I was attempting to find a way to write about the opening of The Eagle bar in Cathedral City, La Bola Negra film and the upcoming election into one blog. As I awoke this morning from a night of fitful dreams about this very subject, it hit me:
These are the times that try men’s souls. The quote comes from the opening line of The American Crisis, a series of patriotic pamphlets written during the American Revolutionary War by Thomas Pain in 1776.
First and foremost, our election is just days away and the headlines are hopeful that the democrats may take one or both chambers of Congress. Trump is brooding in the White House, and bizarrely talking about the anatomy of Sen. Jon Husted, whose ass may be hard but his poll numbers are soft.
Those of us who pay attention are biting our nails and hoping that the polls are correct this time. There have been so many odd incidents that the theory of an October surprise seems to have given way to an avalanche of revalations that we have become numb to.
Then there’s the beautifully shot La Bola Negra film that opened in Palm Springs on Thursday night. I’m still in awe of this cinematic masterpiece that is so complicated as to deserve a second viewing — before it comes out on streaming. The film weaves three generations of gay men from the Spanish Civil War to modern day. It takes concentration and you almost need a scorecard to keep track, but it helps to read the synopsis and see the trailer a few times (with some good eye candy included!)
You may remember that Fresh Air’s Tanya Mosley was the keynoter for the Coachella Valley Media Hall of Fame luncheon last year. She interviewed the directors — dueling Javiers — who tell her, “Filmmaking is ‘our weapon against intolerance.'”
Last, but not least, The Eagle Bar opened last evening as VIPs ducked under scaffolding while the finishing touches were still being applied. If you drove by the storied building in Cathedral City over the last number of months, you saw lots of trucks and workmen. It appeared that they weren’t going to hit the mark to be open for Leather Pride.
But Phillip and Jeremy Nalwalker proved everyone wrong and have transformed the space formerly known as the Barracks into a sleek, welcoming space. We’re glad to have them in the Gayborhood and look forward to many of the signature events that were once held at the previous iteration. Their souls were certainly tried by finances and delays. But it was well worth the wait.
So there, all tied up in a nice little blog bow I was able to report on the top things on my mind this weekend.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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Halloween Palm Springs 2026
Downtown costumed revelers gather for Halloween Palm Springs 2026, taking over the Arenas District on Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31 from 4–10 pm. This massive two-night street party offers live music, dancing stages, and a VIP Lounge. Friday’s lineup features sets by DJ K-Swift, Meaty Beats by Juan, MODGIRL, and DJ Jeffree. Saturday brings a performance from singer-producer MkX, a costume contest at 7:30 pm, and headline sets by legendary R&B group KLYMAXX. Suggested donations support local charities including DAP Health, Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus, Greater Palm Springs Pride, and the LGBTQ+ Community Center. More info
Palm Springs Leather Pride: Valhalla
Leather vikings and valkyries gather for Palm Springs Leather Pride: Valhalla, hosting a community celebration across Palm Springs all weekend. Presented by The Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert, this multi-day festival highlights kink, fetish, and leather culture with inclusive programming. Festivities include clothing-optional Plunge pool parties at CCBC, BDSM skill labs, pup play, Dark Alley Marketplace, cigar social, BATE party, Eisenhower Health speaker series, and the Mr. Palm Springs Leather 2027 Contest. See our event listing for a detailed schedule: More info
FRI–SUN: Halloween Weekend at Toucans Tiki Lounge
Halloween Weekend at Toucans Tiki Lounge kicks off on Friday, October 30 with “FREAKQNCY,” hosted by Athena Kills and featuring show-stopping drag performances by Aria S Williams and Mayday at 8 pm and 10 pm. On Saturday, October 31, dance the night away at the free 80s vs 90s Halloween Party with a costume contest and beats by MODGIRL. Visiting NYC comedian Jack Sullivan wraps up the fun on Sunday, November 1 at 7 pm and 9 pm with his solo comedy show, “Leather and Loads.” More info
& Juliet
Experience a hilarious and empowering theatrical twist on Shakespeare’s legendary love story with & Juliet at McCallum Theatre from Tuesday–Sunday, October 27–November 1. This Broadway sensation asks what might happen if Juliet chose a second chance at life and romance instead of her tragic ending. Packed with pop icon Max Martin’s chart-topping anthems, including “Since U Been Gone” and “Roar,” the romantic comedy delivers a high-energy stage spectacle full of joy and unforgettable musical moments. More info
