Thirty five years ago we were in the throws of the AIDS epidemic. it was deep into its second decade and spreading with devastating, unchecked momentum. AIDS became the second leading cause of death for men aged 25-44, but would soon become the leading cause.
It was with that as a background that Streetbar opened in 1991. Our 35th celebration over the weekend was attended by at least one surviving patron of that bar that we could identify during our KGAY Out & About broadcast.
Through all the joy of celebrating that milestone is the reality that many early visitors to Streetbar did not live to see even the turn of the century.
That hit home as just prior to the broadcast, I attended the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Q+ Art initiatives talk The Real World: Queer Visibility and Cultural Change.
It was 1994 – three years into Streetbar’s existence – when Pedro Zamora came into our lives in MTV’s The Real World: San Francisco, which aired its season from June to November of that year. Early on, we learned of his living with AIDS and watched as he navigated the reality of his mortality.
Creator Jonathan Murray and cast member/author Judd Winick showed us a highlight reel bringing back a flood of memories from that time in our LGBTQ+ history. The discussion that followed by USC’s Karen Tongson reminded me that during that era, representation of gay men and AIDS was abysmal. Then came Pedro who was charming, well spoken and an AIDS educator. The pair discussed Pedro’s impact on the cast and crew. We held hope as the season evolved that Pedro would get better.
Pedro was extremely ill and fragile during the final episodes, having already left the San Francisco loft earlier in the season to return to Miami for medical care and to be with his family.
He was not able to return to the loft for the final episodes, but connected via phone and video check-ins. They served as a raw, real-time chronicle of the devastating reality of the AIDS epidemic. His passing occurred just one day after the season finished airing.
Palm Springs will finally unveil and dedicate our AIDS Memorial on World AIDS Day, December 1st. Artist Phillip K. Smith III has been working tirelessly on the project, and it is being installed in the Downtown Park.
I hope we have a sea of people attending the ceremony. Wouldn’t it be great to have the entire Downtown Park filled with us and our allies to help mark this important addition to public arts? Pedro and all those who died during the crisis will be, as the memorial reads, “Forever Remembered / Forever Loved / Forever Celebrated”.
P.S. You can still donate to the AIDS Memorial Foundation here.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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MON: Tramway Reopens + Snow Guessing Contest
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway reopens Monday, October 5 after its annual preventative maintenance closure, with trams running from 10 am to 8 pm and final descent at 9:30 pm, departing at least every 30 minutes. This year’s maintenance included rebuilding the carriage on cabin two, repainting interiors, and completing state‑permit testing and control‑system servicing. At the same time, the Tramway has launched its Annual Snow Guessing Contest, inviting participants to predict the first measurable inch of snow at Mountain Station—entries submitted by postcard, one date per card, with prizes for the first ten correct guesses. More info
TUE: SCUFF Queer Line Dancing
Learn the basics of line dancing in a welcoming, inclusive space at SCUFF Queer Line Dancing, held Tuesday, October 6 from 5:30–7 pm at ACE Hotel & Swim Club. This 90‑minute class breaks down each dance step so beginners and seasoned dancers alike can follow along. No partner or experience is required, and participants are encouraged to choose whichever dance role feels right for them. More info
TUE: Karaoke for a Kause
Head to Hunters Palm Springs on Tuesday, October 6 from 8–10 pm for Karaoke for a Kause, a lively night supporting the Transgender Health & Wellness Center. Guests can enjoy free appetizers while connecting with community members who champion Trans and Nonbinary individuals. The event also encourages attendees to sign up to walk with TH&WC and their 100‑foot Trans Pride Flag in the PS Pride Parade on Sunday, November 8. More info
