Trump funk. That’s how I’d describe the mood in my small town of Hastings, Michigan, as residents celebrated the 4th of July. The pre-holiday concert drew a big crowd as expected. I joined my friends, one of whom plays in the Hastings City Band, with no expectation other than to enjoy a summer evening of music.
Thankfully, there were no MAGA hats or shirts in site. That was a bit surprising given the deep Red population of our county. There were, however, a few protest t-shirts worn by attendees. But overall I observed somewhat tepid responses to even the most rousing of patriotic songs, the Sousa March Stars and Stripes Forever.
It’s not that the band’s leader, Spencer White, or narrator Paul Ballinger, didn’t bring their “A” game to the show. The program featured MLK’s “I Have A Dream” speech broadcast over the band’s music, a reading of the Gettysburg Address, excerpts from the Declaration of Independence and tributes to our service members.
My observation — and maybe I’m projecting — is that most Americans are not happy with the state of our union as we celebrate the 249th year of our Independence. Could it be that all this turmoil is taking its toll on our citizenry?
As we heard stories, songs and readings from the dark times in our republic, I couldn’t help think that we are back there again. And for our LGBTQ+ community, ‘the hits just keep on coming’ (as we say in radio). But these hits are against our very existence and our rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
My liberals friends and I lamented the state of our country over a beer afterward. We continue to hold out hope that the tide will turn and that some semblance of normalcy will return to America in our lifetime. And since most of us are of retirement age, we recognize that time is growing short.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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All-American 4th of July Weekend
Independence Day in Palm Springs features a spectacular weekend of events! The festivities kick off on Thursday, July 3, with a family-friendly Kickoff Party at VillageFest from 7–10 pm, featuring games, crafts, activities, live music, and free snowcones. On Friday, July 4, dive into the holiday spirit with a Pool Party at the Palm Springs Swim Center from 3–10 pm, catch the Power Baseball game at 6 pm (gates open 4:30 pm), and enjoy a concert by Beatles tribute band Hard Day’s Night at 7 pm. The evening culminates with dazzling fireworks at Sunrise Park at 9:15 pm sharp. The celebration continues on Saturday, July 5, with a Dive-In Movie screening of Captain America at the Swim Center; open swim starts at 6 pm and the movie begins at 7 pm. More info
Agua Caliente 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza Weekend
Celebrate Independence Day with a bang at the 11th Annual Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza on Friday, July 4 at Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage. Gates open at 3 pm for this free “Drive-In” experience, with games and giveaways starting at 7 pm and a spectacular fireworks show lighting up the sky at 9 pm. With 700 parking spots available on a first-come, first-served basis, it’s one of the Coachella Valley’s most festive and family-friendly traditions. Festivities and promotions continue all weekend across all three Agua Caliente Casinos. See all the details on our event listing: More info
Big Bear Lake 4th of July
Celebrate Independence Day under the stars at Big Bear Lake’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular on Friday, July 4 from 7–10 pm! Enjoy a dazzling 30–40 minute show (8:45–9:15 pm) choreographed to music in one of SoCal’s most scenic mountain settings—free from the shore, the water, or a trail view. Want an elevated experience? Grab tickets to Above the Boom at Snow Summit for live entertainment, dinner, and panoramic views from 8,200 feet! More info
Red, White & Chill at the Ace
Make a splash this Independence Day at the Red, White & Chill Pool Party on Friday, July 4 from 3–9 pm at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club. Lounge poolside with a KH Smash Burger in hand, sip on ice-cold cocktails, and vibe to DJ Dtomp and friends spinning all afternoon. With sun, snacks, and seriously good beats, it’s the ultimate way to stay cool and celebrate. Get tickets
July 4 Celebrations Around the Valley
Celebrate Independence Day all across the Coachella Valley with a weekend of star-spangled festivities! On Thursday, July 3 from 6:30–10 pm, join Coachella’s community celebration at Bagdouma Park. Friday, July 4 is packed with events: explore history and aviation at the Palm Springs Air Museum from 10 am–4 pm; enjoy food, music, and fireworks at Palm Desert Civic Center Park from 4–9:30 pm; or head to Indio’s Empire Polo Club from 6–10 pm for live entertainment and a dazzling drone show at 9:30 pm. Cap it off on Saturday, July 5 from 6–10 pm in Desert Hot Springs at Mission Springs Park with music, vendors, and a fireworks spectacular at 9:15 pm. Bring friends, family, and picnic blankets!
