The cat is out the bag: Alice B. is handing the reins over to Gertie permanently. You know I’m a Living Out resident and spokesperson, so I tend to know the inside scoop on what’s happening. While the announcement was released by Chef Susan and Mary Sue yesterday, it was in the works for some time.
In fact, Coachella Valley Independent food writer Charles Drabkin was in just last week to sample the new menu and talk with Living Out management about the permanent change. His column will appear soon with more clarification and a look at the changes under the new management.
I’ve known Susan and Mary Sue since my days in LA when they volunteered their time and food to Outfest each year. And I spent time with Susan as we recorded radio commercials for KGAY and did social media posts for Alice B. She had a vision that wasn’t always accessible to all. But creative differences are a thing in the culinary world just as they are in any creative endeavor.
It’s great to have recognition by the Michelin Guide, but making the space work for both residents of Living Out and the community was a challenge. There were only so many nights one could feast on Steak Diane. But it was a great experiment and there were many highlights including hosting Michelle Obama! Susan promises that there will be a Thanksgiving dinner-at-home offering, and they will still do catering under Border Grill.
The handoff to Gertie’s Salon & Bar has been seamless with most of the staff remaining. The live entertainment now in the dining room itself, the accessible and varied menu items and some decoration changes make it very welcoming.
We tend to react to news like this looking for a pattern: Does it indicate that other restaurants will close? How will “season” be this year” There’s always an ebb and flow, but times are difficult in our tourism economy today due to you-know-who. Our Canadian friends are going to continue to stay away, and international tourism is down across the USA.
Let’s continue to support our LGBTQ+ friendly spaces with our dollars and our recommendations to friends and visitors. We curate a list on the Dine & Sip section of GayDesertGuide.LGBT. Let’s ’em know that you found them here.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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Cinema Diverse 2026
Cinema Diverse 2026 runs all weekend at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. The LGBTQ+ film festival spans multiple days and screening blocks, celebrating queer storytelling through documentaries, narratives, comedies, dramas, and experimental shorts. Across three theatres, audiences can explore films that examine identity, chosen family, activism, romance, and the intersections of gender, sexuality, and community. The festival continues for a second long weekend, September 24–27. More info
Live! Laugh! Lust! Positively Aging Project Conference
The Live! Laugh! Lust! Positively Aging Project Conference takes place Saturday, September 19 from 9 am–3 pm at the Mizell Center. The day begins with registration and a complimentary breakfast at 9 am, followed by programming from 10 am–3 pm including a complimentary lunch. Attendees can visit resource tables featuring healthcare providers, nonprofits, advocacy groups, and support services. Keynote speakers Mark S. King, Shann Carr, and Nina Grace Ruedas explore aging, resilience, intimacy, and authentic living. More info
Contour Dermatology Day of Beauty
Contour Dermatology hosts its Day of Beauty on Saturday, September 19. This culmination of a weeklong celebration marks the practice’s 25th anniversary with casino‑themed specials, premium filler deals, discounts on esthetician services, skincare products, select procedures and more. Guests can enjoy virtual or in‑office consultations and Saturday’s Winning Look Jackpot Party from 9 am–1 pm features demonstrations and product showcases. John Taylor will be Out and About with the KGAY Prize Wheel from 10 am–Noon! The event benefits the McCallum Theatre. More info
Gay Days Anaheim 2026
Gay Days Anaheim 2026 runs Friday–Sunday, September 18–20 at Disneyland Resort, bringing shows, special theme park tickets, and LGBTQ+ community magic to The Happiest Place on Earth. Featured performances include Alyssa Edwards, Irene the Alien, Cheyenne Jackson, Zach Noe Towers, Jan Sport, Jackie Cox, and Kay Sedia. Attendees can explore Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, three resort hotels, and Downtown Disney, with access to limited‑time theme park ticket offers. More info
Greater Palm Springs Spa Month
Greater Palm Springs Spa Month unfolds across the Greater Palm Springs Area all month long, with exclusive wellness experiences throughout all nine resort cities. Slow down, breathe deeply, and embrace self‑care your way—whether through a mineral spring soak, a rejuvenating facial, a deeply relaxing massage, a sound bath under the desert sky, or a full day dedicated entirely to restoration. Participating resort spas, day spas, and hot springs spas offer limited‑time treatments and special packages all September. More info
