Never underestimate the power of one. One gay man,
Rodney Wilson, a high school history teacher in Missouri, proposed dedicating a month to learning about gay and lesbian history. Through a campaign of letter writing to LGBTQ+ organizations, the idea picked up momentum. This was in 1994 and Wilson chose October because school would be in session, which would allow educators to integrate LGBTQ+ history into their curricula.
Thus was born LGBTQ+ History Month which continues today. Many states have joined officially recognizing the month.
“In a season of unrelenting federal attacks on academic freedom, curricular independence, and LGBTQ people, it’s vital that we resist the current of events in every way available, including by means of history/heritage months such as LGBTQ+ History Month,” Wilson said in a statement to The Advocate in 2025.
35 years ago, another “one” made LGBTQ+ History. That’s when a “Streetbar Named Desire” started on Arenas Road in downtown Palm Springs. The decision by Dick Haskamp and Hank Morgan to stake their claim in what had been decidedly an unfriendly city to our community has changed the fabric and trajectory of Palm Springs.
The success and popularity of Streetbar proved the viability of LGBTQ businesses in downtown Palm Springs. It acted as a catalyst, prompting other bars, clubs, and shops to open along East Arenas Road and gradually transformed the street into the city’s famed LGBTQ nightlife epicenter.
Dick was one of the earliest supporters of my fledgling Gay Desert Guide when I started this website some 13 years ago. Dick didn’t need to advertise with me — the bar was highly successful as it continues to be to this day. He did so because he appreciated what we were doing for the community. You see, I started with zero website traffic, and a small social media presence on Labor Day 2013 from my dining room table.
My currency was free promotion for events happening in the community, so I partnered with as many of the non-profits as I could to become a “media sponsor” and get our name out. Dick was on the board of The Center and recognized what I was doing was important in a new media landscape. I’ll be forever grateful to him for his endorsement and ongoing financial support.
This weekend, Streetbar marks 35 years in the same location. John Taylor and I will be broadcasting live on Saturday from 12-2 pm to mark the occasion. The new stewards of Streetbar, Tony Mora and Steven Spann-Smith, continue the tradition that Dick began in 1991. This is truly a great chapter in our LGBTQ+ History and worth celebrating during these troubled times.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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Streetbar 35th Anniversary
Streetbar is celebrating their 35th Anniversary and a refreshed patio with new tables, benches, and misting fans. The party goes all day Saturday, from 12–10 pm, and KGAY’s John Taylor will be Out and About broadcasting live from 12–2 pm, plus live entertainment all day from Cee, Sassy, Carol, Siobahn and Larry Atello. As one of Palm Springs’ most iconic LGBTQ+ bars, Streetbar brings together locals and visitors for a lively mix of community, cocktails, and celebration. More info
The Dinah
The Dinah 2026 runs all weekend at Hilton Palm Springs and Hotel Zoso, offering five days of queer women’s music, parties, and community. Produced by BellaRose Productions, the festival features themed nighttime events, daytime pool parties, celebrity workouts, comedy hours, and the iconic Black & White Ball. Highlights include Down the Rabbit Hole at Spirit Animal, the L‑Word Pool Party, Sapphic Splash, and multiple late‑night celebrations across both host hotels. With a stacked lineup and a legacy spanning 35 years, The Dinah remains the world’s most legendary queer women’s weekend. More info
Paula Cole – This Fire: 30
Grammy‑winning singer‑songwriter Paula Cole brings her celebrated album This Fire to the Palm Springs Cultural Center for a one‑night‑only anniversary performance on Sunday, October 4 at 7 pm. — Exclusive discount for Gay Desert Guide readers: Get 30% OFF TICKETS with promo code THIRTY — The tour highlights Cole’s fearless, emotionally rich songwriting as she performs the album in full, revisiting the era‑defining music with fresh nuance and power while giving longtime fans a chance to reconnect with songs that have resonated for decades. Special guest Rett Madison opens the evening. More info
Digital Halloween Bingo with Deven Green and Handsome Ned