La Bola Negra
Acclaimed international cinema arrives onscreen as La Bola Negra premieres at Festival Theaters on Friday, October 30 at 7 pm. Winner of the Toronto International Film Festival People’s Choice Award and Best Director at Cannes, this sweeping drama stars Guitarricadelafuente and Carlos Gonzáles alongside screen icons Penélope Cruz and Glenn Close. Spanning three distinct eras—Republican Spain in 1932, the Spanish Civil War in 1937, and modern Spain in 2017—the narrative traces interconnected lives centered on three young men whose political and emotional choices echo across generations. More info
The B-52s & DEVO: Cosmic De-Evolution Tour
Two iconic new-wave powerhouses join forces for a spectacular Halloween concert when The B-52s & DEVO: Cosmic De-Evolution Tour hits Acrisure Arena on Saturday, October 31 at 7 pm. Featuring special guest DJ Cummerbund providing signature mashups, this art-driven double bill brings legendary hits, theatrical visual production, and retro energy to the desert. More info
Scoop Ice Cream Festival
Sweet treats meet community fundraising as the 2nd Annual Scoop Ice Cream Festival gathers at Palm Springs Downtown Park on Sunday, November 1 from 12–4 pm. Local artisans, gelaterias, and paleta makers from across the Coachella Valley will serve signature frozen creations throughout the afternoon. All proceeds from the annual gathering directly benefit the LGBTQ Center’s Community Food Bank, making it a delicious way to give back to neighbors in need while enjoying top-tier local desserts. 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 October 28–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, and chilling truths. Audiences will experience biting humor, unexpected revelations, and a timely examination of civic hypocrisy that resonates deeply with contemporary politics. More info
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors
Gothic horror meets fast-paced farce in Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, running at Revolution Stage Company through Sunday, November 1 (special added performance). This gender-bending stage parody blends classic monster lore with Monty Python-esque physical humor. The plot follows a meek British real estate agent who accepts a wealthy new client, only to discover he is an ancient, bloodthirsty vampire. Complications multiply quickly when the creature sets his sights on the agent’s fiancée, forcing three clever women to take charge and halt the bloody mayhem. Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh calls the production “A wildly entertaining theatrical experience… a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud comedy.” Read his full review and Get tickets
This Weekend at The Purple Room
On Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31, globe-trotting powerhouse Meghan Murphy presents The Big Red Show! with dinner at 6 pm and show at 8 pm, channeling Jessica Rabbit and Bette Midler with belt-busting vocals from Broadway to Beyoncé. Then on Sunday, November 1, celebrated entertainer Michael Holmes hosts The Judy Show! with dinner at 5 pm and show at 7 pm, delivering hilarious camp parodies of Judy Garland alongside Golden Age icons accompanied by Joel Baker on keys. More info
Sordid Lives
Southern eccentricities and family chaos take center stage in Sordid Lives at Palm Canyon Theatre from October 30–November 15. Written by Del Shores, this beloved cult-classic dark comedy follows a colorful Texas clan assembling after the absurdly unexpected death of their family matriarch. As relatives converge, long-held secrets emerge alongside outrageous personalities, sharp hilarity, and heartfelt reflections on acceptance and redemption. More info
Dog & Cat Food Drive
The Dog & Cat Food Drive Benefiting Palm Springs Animal Shelter takes place on Friday, October 30 from 1–3 pm. Hosted in the Community Room at Palm Springs Animal Shelter, neighbors can drop off unopened wet or dry pet food, clean gently used towels, blankets, and monetary donations to help keep shelter animals comfortable, warm, and well-fed. Guests are invited to enjoy light bites, refreshing drinks, and meet adoptable dogs and cats during their visit. More info
Dog Days: Pups & Pumpkins and Howl-O-Ween
Celebrate spooky season at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens during a festive two-day Halloween lineup. The festivities kick off with the first-ever Halloween edition of Dog Days: Pups & Pumpkins on Friday, October 30 from 9 am–12 pm, where dogs and their humans can trick-or-treat through the grounds and join a 10 am costume parade led by Mayor Max followed by a costume contest. The fun continues as the annual Howl-O-Ween returns on Saturday, October 31 from 9 am–1 pm, offering pop-up surprises, face painting, fall photo ops, keeper connections, and limited-edition animal trading cards alongside 600+ resident animals.