WED: Lesbian & Queer Women’s Sapphic Coffee & Convo
On Wednesday, October 7 from 9:30–11 am, Lesbian & Queer Women’s Sapphic Coffee & Convo brings women together at Les Filles Coffee Shop for a relaxed morning meetup. This monthly gathering rotates through different coffee houses across the Coachella Valley, offering a welcoming space to chat, connect, and build community. Attendees can grab a drink, settle in, and enjoy meaningful conversation with new and familiar faces. More info
WED: 1st Wednesday Art Walk @ Backstreet Art District
Explore one of Palm Springs’ hidden gems during the 1st Wednesday Art Walk, happening Wednesday, October 7 from 5–7 pm at Backstreet Art District. Visitors can stroll through galleries, meet local artists, and peek into working studios tucked behind the exhibition spaces. With a mix of creative styles and mediums, the district offers an intimate look at the city’s vibrant arts community and a chance to chat directly with the artists about their work. More info
WED: Legendary Ladies / Legends in Concert®
Legendary Ladies / Legends in Concert® lights up Palm Springs Plaza Theatre on Wednesday, October 7 at 7 pm with tributes to Whitney Houston, Lady Gaga, Cher, and Tina Turner. Presented in association with the Human Rights Campaign, this one‑night‑only concert blends pop, rock, and soulful ballads into a showcase featuring world‑class tribute artists, dazzling costumes, and dynamic choreography. A portion of ticket proceeds supports HRC, making the evening both entertaining and impactful. More info
THU–SUN: Joshua Tree Music Festival
The Joshua Tree Music Festival’s Fall Edition runs from Thursday–Sunday, October 8–11, offering four days and nights of live music, movement, mindfulness, and desert magic. Held at Joshua Tree Lake Campground, the festival features artists including Cure for Paranoia, Ácido Pantera, The Breaks, Southern Avenue, Elias Alexander, Jimetta Rose and the VOC, and Future Joy. With three rotating stages, over 100 playshops, Kidsville, visual art, and the Healing Oasis, this community‑centric event delivers a continuous, family‑friendly experience. More info
THU–SUN: People
Opening Thursday, October 8 from 4–7 pm, People at Impell Gallery presents four artists—Barbara Griffin, Richard Fox, Karen Stein, and Jody Levinson—each exploring unique interpretations of people through different mediums. The exhibition continues Saturday, October 10 from 2–6 pm with a reception, and Sunday, October 11 from 2–4 pm. Located at The Lofts Art District, the show offers a whimsical and unexpected look at how artists see and portray human subjects. More info
THU: Mizell Concert Series: Patrice Morris
The Mizell Center launches its new concert series on Thursday, October 8 from 5:30–7:30 pm with acclaimed vocalist Patrice Morris, formerly of The 5th Dimension. Her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence bring jazz, pop, and contemporary favorites to life, making her an ideal artist to inaugurate the series. More info
FRI–SUN at The Purple Room : Anthony Nunziata, The Judy Show!
At the Purple Room, Anthony Nunziata: Romance from Italy to Broadway takes the stage Friday and Saturday, October 9 and 10, with dinner at 6 pm and show at 8 pm. Nunziata blends Italian arias, Broadway drama, jazz standards, and original songs into an inspiring concert filled with soaring vocals and heartfelt storytelling. A classically trained singer and entertainer, he brings humor, emotion, and undeniable charm to every performance. On Sunday, October 11, The Judy Show! lights up the Purple Room with dinner at 5 pm and show at 7 pm. Michael Holmes channels Judy Garland in a high‑camp, comedic musical tribute featuring glamorous costumes, razor‑sharp wit, and surprise appearances from icons like Carol Channing, Mae West, Bette Davis, and more. More info
OPENS FRI: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof runs October 9–24, presented by THE BENT. Tennessee Williams’ Pulitzer Prize‑winning masterpiece holds deep significance for LGBTQ+ audiences, exploring repressed homosexuality, internalized homophobia, and the destructive nature of the closet. This production highlights the hidden desire between Brick and Skipper, offering a fresh interpretation of Williams’ groundbreaking work. More info
