Waterbeds were a thing in the 1970s. We saw footage of Palm Springs first “gay” hotel, An Old Friend, at last week’s LGBTQ+ History and Archives home movies night. There were buck naked gay men laying poolside on undulating waterbeds, the hot item of the day. (Remember the movie Licorice Pizza?)
The brief footage we saw failed to show what was advertised in print at the time: “BALLROOM size rooms”, a eight-man bunkhouse and a pool table. That hotel predates any that I knew from my Warm Sands history and still stands at 1830 Racquet Club Road as apartments.
During Tuesday’s thundershowers, we gathered to commemorate the 50th anniversary of El Mirasol Villas, the oldest operating clothing optional resort in our area. It was built by Howard Hughes, the ‘Elon Musk’ of the day. But 50 years on, it stands as a testament to our history.
Palm Springs was put on the map because of its gay resorts; Cathedral City was where the gay bars got their foothold as the area became nationally-known for its gayness. Sonny Bono could ban spring break, but he didn’t much mess with the resorts.
Today, we are down to a baker’s dozen of clothing optional resorts in the two cities. That’s a far cry from even a decade ago and shows the changing mores of younger people who don’t feel the need to be in a walled environment with other gay men. “The apps” certainly changed everything for gay resorts and our LGBTQ+ bars too. And Club 541 makes instant gratification just a glory hole away.
I don’t long for those days gone by, but the movies, print ads and stories from back then certainly give me perspective. Pride month is as much about celebrating our history as it is marching for our future. And right now, our future is about as solid as a 1970s waterbed.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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Equality Wine & Food Fest
Raise a glass to diversity and inclusion at the 3rd Annual Palm Springs Equality Wine & Food Fest, happening Saturday, June 7 from 12–4 pm at a new location this year: the Hyatt Palm Springs. Enjoy over 100 wines from LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and women-owned wineries, plus food samples, live entertainment, demonstrations, and a silent auction. Enhance the experience with music by KGAY’s Sunday T-Dance DJ, Modgirl, setting the perfect vibe! Get tickets
Sunday Guided Hikes on Mt. San Jacinto
Explore the natural beauty of Mount San Jacinto State Park with their Sunday Guided Hikes. Join State Park staff for a leisurely, family-friendly walk around Long Valley Meadow, learning about park history, ecology, and local critters. It’s a great way to make use of your Unlimited Tramway Summer Pass! Hikes are offered at 11 am and 1:30 pm, starting from the bottom of the cement path at the Mountain Station (top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway) More info
Deal With The Dragon
Experience the critically acclaimed Deal With The Dragon, presented by Desert Ensemble Theatre and TigerBear Productions, running through Sunday, June 8 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. In this darkly camp, one-man fairy tale, Kevin Rolston masterfully embodies three characters as he unravels a tale of ambition, obsession, and the personal demons we confront. Lauded as “truly bravura” by the Edinburgh Guide, this sophisticated fable delivers intrigue, humor, and captivating storytelling. Get tickets
Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week Wraps Up
Indulge in the ultimate culinary experience during Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week, running May 30–June 8. Discover special prix fixe menus and exclusive dishes at top restaurants across the Coachella Valley. Presented by Visit Greater Palm Springs, this ten-day celebration is your chance to savor local flavors while supporting the community. Find Food Bank remains the proud beneficiary—so you can dine out for a cause! More info
Pride Month Festivals & Parades
Join LA Pride! Pride Marches On on Sunday, June 8, for Los Angeles’ original and iconic celebration with the parade stepping off at 11 am on Hollywood Boulevard. Pride Live! Hollywood takes center stage from June 11–29, with a month-long celebration of LGBTQ+ storytelling, exclusive screenings, lively conversations, rooftop parties, dance parties, and family-friendly events. Further north, Sacramento Pride is set for June 14 & 15, on Capitol Mall, with a Pride March on Sunday, June 15 at 11 am. The 55th annual San Francisco Pride Celebration, themed “Queer Joy is Resistance” is June 28 & 29 at Civic Center, culminating in the renowned Pride Parade on Sunday, June 29 at 10 am. And next month, mark your calendars for San Diego Pride, San Diego’s biggest celebration of diversity and inclusion, at Balboa Park on July 19 & 20!
