A Tale of Two ‘Bizzies’. I have been reticent to jump into the fray of the Spencer’s at the Mountain restaurant controversy. But after Pride and the election, I did have some thoughts to share.
Particularly in light of the Palm Springs Ace Hardware announcement earlier this week that their lease is ending in February and the landlords have opted for a Nordstrom Rack rather than renewing. As one observer wrote, “PS Ace Hardware becoming a Nordstrom Rack is a bit like a diamond becoming a cubic zirconia.”
I spoke with Marty Warnke, general manager, and he’s exhaustively looking for a new location. But it doesn’t give them much time. The store, LGBTQ owned and managed, has been a fixture during my tenure in Palm Springs. It was one of the last vestiges of the mall that sat where College of the Desert is building its new campus, near the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Back then it was a True Value. Then it moved to Smoketree and continued to improve offerings to become a chic version of Lowe’s or Home Depot – just without the lumber.
I’ve shopped at the store for years and found that our LGBTQ community was well represented in the aisles as well as behind the registers. Always helpful indeed! We’ll see if the team can find a suitable location. Marty wants to especially expand the patio department and add a true garden store too.
But then there’s Spencer’s. I think we all knew that former owner Harold Matzner leaned (heavily) right on the political spectrum. His philanthropy knew no political affiliation, and there are many instances of him bailing out nonprofits and their big events when ticket sales and sponsorships didn’t cover the nut. His total contributions were in the tens of millions of dollars to local nonprofits. Those were done without fanfare or logos splashed across TV screens.
So when Nachhattar Chandi went on KESQ just before Palm Springs Pride to tout his support for us, my skepticism meter went to 11. He told Peter Daut, “I support my friends who are Democrats and Republicans. I do not go by belief in a party. I go by person.” And that set off a firestorm on social media that I’ve been tracking.
His contributions to Donald Trump’s reelection campaign in 2020 alone was $275,000, in addition to Super PAC money and a hosted fundraiser for Trump in Rancho Mirage. He’s met Trump at least four times. So if he goes by person and not party, that’s even worse in my book. He did support Palm Springs Pride with a large sponsorship and also sponsored KESQ’s coverage of Pride. (Spencer’s has not been an advertiser with KGAY or GayDesertGuide.)
Now, you can get a breakfast item at Spencer’s for $1 with DAP Health entering the picture by receiving that dollar per item. (He promoted it on KESQ as a ‘free’ breakfast during the interview with no mention of DAP). Many in the community are not having it and will continue to steer away from the storied restaurant.
I’m not a boycott kinda person, but I do choose carefully where I spend my money. I like to think of it as rewarding good behavior rather than punishing bad. Plus, I like to support those businesses that support GayDesertGuide.LGBT. So while my best friends were married at Spencer’s and I have many fond memories, I’ll not darken their door for the foreseeable future. Each of us makes that choice with our pocketbook just like Chandi made his choice to support an administration bent on erasing us.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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Palm Springs Food & Wine Festival
Culinary enthusiasts can indulge in an international tasting experience as the Palm Springs Food & Wine Festival takes over Palm Springs Downtown Park from Friday–Sunday, November 13–15. The weekend launches with an opening reception on Friday from 6–8 pm, followed by main tasting sessions on Saturday and Sunday from 12–4 pm, featuring early 11 am VIP access. Attendees will enjoy unlimited bites from top regional restaurants, boutique winery flights, tented pavilions, and live cooking demonstrations by celebrity talent, including Chef Jamie Gwen, Chef Dave Martin, Chef Angelo Sosa, Chef Daphne Brogdon, Chef Trilby Trato, Chef Sharone Hakman, and Chef Mitch Battersby. More info