OPENS FRI: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat runs October 9–18 at Palm Canyon Theatre, bringing Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s beloved musical to life with humor, heart, and choreography. This family‑friendly production celebrates resilience, forgiveness, and the power of dreams through colorful characters and a score that has charmed audiences for decades. More info
SAT-SUN: Head Trip Festival
On Saturday & Sunday, October 10 & 11, the Empire Polo Club hosts Head Trip, an all‑day electronic music festival produced by Goldenvoice. The inaugural lineup features major artists including Calvin Harris, Swedish House Mafia, Fisher + Chris Lake, Dom Dolla b2b Kettama, Peggy Gou b2b Four Tet, and Seth Troxler b2b Ben Sterling. With top‑tier talent and a massive festival setting, Head Trip marks a bold new addition to the desert’s music landscape. More info
SAT: Mx. Pineapple Cabaret
The 6th annual Mx. Pineapple Cabaret returns Saturday, October 10 from 7–10 pm at Oscar’s Downtown Palm Springs. Hosted by Sister Roma and Ana Foxxx, with music by Chi Chi LaRue, the night features performances by Brian Justin Crum, Ethylina Canne, Vanity Halston, Pippi Lovestocking, and surprise guests. General admission is free, and proceeds from reserved seating support Pineapple Support, providing free mental‑health services for online adult industry workers—over 70% of whom identify as LGBTQ. More info
SUN: Pineapple P*rn Disco T‑Dance and Pool Party
The Sonoran Palm Springs turns up the heat on Sunday, October 11 from 1–6 pm with the Pineapple P*rn Disco T‑Dance and Pool Party, a fundraiser supporting Pineapple Support and its mental‑health services for members of the adult industry. Presented by Falcon | NakedSword and Mr. Man, the afternoon brings a soaked disco vibe with beats by MODGIRL and appearances from stars including Ryan Orion, Zac Barrett, Heath Halo, Sean Xavier, Paolo Bruni, and Trenton Ducati. More info
SUN: Burgers, Boys & Brews Sunday BBQ
Every Sunday at 2:30–4:30 pm, The Social Cafe & Lounge hosts Burgers, Boys & Brews, a backyard‑style cookout featuring fresh‑grilled burgers, hot dogs, sides, bottomless mimosas, bottomless draft beer, and live male entertainment. Come for great music, cold drinks, and a lively crowd ready for a fun, all‑inclusive brunch experience. More info
SUN: Books, Films and Then Some
On Sunday, October 11 from 3–7 pm, the Palm Springs Cultural Center presents Books, Films and Then Some, a two‑part event recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month and National Dwarfism Advocacy Month. At 3 pm, memoirist Emily Rapp Black joins Corey Roskin for a conversation about her newest book, I Would Die If I Were You, followed by a craft activity. At 6 pm, screenings of Veronica and Buttinskis lead into a panel with Selene Luna, Taryn Manning, John T. Stapleton, and Christophe Zajac‑Denek. More info
SUN: The Rocky Horror Picture Show Original Cast Spooktacular
On Sunday, October 11 from 7:30–9:30 pm, Palm Springs Plaza Theatre hosts The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Film) / Original Cast Spooktacular with Nell Campbell. Fans can enjoy a new 4K restoration, live shadow cast, audience participation, and a costume contest. VIP ticket holders meet Nell Campbell—Columbia herself—for photos and autographs, with doors opening at 6 pm. It’s a spirited, interactive celebration of a cult classic. 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
- Hot Spot Bingo • Comedians Deven and Ned host a lively mobile bingo party filled with music, humor, and prizes on Monday from 7–8:30 pm in the Cascade Lounge at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs. Guests can play along on their phones!
- Charged Stillness Exhibition • Local artist Tina Roy showcases vivid paintings reflecting the beauty, drama, and delicate ecosystems of the wild desert from through October 29 at Rubine Red Gallery.
- Queer Colon Collective • Colorectal cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers can connect for peer support and education on Tuesday from 5–6 pm online. This biweekly gathering provides a safe, inclusive virtual space for LGBTQ+ individuals to share experiences and build community around health awareness.
