Gay Desert Guide: Week of Feb 9, 2026

She’s the First Lady of Modernism and shared the viewfinder of Slim Aaron’s camera with Marilyn Monroe.
There’s a paint color named after her. She’s my neighbor in the Canyon Corridor, still sells real estate and has a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars.

Give up? It’s Nelda Linsk, a Palm Springs fixture since her yellow dress famously graced a photo shoot at the Kaufmann house. In 2015, Linsk returned to recreate the iconic image during Palm Springs Modernism Week for its 45th anniversary. In a New York Times interview, Linsk humorously claimed credit for the photo’s fame, saying, “Slim, it’s because I’m in it.”

The Palm Springs Walk of Stars will re-dedicate her star to mark the start of Modernism Week Thursday at 11 am. That famous photo harkens back to a time when cocktails around the pool were aspirational to middle America. Our two-weekend celebration of architecture and design will usher in visitors from all over the world.

Then there’s the news about Palm Springs Pride sponsoring a Marilyn Monroe 100th birthday tribute happening May 29-June. The goal is to set an official Guinness World Record™ for the largest gathering of people dressed as Marilyn Monroe. I see Marilyn 100 as an opportunity for our drag community to all dress as Marilyn Monroe. They are aiming for 500 participants, shattering the current record of 254.

Want to join in? You could always test out your look at the Red Dress/Dress Red Party on March 21st. After this weekend’s “Say YAAS to the Dress” donation event over the weekend, you can go shopping for your Marilyn look-alike on the 21st. Can you image dozens Marilyn’s in red dresses for the celebration?

I think I’ll stay on the sidelines. I’m told my matronly look when dressing in drag scares children and causes cats to arch their backs. I’ll probably still buy the Marilyn Icon Kit to support the event, but it’s better that I wear my “press” visor rather than a red — or yellow — dress.

Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide

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MON: DBA Networking Mixer hosted by Desert Stone Management

The Desert Business Association gathers for its February Networking Mixer hosted by Desert Stone Management at Flannery Exchange on Monday, February 9 from 5:30–7 pm, offering members a chance to share success stories, support LGBTQ+ youth scholarships through the raffle, and take advantage of the business‑card scan perk that provides all attendees with a digital contact sheet for easy follow‑up. More info

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TUE–SUN: The TEN Tenors

The TEN Tenors return to the McCallum Theatre for six performances: Tuesday–Sunday, Feb 10–15, celebrating their 30th Anniversary World Tour. Known for their soaring harmonies, dynamic stage presence, and genre‑spanning repertoire, these acclaimed Australian vocalists bring a powerful mix of Classical Crossover, Neapolitan favorites, and classic rock delivered with their signature charm. It’s a high‑energy evening showcasing the sound that has captivated audiences around the world. Get tickets

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TUE: Tasting Tuesday at V Lounge – Sip. Swirl. Savor.

Tasting Tuesday debuts at V Wine Lounge with an expert‑led evening designed for anyone who loves discovering great wine in a stylish midcentury setting. On Tuesday, February 10 from 5–7 pm, guests can sip through five curated selections, enjoy the lounge’s warm social vibe, and ease into an early Valentine’s outing, date night, or friends’ night out. With limited spots and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, it’s an ideal way to elevate a Tuesday. Get tickets

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TUE: Palm Springs Speaks – Cheech Marin

Palm Springs Speaks launches its seventh season with Cheech Marin at the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre on Tuesday, February 10 from 7:30–9 pm. The acclaimed actor and cultural icon appears in conversation with Manny “the Movie Guy” dela Rosa, offering an engaging evening of stories, insight, and humor. Presented by the Friends of the Palm Springs Library, this kickoff event brings two dynamic voices together for a lively and memorable discussion. Get tickets

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TUE: Tastes & Sounds of Cathedral City Returns

Tastes and Sounds of Cathedral City returns with its first performance of the season on Tuesday, February 10 from 5:30–7:30 pm at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater. The season opens with Radio Ready and food by Fat Boy Tacos and El Reaper Chicken, kicking off a weekly lineup of live music, local flavors and community energy. Gates open at 5 pm, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for this relaxed, BYOB outdoor series. More info

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WED: Red Dress Dress Red Tickets on Sale

Red Dress Dress Red returns to the Palm Springs Air Museum on Saturday, March 21, and tickets go on sale Wednesday, February 11 at 9 am for this famously sold‑out celebration. The city’s most imaginative night of community, color, and pure revelry invites everyone to step into the fantasy, guided by the all‑red theme that inspires unforgettable looks and larger‑than‑life energy. Anyone planning to attend will want to secure tickets the moment they’re released. Get tickets

