The sports they are a changin’. With apologies to Bob Dylan (whose concert at Acrisure was disappointing), the phrase describes how our valley is adapting to changing tastes in sports — both in participating and watching.
I’ve been learning about these changing trends and how they will positively affect tourism and our economy. When the LA Lakers announced a new Coachella Valley Lakers team as part of the NBA G League, it brought yet another sport to the area. There will be 24 regular season home games, with the Acrisure staff doing some quick changes between Firebirds ice and the wooden court for basketball.
This comes at a time when the Firebirds are facing challenges with ticket sales as the current administration raises costs for families on everything from fuel to food. We’re all feeling the pinch and it’s not helping that we pissed off Canadians, too.
On Thursday, Visit Greater Palm Springs brought together many of the region’s biggest sporting events organizers at Acrisure for a dog and pony show. We know well how the BNP Paribas Open brings people and money to the valley, but new this year is the WTA Finals in November. The top 8 women of tennis will start on Pride Sunday, November 8th and be in town through the 15th, with the winner taking away one of the most prestigious trophies in tennis.
Greater Palm Springs used to be known for its golf tournaments. The LPGA Dinah Shore put us on the sports map long before the Indian Wells Tennis Gardens. And lesbians flocked here for a concurrent “The Dinah”. Both have gone through major changes with the golf tournament relocating to Texas and new promoters for The Dinah.
So while golf courses are turning into nature preserves, we are now trying to make the desert into a surfing destination? Counter-intuitive, I know. But the new Palm Desert DSRT Surf will host the ISA World Para Surfing Championship. Who knew?
Then there’s the proliferation of Pickleball, a favorite past time of our former police chief Andy Mills. It’s been growing for both participants and in drawing tournaments here. A major turning point occurred when the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) partnered with Desert Champions to move the decade-old National Championships tournament to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, bringing thousands of players and national broadcast attention.
And lest we forget there are the LGBTQ+ specific sports tournaments that come to the valley each year — from tennis to softball and hockey. There’s no doubt that the valley is changing with the times and drawing in new audiences that help contribute to our tourism economy. Game on!
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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Palm Springs Pride Equality Walk
Show your pride and support community equality at the Palm Springs Pride Equality Walk on Saturday, October 17. Gathering in the historic Arenas District with an official kickoff at 8:30 am, this inspiring community walk leads participants through downtown Palm Springs before returning to Arenas Road for a festive celebration with music, food, and drinks. The morning will also feature the City of Palm Springs’ proclamation of Palm Springs Desert Winds Day, honoring the Palm Springs Desert Winds Symphonic Band and its 25th Anniversary Season with a free performance by the PSDW Pop Band. The annual walk champions LGBTQ+ visibility and helps keep the upcoming November Pride Festival free and accessible to all. More info
Modernism Week – October
Midcentury architecture and design take center stage as Modernism Week – October returns October 15–18 with an expansive lineup featuring over 50 tours, talks, parties, and design-driven experiences. Highlights of this four-day festival include the Fall Dining Series, Modernism Week After Dark social events, and premier double-decker architectural bus tours. Attendees can also enjoy exclusive home tours, a new Palm Springs Aerial Tramway excursion, and a celebrity homes tour hosted by Bella da Ball. Many activities are free or low-cost, offering midcentury enthusiasts endless opportunities to celebrate iconic desert style at various venues across Palm Springs. More info
Randy Rainbow
Viral satirist and Emmy-nominated comedian Randy Rainbow brings his razor-sharp musical comedy to the McCallum Theatre on Saturday, October 17 at 8 pm and Sunday, October 18 at 7 pm. Performing live, Rainbow skewers current events, pop culture, and politics through glittering Broadway-style song parodies. Known worldwide for his hit web series and best-selling albums featuring collaborations with Marc Shaiman and Alan Menken, his show blends musical theater flair with hilarious stand-up comedy. More info