Que Calor Pool Party
Dive into the heat of summer at Que Calor, a bold new pool party experience from SOS Entertainers, happening Saturday, July 5 from 2–7 pm at The Velvet Rope. This high-energy celebration blends music, movement, and radical self-expression in a vibrant, inclusive space that redefines the Palm Springs party scene. Come ready to dance, connect, and make waves. More info
Women’s Tea Dance at Palm Springs Surf Club
Get ready for the Women’s Tea Dance this Sunday, July 6, from 3–6 pm at The Palm Springs Surf Club. Hosted by The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, this event promises an afternoon of great music by Ay-Lex Song with no cover charge. It’s going to be a fun gathering with a pulsating atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a Sunday afternoon in Palm Springs! More info
Depth Charge PSLOD Play Party
Gear up for a night of bold energy and fun at DEPTH CHARGE, the official Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert play party for the July 4th weekend. Happening Saturday, July 5 from 9 pm–1:30 am at Hotel Zoso’s lower level, this high-voltage event is hosted by adult superstar Ryan Sebastian with special guest International Mr. Leather 2025 Rene Hebert, plus 21 slings, 10 benches, and an electrifying crowd of party-ready players. If you loved GO DEEP at Leather Pride, you won’t want to miss this one. It’s the last chance before Leather Pride in October! More info
DADFEST at CCBC
DADFEST is this July 4th weekend at CCBC Resort: Celebrate with the DRYHEAT DJ Crew by the pool on Friday, July 4 and Saturday, July 5. The fun continues Saturday night, July 5, with BEARUNION. Purchase your tickets online or at the door for an exciting weekend dedicated to daddies! Get tickets
Colton Ford – Celebration of Life
Friends and fans will gather on Saturday, July 5 from 4–6 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center for A Celebration of Life: Honoring Glenn Soukesian aka Colton Ford – Shine Bright Like A Diamond. This heartfelt tribute will celebrate Colton’s extraordinary journey—from adult film icon and chart-topping pop star to actor, trainer, and cherished community figure. Friends and collaborators will share live performances, personal stories, and touching video tributes, capturing his passion, artistry, and larger-than-life spirit. Doors open at 3 pm; limited seating available, so guests are encouraged to reserve their spot in advance. More info
Hyatt Palm Springs’ New Friday Night Happy Hour
Celebrate Independence Day in style at the Hyatt Palm Springs on Friday, July 4 from 6–8 pm with the launch of their new Friday Night Happy Hour & Live Entertainment series in The Atrium. Enjoy the rhythms of Leanna & Miguel on congas, special guest musicians, and a lively atmosphere complete with cocktails, dancing, and summer vibes in the heart of downtown. More info
Red, White & Cool at the Berger Foundation Iceplex
Stay Red, White, and Cool this Independence Day weekend at the Berger Foundation Iceplex, Friday, July 4–Sunday, July 6. Celebrate with themed public skating, games, and patriotic tunes on Friday; enjoy Stick & Puck and pick-up games on Saturday; then wrap up the weekend with Party in the USA Family Skate sessions on Sunday featuring live DJ music, photo ops, and free group lessons. Early arrival is encouraged—especially for the first 100 kids on Sunday, who skate free. More info
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Thursday, July 3
VillageFest Street Fair | 7–10 pm in Downtown Palm Springs
Friday, July 4
Food Truck Fridays | 5–10 pm in Downtown Indio
Saturday, July 5
Country Dance Saturdays: Double D Line Dance with Kyle Young | 7 pm at Step by Step
Sunday, July 6
Sunday Stomp Line Dancing | 6–10 pm at Reforma
Guided Hikes | 11 am & 1:30 pm at San Jacinto State Park (Tramway Mountain Station)
KGAY Desert Guide Featured on “Desert Chat”
In this “Desert Chat” interview, Host Sandie Newton welcomed Brad Fuhr to reflect on the impact of Gay Desert Guide and KGAY Radio in serving the Palm Springs and Coachella Valley communities as LGBTQ+ Pride Month 2025 wrapped up.
LOOKING AHEAD
Love Local Palm Springs is back starting Monday, July 7, giving residents and visitors a 50% bonus when they purchase digital gift cards to spend at over 100 local businesses. Whether you’re dining out, shopping for summer reads, or booking a spa day, a $100 card becomes $150 in spending power—perfect for supporting your favorite spots while stretching your budget. Bonus funds are valid through October 31, so grab your card early and show some love to the heart of Palm Springs. Learn more
Get our Free Visitor Map & Guide
Check out our Summer 2025 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. Look for the latest edition at businesses and newsstands around town, or browse it online right here!
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!