Ladies of Rock Festival
Groundbreaking female rockers take the stage during the Ladies of Rock Festival, performing at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa on Saturday, October 31 from 6–10 pm. Doors open at 5 pm as platinum guitarist Orianthi kicks off the evening, followed by glam metal favorites Vixen and former Runaways lead guitarist Lita Ford. More info
Pride: ’26 Edition
Explore fine art interpretations of the male form at Pride: ’26 Edition, displaying at Rubine Red Gallery from November 1–15. Featuring four interconnected collections by artist Troy Schooneman, the exhibition combines classical references, photography, constructed imagery, and imagined artifacts. Visitors will experience a contemporary lens on fine art nudes that examines memory, identity, and physical aesthetics across centuries of artistic tradition. More info
Burgers, Boys & Brews Sunday BBQ
Wrap up the weekend with a sizzling poolside-style cookout during Burgers, Boys & Brews Sunday BBQ, hosted at The Social Cafe & Lounge on Sunday, November 1 from 2:30–4:30 pm. This all-inclusive Sunday afternoon gathering combines backyard grill favorites with upbeat music and high-energy live male entertainment. Guests can feast on hot-off-the-grill burgers, dogs, and savory sides while sipping bottomless draft beers and bottomless mimosas. Designed as the ultimate social brunch party, the weekly event offers a fun, welcoming atmosphere for friends to eat, drink, and socialize before the new work week begins. More info
Daylight Saving Time Ends
As you enjoy an extra hour of sleep this weekend, don’t forget to turn your clocks back one hour before bed on Saturday night. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 1 at 2:00 am, meaning brighter mornings and earlier sunsets. It’s also a great reminder to check and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Dance Ranch / Country Dance Saturdays • Instructor Lise Baadh leads a beginner Two-Step lesson during a lively evening of country-western dancing at Step by Step Dance Studio on Saturday from 7–9:30 pm. Dancers of all skill levels can participate in two-step, waltz, shadow, swing, and line dances throughout the night.
- Unbuttoned: A Boylesque Social Experience • Star performer Michael Silas delivers an intimate boylesque showcase blending dance, personal storytelling, and comedy at The Social Cafe & Lounge on Saturday from 7–8:30 pm.
- Día de los Muertos Celebration • Community members gather to honor ancestral traditions during a festive cultural event at Demuth Community Center on Sunday from 10 am–1 pm. The seasonal gathering features traditional decorations, vibrant music, and family-friendly activities celebrating life and memory.
- 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.
Bookmark This: Gay Desert Guide Pride Planner
Getting ready for Palm Springs Pride next week? Our Pride Planner 2026 is your one-stop resource for parade details, stage guides, dining recommendations, weekend schedules, FAQs, and more as Palm Springs celebrates 40 years of Pride. Check it out and start planning!