Palm Springs Summit on Extreme Heat
The Palm Springs Summit on Extreme Heat happens Friday, September 18 from 9 am–5 pm at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Registration runs from 8–9 am before a full day of panels and discussions with climate experts, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and community leaders. The summit focuses on strategies for staying safe during extreme heat events and building a more resilient community, offering education, action planning, and local engagement. More info
Living Over the Rainbow
The Rainbow Connection hosts a special screening of Living Over the Rainbow on Friday, September 18 from 6–8 pm at the Spiritual Center of the Desert in Palm Desert. This exclusive showing features the NYC staged reading of the new original musical by Roz Esposito, inspired by true events. The story follows a slain transgender student guided through the afterlife to explore the cost and power of living authentically. Esposito will be present for the event, with a Q&A session following the screening. More info
SPEAK – A Collection of Five New Plays
At Spirit Animal at Hotel Zoso, SPEAK: A Collection of Five New Plays presents a new works showcase Friday, September 18 from 6–9 pm. Featuring five original plays performed by five casts, the evening blends comedy, drama, memory, and movement within a unified, ever‑shifting set. Pieces include The One About the Letter, Violet, Hide and Peace, Stay Right Here, and Miss Erica’s Acting Class. More info
Radical End of Summer Pool Party
The Radical End of Summer Pool Party splashes into the Palm Springs Surf Club Friday, September 18 from 6–10 pm. Guests can hang by the pool, dance to throwback hits from the ’80s and ’90s, and enjoy food and drinks throughout the night. This 21+ event invites attendees to bring a swimsuit and towel for a starry evening of music, friends, and community spirit. More info
Jason Graae, Miss Peggy Lee & The Judy Show!
The Purple Room packs a full weekend of cabaret brilliance from Friday, September 18 through Sunday, September 20, beginning with Jason Graae’s razor‑sharp wit and Broadway‑polished vocals in It’s a Graae Night for Singing! on Friday. Saturday brings Chuck Sweeney’s award‑winning homage FEVER! An Evening with Miss Peggy Lee, blending humor, nostalgia, and impeccable musicality. The weekend wraps with Michael Holmes’ iconic The Judy Show! on Sunday, a high‑camp, fast‑paced parody of Judy Garland’s 1964 variety series featuring surprise celebrity impressions and nonstop laughs. Each ticket includes an automatic dinner reservation. More info
Sketch Comedy Writing Intensive
Sharpen your comedic voice with a three‑day Sketch Comedy Writing Intensive at CVRep, running Friday, September 18 from 7–10 pm, and Saturday–Sunday, September 19–20 from 10 am–1 pm. Instructor Darren Held leads this collaborative, hands‑on workshop where participants learn to generate ideas, heighten effectively, and build strong sketch structure in a supportive writers’ room environment. You’ll explore character‑driven humor, complete five different types of sketches, and gain tools used at The Groundlings, Second City, Upright Citizens Brigade, and Held2gether. More info
Burgers, Boys & Brews Sunday BBQ
Burgers, Boys & Brews — Sunday BBQ returns Sunday, September 20 from 2:30–4:30 pm at The Social Cafe & Lounge. This weekly backyard‑style cookout features fresh‑grilled burgers, hot dogs, sides, bottomless mimosas, bottomless draft beer, great music, and live male entertainment. It’s a lively Sunday afternoon tradition where guests can eat, drink, and enjoy the atmosphere. More info
DUI Checkpoint Friday
The Palm Springs Police Department will conduct a DUI Checkpoint on Friday, September 18 from 8 pm–2 am at an undisclosed location, part of ongoing efforts to reduce impaired‑driving crashes in the city. Impairment can come from alcohol, certain medications, or marijuana, and a first‑time DUI can cost roughly $13,500 plus a suspended license.
- Films in the Gardens: Big Fish (2003) • Moviegoers enjoy a free outdoor screening presented in partnership with the Palm Springs International Film Society on Friday at 7:30 pm at Sunnylands.
- Coachella Valley Community Blood Drive • Donors support local patients and help strengthen the regional blood supply during a community drive on Saturday from 9 am–2 pm at the Palm Springs Police Department Training Center. Organized alongside LifeStream Blood Bank, each donation also generates support for FIND Food Bank.
- David Farnsworth Bon Voyage Party & Sale • Ceramicist David Farnsworth showcases new ceramics and paintings during a send-off exhibition on Saturday from 12–5 pm at Ernesto Ramirez Fine Art Gallery.