5th Annual Pride on the Page Book Festival
Literary enthusiasts can celebrate LGBTQ+ storytelling during the 5th Annual Pride on the Page Book Festival, hosted by the Palm Springs Public Library Foundation at Palm Springs Cultural Center on Saturday, November 14 from 10 am–9 pm. Under the theme “Five Years of Pride on the Page,” daytime panels from 10 am–5 pm feature discussions with Erika Simpson, Danielle Myers-Porter, Daniel M. Jaffe, Ian Henzel, Rasheed Newson, Meredith Maran, Phill Branch, Geoffrey Newman, Lisa M. Stulberg, Jen Richards, Murray Hill, and Tim Bagley. The 7–9 pm evening keynote presents Ty Herndon in conversation with Corey Roskin, followed by outdoor book signings and live music from Leanna & Miguel. More info
La Quinta Art Celebration — Encore 2026
Explore world-class fine art as the La Quinta Art Celebration — Encore 2026 returns to La Quinta Civic Center from Thursday–Sunday, November 12–15 from 10 am–4 pm. Set across a breathtaking 14-acre campus beneath the Santa Rosa Mountains, this premier four-day juried festival showcases original creations from over 150 acclaimed international visual artists. Enthusiastic art patrons will experience an extraordinary outdoor gallery setting filled with painting, glasswork, ceramics, photography, sculpture, and contemporary craft. More info
Coachella Valley Home Show
Homeowners looking for renovation inspiration will find expert guidance as the Coachella Valley Home Show returns to Riverside County Fairgrounds this weekend. Running Friday and Saturday from 10 am–5 pm and Sunday from 10 am–4 pm, this three-day featured expo connects desert residents with home improvement specialists, remodeling contractors, property upgrade experts, and interior designers. Featured highlights include an interactive Tiny Home & ADU Showcase for expanding living space, modern landscaping displays, and daily educational seminars hosted by the UC Master Gardeners of Riverside County focusing on sustainable, water-wise desert gardening techniques suited to local climate conditions. More info
Meet Matthew Shuman: A Historic Day with the American Legion
Celebrate a milestone in veteran leadership during a landmark visit with Matthew Shuman, who is poised to become the first openly gay National Commander of the American Legion. Hosted by American Legion Post 519 on Friday, November 13 from 11:30 am–4 pm, the day features two special events honoring service and community inclusion. Festivities begin with an intimate VIP reception at the former Liberace residence from 11:30 am–1 pm, followed by a free Community Town Hall at Owen Coffman Post 519 from 3–4 pm. More info
KGAY Out & About at Canyon View
Discover modern desert living at Canyon View by Lennar, one of Palm Springs’ newest residential communities located right next to the Rimrock Plaza Vons. Join us this Saturday, November 14, from 10 am–Noon for a special KGAY 103.1 Out & About featuring a live broadcast from John Taylor. Stop by to tour these thoughtfully designed new homes, meet neighbors, and ask about available interest rate buydowns. More info
Second Saturday Showcase
Art lovers can discover vibrant local creative spaces during the Second Saturday Showcase, taking place at Perez Art District on Saturday, November 14 from 11 am–3 pm. Running monthly from October through May, this daytime community art walk offers a welcoming environment for residents and visitors to explore working studios, view diverse fine art galleries, and connect directly with desert painters, sculptors, and visual creators. Free and open to the public, the self-guided event provides an ideal afternoon excursion to support independent regional working artists. More info
Bitchin’ Bingo!