- All American 4th of July Weekend
Jul 3–5 at various locations around Palm Springs - Big Bear Lake – 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular
Fri. Jul 4 from 7–10 pm at Big Bear Lake - Que Calor Pool Party by SOS Entertainers
Sat. Jul 5 from 2–7 pm at The Velvet Rope - DEPTH CHARGE! PSLOD Play Party
Sat. Jul 5 from 9 pm–1:30 am in the Catacombs at Hotel Zoso - Cocktail Cinema: Dogtown and Z-Boys
Thu. Jul 10 at 6 pm at the Annenberg Theater - Falsettos – Presented by Palm Canyon Theatre
Jul 11–20 - Gay Wine Weekend
Jul 18–20 in Russian River Valley & Healdsburg wine region of Sonoma County - ALL OUT – A Summer Dance Party
Sat. Jul 19 from 7–10 pm at The 4707 - Nola at Escena – Grand Opening
Sat. Jul 19 from 10 am–2 pm at Escena Golf Club - Pride Under the Pines 2025 – Early Bird Tickets on Sale Now
Sat. Oct 4 in Downtown Idyllwild - Palm Springs Leather Pride 2025 – Gods of Leather
Oct 30–Nov 2 at Hotel Zoso, Tool Shed, CCBC, Hunters
KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 FM
The KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 Retro Lunch airs Monday through Friday from noon–1 pm, with DJ Galaxy (Vincent Corrales) and DJ Eric Ornelas playing an hour of their high-energy 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 106.5 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 106.5 online
THIS WEEKEND: This Sunday, July 6, KGAY’s DJ Galaxy brings the beats to Oscar’s World Famous T-Dance from 3–7 pm. Let the disco era shine!
Enter to WIN TICKETS from KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 to Falsettos at Palm Canyon Theatre, running July 11–20! This groundbreaking musical explores Jewish identity, gender roles, and gay life in the 70s and 80s through the lens of Marvin, a man navigating love, family, and self-acceptance [More info]. Don’t miss your chance to experience this poignant and witty portrait of a modern family in flux—on us! Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page
KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 has your chance to WIN front-row seats to the hilarious and fast-paced Hot Spot Trivia with Deven Green & Handsome Ned! Listen to John Taylor on KGAY every Monday morning for the trivia question, then head to the KGAY Contest Page to enter your answer. Winners get reserved front-row seating in the Cascade Lounge at Agua Caliente Casino, where you’ll play digital trivia and compete for exciting prizes! Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page
Win the ultimate summer escape with KGAY 106.5 & 92.1! Enter to win a Lola Rose Swim Club membership plus a two-night stay at Thompson Palm Springs, with your VIP pass to poolside lounging, weekend yoga, and exclusive perks. Enjoy daily access to the pool and gym, 10% off food and drinks, and guest passes to share the fun—all summer long! Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page
To listen to KGAY Palm Springs via Alexa, say “Alexa ENABLE K. Gay Palm Springs SKILL” (include “SKILL”) or manually enable it in the Alexa app or at Amazon. Once enabled, access the station by saying “Alexa, OPEN,” “LAUNCH,” or “PLAY K. Gay Palm Springs.” You can also make special requests, such as birthday shoutouts or song dedications! Happy streaming! Learn more
103.1 MeTV FM
This weekend on 103.1 MeTV FM: Get ready for all of your favorite upbeat summer songs…the Summer Cruisin’ Weekend is back for the 4th of July holiday weekend. Whether you’re hitting the road or staying at home…the fun starts Thursday morning with Patrick Evans! Brought to you by Agua Caliente Casinos & Gameday Men’s Health. Pay tribute to Brian Wilson this Sunday at 9 am by tuning into the classic sounds of summer with the Beach Boys on Goddard’s Gold—presented by The Skylark Bar at the Skylark Hotel. 103.1 MeTV FM plays a Timeless and Memorable variety of the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s with a touch of the ’50s! Listen in your car, at work, at home or around the world, online at 1031metvfm.com or tell Alexa, “Open 103.1 MeTV FM.”
- 2025 Palm Springs International ShortFest Winners: ‘Retirement Plan,’ ‘Shanti Rides Shotgun’ and ‘Medusa’ Win Top Prizes
- Love Local Palm Springs Summer Bonus Card Program Returns with More Savings
- Palm Springs Bar ‘Tool Shed’ Inspires New LGBTQ Documentary
- This Is The Only California Town Surrounded By A State Park—Known For Funky Metal Sculptures And Epic Stargazing
- Test Your Coachella Valley Lingo: 8 Terms Even Locals Might Mispronounce
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 2025 Coachella Valley Calendar of Events.
Listen to KGAY 106.5 and 92.1 over the air, stream it [here], or listen on iHeart Radio with Alexa or Siri by saying “Play K-GAY 106 5 .” 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.