Center Stage 2026
Celebrate unity and community impact at The Center’s 2026 Center Stage gala on Friday, October 16 from 5:30–10 pm at the Palm Springs Air Museum. This powerful evening supports the essential, life-saving work of the Coachella Valley LGBTQ+ Community Center, with 100% of proceeds directly funding local programs. The event proudly honors the founders of The L-Fund—Betty Berrysmith, Barbara Carpenter, Ruth Debra, Sharon Siegel, and Kate Ullman—with the 2026 Legacy Award for their groundbreaking dedication to empowering cisgender, transgender, and queer lesbians. More info
Casual Concours – Swinging 60s on Route 66
Automotive enthusiasts can admire more than 170 classic automobiles at the 38th annual Casual Concours – Swinging 60s on Route 66 on Saturday, October 17 from 9 am–2 pm. Hosted by Great Autos of Yesteryear at Mission Hills Country Club, this year’s charity car show celebrates iconic 1960s vehicles and the 100th anniversary of Route 66. Guests can view vintage models ranging from the 1930s through the 2000s, enjoy free parking, and purchase lunch at the clubhouse. Proceeds benefit The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert and Safe Schools Desert Cities. More info
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors
Get ready for a hilarious, bloodthirsty night of entertainment as Revolution Stage Company kicks off its fourth season with Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors. Running October 15–31, this fast-paced, 90-minute gender-bending stage farce combines gothic horror with Python-esque humor. The story follows a meek British realtor who takes on a terrifying vampire client whose deep pockets are irresistible and whose attraction to his fiancée is concerning. Three women must navigate the chaos to stop the carnage in this dangerously sexy production. More info
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
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
Desert X Pops Up
Join Desert X for the opening session of the Parker Sessions series on Friday, October 16 from 6:30–8:30 pm at Parker Palm Springs. The evening features board member and contemporary artist Nicholas Galanin in conversation with art collector Nancy Magoon, moderated by Artforum editor Bryan Barcena. Following the discussion, Nicholas Galanin performs live with his indie pop and electronic project, Ya Tseen, blending indigenous perspectives with contemporary soundscapes. Ticket proceeds benefit Desert X’s upcoming 10th anniversary celebration. Optional VIP tickets include an exclusive dinner hosted by leadership. More info
Shoshana Bean
Broadway star and Tony and Grammy Award winner Shoshana Bean graces the stage at McCallum Theatre on Friday, October 16 at 8 pm. Known for powerhouse roles in Broadway hits like Wicked, Hell’s Kitchen, Mr. Saturday Night, and Waitress, she brings her astounding vocal range and chart-topping artistry to Palm Desert. Audiences will be treated to a sensational concert featuring Broadway classics, jazz favorites, and soulful melodies from her Billboard #1 albums. More info
Chris Isaak
Singer, songwriter, and actor Chris Isaak brings his signature blend of rock ’n’ roll, smooth romance, and cinematic style to Rancho Mirage on Friday, October 16 at 8 pm. Performing at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, the GRAMMY-nominated icon delivers a hit-filled set featuring multi-platinum favorites like “Wicked Game” alongside timeless tracks from his four-decade career. More info
Black Market Trust & Elvis: The Early Years
Enjoy world-class dining and live entertainment from Friday–Sunday, October 16–18 at The Purple Room Supper Club. On Friday and Saturday, October 16–17, vocal jazz quintet Black Market Trust returns with their high-energy blend of American crooner classics and Gypsy jazz guitar. Then on Sunday, October 18, it’s the return of Elvis: The Early Years, featuring Scot Bruce and his award-winning band. More info
No Kings Rally: Vote Early
Make your voice heard at one of five Coachella Valley locations participating in the No Kings – Vote Early! Rally on Saturday, October 17. Community members are invited to gather throughout the morning for peaceful civic engagement and solidarity. Whether you attend at Palm Springs City Hall, Smoketree, Cathedral City Hall, Monterey Avenue and Highway 111 in Palm Desert, or the Indio rally location, there are several opportunities to participate and encourage early voting.