Fabulous Friday nights get a wildly entertaining upgrade as Ember Vain hosts Bitchin’ Bingo! at V Wine Lounge & Martini Bar on Friday, November 13 from 6–9 pm. Forget traditional bingo nights; this weekly evening pairs lively game rounds with drag entertainment, tasty cocktails, and wonderful prize giveaways. Guests can gather friends, order favorite drinks, and settle in for an upbeat night of laughs, friendly competition, and drag flair where everyone has a chance to get lucky. More info
This Weekend at The Purple Room
Cabaret entertainment fills the weekend schedule at The Purple Room. On Friday, November 13 and Saturday, November 14, fabulous Canadian queen Miss Conception presents her signature show Make America Gay Again!, featuring live singing, costume reveals, and pop icon tributes with dinner served at 6 pm before the 8 pm performance. Then on Sunday, November 15, Scot Bruce and his band take the stage for Elvis: The Early Years, swiveling through 1950s rock classics with dinner at 5 pm and showtime at 7 pm. More info
An Evening with The Outwords Archive — Honoring Mason Funk
Celebrate LGBTQIA2S+ history and community preservation during An Evening with The Outwords Archive — Honoring Mason Funk. Hosted at the private residence Home of Joey Chianese on Sunday, November 15 from 4–7:30 pm, this special reception pays tribute to founder Mason Funk for his leadership and vision. Guests will gather to support OUTWORDS’ ongoing mission to record, preserve, and share the vital oral histories of community elders for future generations. More info
Urinetown: The Musical
Sharp satirical comedy takes center stage as Revolution Stage Company presents Urinetown: The Musical, running November 13–29. This Tony Award-winning production lampoons corporate greed and classic musical tropes in a Gotham-style city where a severe drought makes water scarce. When corrupt corporate monopolists enforce draconian bathroom fees, everyman Bobby Strong sparks a hilarious revolution while falling in love with idealistic Hope Cladwell. More info
Dada Woof Papa Hot
Modern relationships come under intense scrutiny in Dada Woof Papa Hot, presented by THE BENT at Palm Springs Cultural Center from November 13–29. This provocative play examines two affluent gay couples in New York City who achieve the marriages, surrogate children, and suburban acceptance they long fought for, only to encounter unexpected marital boredom and stroller politics. The narrative offers a witty, brutal, and sexy exploration of urban freedom, domestic compromises, and the realities of modern parenthood. More info
Palm Desert Choreography Festival
Experience breathtaking movement as the Palm Desert Choreography Festival returns to The McCallum Theatre on Saturday, November 14 at 7 pm and Sunday, November 15 at 4 pm. Celebrating its return with two performance showcases, this spectacular weekend highlights dynamic contemporary dance works created by talented choreographers and dance companies selected from across the nation. More info
The Minutes
A small-town city council meeting turns contentious when a new member questions previous recordkeeping in The Minutes, playing at CV Rep through November 15. Written by Pulitzer Prize winner Tracey Letts, this razor-sharp political satire peels back the polished surface of local democracy to uncover hidden secrets, raw power plays, chilling truths, and a timely examination of civic hypocrisy that resonates deeply with contemporary politics. More info
Brothers of the Desert Presents: Real Talk, Real Health
Community members are invited to engage in meaningful discussions about identity, wellness, and fellowship during Brothers of the Desert Presents: Real Talk, Real Health. Gathering at Palm Springs Surf Club on Saturday, November 14 from 9:30 am–1:30 pm, this third annual free event serves as a preview for the upcoming 2027 Wellness Summit. Featured speakers Dr. Keith R. Green, Darnell L. Moore, and jarrett hill join program moderator C. Aigner “Anye Elite” Ellis to explore health equity, culture, and personal growth for Black gay men. More info
Satin & Soul — Smooth. Soulful. Sexy.
Prepare for an exciting night of music as the Sunset Music Series presents Satin & Soul — Smooth. Soulful. Sexy. at Hotel Zoso on Saturday, November 14 from 7–9 pm, with doors opening at 6 pm. Smooth jazz saxophonist Pamela Williams brings her signature blend of R&B, funk, and soul, joined by Sweet Baby J’ai delivering inspiring spoken word and Sunnie Paxson serving as musical director. Guests can enjoy two bars, a lively dance floor, and soulful grooves. Event proceeds benefit the Sunset Music & Education Foundation to expand youth music mentorship. More info
Behind the Curtain
Broadway stars Catherine Wreford and Craig Ramsay bring their acclaimed duo show Behind the Curtain to Revolution Stage Company for a one-night-only performance on Sunday, November 15 at 7 pm. Back by popular demand after two sold-out engagements, the funny, heartfelt, and unfiltered cabaret mixes familiar hit theater songs and dances with candid personal storytelling. The performing duo pulls back the curtain on life, love, friendship, high-profile careers, celebrity relationships, and their unlikely underdog victory on The Amazing Race Canada. More info
- 2026 PSHA Annual Golf Classic & Scholarship Fundraiser • The Palm Springs Hospitality Association hosts a charity tournament featuring a putting contest, shotgun start, silent auction, cocktail reception, and tri-tip dinner on Friday from 10:30 am–6 pm at Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort.