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STARTS THU: Modernism Week 2026

Modernism Week returns Thursday, February 12–Sunday, February 22, offering an immersive 11‑day celebration of midcentury and contemporary design throughout the Greater Palm Springs area. With more than 450 events, the festival invites guests to explore iconic architectural homes, join guided neighborhood tours, enjoy nearly 80 talks and films, and experience signature evening parties. Highlights include Featured Home Tours of Soleil House and The Marquee at Twin Palms, rare access to legendary estates, popular double‑decker bus tours, and the beloved Vintage Trailer Show. Modernism Week continues to be the definitive destination for architecture and design enthusiasts seeking inspiration, education and experiences. Get tickets

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THU: Nelda Linsk Honored

Modernism Week opens with a special rededication honoring Nelda Linsk on Thursday, February 12 at 11 am at the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars on Palm Canyon Drive and E. Tahquitz Canyon Way. A defining figure in the city’s cultural and design legacy since 1962, Linsk will be celebrated on the tenth anniversary of her star with newly added recognition as the First Lady of Modernism Week. The ceremony features guest speakers, live music, and a festive gathering to officially launch the 2026 season. More info

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THU–MON: Intersect Palm Springs

Intersect Palm Springs returns to the Palm Springs Convention Center from Thursday–Monday, February 12–16, bringing its largest and most diverse Art & Design Fair to date. Timed to coincide with Modernism Week, the fourth edition features an expansive roster of international, national, and regional galleries presenting modern and contemporary works. More info

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STARTS THU: Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival

The Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival returns to Indio from February 12–March 1 with food, entertainment, and classic fair fun, celebrating our region’s rich date‑growing heritage. The 4th Annual Out at the Fair Day is Saturday, February 14 ❤️ and John Taylor will be there broadcasting KGAY from 3–5 pm! Visitors can explore agricultural exhibits, live music, carnival rides, cooking demonstrations, and cultural performances, all set within one of the desert’s most beloved annual traditions. More info

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OPENS THU: In the Wake

The BENT’s production of Lisa Kron’s In the Wake runs February 12–28, bringing audiences into the turbulence of the 2000 presidential election—yes, that one, with parallels that still resonate. Ellen, a political junkie, finds her convictions colliding with those of her partner and friends, exposing personal blind spots and challenging assumptions about the country. Funny, passionate, and sharp, this searing work from Palm Springs’ LGBTQ+ theater company delivers a gripping look at belief, identity, and the cost of certainty. Get tickets

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FRI: Arrival From Sweden: The Music of ABBA

Arrival From Sweden brings its internationally acclaimed tribute to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage on Friday, February 13 at 8 pm. Founded by ABBA’s original bassist Rutger Gunnarsson and artist Vicky Zetterberg, the group is celebrated for its pitch‑perfect renditions of classics like “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” and “Waterloo,” and they are known as the most authentic ABBA experience in the world. Get tickets

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OPENS FRI: Pippin

Pippin takes the stage at Revolution Stage Company from February 13–March 1, inviting audiences into Stephen Schwartz and Roger O. Hirson’s dazzling, meta‑theatrical journey of spectacle, seduction, and self‑discovery. Guided by the enigmatic Leading Player, this vibrant production follows young Prince Pippin through war, pleasure, politics, and illusion, all set to an iconic score and the show’s signature theatrical magic. Get tickets

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FRI: Desert Soul Club

Desert Soul Club comes to The Velvet Rope on Friday, February 13 at 8 pm, filling Bar Valerie’s black‑and‑gold room with Motown, soul, and funk spun exclusively on vintage vinyl 45s. DJs Lee Joseph and Bob Deck bring nearly a decade of all‑vinyl magic to this intimate, Amy Winehouse–themed space, creating a stylish late‑night atmosphere inspired by international soul clubs and the timeless grooves that define the Mod dance floor. More info

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FRI–SUN: Desert Art Festival @The River

The Desert Art Festivals return to The River at Rancho Mirage from Friday–Sunday, February 13–15 from 10 am–4 pm, showcasing an impressive range of contemporary, traditional, modern, and southwest works. Hundreds of artists present original pieces in acrylic, collage, etchings, mixed media, oils, pencil, watercolors, and photography. More info

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FRI–SAT: Valentine’s Weekend Jazz Dinner at the Purple Room