- Jeopardy! Bar League at Palm Springs Surf Club • Test your knowledge in an official quiz competition on Wednesday from 7–9 pm at The Palm Springs Surf Club. Teams can climb national leaderboards while enjoying food specials, drink deals, weekly prizes, and giveaways.
- Thursday Night – VillageFest • Locals and visitors stroll through a lively street fair featuring local artisans, food vendors, and live entertainment on Thursday from 6–10 pm along Palm Canyon Drive.
- A Queer Arcana: Art, Magic, and Spirit • An intergenerational group of artists explores esoteric knowledge, witchcraft, and spiritual traditions in a compelling exhibit on view through October 18 at Palm Springs Art Museum.
- Hush-Hush: Vintage Halloween Variety Show of the Highest Class and Caliber • Vocalist Bobbi DeCarlo leads a haunting midcentury revue filled with swing music, comedy, and burlesque on Friday from 7–8:30 pm at Spirit Animal inside Hotel Zoso.
- Billy L’Amour & The Love Notes • Cabaret artist Billy L’Amour and The Love Notes honor music icons who died at age 27 on Friday from 7–9 pm at Spirit Animal inside Hotel Zoso. This cabaret performance reimagines hits from Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and Amy Winehouse.
- Hitchcock Retrospective: Psycho (1960) • Film lovers can view director Alfred Hitchcock’s cinematic horror masterpiece starring Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, and Vera Miles on Friday from 7–10 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center.
- Brit Floyd – The Moon, The Wall, and Beyond • Musical director Damian Darlington leads this tribute band in replicating Pink Floyd’s soundscapes and laser displays on Friday from 8–11 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa.
- Paint El Paseo Pink • Community supporters unite to raise funds for the Desert Cancer Foundation during an inspirational walk on Saturday at 7:30 am along El Paseo.
- 10th Annual Memorial Ride & Rally • Community members gather to honor fallen officers Lesley Zerebny and Gil Vega with a memorial ceremony and country music tribute on Saturday at 10 am in Downtown Palm Springs Park. The gathering features a police-escorted motorcycle ride, food trucks, and a beer garden.
- Palm Springs Modern Committee Architectural Preservation Awards • Recognize achievements in midcentury desert modernism preservation on Saturday from 6–9 pm at Palm Springs Art Museum.
- Burtonlesque: A Tim Burton Experience • Dance troupe Dirty Little Secrets performs a darkly whimsical burlesque tribute inspired by filmmaker Tim Burton on Saturday from 6–9 pm at Spirit Animal inside Hotel Zoso. Guests will enjoy gothic glamour, campy characters, and dark humor in this adult variety show.
- Unbuttoned: A Boylesque Social Experience • Dancer Michael Silas, former performer for Lady Gaga, presents a bold boylesque performance on Saturday from 7–8:30 pm at The Social Cafe & Lounge.
- Dance Ranch / Country Dance Saturdays • Instructor Rob Ollander-Krane teaches a beginner two-step lesson before open country-western dancing on Saturday from 7–9:30 pm at Step by Step Dance Studio.
- Bylines Film Series: The Insider • The true-story journalism drama screening is followed by a panel discussion on Sunday from 3–5:30 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center. Presented by the Coachella Valley Journalism Foundation, the film explores whistleblowing and corporate ethics.
Join the Oasis Insiders to get our twice-weekly newsletter with our Top Things to Do!
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!
- 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 - Burgers, Boys & Brews Sunday BBQ
Sundays from 2:30–4:30 pm at The Social Cafe & Lounge - 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 - Naked Yoga | By the Legendary Photographer Michael Childers
Fri.–Sun. Oct 23–25 at Stephen Baumbach Gallery - 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 - 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: MODGIRL brings her energy to two big Palm Springs sets this weekend, starting Friday, October 9 at 7 pm with Lola After Dark at Lola Rose Grand Mezze, where her late‑night grooves set the tone. She’s back on Sunday, October 11 at 1 pm for the P*rn Disco Tea Dance Pool Party at The Sonoran Palm Springs, delivering sun‑soaked beats and high‑vibe momentum to one of the weekend’s splashiest events.
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.
