Rancho Mirage Library - Business Expo and Taste of Palm Springs
Wed. Sep 17 from 5–9 pm at Indian Canyons Golf Resort - Cinema Diverse LGBTQ+ Film Festival
Thu.–Sun. Sep 18–21 and 25–28 - Positively Aging Project HIV+ 10th Annual Conference
Sat. Sep 20 from 10 am–3 pm at Mizell Center - Hooch ‘n’ Pooch Fundraiser for the Palm Springs Animal Shelter
Sat. Sep 20 from 12–5 pm - Pride Under the Pines 2025 – Early Bird Tickets on Sale Now
Sat. Oct 4 in Downtown Idyllwild - One Night Out: Paris
Sat. Oct 4 at the Palm Springs Air Museum - Kool & The Gang
Wed. Oct 8 at 8 pm at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino - Wings of Hope: A Glamorous Journey – Hanson House Fundraiser
Sat. Oct 11 from 6–11 pm at Palm Springs Air Museum - Modernism Week – October
Oct 16–19 – Tickets on Sale Aug 1 - Palm Springs Leather Pride 2025 – Gods of Leather
Oct 30–Nov 2 at Hotel Zoso, Tool Shed, CCBC, Hunters - The ABC Gala: A Beacon of Courage Shines Bright
Tue. Nov 4 from 5:30–9 pm at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino - Mizell Center Presents Cheyenne Jackson Live in Concert
Wed. Nov 12 at 7 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Dear Evan Hansen, presented by CVRep
Dec 3–21 – Tickets on Sale Now for 2025–2026 Season - Palm Springs International Film Festival
Jan 2–13, 2026 – Passes on Sale Now - Palm Springs International Film Awards
Sat. Jan 3, 2026 – Tickets on Sale Now
We’d like to welcome our new partner, HOT Cookie! For those of you familiar with them in the Castro, you already know how delicious these treats are! If you don’t know HOT Cookie, don’t deprive yourself any longer. Put something sweet in your mouth at HOT Cookie! They’re on Palm Canyon just north of the Sonny Bono statue. Learn more
KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 FM
The KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 Retro Lunch airs Monday through Friday from noon–1 pm, with DJ Galaxy (Vincent Corrales) and DJ Eric Ornelas playing an hour of their high-energy throwback mixes. On Sundays, we put all five hours together for the Retro Sunday Brunch from 11 am–4 pm. Perfect party music! The KGAY 106.5 Sunday Tea Dance with Modgirl airs every Sunday from 4–6 pm (right after the Retro Brunch). All our DJs took honors in the Best of Coachella Valley this year! Listen to KGAY 106.5 online
THIS WEEKEND: Modgirl appears Saturday, September 6 at 2:30 pm for Sunset Sessions at Venice Beach Club in Venice, and DJ Galaxy brings peace, pride, and love to the decks at Oscar’s Sunday T-Dance on Sunday, September 7 from 3–7 pm!
KGAY 106.5 and 92.1 are giving away TWO VIP TICKETS to Pride Under The Pines, returning Saturday, October 4 in Idyllwild. This mountain celebration features music, community, and a headline performance by Janice Robinson. VIP winners will enjoy meet and greets with performing artists and an open hosted bar throughout the day. Pride Under The Pines is a nonprofit event supporting LGBTQ+ advocacy in Idyllwild and surrounding mountain communities. Enter now to celebrate Pride, raise your voice, and stand together where the pines meet the sky. Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page
To listen to KGAY Palm Springs via Alexa, say “Alexa ENABLE K. Gay Palm Springs SKILL” (include “SKILL”) or manually enable it in the Alexa app or at Amazon. Once enabled, access the station by saying “Alexa, OPEN,” “LAUNCH,” or “PLAY K. Gay Palm Springs.” You can also make special requests, such as birthday shoutouts or song dedications! Happy streaming! Learn more
103.1 MeTV FM
This Weekend on 103.1 MeTV FM: Steve Goddard has a triple spotlight on Buddy Holly, Del Shannon and Tommy Roe! Listen this Sunday morning to Goddard’s Gold at 9 am, brought to you by The Skylark Bar at the Skylark hotel. 103.1 MeTV FM plays a Timeless and Memorable variety of the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s with a touch of the ’50s! Listen in your car, at work, at home or around the world, online at 1031metvfm.com or tell Alexa, “Open 103.1 MeTV FM.”
- Palm Springs Pride Announces 2025 Pride Honors Awards Recipients
- Palm Springs Rallies for The Alibi: Community Support Urged as Beloved Venue Heads to Trial
- Palm Springs Gay Travel: Hook-Up Apps & Sex Club Guide
- An Insider’s Guide to the Ace Hotel & Swim Club, Palm Springs
- Jasmine Sullivan-Waits Named Palm Springs Pride Director After 20 Years Creating Free, Inclusive City Events
Find out what’s happening on any given day by browsing our Gay Desert Guide Online Event Listing Calendar, and for the big picture, take a look at major upcoming events in our 2025 Coachella Valley Calendar of Events.
Listen to KGAY 106.5 and 92.1 over the air, stream it [here], or listen on iHeart Radio with Alexa or Siri by saying “Play K-GAY 106 5 .” John Taylor is on mornings 6–10 am and program director Chris Shebel is on afternoons. Our Retro Lunch with DJ Galaxy and DJ Eric Ornelas is heard on Sundays as the Retro Lunch & Sunday Brunch from 11 am–4 pm, followed by Modgirl spinning the KGAY Sunday Tea Dance from 4–6 pm.