Valentine’s Weekend becomes pure midcentury romance at the Purple Room Supper Club, where an elegant three‑course dinner meets the warm glow of live jazz on Friday and Saturday, February 13 and 14. Guests can savor beautifully crafted starters, indulgent mains like filet mignon, branzino, lamb, or vegan lasagna, and decadent desserts — all in an intimate, vintage‑inspired setting made for celebrating the people you love. Make your reservation

SAT: Valentine’s Day at the Top of the Tramway

Valentine’s Day rises to new heights as couples ascend the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for an evening framed by sweeping mountain views and a special prix fixe dinner at Peaks Restaurant. From 5–8 pm on Saturday, February 14, guests can savor elevated dining, explore the terraces, or wander the forested trails atop Mt. San Jacinto, creating a romantic celebration shaped by the beauty of the desert sky. More info

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THU–SUN: Hair

Hair is on a spirited run through March 1 at Palm Canyon Theatre, channeling the raw energy and cultural revolution of the 1960s. Audiences are invited into a world of peace, love, and youthful rebellion as a tribe of free‑spirited hippies navigates identity, protest, and the power of community. With its electrifying rock score and timeless call for change, this landmark musical continues to resonate with its bold, joyful, and unapologetically revolutionary spirit. Get tickets

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FRI–SUN: Camp Morning Wood

Camp Morning Wood is making its west coast premiere, presented by the new PRISM Theater at The 4707 for a run that continues through Sunday, March 22. Fresh from its Off‑Broadway success, this bold and irreverent musical follows a newly engaged couple who unexpectedly land at a gay nudist camp, setting the stage for cheeky comedy, lively songs and outrageous choreography. Get tickets

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This Week at the Plaza Theatre

The Plaza Theatre lights up this week, starting Monday, February 9 with Grammy-winning powerhouse Joss Stone, whose rich vocals and global artistry set the tone for an extraordinary week. On Wednesday, February 11, Suzanne Vega takes the stage with a career‑spanning concert featuring her signature clarity, poetic songwriting, and acclaimed new work. Thursday, February 12 offers an intimate evening with Priscilla Presley, sharing personal reflections, rare footage, and memories from a remarkable life in the spotlight. The weekend continues with The Rat Pack is Back on Friday, February 13, reviving the swagger and swing of the Sands era, followed by The Sweet Caroline Tour on Saturday, February 14, a dazzling tribute to Neil Diamond’s legendary catalog. The week concludes Sunday, February 15 with Micky Dolenz of The Monkees, celebrating the timeless hits that shaped a generation. Get tickets

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ALSO THIS WEEK

• Monday, February 9
  • Monday Night Bingo with Bella da Ball | 7–9 pm at the Ace Hotel
  • Hot Spot Trivia with Deven & Ned | 7–8:30 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
• Wednesday, February 11
  • Intro to Energy Healing | 10 am at The Center
  • The $1,000,000 Pyramid: Relationship Edition w/Miss Patty Cakes | 6–8 pm at The Center for Spiritual Living
  • Hot Spot Bingo with Deven & Ned | 7–8:30 pm at Agua Caliente Cathedral City
  • Richard Skipper Celebrates! Songs Stories Surprises | 7 pm at Revolution Stage Company
  • Cardi B – Little Miss Drama Tour | 7:30 pm at Acrisure Arena
• Thursday, February 12
  • Rammys Outstanding Business Awards & Installation Dinner | 5–8 pm at Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa
  • VillageFest Street Fair | 6–10 pm in Downtown Palm Springs
  • Carousel Live Retro Music | 7–8:30 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
  • Cabaret L’Amour | 7 pm at The Velvet Rope Hotel
  • Laughter on the 23rd Floor | 7:30 pm at Desert Theatreworks
• Friday, February 13
  • Food Truck Fridays | 5–10 pm in Downtown Indio
  • Tejano Night at Tastes & Sounds of Cathedral City | 6–10 pm
  • Laughter on the 23rd Floor | Fri, Sat & Sun at 7:30 pm at Desert Theatreworks
  • Drag Bingo | 4:30–7 pm at Arrive Hotel
• Saturday, February 14
  • Sober & Strong | 8–9 am at Atlas Training Club
  • 23rd Annual Dr. George Car Show | 9 am–3 pm at Indian Wells Tennis Garden
  • Second Saturday Book Swap | 12–4 pm at Pereze Road Art & Design District
  • International Classical Concerts of the Desert: pianist Joyce Yang | 3–5 pm at Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church
  • Sinatra & Friends (Frank Sinatra Tribute) | 4:30 pm at The Gardens on El Paseo
  • Indio Second Saturdays | 7 pm in Downtown Indio
  • Dance Ranch: Beginner Two-Step with Jan Alden | 7 pm at Step by Step
  • Tina Burner in “Luv Sux” | 7–8:30 pm at Toucans Tiki Lounge
  • Exes & Ohs Valentine’s Showdown featuring Vanity Halston | 9 pm at one eleven bar
• Sunday, February 15
  • Desert Woman’s Show | 10 am–4 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage
  • Official 2026 Modernism Event | 11 am–4 pm at Artists Council Artists Center at the Galen
  • Desert Winds Freedom Band Gala Fundraiser “Isn’t it Romantic” | 11 am at Cascade Lounge
  • PS Concerts: Southern California Brass Consortium | 2 pm at Richards Center for the Arts
  • The Judy Show! (SOLD OUT) | 5–8:30 pm at The Purple Room