V Wine Lounge & Martini Bar gets spooky on Friday, October 2 from 6–9 pm with Digital Halloween Bingo with Deven Green and Handsome Ned, a fast‑paced night of comedy, music, and mischievous surprises. Guests play directly from their phones, spotting hidden dog and cat emojis while competing in ten digital bingo games packed with prizes of “unbelievably scary value.” Doors open at 6 pm, giving players time to enjoy cocktails and bites before bingo kicks off at 7 pm. Costumes are encouraged, with a Halloween contest offering even more chances to win. Every ticket supports the lifesaving work of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. More info
It’s De‑Lovely – Jeff Harnar Sings Cole Porter
It’s De‑Lovely opens Revolution Stage Company’s fourth season on Sunday, October 4 at 7 pm, celebrating the wit, romance, and sophistication of Cole Porter. Jeff Harnar brings Porter’s timeless standards to life with elegant phrasing and cabaret mastery, creating an intimate performance filled with charm and nostalgia. More info
Coachella Valley Firebirds vs. Ontario Reign — Opening Night
Acrisure Arena ignites on Friday, October 2 at 7 pm as the Coachella Valley Firebirds launch Season 5 with their Home Opener against the Ontario Reign. Opening Night brings all the energy fans crave—fresh ice, a fired‑up roster, and the electric atmosphere that has made Firebirds hockey one of the valley’s most exciting live experiences. It’s the perfect night to rally behind the Firebirds and kick off another year of desert hockey. PLUS: Get a FREE jersey scarf while supplies last! More info
Marvelous Marilyn Maye!
The Marvelous Marilyn Maye performs Friday & Saturday, October 2 & 3 (Dinner at 6 pm, Show at 8 pm) at The Purple Room Supper Club, bringing the legendary cabaret icon back to Palm Springs. A Grammy‑nominated artist and beloved star of jazz and cabaret, Marilyn Maye has earned rave reviews for her sold‑out Carnegie Hall performance and holds the record for 76 appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Her shows blend impeccable phrasing, timeless standards, and decades of musical mastery. More info
Charged Stillness Exhibition
Charged Stillness, a new exhibition showcasing the work of artist Tina Roy, runs through October 29 at Rubine Red Gallery. Raised in the Arizona desert, Roy’s paintings capture the drama, fragility, and magic of desert life through both realism and abstract expression. Her pieces reflect monsoon storms, hidden wildlife, and the vivid textures of the desert landscape, offering viewers a deeply personal connection to the natural world. More info
The Phil Collins Story
The Phil Collins Story performs Friday, October 2 at 8 pm at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. delivering a dynamic docu‑concert celebrating the music and legacy of Phil Collins. The show blends immersive storytelling, stunning visuals, and world‑class musicianship to honor Collins’ chart‑topping career—from Genesis classics to his solo hits. More info
This Weekend at the McCallum Theatre
Three standout performances light up the McCallum Theatre this weekend, offering a rich blend of dance, vocal harmony, and classical mastery. On Friday, October 2 at 7 pm, Pacifico Dance Company brings Mexican folklórico to vivid life with rigorous technique, striking costuming, and women-centered storytelling drawn from regions across Mexico. Saturday, October 3 at 8 pm features The Doo Wop Project in Echoes of the Street, a 90‑minute celebration of classic Doo Wop favorites alongside contemporary hits reimagined in vintage style. The weekend concludes Sunday, October 4 at 3 pm as Jeffrey Siegel returns with Keyboard Conversations®, pairing insightful commentary with performances of Beethoven’s Polonaise, Für Elise, and Bagatelles, plus Schubert’s Waltzes, F Minor Impromptu, and Ave Maria. More info
The Real World: Queer Visibility and Cultural Change
The Real World: Queer Visibility and Cultural Change comes to the Annenberg Theater on Saturday, October 3 from 11 am–12:15 pm, offering a thoughtful look at how one groundbreaking MTV series reshaped conversations around identity, sexuality, and representation. Through archival footage and personal reflection, the discussion explores the show’s cultural impact, including the legacy of Pedro Zamora, whose 1994 appearance brought unprecedented visibility to queer life and living with HIV/AIDS. More info
Unbuttoned, A Boylesque Social Experience
