Not a year goes by that the Red Dress/Dress Red Party helps me to make new “best friends”. And in talking to The Center’s staff at Wednesday’s Center Social that we sponsored, the same is true for them!
Yes, people come out of the woodwork around this time each year with a quick “how have you been?” followed by “can you get me a pair of tickets to Red Dress?”
Now, I don’t blame you for trying, my friends. It can be a hard ticket to come by even though capacity at the Air Museum event has steadily increased over the years. When that magic on-sale date rolls around, it’s like a Taylor Swift concert was coming to town.
Truth is: our allocation of tickets is in the single digits. There are a lot of people on my KGay Desert Guide team who want to sport their red finery for the evening. Center staff can’t help you either. They don’t have a magic wand to make tickets appear for “friends”.
So set an alarm on your Smartphone for February 12th and be ready with your credit card.
Then the real fun begins: What the hell am I going to wear this year?
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Palm Springs Health Run & Wellness Festival
The Palm Springs Health Run & Wellness Festival will take place on Saturday, January 25 from 8 am–1 pm at Ruth Hardy Park. This energizing event offers a 10K, 5K, 1K Fun Run, and Bike Ride, catering to fitness enthusiasts of all levels. Alongside the runs, the Wellness Festival features over 60 vendors showcasing the latest in nutrition, exercise, and wellness. KGAY’s John Taylor will be Out and About at the Festival from 9–11 am! It’s a comprehensive fitness expo designed to inspire, challenge, and energize participants of all ages. More info
Southwest Arts Festival
The Southwest Arts Festival® returns to the stunning Empire Polo Club in Indio from Thursday–Sunday, January 23–26, 10 am–4 pm daily. This acclaimed event features over 200 artists showcasing traditional, contemporary, and abstract fine art, jewelry, and quality crafts. Set against the beautiful natural landscape and sweeping mountain ranges, the festival offers a unique blend of creative display and live music. Organized by the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Southwest Arts Festival® is renowned for its high-quality art and professional integrity, supported by over 200 dedicated community volunteers. More info
Desert Open Studios Tour
The 5th Annual Desert Open Studios Tour will take place from Friday to Sunday, January 24–26, 11 am–4 pm daily. This event offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes, with 150 artists from Indio to Desert Hot Springs opening their studio doors. Art lovers can explore a variety of artistic styles and mediums in both small, personal studios and larger creative hubs. Visitors will have the opportunity to view works in progress, purchase art directly from the artists, and support the vibrant creative community of Southern California. More info
Art Party 2025: Cosmic Odyssey
Art Party 2025: Cosmic Odyssey at the Palm Springs Art Museum is a cosmic gala fundraiser honoring artist Lita Albuquerque. On Saturday, January 25 from 6–10 pm, guests will immerse themselves in an otherworldly evening featuring creative cocktails, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, interactive entertainment, and out-of-this-world experiences. The evening kicks off with a cocktail reception at 6 pm, followed by dinner at 7:30 pm, and entertainment and dancing at 8:30 pm. Get tickets
This Weekend at the McCallum Theatre
David Foster and Katharine McPhee will take the McCallum Theatre stage on Friday and Saturday, January 24-25 at 8 pm with a show featuring Foster’s hits and McPhee’s biggest songs. Then, on Sunday, January 26 at 3 pm, comedian Rita Rudner will share her thought-provoking one-liners and amusing observations on everyday life. Get tickets
The Light in the Piazza
CVRep presents The Light in the Piazza from January 22–February 2. Winner of six Tony Awards & five Drama Desk Awards, The Light in the Piazza takes us to the Tuscan countryside where, a beautiful, surprisingly childish young woman loses her hat in a sudden gust. As if guided by the hand of the Sistine Chapel, the hat lands at the feet of a handsome young Florentine man. But as events unfold and secrets are revealed we follow a love story unlike any other. Filled with a beautiful blend of classical and Broadway melodies, our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh says “This is a beautiful production of a not-often-produced musical and deserves a date on your calendar.” Read his full review and Get tickets
Chuck Yates as Tru
Desert Ensemble Theatre presents Tru from January 24–February 2 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Celebrating Truman Capote’s centennial year, actor Chuck Yates recreates his critically acclaimed performance that he created for Coyote StageWorks in 2013 (“Performer of the Decade,” Broadway World/Palm Springs). Capote remains a literary icon, but today is perhaps more known for his infamous betrayal of his society “Swans” in the pages of Esquire. Adapted from the writer’s own words and works, Tru is a one-person tour-de-force. Get tickets
Spring Awakening
Revolution Stage Company presents Spring Awakening from January 14–30. This groundbreaking rock musical, based on Frank Wedekind’s controversial 1891 play, captures the turbulent journey of adolescence with unflinching honesty. Set in late 19th-century Germany, it tells the poignant story of teenagers grappling with sexual awakening, societal expectations, and identity. With powerful performances and a haunting score by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater, featuring unforgettable songs like “Mama Who Bore Me” and “The Bitch of Living,” this production speaks to the heart of growing up. Get tickets