Preview: Limited-Edition Pride Tees
Next weekend, celebrate Palm Springs Pride and support a meaningful cause with KGAY 103.1’s Threads for Hope fundraiser. Starting Friday, November 6 at 3 pm, stop by the KGAY 103.1 booth on Arenas Road to grab a limited-edition 40th Anniversary Pride T-shirt with a $20 donation, with all proceeds benefiting the Palm Springs AIDS Memorial (while supplies last!). While you’re there, enter to win the Ultimate Palm Springs Getaway Package featuring a two-night stay at Hotel Zoso, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway passes, and $500 in dining and shopping gift cards.
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 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!
- Halloween Palm Springs 2026
Fri. & Sat. Oct 30 & 31 in the Arenas District - PS Leather Pride | 2026 Valhalla
Oct 29–Nov 1 at Hotel Zoso, CCBC, Dick’s, The Eagle, Toolshed - La Bola Negra
Starting Oct 30 at Festival Theaters - Halloween Weekend at Toucans Tiki Lounge
Fri. & Sat. Oct 30 & 31 - Scoop Ice Cream Festival
Sun. Nov 1 from 12–4 pm at Downtown Palm Springs Park - & Juliet
Tue.–Sun. Oct 27–Nov 1 at McCallum Theatre - The Minutes
Oct 28–Nov 15 at CVRep - Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors
Oct 15–Nov 1 at Revolution Stage Company - 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. - Taste & Sounds of Cathedral City: Fall Edition
Nov 3, 10, 17, 24 and Dec 1 at Cathedral City Community Amphitheater - Arenas District Walkabout — Palm Springs Pride 2026 Kickoff
Thu. Nov 5 at 6 pm in the Arenas District - Rita Moreno
Thu. Nov 5 at 7 pm at the McCallum Theatre - Magic Rocks! – Illusionist Leon Etienne
Thu. Nov 5 at 8 pm at The Show - 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 (Sold out)
Sat. Nov 7 from 1:30–4:30 pm at the Dinah Shore Estate - Coachella Valley Home Show
Fri.–Sun. Nov 13–15 at Riverside County Fairgrounds - Perez Art District: 4th Friday and 2nd Saturday Art Walk
Sat. Nov 14 from 11 am–3 pm - 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 - Palm Springs Desert Winds Fall Concert
Sun. Nov 22 at 3 pm at the McCallum Theatre
Welcome Fashion Fix! We’re thrilled to have your unique, inclusive style and fabulous fashion for every body, every identity, and every generation as part of our Coachella Valley community! 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 Week: DJ Galaxy takes the turntables on Friday, October 30 for Fur Fridays at Hunters Nightclub as part of the Palm Springs Halloween Kick-Off. MODGIRL will be spinning both Friday and Saturday nights at Halloween Palm Springs beginning at 7 pm, plus the Cosmic De-Evolution Tour pre-party at Acrisure Arena on Saturday at 5 pm before the B-52’s and Devo take the stage. Then on Sunday at 1 pm, she’s at the SCOOP Palm Springs ice cream celebration at Downtown Palm Springs Park.
WIN TICKETS courtesy of KGAY 103.1 to a special advance screening of Club Kid on Thursday, November 5 at 7 pm at Festival Theaters. Presented in partnership with Festival Theaters and A24, this invitation-only event gives local movie lovers an exclusive early look at Jordan Firstman’s acclaimed feature debut before its wider release. Mixing sharp comedy, queer nightlife, and an unexpected journey into fatherhood, Club Kid has already earned attention with screenings at Cannes and the New York Film Festival. 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 weekend, you can enter to WIN TICKETS to Andy Grammer at the McCallum Theatre on Monday, November 30 at 7 pm! 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.
- Restaurant News Bites: Food Festivals, Openings and Dining Updates
- Coachella Valley Pride Hockey League Builds Community Through Inclusive Sports
- Rita Moreno Brings Eight Decades of Hollywood Stories to the McCallum Theatre
- Modernism Week 2027 Announces 500+ Architecture, Design and Home Tour Events
- Desert Hot Springs Expands Public Art Scene With New Landmark Murals
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.