At The Social Cafe & Lounge, Unbuttoned, A Boylesque Social Experience takes the stage on Saturday, October 3 from 7–8:30 pm, with seating beginning at 6 pm. The show centers on the electrifying talent of Michael Silas, known worldwide as one of Lady Gaga’s original dancers. Silas blends dance, storytelling, and sharp comedic flair into an audience-focused experience crafted specifically for Palm Springs. More info
Rickie Lee Jones
The Plaza Theatre welcomes Rickie Lee Jones on Saturday, October 3 at 7:30 pm, offering an intimate concert with the two‑time Grammy‑winning singer‑songwriter. Jones has shaped American music for more than four decades through her blend of jazz, folk, rock, and pop. Audiences can expect classics like “Chuck E.’s in Love,” selections from her Grammy‑nominated Pieces of Treasure, and stories drawn from her acclaimed memoir Last Chance Texaco. More info
Bea Arthur: The Documentary
Bea Arthur: The Documentary – “I’ve Done Everything Except Porn” premieres at Palm Springs Cultural Center on Saturday, October 3 at 7 pm, offering an intimate portrait of the Emmy and Tony winner anchored by a never‑before‑seen interview with Arthur herself. Arthur reflects on her life, career, and iconic roles in Maude and The Golden Girls in her own unmistakable voice. This screening is sold out, but fear not! There’s a bonus screening in two weeks on Saturday, October 17. More info
Burgers, Boys & Brews Sunday BBQ
Burgers, Boys & Brews Sunday BBQ brings a lively backyard‑style afternoon to The Social Cafe & Lounge on Sunday, October 4 from 2:30–4:30 pm, serving fresh‑grilled burgers, hot dogs, sides, bottomless mimosas, bottomless draft beer, and live male entertainment. The atmosphere is relaxed and social, keeping Sunday afternoons fun, flavorful, and easygoing. More info
Books, Films & Then Some – Cristy Road Carrera / Meredith Maran
The Books, Films & Then Some series takes place at the Palm Springs Cultural Center on Sunday, October 4 from 3–5 pm. Artist, writer, and musician Cristy Road Carrera discusses her new book Sink or Burn, a punk‑rock love story of resistance and resilience set in a dystopian future. The event includes tarot readings and a conversation moderated by Meredith Maran, the award‑winning author and book critic. More info
It’s Final Round Voting Time — Best of CV
CV Independent’s Best of Coachella Valley 2026–2027 final voting round is now underway, and this is your chance to help crown the winners across the valley’s most‑loved radio stations, personalities, DJs (and many more categories). Thank you for showing us the love already with a strong nomination phase! Our finalists include KGAY 103.1 and Sunny 106.5 for Best Radio Station; John Taylor, E.J. Tyler and Patrick Evans for Best Local Radio Personality; and the dynamic DJ trio — DJ Galaxy, DJ Eric Ornelas, and MODGIRL — for Best Local DJ. Voting continues through Friday, October 23, so cast your vote and help celebrate your favorites in this year’s Best of Coachella Valley! Vote Today
Annual Snow Guessing Contest
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway kicked off its Annual Snow Guessing Contest on Thursday, October 1, inviting winter‑dreamers to predict when the first measurable inch of snow will fall at Mountain Station. The tradition continues until that magic moment arrives at 8,516 feet, and the first ten guests to correctly guess the date will win four Tram admission tickets plus a special Tram gift. To enter, write your chosen date on a postcard and mail it to Snow Guessing Contest, 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262—only one date per card is accepted. More info
- The LPGA Epson Tour Championship Returns to Indian Wells Golf Resort • Rising golf stars showcase elite competition on the Players Course Thursday–Sunday at Indian Wells Golf Resort during this official qualifying tournament of the LPGA.
- Welcoming Yoga at The Center • Facilitator Marci Stonehedge leads a slow basic yoga practice on Saturday from 4–5:15 pm at The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert.
- Cameron Esposito • Cameron brings sharp wit and stand-up comedy on Saturday from 7–9 pm to Spirit Animal inside Hotel Zoso. Part of The Dinah weekend, this intimate evening includes dinner alongside hilarious live entertainment.
- Dance Ranch / Country Dance Saturdays • Instructor Andrew Jimenez leads country line dance lessons before an open dance social on Saturday from 7–9:30 pm at Step by Step Dance Studio. Dancers can practice two-step, waltz, shadow, and swing styles throughout the evening.