Fat Ham
Dezart Performs presents Fat Ham from January 17–26 at the Pearl McManus Theater. Fat Ham is about a Black, queer discovery of self, softness, and resilience. Your typical Southern family cookout just got anything but. Juicy gets a visit from his father’s ghost seeking revenge for his death by his brother – now married to his mother! Sound familiar? Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh says Fat Ham is “at once laugh-out-loud funny and truly touching…” Read his full review here and Get tickets
Legally Blonde The Musical
Desert Theatreworks presents Legally Blonde The Musical from January 17–February 9. Follow Elle Woods as she takes on Harvard Law, fueled by the desire to win back her ex-boyfriend. With infectious energy and catchy tunes, the show captures Elle’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Along the way, she faces challenges from peers, professors, and her former flame, but with the help of newfound friends, she proves her resilience and determination. Get tickets
A Very Sordid Wedding
Palm Canyon Theatre presents A Very Sordid Wedding from January 17–26. It’s 2015, seventeen years after Sordid Lives and Peggy’s unfortunate death, after tripping over G.W.’s wooden legs, and life has now moved on for the residents of Winters, Texas. A Very Sordid Wedding explores the questions, bigotry and the fallout of what happens when gay marriage comes to communities and families that are not quite ready to accept it. Get tickets
Agua Caliente Bird Song and Dance Festival
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is hosting the annual Bird Song and Dance Festival, “Singing the Birds,” on Saturday, January 25 from 10 am–7 pm at Palm Springs High School. This event brings together bird singers and dancers from tribes across Southern California and the Southwest, celebrating the region’s rich Native American heritage. The day-long festival features bird singing and dancing, a Native American Market, and various food vendors. Reserve your free admission: Get tickets
Huey Lewis Tribute at The Gardens
The Gardens on El Paseo 27th Annual Concert Series continues on Saturday, January 25 at 4 pm with Heart of Rock and Roll (Huey Lewis & The News Tribute), benefiting Shay’s Warriors Life After Cancer. Reserve your tickets now and wine down on the Center Lawn, Saturday evenings to support your community. Upcoming benefit shows include: Billy Joel Tribute (2/1), Journey Tribute (2/8), Rolling Stones Tribute (2/15), John Stanley King Band (2/22), Jimmy Buffett Tribute (3/1), and Rod Stewart Tribute (3/8). Get tickets
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Friday, January 24
The Comparable Dina Martina | 7 pm & 9 pm at Revolution Stage Company
Collective Soul: Harmonizing the World, One Note at a Time | 8 pm at The Show
Saturday, January 25
Country Dance Saturdays (New Day & Location) | 7 pm at 933 Crossley Road
The Dinner Detective Palm Springs Grand Opening | 6 pm at Hilton Garden Inn
Sunday, January 26
PS Concerts: Andrew Sords, violin | 2 pm at Richards Center for the Arts
Get our Free Visitor Map & Guide
Check out the latest 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!
LOOKING AHEAD
Illusionist Rick Thomas – Mansion of Dreams
Experience the magic of Illusionist Rick Thomas in “Mansion of Dreams” at the McCallum Theatre on Monday, January 27 from 7-9 pm. This captivating show features breathtaking grand illusions, taking audiences of all ages through the mysteries within the Mansion’s walls. Rick Thomas, a world-renowned illusionist, has completed five world tours, performed at Caesars Colosseum, headlined the Sydney Opera House, and starred in Las Vegas for 15 years. Get tickets
DBA January Networking Mixer
Mark your calendar for the DBA January Networking Mixer on Monday, January 27, from 5:30–7 pm, hosted by All People’s Presbyterian Church. This exciting evening offers a chance for DBA members to connect for free, while future members can join for just $20. Participate in the regular raffle supporting LGBTQ Youth Education Scholarships through Safe Schools Desert Cities—bring an item for the raffle and get a shout-out for your business. More info
Virtuoso Voyage
Join the Palm Springs International Piano Competition for their annual benefit: Virtuoso Voyage on Monday, January 27, from 4:30–6 pm. This event heralds the 2024-25 season with a tribute to Peggy Cravens and features pianist Nathaniel Zhang, winner of the 2019 Junior Division Competition. Proceeds support vital music education programs and competition offerings. The evening includes a lively cocktail reception and a gourmet dinner prepared by award-winning executive chef Luke Patterson. Get tickets
Red Dress Tickets on Sale February 12
Don’t miss the highly anticipated Red Dress/Dress Red Dance Party on Saturday, March 15 from 8 pm–Midnight at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Tickets go on sale on Wednesday, February 12 and are expected to sell out fast, so mark your calendar! This event, featuring a stunning venue and a great cause, has become a highlight of the Palm Springs social scene, raising support for The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert’s programs. Dress in red to show unity, solidarity, and community, and get ready for an unforgettable night. More info
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!
