This week, my friends and co-workers start to scatter for their summer vacations. Not me. I had my fun earlier in the summer before temperatures climbed into the danger zone.
Chris Shebel and his husband, Oscar, head out to Amsterdam and World Pride on BearCruise.com‘s cruise that will end in Berlin. That’s where a terrorist attack over the weekend at their Pride, known as the Christopher Street Day celebration, ended with one person dead and many others injured. (Chris will be broadcasting from the ship each afternoon our time and will bring us some of the highlights!)
It reminds us that no matter where we are or how many precautions are taken, there’s inherent risk in celebrating anywhere in the world as LGBTQ+ people.
We were fortunate here in the United States that there were no reports of terrorist attacks at our Pride celebrations in 2026. In fact, the Berlin incident is the only reported act this year. As World Pride takes to the canals and back street bars of Amsterdam, we certainly hope that streak continues.
John Taylor is heading to his old stomping grounds of Provincetown and Cape Cod. He’ll be broadcasting live as PTown prepares for Carnival the week of August 10th. We have more than a few shared businesses between our two vacation destinations including Seaplane Shirts, Ball Beachwear, the soon-to-open-on-Sunny-Dunes Joe Coffee and Perry’s Fine Wines and Liquors.
Mitchell Battersby will be staying domestic and heading to Six Flags Magic Mountain for Out on the Mountain Friday, August 21st. And friends are departing for far flung destinations to beat the heat.
So, I’ll be minding the store as we prepare for a busy season ahead. We’ve already been calendaring events into 2027 on our Events page. Every day, it seems like another announcement comes my way. Soon, the 40th Palm Springs Pride celebration will be here too.
We are repeating our #SupportYourStation Big Splash Pool Party on Friday, Sept. 11 at the Palm Springs Surf Club. That was so much fun the first time around that we decided to do it again before “season”.
The adage, “a rolling stone gathers no moss” certainly applies to my K-Gay Desert Guide life. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. Except this August when I’m happy to be homebound.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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ALL WEEK: Taste of Summer / Rancho Mirage
Taste of Summer / Rancho Mirage is underway, running through August 16 — and now, the fun goes even further with the Passport Game. The annual program invites residents and visitors to explore specials, cool treats, and flavorful experiences while supporting restaurants and local nonprofits. Wristbands unlock exclusive offers throughout the season, and your official passport turns the whole adventure into a delicious scavenger hunt across thirty participating restaurants. Whether you’re competing with friends, planning weekly outings, or savoring a few standout stops, the Passport Game makes summer dining more playful, more social, and even more rewarding. More info
TUE: Glenn Rosenblum
Experience a unique evening of musical storytelling as Glenn Rosenblum takes the stage for the CV Rep 2026 Summer Cabaret Series at CV Rep on Tuesday, July 28 from 7:30–9 pm. Known as a “vocalist, actor, and musical mensch,” Rosenblum has been described by BroadwayWorld.com as the “New Prince of Los Angeles Cabaret.” Expect a night of Broadway showstoppers as this talented performer shares his passion for musical theatre and professional expertise. More info
TUE: The Marvelous Miss Gender featuring Bosco
The globally beloved drag star Bosco brings the theatrical production The Marvelous Miss Gender to the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre on Tuesday, July 28 from 8–10 pm. Directed, co-written, and co-produced by Bosco, the show follows a drag queen protagonist through a cinematic journey of musical eras and high-fashion spectacle. Inspired by pop culture touchstones like Batman: The Animated Series and Kill Bill, the production features satirical storytelling, stand-up, and over-the-top camp. More info
THU: Davis Gaines
Acclaimed Broadway veteran Davis Gaines performs at CV Rep to close out the CV Rep 2026 Summer Cabaret Series on Thursday, July 30 at 7 pm. Gaines is widely recognized for his record-breaking run as The Phantom in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera, a role he has performed over 2,000 times. A versatile baritone, he has also starred in major productions such as Sweeney Todd, Whistle Down the Wind, and Parade. More info
ALSO THIS WEEK
- Thursday Night – Villagefest • This weekly street fair brings local valley businesses together to celebrate food, art, shopping, and entertainment on Thursday from 7–10 pm.