- Palm Springs City Hall: 9 am–Noon
- Palm Springs Smoketree: 9–11 am
- Cathedral City Hall: 9–10:30 am
- Palm Desert (Monterey & Highway 111): 9–10 am
- Indio: 9–10 am
Bea Arthur: The Documentary – “I’ve Done Everything Except Porn”
Discover the remarkable life and career of a television and stage legend during a special encore film screening at the Palm Springs Cultural Center on Saturday, October 17 at 7 pm. Bea Arthur: The Documentary – “I’ve Done Everything Except Porn” features a never-before-seen interview with Bea Arthur herself, offering an intimate self-portrait alongside reflections from famous friends and colleagues. More info
Dolly – The Legacy Tour
Enjoy an evening of sparkling country music, humor, and classic hits when Dolly – The Legacy Tour comes to Rancho Mirage on Saturday, October 17 from 8–10 pm. Taking the stage at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage, acclaimed tribute artist Rhonda Medina captures the charm, warmth, and iconic vocals of Dolly Parton. With three decades of professional performance experience, Medina delivers heartfelt renditions of country favorites. Admission to this special tribute performance is completely free with general admission seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. More info
Journey On: Songs of Travel & Self Discovery
Embark on an inspiring musical voyage with Journey On: Songs of Travel & Self Discovery on Sunday, October 18 from 3–4:30 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Cabaret vocalist Bill Spera hosts an intimate afternoon concert exploring the thrill of new adventures and personal growth through song. He is joined by special guests Kevin Casey, Keith M. Cornell, Mark Duebner, Kim Schroeder Long, and Gene Strange, with musical direction by Chip Prince, Dominique Torres on drums, and Denise Briese on bass. More info
10,000 Maniacs
Legendary alternative rock group 10,000 Maniacs takes the stage on Sunday, October 18 from 7–10 pm for a career-spanning concert at the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre. The band celebrates 45 years of poetic songwriting, lush melodies, and folk-rock classics including “These Are Days,” “Like the Weather,” and “Because the Night.” Lead singer Mary Ramsey performs alongside founding members Jerome Augustyniak, John Lombardo, Dennis Drew, and Steven Gustafson, plus guitarist Ben Medina. More info
Burgers, Boys & Brews Sunday BBQ
Every Sunday from 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
Native Painting, Ritual and Resilience in the 20th Century
The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum has unveiled A Beauty That Endures, a sweeping new exhibition curated by Tony Abeyta (Diné/Navajo) featuring more than 50 masterworks of 20th‑century American Indian painting. Spanning tribal traditions and artistic lineages shaped by boarding schools and mission institutions, the show highlights the resilience, innovation, and cultural continuity expressed through Native painters across the century. 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
- Second Annual La Quinta Fall Festival • Families can celebrate autumn with live music, children’s activities, face painting, and local food trucks on Friday from 4:30–8:30 pm at La Quinta Park.
- 1966! Time Capsule – Music Variety Show • Vocalist Tod Macofsky and The Gand Band perform a sing-along musical showcase on Friday from 7–8:30 pm at Spirit Animal at Hotel Zoso.
- Palm Springs Modernism Show • Design lovers and collectors can discover top-tier midcentury furniture, decorative arts, lighting, and contemporary creations from Friday–Sunday at Palm Springs Convention Center.
- Palm Springs Tram Road Challenge • Runners and walkers tackle a 3.7-mile course ascending nearly 2,000 vertical feet on Saturday at Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
- Medicare Round Table • Insurance broker Charise Karjala leads an educational seminar answering health coverage questions on Saturday from 1–2:30 pm at her office in Palm Desert.
- Unbuttoned: A Boylesque Social Experience • Dancer Michael Silas, former performer for Lady Gaga, presents a bold boylesque show blending dance, storytelling, and comedy on Saturday from 7–8:30 pm at The Social Cafe & Lounge.
- Dance Ranch / Country Dance Saturdays • Dancers can enjoy two-step, waltz, swing, and line dancing on Saturday from 7–9:30 pm at Step by Step Dance Studio. The social evening begins with a Beginner Waltz lesson taught by Alicia Henneck.
- Indio Halloween Trunk or Treat Celebration • Families can celebrate Halloween with trunk-or-treating, bounce houses, face painting, and food trucks on Sunday from 9 am–12 pm at I-10 Auto Mall.
- Sips & Psychics • Guests can enjoy wine or coffee, delicious bites, and personal psychic readings on Sunday from 1–4 pm at Sottovoce Cafe. The fundraiser welcomes pets and supports the Coachella Valley Cat Club and Desert Paws Sanctuary.
- 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.
- 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.
Join the Oasis Insiders to get our twice-weekly newsletter with our Top Things to Do!