- H. B. Fletcher Book Signing • Local author H. B. Fletcher greets readers and signs copies of his mystery and psychological suspense novels on Friday from 2–5 pm at Palm Springs Animal Shelter. The special literary event benefits the shelter’s ongoing animal care programs.
- Sloshed: Friday the 13th — Live Shadow Cast • Performers from The Sloshed Series bring Camp Crystal Lake to life with interactive shadow cast comedy and audience participation on Friday from 6–10 pm at Spirit Animal at Hotel Zoso.
- Hitchcock Retrospective: Stage Fright (1950) • Director Alfred Hitchcock’s classic London theater thriller screens starring Jane Wyman and Marlene Dietrich on Friday from 7–10 pm at The Palm Springs Cultural Center.
- Replay: Fashion • Nine women play all male and female roles in a musical comedy about an amateur theater club rehearsing a show on Friday at 7:30 pm at Palm Springs Plaza Theatre. Complications arise when their sexy male director portrays a phony French count.
- Del Shores’ “Sordid Lives • Playwright Del Shores‘ dark Southern comedy follows a colorful Texas family assembling after their matriarch’s hilarious death running Thursday–Sunday through November 15 at Palm Canyon Theatre.
- Hot August Night – A Tribute to Neil Diamond • Vocalist Dean Colley delivers a world-class tribute honoring the pop legend on Friday from 8–10 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage.
- Sunnylands Tour Tickets • Purchase December estate tour passes online on Sunday from 9–10 am through Sunnylands Center & Gardens. Guided excursions explore the historic estate’s rich modern design legacy and surrounding desert landscapes.
- Bylines Film Series: Spotlight • The Coachella Valley Journalism Foundation presents the Academy Award-winning drama chronicling investigative reporters uncovering systemic church abuse on Sunday from 3–5:30 pm at The Palm Springs Cultural Center. The event includes pre-film commentary and post-screening discussion.
- Journey USA • Tribute band Journey USA captures the classic rock sound of vocalist Steve Perry and bassist Jeffrey Bretz on Sunday at 7 pm at Palm Springs Plaza Theatre.
- Joy’n US • VR filmmaker Travis Hutchison presents a multimedia exhibition celebrating 1970s gay male life through photographer Frank Diernhammer‘s unseen vintage prints, rare films, and historic Advocate issues open Thursday–Monday at Materias Primas.
- Pride: ’26 Edition • Artist Troy Schooneman presents four distinct collections exploring the male figure through classical references, photography, constructed imagery, and contemporary fine art traditions running through Sunday at Rubine Red Gallery.
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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 to Dine & Sip, Shop, find Attractions, Massage & Spa, Nightlife, Drag Shows, and more, all curated to make exploring the valley even easier. Look for the latest edition at 300+ 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!