Annual Palm Springs Firefighters Fish Fry
Join the 92nd Annual Palm Springs Firefighters Fish Fry on Saturday, June 7 at 6 pm at Ruth Hardy Park. Enjoy a delicious feast of rainbow trout, burgers, hotdogs, corn on the cob, coleslaw, and more—all for just $15. Cool off with cold beverages, grab a homemade treat, and connect with local firefighters at this beloved Palm Springs tradition. More info
California Adopt-A-Pet Day
Join the Palm Springs Animal Shelter for California Adopt-a-Pet Day on Saturday, June 7 from 11 am–5 pm! Thanks to CalAnimals, ASPCA, and San Francisco SPCA, all adoption fees will be waived, making it the perfect time to welcome a new furry friend into your home. Adopting helps create critical space at the shelter as they prepare for the busy summer months. Browse adoptable animals in advance on their website: More info
Palm Springs Young Playwrights Festival
Celebrate emerging talent at the Palm Springs Young Playwrights Festival on Sunday, June 8 at 12 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Experience two winning original plays—The Kellogg Murders and Seven—crafted by brilliant young writers. Don’t miss this exciting showcase of creativity and storytelling. Get tickets
Private Tours of The Shag House
Step into The Shag House for a private tour with Brandon, where you’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into a life-size Shag painting! Explore every vibrant, retro-inspired corner at your own pace—just you and your guests, no crowds. Select a date from now through Sunday, June 15 and experience the magic behind the green gates in this fully immersive space! Get tickets
AIDS LifeCycle 2025 – The Final Ride Ends Saturday
Thousands of cyclists are taking part in the Final Ride of AIDS/LifeCycle from Sunday, June 1–Saturday, June 7 (including KGAY’s own DJ Galaxy!). This 545-mile journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles raises vital funds for HIV/AIDS services while bringing together a passionate community dedicated to ending the epidemic. Since 1994, riders have raised over $300 million for programs benefiting the Los Angeles LGBT Center and San Francisco AIDS Foundation. More info
Coachella Valley Derby Girls
Brace yourself for high-speed action as the Coachella Valley Derby Girls take on the Angel City Road Ragers on Saturday, June 7 at Palm Springs Air Museum! Doors open at 6:45 pm, with the game kicking off at 7:30 pm. Enjoy a thrilling halftime performance by Hula Palm Springs, and don’t forget to bring your chairs for the ultimate trackside experience. Get tickets
FRI: Barnsdall Art Park Fridays Return
Heading to (or staying in) LA for the weekend? Sip, savor, and support the arts at Barnsdall Fridays Wine Tasting, returning for an extended 16th season from June 6–Sept 26. Enjoy artisanal wines from Silverlake Wine, local food trucks, and live DJ sets from 5:30–9 pm on the stunning Olive Hill, home to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House. All proceeds benefit Barnsdall Art Park programs, making this the ultimate summer wine experience in LA. More info
ALSO THIS WEEK
Friday, June 6
Food Truck Fridays | 5–10 pm in Downtown Indio
Saturday, June 7
The Totally Ridiculous Gameshow | 7 pm at Dietlart Gallery and Performance Space
Country Dance Saturdays: The Fighter Line Dance with Andrew Jimenez | 7 pm at Step by Step
Get our Free Visitor Map & Guide
Check out our new 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!
Palm Springs Cooling Centers Now Open
Palm Springs cooling centers provide relief when temperatures hit 100 degrees or higher. These centers will operate through the end of September. The James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center is open Monday–Friday, 9 am–5:30 pm. The Palm Springs Public Library offers hours Monday–Thursday, 10 am–6 pm, and Friday–Saturday, 10 am–5 pm. Additionally, Martha’s Village and Kitchen will operate the Palm Springs Access Center daily as a cooling space for unhoused individuals. Pets are welcome at both cooling centers and must be on a leash or in a carrier.