- Exotica Tribute to Dizzy Gillespie • Bandleader Skip Heller and his Voodoo 5 perform a tropical jazz tribute featuring the sultry vocals of Lena Marie Cardinale on Friday from 7–8:30 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs.
- Jessica Rosas Comedy Show • Comedian Jessica Rosas takes the stage for a 90-minute performance of sharp, sassy stand-up on Friday from 8–9:30 pm at Spotlight 29 Casino.
- Welcoming Yoga at The Center • Facilitator Marci Stonehedge leads this non-intimidating, slow basic practice designed to increase circulation and improve flexibility. Open to all skill levels, the non-judgmental class focuses on gentle stress for connective tissues on Saturday from 4–5:15 pm at The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert.
- Annual Back-to-School Backpack Drive & Resource Fair • The City of Palm Springs Department of Parks & Recreation helps students prepare for a successful school year with this free community event. Registered attendees receive free backpacks, supplies, resource fair access, swim center passes, and limited haircuts on Saturday from 11 am–3 pm at Palm Springs Leisure Center.
- Kings of Chaos • “Rock’s Greatest Supergroup” performs a live musical set during this special engagement at the Show in Rancho Mirage on Saturday from 8–10:30 pm. Featuring Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi), Kevin Cronin (REO Speedwagon), Matt Sorum (Guns ‘N’ Roses), and more.
- Dance Ranch / Country Dance Saturdays • This country western dance event features a line dance lesson with Andrew Jimenez and a request hour. Serving the LGBTQ+ community, the group hosts a night of waltz, two-step, and swing dancing for all levels on Saturday from 6–9:30 pm at Step by Step Dance Studio.
- The Rack Pack: Weekly Men’s (Chinese) Mahjong Meet-Up • Men of all experience levels are invited to join this relaxed weekly gathering for friendly games of Chinese Mahjong on Sunday from 4–6 pm. The meet-up emphasizes social connection and good vibes, with participants encouraged to enjoy food and drinks at ACE Hotel & Swim Club.
- A Queer Arcana: Art, Magic, and Spirit • This exhibition features an intergenerational group of artists exploring how magic and esoteric knowledge have shaped queer culture. Drawing on the mystical meaning of “arcana,” the works highlight alternative spiritual practices as paths of survival and liberation within the LGBTQ+ community. Thursday–Sunday at Palm Springs Art Museum through October 18.
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SAY KGAY to Save on 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
Summer 2026 Visitor Map & Guide – FREE!
Check out the Summer 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.
THIS WEEKEND
FRI–SUN: Dancing With The Stars Con 2026
The inaugural Dancing With The Stars Con 2026 brings the glitter and excitement of the ballroom to Acrisure Arena for the ultimate fan convention and live show from Friday–Sunday, July 31–August 2. Fans can enjoy live dance performances, interactive panels, and photo experiences featuring beloved pros and Mirrorball champions like Val Chmerkovskiy, Jenna Johnson, and Joey Graziadei. Legendary judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli are also scheduled to appear. The three-day celebration invites fans to immerse themselves in the world of the hit television series with Q&A sessions, exclusive merchandise, and unique exhibits. More info
FRI: Jake Owen
Country music superstar Jake Owen a night of country music to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa on Friday, July 31 at 8 pm. The chart-topping artist and ACM award winner takes the stage is known for his laid-back style and signature hits like “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” and “Beachin’.” Owen has achieved ten No. 1 singles and earned multiple gold and platinum records and amassed over 2.5 billion on-demand streams in the U.S. alone. More info
SUN: International Classical Concerts
The acclaimed Latsos Piano Duo headlines International Classical Concerts at the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre. This magical musical event takes place Sunday, August 2 from 7–10 pm. The husband and wife team will perform an eclectic program of piano duets, including works by Schubert, Mendelssohn, and Kapustin. The performance also features compositions by local resident Joe Giarrusso, performed by renowned cellist John Walz. Attendees will enjoy a sophisticated program that spans from famous fantasies to fiery and virtuosic sinfoniettas in a historic venue. 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!