- Palm Springs Food & Wine Festival
Fri.–Sun. Nov 13–15 at Palm Springs Downtown Park - 5th Annual Pride on the Page Book Festival
Sat. Nov 14 from 10 am–pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - La Quinta Art Celebration – Encore 2026
Thu.–Sun. Nov 12–15 at La Quinta Civic Center - Meet Matthew Shuman: A Historic Day with the American Legion in Palm Springs
Fri. Nov 13 at 11:30 am and 3 pm at American Legion 519 - Coachella Valley Home Show
Fri.–Sun. Nov 13–15 at Riverside County Fairgrounds - An Evening with The Outwords Archive – Honoring Mason Funk
Sun. Nov 15 at 4 pm at a private home in Palm Springs - Urinetown: The Musical
Nov 13–29 at Revolution Stage Company - Dada Woof Papa Hot – presented by THE BENT
Nov 13–29 at Palm Springs Cultural Center - The Minutes
Oct 28–Nov 15 at CVRep - November at The Purple Room
Live Entertainment Tue-Thu, Dinner Shows Fri–Sun - November at the McCallum Theatre
Diverse world-class Broadway productions, music, dance, and comedy - Taste & Sounds of Cathedral City: Billy Joel Tribute
Nov 17 at Cathedral City Community Amphitheater - Come From Away – presented by Dezart Performs
Nov 18–Dec 6 at Dezart Playhouse - McCormick’s Palm Springs Collector Car Auction #81
Fri.–Sun. Nov 20–22 at the Palm Springs Convention Center - Latitude 61 Out & About
Sat. Nov 21 at Latitude 61 at Amado Rd and Hermosa Dr - Palm Springs Desert Winds Fall Concert
Sun. Nov 22 at 3 pm at the McCallum Theatre - Australia’s Thunder From Down Under
Mon. Nov 23 at 7 pm at the Plaza Theatre - The Who’s Tommy
Tue.–Sun. Nov 24–29 at the McCallum Theatre - The Wiz
Tue.–Sun. Dec 8–13 at the McCallum Theatre - Jingle, Jangle, Jazz Hands! – Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus
Fri.–Sun. Dec 11–13 at the Plaza Theatre - Modern Men: That Holiday Glow
Sat. & Sun. Dec 19 & 20
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: MODGIRL kicks things off on Friday, November 13 at 10 pm at The Red Barn in Palm Desert, then heads to Downtown Palm Springs Park for the Palm Springs Food & Wine Festival on Saturday and Sunday, November 14–15 at noon. On Sunday night at 8 pm MODGIRL joins the fun at Devotional: A Depeche Mode Tribute at Dune Room in Indio.
Here’s your chance to WIN PASSES to the Palm Springs Food & Wine Festival! (good for entry on Sunday only). Taking over Palm Springs Downtown Park, this world-class gastronomic celebration features unlimited bites from top regional restaurants, boutique winery flights, tented pavilions, and live cooking demonstrations from celebrity chefs. Don’t wait—this exclusive giveaway contest closes at noon Friday, so enter now: 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
Join the Sunny 106.5 Lucky Duck Club and get access to secret contests, sweet offers, surprises and more! This week, you can enter to WIN TICKETS to Jonas Brothers – The Burning Up Tour All Over Again on Tuesday, November 17 at 7:30 pm at Acrisure Arena – and ONE Lucky Duck will win FRONT ROW TICKETS! 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
The holidays are on the air! 92.1 MeTV FM has officially switched to its all-Christmas music format, delivering nonstop holiday favorites across the Coachella Valley through December 27. From timeless classics by Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra to modern hits from Mariah Carey and more, we are serving up the perfect soundtrack for the season. Tune in to 92.1 FM or stream online at 921MeTVFM.com and let the festive spirit follow you wherever you go.
- Coachella 2027 Lineup Announced: Dua Lipa, SZA, Tame Impala and Madonna
- Pride on the Page Celebrates Five Years of LGBTQ+ Stories with Expanded Festival, Free Books and New Website
- Palm Springs LGBTQ+ Study Reveals Strong Community and Ongoing Challenges
- Greater Palm Springs Pride 2026: 40th Anniversary Parade and Weekend Highlights
- Modernism Week 2027 Neighborhood Tours Showcase 25 Architectural Gems Across the Coachella Valley
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.