- Sloshed: Spelling Bee — A Musical Comedy Under the Influence • Performers present an unpredictable, improv-filled musical production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee on Saturday at 7 pm at Spirit Animal at Hotel Zoso. Audiences will enjoy interactive comedy, surprise competition moments, and nightlife fun where nothing goes according to plan.
- Unbuttoned, a Boylesque Social Experience • Dancer and choreographer Michael Silas blends dance, storytelling, and sharp comedic flair on Saturday from 7–8:30 pm at The Social Cafe & Lounge. The former Lady Gaga dancer delivers a bold boylesque performance designed specifically for Palm Springs audiences.
- Dance Ranch / Country Dance Saturdays • Country dancers of all skill levels join Jan Alden for a beginner waltz lesson and open dancing on Saturday from 7–9:30 pm at Step by Step Dance Studio.
- Tommy Emmanuel, CGP • Virtuosic acoustic guitarist Tommy Emmanuel performs a solo concert showcasing pop, jazz, classical, and roots influences on Saturday from 7–10 pm at Palm Springs Plaza Theatre.
- The Who Generation – A Tribute to The Who • Tribute band The Who Generation channels guitar-driven energy and classic rock anthems on Saturday from 8–11 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City.
- Matt Mathews: Not What I Ordered World Tour • Stand-up comedian Matt Mathews brings his signature raw humor to the stage on Saturday at 8 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage. Enjoy an evening of unapologetic comedy from this fast-rising Southern star.
- NSFW – New Season of Work • Featured artists Russ White, T. Young, Merick Reed, Don Fisher, and Terrence Payne showcase exciting contemporary artwork through September 30 at Rubine Red Gallery.
- A Queer Arcana: Art, Magic, and Spirit • An intergenerational group of artists explores esoteric knowledge, sacred power, and alternative spiritual traditions through October 18 at Palm Springs Art Museum (currently open Thursday–Sunday).
Join the Oasis Insiders to get our twice-weekly newsletter with our Top Things to Do!
Ask a Gay Doc Episode 39: Ask A Gay Doc Live from Mizell Center
In Episode 39 of Ask a Gay Doc, KGAY 103.1 morning host John Taylor is joined on stage LIVE at Mizell Center Palm Springs with co-host Desert Oasis Healthcare HIV Specialist and General Practitioner Dr. Renzo Corzano, CEO and founder of Palm Springs FREE STI testing and treatment clinic PS Test (online at PSTest.org ) and clinical Pyschologist and consultant to The LGBTQ Center of the Desert (online at thecentercv.org ) Dr. Christopher Hawkey! The doctors discuss the current state of care and LGBTQ health in the desert, and take questions from the audience. Watch it here
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!
- Cinema Diverse 2026
Sep 17–20 and 24–27 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Gay Days Anaheim 2026
Sep 18–20 at Disneyland Resort - Contour Dermatology Day of Beauty
Sat. Sep 19 at Contour Dermatology - Greater Palm Springs Spa Month
Sep 1–30 at participating Coachella Valley spas - Burgers, Boys & Brews Sunday BBQ
Sundays from 2:30–4:30 pm at The Social Cafe & Lounge - Planned Parenthood’s Riverside County Cocktail Reception
Fri. Sep 25 at 5:30 pm at Avalon Hotel & Bungalows - Joshua Tree Music Festival
Oct 8–11 at Joshua Tree Lake Campground - Modernism Week – October 2026
Oct 15–18 at various locations - 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 - Palm Springs Pride 5K Run & Walk 2026
Sat. Nov 7 from 7–10 am
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 fires up Fur Friday at Hunters on September 18 from 4–9 pm, kicking off the weekend with big beats and driving the vibe from happy hour straight into Friday night.
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 TICKETS to see Paula Cole on October 4 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. 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.
- Greater Palm Springs Pride Reveals 2026 Grand Marshals for 40th Anniversary Parade
- Cinema Diverse LGBTQ+ Film Festival Guide for Greater Palm Springs
- Hiking with T: Cactus to Clouds Hiking Guide and CactusToCloud Institute
- DAP Health Launches $100,000 Matching Gift to Complete Palm Springs AIDS Memorial
- Palm Springs’ Most Underrated LGBTQ+ Season Starts Now
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.