- Hot Spot Bingo with Deven & Ned
Mondays at 7 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs - The Marvelous Miss Gender featuring Bosco
Tue. July 28 at 8 pm at The Plaza Theatre - Summer Cabaret Series at CVRep
Tue. & Thu. July 7–30 - Dancing with the Stars Con 2026
July 31–Aug 2 at Acrisure Arena - CVRep 2026/2027 Season
Sat. Aug 1 – Individual Ticket Sales Open - Clear the Shelters
Sat. & Sun. Aug 15 & 16 from 10 am–5 pm at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter - Out on the Mountain
Fri. Aug 21 from 6 pm–midnight at Six Flags Magic Mountain
Kenneth Edward Piner is a Palm Springs–area REALTOR® with Town Real Estate in Rancho Mirage. He specializes in Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs, Cathedral City, and Palm Desert, serving buyers and sellers across the entire Coachella Valley. As a former part‑time resident of Rancho Mirage who relocated from Washington, D.C., he offers a unique perspective on both seasonal living and making the transition to full‑time life in the valley. Learn more
Palm Springs Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers offers personalized ENT care for sinus, allergy, and breathing concerns throughout the Coachella Valley. Dr. Roy and his wonderful staff look forward to providing top‑tier care, combining clinical expertise with local insight to help patients manage desert‑related sinus and allergy symptoms with lasting comfort and clarity. Learn more
KGAY 103.1 FM
The KGAY 103.1 Retro Lunch airs Monday through Friday from noon–1 pm, with DJ Galaxy (Vincent Corrales) and DJ Eric Ornelas playing an hour of their nonstop 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 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 103.1 online
WIN TICKETS to Out on the Mountain
KGAY 103.1 wants to give you the chance to experience Out on the Mountain — the Ultimate Pride Party at Six Flags Magic Mountain on Friday, August 21. This private, all‑ages LGBTQ+ celebration packs the park with thrill rides, drag performances, dance parties, and a full night of community joy. It’s Pride… with roller coasters! Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page
Sunny 106.5 FM
Take the sunshine indoors with the Sunny 106.5 Alexa skill — just tell Alexa to “enable Sunny Palm Springs Radio skill” and the brightest variety will be one voice command away at home or at work. Sunny 106.5 is the Coachella Valley’s new home for feel‑good hits from the ’90s, 2000s, and beyond, blending familiar favorites with local updates and weekday weather from Patrick Evans. Play Sunny 106.5 Online
- Jenks Lake Offers Cool Hiking Escape from the Desert Heat
- PSP Adds Earlier Nonstop Flights to and from Wine Country This Fall
- McCallum Theatre’s Yvonne Bell Previews a Dynamic 2026–2027 Season
- Greater Palm Springs Resort Restaurants and Poolside Bars for Summer Dining
- Indoor Activities in Greater Palm Springs Offer Cool Summer Fun
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 2026 Coachella Valley Calendar of Events.
Listen to KGAY over the air, stream it [here], or listen on iHeart Radio with Alexa or Siri by saying “Play K-G-A-Y” 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.
This Way Out, the award‑winning weekly LGBTQ radio program, airs every Sunday at 6:30 a.m. on KGAY 103.1 and is also available on‑demand via our streaming player under Menu>Streams>Podcasts. As the only internationally distributed LGBTQ radio show, it airs on about 200 community stations worldwide and delivers global queer news, reporting, interviews, and cultural features.