LOOKING AHEAD
MONDAY: Hot Spot Trivia with Deven & Ned
Test your wits and win big at Hot Spot Trivia with Deven Green & Handsome Ned on Mondays from 7–8:30 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs! Featuring eight fast-paced rounds, interactive games, celebrity face challenges, word scrambles, and music madness, this all-digital trivia showdown keeps the competition fierce and the laughs rolling. More info PLUS: Deven & Ned also host Hot Spot Bingo on Wednesdays at 7 pm at Agua Caliente Cathedral City! More info
McCallum 2025-2026 Season on Sale Now
Get ready for an extraordinary season at the McCallum Theatre, launching this September! Broadway’s best takes center stage with a lineup of award-winning musicals including Shucked, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, Beetlejuice, and Hadestown. The holiday season also brings Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical. The McCallum will celebrate Pride and the LGBTQ+ community this November with an array of artists and events, including Sasha Velour presents The Big Reveal Live Show and Jim Caruso’s Cast Party with Billy Stritch on Piano. Also joining the lineup is the sensational all-male a cappella group, Straight No Chaser. And that’s just a taste of what the McCallum has in store next season! Get tickets
NEXT WEEKEND: Big Gay BBQ in the Arenas District
Get ready to usher in summer at the biggest and most fabulous BIG Gay BBQ in the Arenas District! This free community event brings delicious BBQ, beverages, live music, and fun backyard games. Join the festivities on Saturday, June 14 from 3–10 pm and Sunday, June 15 from 3–7 pm. Live music from Radio Ready will be on stage both days and KGAY’s Modgirl will be featured on Sunday from 3–4:30 pm. Plus, flow-art will be showcased by Desert Flaggers! Come with friends, enjoy the finger-lickin’ food from various vendors, and live by the motto: BE HAPPY. LOVE ALL. 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!
- Deal with the Dragon, from DET and Tiger Bear Productions
May 29–Jun 8 - Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week
May 30–Jun 8 at restaurants throughout the Coachella Valley - Private Tours of The Shag House
Through Sun. Jun 15 - No Kings Mass Protest Nationwide Day of Defiance
Sat. Jun 14 at 6–8 pm at Downtown Palm Springs Park - Big Gay BBQ
Sat. Jun 14 from 3–10 pm in the Arenas District - Tidal Wave Party – Camp Morning Wood
Jun 18–22 at Hilton Palm Springs - Surf City Allstars – Beach Boys Tribute Band
Sat. Jun 21 from 7:30–9 pm at Riviera Palm Springs - Palm Springs International ShortFest
Sat. Jun 24–Mon. Jun 30 at Festival Theaters - McCallum Theatre 2025-2026 Season
Sep 2025–May 2026 – Tickets on sale now - Countess Cabaret with Luann de Lesseps
Sat. Jan 24, 2026 at the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre
Pharos Athletic Club Palm Springs is a 27,000+ sq. ft. fitness oasis, offering private training, group classes, cardio & strength equipment, cold plunge, sauna, indoor pickleball, and a café. Located on North Indian Canyon, it’s designed for all fitness levels, fostering community and lasting results. Mention KGAY for a free day pass and experience the Pharos difference firsthand! Learn more
The Mic Bike is a pedal-powered, motor-assisted “Kruzin’ Karaoke” party bike rolling through Palm Springs with music, drinks, and unforgettable vibes. Perfect for birthdays, bachelorettes, or a fun night out, sing while cruising with friends or making new ones. This 90-minute experience departs from the Marilyn statue, offering a unique blend of bike ride and karaoke bar with misters to keep you cool. 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
Catch Modgirl this weekend at the Equality Wine Festival at the Hyatt Palm Springs on Saturday, June 7 at 12 pm! Meanwhile, DJ Galaxy is participating in the AIDS Lifecycle “Final Ride” – you can follow him on Facebook and Instagram.
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
103.1 MeTV FM plays a Timeless and Memorable variety of the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s with a touch of the ’50s! 103.1 MeTV FM is celebrating the 85th Birthday of Tom Jones this Saturday. Listen for his Timeless and Memorable songs all day long! You can listen to 103.1 MeTV FM everywhere: In your car, at work, at home or around the world, online at 1031metvfm.com or tell Alexa, “Open 103.1 MeTV FM” Listen online
103.1 MeTV FM wants you to WIN TICKETS to see The Surf City Allstars at the Riviera Resort & Spa on Saturday, June 21 at 7:30 pm! The #1 Beach Boys tribute band will deliver iconic hits like “California Girls” and “Surfin’ USA”, bringing sun-soaked harmonies and California cool to this rockin’ beachside bash. Enter to WIN on the 103.1 MeTV FM Contest Page
- Palm Springs Remains a Haven for LGBTQ+ Visitors
- A Piece of Art: Kevin Rolston Puts on an Acting Clinic in One-Man Show ‘Deal With the Dragon’
- Celebrating Resilience: Pride Events in the High Desert Promote Culture, Creativity and Community Across the Morongo Basin
- The McCallum Theatre Announces 2025-2026 Season
- Mariah Hanson’s Final Dinah In September 2025 Marks The End Of A 34-Year Legacy Of Pride, Visibility, And Inclusion
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.