- Jerry Seinfeld • The legendary comedian performs his signature stand-up comedy on Saturday from 8–11 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa.
- A Queer Arcana: Art, Magic, and Spirit • Open through October 18 at Palm Springs Art Museum. Drawing on the reflections of Gloria Anzaldúa, the exhibition showcases works that engage magic as a transformative path toward liberation.
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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
Visitor Map & Guide – FREE!
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, 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.
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!
- Streetbar 35th Anniversary Out & About w/John Taylor
Sat. Oct 3 from 12–2 pm at Streetbar - It’s De‑Lovely – Jeff Harnar Sings Cole Porter
Sun. Oct 4 at 7 pm at Revolution Stage Company - Burgers, Boys & Brews Sunday BBQ
Sundays from 2:30–4:30 pm at The Social Cafe & Lounge - Joshua Tree Music Festival
Oct 8–11 at Joshua Tree Lake Campground - People, an exhibition of four artists
Oct 8–11 at Impell Gallery - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Oct 9–18 at Palm Canyon Theatre - Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, presented by THE BENT
Oct 9–24 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Perez Art District: 4th Friday and 2nd Saturday Art Walk
Sat. Oct 10 from 11 am–3 pm and Fri. Oct 23 from 4–7 pm - Modernism Week – October 2026
Oct 15–18 at various locations - Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors
Oct 15–31 at Revolution Stage Company - KGAY Out & About at Nola at Escena
Thu. Oct 15 from 4–6 pm - Palm Springs Pride Walk
Sat. Oct 17 at 8:30 am in the Arenas District & Downtown Palm Springs - Randy Rainbow: National Freakin’ Treasure
Sat. Oct 17 at 8 pm and Sun. Oct 18 at 7 pm at McCallum Theatre - REAF House Party PS – Pride in Paradise 2
Sat. Oct 24 from 5–8 pm at a private home in Andreas Hills - & Juliet
Oct 27–Nov 1 at McCallum Theatre - PS Leather Pride | 2026 Valhalla
Oct 29–Nov 1 at Hotel Zoso, CCBC, Dick’s, The Eagle, Toolshed - Halloween Palm Springs 2026
Fri. & Sat. Oct 30 & 31 in the Arenas District - Sam Morrison: Sugar Daddy
Fri. Nov 6 at 7 pm at the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre - Palm Springs Pride 5K Run & Walk 2026
Sat. Nov 7 from 7–10 am - 25th HRC Palm Springs Coachella Valley Garden Party
Sat. Nov 7 from 1:30–4:30 pm at the Dinah Shore Estate
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
🎧 This Weekend: DJ Galaxy amps up Fur Friday at Hunters Nightclub on Friday, October 2 from 4–9 pm, kicking off the night with his signature beats and a packed, ready‑to‑move crowd.
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
Join the Sunny 106.5 Lucky Duck Club and get access to secret contests, sweet offers, surprises and more! This week, you can WIN TWO TICKETS to see The B-52’s and DEVO in the Cosmic De-Evolution Tour on October 31 at Acrisure Arena! LUCKY BONUS: You’ll get a prize pack with a T-shirt, Poster and Tote bag too! Lucky Duck Members get insider perks and first dibs on exciting station events — it’s free, easy, and full of rewards for Sunny listeners. 👉 Sign up now
MeTV 92.1 FM
MeTV FM is officially back on the Coachella Valley dial — and there’s never been a better time to tune in. Broadcasting from Palm Springs, 92.1 MeTV FM delivers a “radio gold mine” of timeless, memorable music you won’t hear anywhere else: over 3,500 songs, more than 350 played every day with no repeats. From deep tracks to softer favorites spanning the ’50s through the ’80s, plus themed shows and beloved classics, this one‑of‑a‑kind format is ready to soundtrack your day.
- The Dinah Celebrates 35 Years of Queer Women’s Community in Palm Springs
- East Coachella Valley Pride Marks 10 Years with Week of Celebration
- Palm Springs Launches PSPD Connect to Support Vulnerable Residents
- Coachella Valley History Museum Celebrates 100 Years of the Smiley‑Tyler Adobe House with a Season of Community Events
- Palm Springs Air Museum Marks 30 Years of Aviation History and Education
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 2026-27 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.