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A Fresh New Glow on Sunny 106.5 and KGAY is Now at 103.1

Sunny 106.5 is the Coachella Valley’s new home for feel‑good hits from the ’90s, 2000s, and beyond, pairing bright, familiar favorites with local updates and weekday weather from Patrick Evans. At the same time, KGAY has kicked off the New Year on a stronger, farther‑reaching signal at 103.1 FM, expanding its coverage and adding HD digital sound while continuing to stream worldwide.

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Score Your Rivalry Merch

Ride the Heated Rivalry wave with a fresh batch of themed T‑shirts now available through the Pride Store. Some designs rep your favorite fictional teams from the show, while others turn up the temperature with bolder, more provocative takes. Pick your style, show your fandom, and save 10% storewide at checkout with promo code SAYKGAY. Shop Now

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NEW Spring 2026 Visitor Map & Guide – FREE!

Check out the latest Spring 2026 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, all curated to make exploring the valley even easier. Look for the latest edition at businesses and newsstands around town, as well as at hotels, visitor centers, and participating sponsors, or view it online.

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THIS WEEKEND

Out at the Fair

Out at the Fair returns to the Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival on Saturday, February 14 from 11 am–9:30 pm, filling the fairgrounds with music, culture, and community pride. Guests can enjoy a full day of entertainment on the Palm Grove Stage, from dance classes and live music to drag performances and DJ sets, and John Taylor will be Out at the Fair broadcasting KGAY from 3–5 pm! See our event listing for a details schedule of performances and events! More info

Bingo Honey! with Deven & Ned

Bingo Honey with Deven Green and Handsome Ned brings big laughs and lively energy to Out at the Fair Day at the Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival on Saturday, February 14 at 1:30 pm. This fan‑favorite bingo party blends quick wit, playful banter, and plenty of surprises, making it a standout stop during the festival’s celebration of community and fun. More info

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Palm Springs Modernism Show

The Palm Springs Modernism Show returns as a centerpiece of Modernism Week, bringing an expanded lineup of 140 dealers to the Palm Springs Convention Center from Friday–Monday, February 13–16. Visitors can explore an exceptional mix of vintage 20th century and contemporary 21st century design, enjoy return entry all weekend, and experience exclusive tours of the Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian Limited Edition Airstream. A special Preview Party on Friday, February 13 from 6–9 pm provides early buying, live music, hors d’oeuvres, and valet service, all benefiting Modernism Week. With renowned returning exhibitors, exciting new dealers, and a reputation as the most attended event of the season, the Modernism Show remains a must‑see destination for design enthusiasts. Get tickets

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Unbuttoned: A Boylesque Social Experience

Unbuttoned: A Boylesque Social Experience brings the electrifying talent of Michael Silas to The Social Cafe and Lounge on Saturday, February 14 from 6–8 pm. Known globally as one of Lady Gaga’s original dancers, Silas blends dance, storytelling and sharp comedic flair into a bold, intimate evening that showcases his decades of work with some of the world’s biggest artists. With a career spanning international tours, major film and television appearances and iconic pop‑culture moments, he now channels that star power into a boylesque performance crafted for Palm Springs audiences. Get tickets

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Air Supply

Air Supply brings its 50th Anniversary Celebration to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage on Saturday, February 14 at 8 pm. Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock mark five decades of beloved hits with the soaring harmonies and romantic energy that made them global icons, delivering an evening filled with the timeless songs fans continue to cherish. Get tickets