- Palm Springs Health Run & Wellness Festival
Sat. Jan 25 from 8 am–1 pm at Ruth Hardy Park - Southwest Arts Festival
Jan 23–26 at Empire Polo Grounds, Indio - 5th Annual Desert Open Studios Tour
Fri.–Sun., Jan 24–25 at various studios throughout the valley - The Light in the Piazza, presented by CVRep
Jan 22–Feb 2 - David Foster & Katherine McPhee (Fri & Sat), Rita Rudner (Sun)
Jan 24–26 at the McCallum Theatre - Tru, presented by Desert Ensemble Theatre
Jan 24–Feb 2 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - A Very Sordid Wedding, presented by Palm Canyon Theatre
Jan. 17–26 - Spring Awakening, presented by Revolution Stage Company
Jan 15–30 - Fat Ham, presented by Dezart Performs
Jan 17–Jan 26 at the Pearl McManus Theater - Legally Blonde The Musical, presented by Desert Theatreworks
Jan 17–Feb 9 at the Indio Performing Arts Center - Illusionist Rick Thomas – Mansion of Dreams
Mon. Jan 27 at the McCallum Theatre - Lunar New Year
Wed. Jan 29 from 5–8 pm at Hotel Zoso - Sharon McNight: No Holds Barred!
Fri. & Sat. Jan 31 & Feb 1 at The Purple Room Supper Club - Info-A-Go-Go
Sat Feb 1 from 11 am–3 pm at the Palm Springs Pavilion - Tour of Norway: Meet Patrick Evans
Mon. Feb 3 from 4:30–6 pm at The Purple Room Supper Club - Rock the Park: Twisted Gypsy – Fleetwood Mac Tribute
Wed. Feb 5 at 7 pm at Downtown Palm Springs Park - PS Test Fest Cocktail Party & Silent Auction
Thu. Feb 6 at 5:30 pm at Toucans Tiki Lounge - Stephen Harper, Former Canadian Prime Minister
Fri. Feb 7 at 5 pm at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort - 27th Annual Tour de Palm Springs
Feb 7 & 8 in downtown Palm Springs - LGBTQ+ Victory Fund w/Keynote from Karine Jean-Pierre
Sat. Feb 8 from 11 am–2 pm in Palm Springs - The Art Behind the Scarf – Textile Design of Fashion Icon Vera Neumann
Feb 8–Mar 3 at Rubine Red Gallery - Palm Springs Gay Softball League Tryouts & Clinics
Sun. Feb 9 at 9 am at Demuth Park - Modernism Week – 20th Anniversary
Feb 13–23 - Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival
Feb 13–Mar 2 at Riverside County Fairgrounds, Indio - Out at the Fair at the Riverside County Fair
Sat. Feb 15 at Riverside County Fairgrounds, Indio - Rhythms at the Riviera – “Elton” with Kenny Metcalf and the Early Years Band
Sat. Feb 15 at 8 pm at the Riviera Resort & Spa - Racist Trees Documentary Screening
Sun. Feb 16 at 3 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center - Dear Evan Hansen
Feb 21–23 at the McCallum Theatre - Annual Desert Pet Walk
Sat. Feb 22 from 9 am–Noon - Cathedral City LGBT+ Days
Mar 7–10 at Cathedral City Civic Center Plaza - Fashion Week El Paseo
Mar 14–19 at The Gardens on El Paseo - Red Dress Dress Red Party (Tickets on Sale Feb 12)
Sat. Mar 15 from 8 pm–Midnight at the Palm Springs Air Museum - Palm Desert Food & Wine
Mar 20–23 at The Gardens on El Paseo - Billy Idol: It’s a Nice Day To…Tour Again! (Tickets on Sale Jan 24)
Fri. Sep 12 at 7:30 pm at Acrisure Arena
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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
KGAY Wants to Hear From YOU!
As a KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 listener, you’re probably aware that we’ve been working hard to stay ahead of rapid changes in the radio and technology landscape. Our goal is to continue to provide great content the way that you want it on the platforms you use most often, so we’re inviting you to share your opinions about technology in our annual survey. Tell us how you use the radio, along with social media, smartphones, tablets, streaming and the web to stay connected to entertainment, news, and updates from KGAY and other sources. We hope you’ll find it to be an interesting way to reflect on your own changing habits as a KGAY fan and radio listener! Take the survey
103.1 MeTV FM
103.1 MeTV FM is KGAY’s sister station, featuring timeless and memorable music including the ‘60s and ‘70s with a touch of the ‘50s and ‘80s. Listen online
- What to Look Forward to in Greater Palm Springs for 2025
- Tribal Leaders and Local Communities Celebrate Forthcoming Chuckwalla National Monument Designation
- Hiking With T: The New Chuckwalla National Monument Includes Some of the Best Desert Hiking in Southern California
- Desert Open Studios Will Unite Coachella Valley Art Scenes from East and West This Weekend
- Living Pyramid at Sunnylands: A Stunning Blend of Art, Agriculture, and Sustainability
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 TuneIn Radio with Alexa or Siri by saying “Play K-GAY 1065 from Tune In Radio.” 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 now 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.