Ask a Gay Doc Episode 40: Online VS In Person HIV Testing
In Episode 40 of Ask a Gay Doc, KGAY’s John Taylor and Dr. Renzo Corzano of Desert Oasis Healthcare and Dr. Gregory Kaldanek of PSTest.org discuss the complexities of sexual health care, specifically comparing online services with in-person clinical care.
Dr. Renzo Corzano of Desert Oasis Healthcare and KGAY 103.1’s John Taylor answer your health-related questions in the Ask A Gay Doc series, sponsored by Desert Oasis Healthcare. Send your questions to LGBTQHealth@MyDOHC.com!
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!
- Modernism Week – October 2026
Oct 15–18 at various locations - The Center’s 2026 Center Stage
Fri. Oct 16 from 5:30–10 pm at the Palm Springs Air Museum - 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 - Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors
Oct 15–31 at Revolution Stage Company - 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 - Burgers, Boys & Brews Sunday BBQ
Sundays from 2:30–4:30 pm at The Social Cafe & Lounge - October at The Purple Room
Live Entertainment Tue-Thu, Dinner Shows Fri–Sun - October at the McCallum Theatre
Diverse world-class Broadway productions, music, dance, and comedy. - Naked Yoga | By the Legendary Photographer Michael Childers
Fri.–Sun. Oct 23–25 at Stephen Baumbach Gallery - Perez Art District: 4th Friday and 2nd Saturday Art Walk
Fri. Oct 23 from 4–7 pm - 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 - The Minutes
Oct 28–Nov 15 at CVRep - 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 - La Bola Negra
Starting Oct 30 at Festival Theaters - BARE – An Artistic Celebration of the Male Body
Thu. Nov 5 at 7:30 pm at the Plaza Theatre - 25th HRC Palm Springs Coachella Valley Garden Party
Sat. Nov 7 from 1:30–4:30 pm at the Dinah Shore Estate - 5th Annual Pride on the Page Book Festival
Sat. Nov 14 from 10 am–pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival
Nov 20–22 in Cathedral City and Rancho Mirage
Bongo Johnny’s offers great food, refreshing cocktails and a lively atmosphere, with breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and upstairs patio dining—perfect for relaxing with friends! 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
🎧 This Weekend: DJ Galaxy brings his signature fun‑forward vibe to Fur Fridays at Hunters Nightclub on Friday, Oct 16 from 4–9 pm, spins at the Great Autos Casual Concours at Mission Hills on Saturday, Oct 17, and closes the weekend strong at Oscar’s World Famous T‑Dance on Sunday, Oct 18 from 3–7 pm. Meanwhile, MODGIRL kicks things off on Friday, Oct 16 at 8 pm with Friday Night Fever in the Amigo Room at the ACE Hotel, then keeps the momentum going on Saturday, Oct 17 at 9 pm for Opening Night at Libation Room in Palm Desert.
WIN TICKETS to Calvin Harris!
KGAY 103.1 is turning up the excitement with your chance to WIN TICKETS to see Calvin Harris on his North America Tour, hitting the Kia Forum in Los Angeles on May 27, 2027. This is your shot to experience one of the world’s most influential DJs live, delivering the massive hits, dazzling production, and festival‑level atmosphere he’s known for. Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page
We would be truly honored by your nomination in the Desert Sun’s Best of Desert Community’s Choice Awards!
Radio Station-Local: KGAY 103.1
Radio Personality/Show: John Taylor
DJ-Event/Wedding: DJ Galaxy, Eric Ornelas, or MODGIRL
Thank you for your consideration! Nominate Today
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
We would be honored if you nominated Sunny in the Desert Sun’s Best of Desert Community’s Choice Awards! (Radio Station-Local: Sunny 106.5 FM and Radio Personality/Show, either EJ Tyler or Patrick Evans) Thank you for your consideration! Nominate Today
Join the Sunny 106.5 Lucky Duck Club and get access to secret contests, sweet offers, surprises and more! 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.
- Palm Springs Desert Winds Day Celebrates Band’s 25th Anniversary and Pride Equality Walk
- Kataluna Enriquez Named Marsha P. Johnson Grand Marshal for 40th Anniversary Palm Springs Pride
- Coachella Valley Pride Hockey League Launches Inaugural LGBTQ+ Season
- Common Narratives in Indigenous Art: A Beauty That Endures at Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
- San Diego Pride Restructuring Signals New Chapter for LGBTQ+ Organization
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.