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OPENS SAT: The Graduate

Desert TheatreWorks stages the iconic coming‑of‑age story The Graduate from February 14–March 8. Scripted by Terry Johnson, the production follows recent college graduate Benjamin Braddock as he’s pulled into a charged and complicated triangle with Mrs. Robinson and her daughter Elaine. Presented in the round in DTW’s intimate Blackbox Theater, the show places audiences close to the tension as this classic tale unfolds. Get tickets

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The Art of Science

The Art of Science offers an intimate one‑man performance that blends live music, immersive visuals, and thought‑provoking scientific storytelling. Created by local artist Patrick Olson and refined after a successful Off‑Broadway chapter, the show invites audiences to explore connection, consciousness, and the universe in a uniquely moving way. Complimentary preview performances take place Saturdays from 7:30–8:45 pm and Sundays from 2–3:15 pm. More info

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Broadway’s Best in the West: Jessica Vosk

Jessica Vosk takes center stage on Saturday, February 14 from 7–9 pm as Broadway’s Best in the West Season 3 continues at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Vosk brings the same brilliance that earned her sold‑out Carnegie Hall appearances to this celebrated desert series. Get tickets

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Vintage Market and Retro Market

Two standout vintage markets arrive on Sunday, February 15, each offering its own take on retro style and midcentury inspiration. The Palm Springs Vintage Market hosts a special Modernism Week edition from 7 am–2 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs, featuring an expanded selection of antiques, upcycled pieces, and design‑forward finds from trusted dealers in a lively community setting [More info]. Meanwhile, the Palm Springs Retro Market runs from 10 am–3:30 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, bringing a fresh mix of vintage shopping, music, and Sunday‑afternoon atmosphere [More info]. Together, they create a full day of treasure hunting for collectors, design lovers, and anyone drawn to the charm of the past.

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Sunnylands Tour Tickets

Sunnylands opens its next monthly release on Sunday, February 15 at 9 am, when tickets for all March tours become available online, giving guests their first chance to reserve a spot for upcoming house visits. More info

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• The TEN Tenors
  Tue.–Sun. Feb 10–15 at The McCallum Theatre
• Modernism Week 2026
  Feb 12–22
• Palm Springs Modernism Show
  Sat. & Sun. Feb 14 & 15 at the Palm Springs Convention Center
• In the Wake – presented by THE BENT
  Feb 12–28 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center
• Valentine’s Weekend Jazz Dinner
  Fri. & Sat. Feb 13 & 14 at The Purple Room Supper Club
• Unbuttoned: A Boylesque Social Experience
  Sat. Feb 14 at 6 pm at The Social Cafe and Play Lounge
• Pippin – presented by Revolution Stage Co.
  Feb 13–Mar 1
• Hair – presented by Palm Canyon Theatre
  Feb 6–Mar 1
• Camp Morning Wood – presented by PRISM Theater
  Jan 23–Mar 22
• The Art of Science with Patrick Olson
  Sat. at 7:30 pm, Sun. at 2 pm at Studio 1068
• Bernadette Peters in Concert with The Desert Symphony
  Thu. Feb 19 at 7 pm at The Show
• Wag & Shag at the SHAG House
  Fri. Feb 20 from 5–8 pm at The SHAG House
• The Chase 2026
  Sat. Feb 21 from 6–10 pm at the Palm Springs Convention Center
• Palm Springs Speaks: Wade Rouse
  Tue. Feb 24 at 7:30 pm at the Plaza Theatre
• Guys and Dolls – presented by CVRep
  Feb 25–Mar 15
• Legends of Pop Festival: Madonna, Prince & Michael Jackson
  Sat. Feb 28 at 6 pm at The Show
• A Studio 54 Celebration Benefiting McCallum’s Education Programs
  Mon. Mar 2 at 4:30 pm at Renaissance Esmeralda Resort
• Cathedral City LGBT+ Days
  Mar 6–8 at Cathedral City Civic Center Plaza
• Fantasy Prom by Desert Sparkles Fund
  Sat. Mar 7 from 6–9 pm at The Palm Springs Surf Club
• Solid Gold Soul
  Wed. Mar 11 at 7:30 pm at The Plaza Theatre
• Fashion Week El Paseo
  Fri.–Wed. Mar 13–18 at The Gardens on El Paseo
• The Naked Magicians
  Tue. Mar 17 at 7:30 pm at the Plaza Theatre
• Palm Desert Food & Wine
  Thu.–Sun., Mar 19–22 at The Gardens on El Paseo
• Red Dress Dress Red Party
  Sat. Mar 21 at 8 pm at the Palm Springs Air Museum
• Desert Legends Women’s Weekend
  Apr 2–5 at Hotel Zoso

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