Fourteen years ago, I had the kernel of an idea for Gay Desert Guide. Palm Springs Life was my client and our company was training publications and radio stations on how to move from their traditional-media-first approach to embrace “Interactive” which encompassed websites, social media and email marketing.
That spring, our company was sold and I was downsized. Palm Springs Life became a consulting client for me as I went out on my own. The summer of 2012, I worked alongside their staff to help drag them (kicking and screaming as I like to remember) into the digital age. Both editorial and sales were entrenched in presenting and selling print first. The website was an afterthought.
We changed all that. And I got the idea to expand The Guide, Palm Springs Life’s monthly free publication, with LGBT content. Pubs like Bottom Line had gone out of business. I knew that an online guide for our community would work here.
The powers that be said “If you think it’s such a good idea, go ahead and start it yourself!” After my consulting time ended, I took my business plan and on January 1, 2013 moved from West Hollywood to my Palmer & Krisel mid-century condo in Palm Springs.
From my dining room table, I began creating GayDesertGuide. On Labor Day weekend, 2013, I flipped the switch, issued a press release and started the website you see today. Bianca Rae was kind enough to do a story on me for Newschannel 3 and I’ve added it here.
While the site has changed and evolved over our 12 year history, we’ve stayed true to our mission of informing the LGBTQ+ community about what to do and where to go when visiting or living here. (Thanks to Alex McCune my first employee and listings editor who worked beside me to get this started!)
We’re relaunching the site later this month and combining it with KGAYPalmSprings.com. I’m hoping our 13th year will be lucky for us during a particularly challenging time in our history. We still collaborate with Palm Springs Life and many other local media companies to help get the word out. The company has grown to over 20 people who help keep the train on the tracks and has now expanded to include KGAY, KMEE 103.1 MeTVFM and OMGPSP, our digital marketing arm.
It’s been my honor to help promote this great destination and be a part of the Coachella Valley community. Thanks to all our readers, listeners and especially our advertisers for your support!
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
For the latest, follow our socials @GayDesertGuide and @KGAY1065 and listen to KGAY Palm Springs wherever you reside!
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Broadway in the Desert with Levi Kreis
Tony Award winner Levi Kreis brings his Broadway brilliance to Palm Desert for Broadway in the Desert on Saturday, August 30 from 6–8 pm at the Spiritual Center of the Desert. Known for electrifying performances, Kreis promises an evening of music and heart. With a strong LGBTQ+ community and welcoming vibe, the Center sets the perfect stage for this soulful celebration. VIP cocktail reception begins at 5 pm. Get tickets
The Purple Room’s 12th Season Opens
Michael Holmes’ Purple Room kicks off its 12th sensational season with two sold-out nights of Lucie Arnaz, whose musical storytelling has wowed audiences nationwide. Then on Sunday, August 31, The Judy Show! returns in full technicolor—a hysterical parody packed with classic standards, outrageous comedy, and a whirlwind of beloved icons. Check out The Purple Room’s fabulous weeknight entertainment and up next weekend it’s Elvis: The Early Years (Sep 5) and Brenna Whitaker (Sep 6). Get tickets
Labor Day Beats
Labor Day Weekend heats up with three high-energy sets from crowd favorites. Modgirl spins Friday, August 29 from 10 pm–1:30 am at The Red Barn in Palm Desert, while DJ Ray Rhodes—fresh off Out on the Mountain—takes you higher at Hunters Nightclub on Friday, August 29 from 9 pm–2 am. Then on Sunday, August 31 at 1 pm, DJ Galaxy brings poolside vibes to the Labor Day Swim Social at Arrive Hotel.
Cathedral City 100th Anniversary Celebration
Cathedral City invites the community to a special 100th Anniversary Celebration: Honoring Our First Land Marker on Saturday, August 30 from 11 am–1 pm at Mary Pickford Theatre. Guests will enjoy the premiere of Cathedral City: Built by Grit and Grace, a short film chronicling the city’s transformation, followed by a screening of the 1963 classic Palm Springs Weekend, filmed locally at the Desert Palms Inn. Attendees will receive commemorative items and light refreshments while connecting with neighbors and local leaders to honor the city’s rich heritage. More info
The Commodores
Get ready to groove with one of Motown’s most iconic bands when The Commodores hit the stage on Saturday, August 30 at 8 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa. With a legacy of timeless funk, soul, and R&B, their Greatest Hits Tour brings timeless energy and crowd favorites like “Brick House” and “Easy” to life in one electrifying night. Get tickets
#WorkersOverBillionaires Labor Day Weekend Demonstration
On Sunday, August 31 from 9–10 am, community members and labor allies will gather at Highway 111 & Monterey Avenue in Palm Desert for #WorkersOverBillionaires—a rally to honor union workers and resist corporate overreach. Building on the momentum of May Day, this action calls for collective strength against policies that prioritize billionaires over working families. Attendees will stand in solidarity to demand equity, dignity, and a future shaped by the people. More info
Labor Day Weekend at the Tramway
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will offer extended hours for Labor Day Weekend from Saturday, August 30 through Monday, September 1, with earlier morning departures and later evening returns to accommodate holiday visitors. Sunday, August 31 marks the final day of the season for guided nature walks led by Mt. San Jacinto State Park volunteers, featuring two easy trails beginning at 11 am and 1:30 pm. No registration is required, making it a perfect opportunity to enjoy the mountain’s scenic beauty before summer winds down.
Richard Marx
Experience the enduring voice behind countless romantic anthems when Richard Marx performs live on Friday, August 29 at 8 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa. From classic ballads to masterful songwriting, this special evening invites fans to reconnect with a soundtrack that has defined generations. Get tickets
Nominate KGAY and Local Favorites for Best of Coachella Valley
CV Independent’s Best of Coachella Valley 2025–2026 is now open for nominations—and it’s time to spotlight the voices and vibes that make our community shine. Cast your vote for your favorites! We suggest, of course: KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 and 103.1 MeTV FM in Life in the Valley > Best Radio Station, John Taylor and Patrick Evans in Life in the Valley > Best Local Radio Personality, and our dynamic DJ trio—DJ Galaxy, DJ Eric Ornelas, and Modgirl—in Arts > Best Local DJ. Nominations will be accepted through Friday, August 29, so get your nominations in today!
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Friday, August 29
Drag Bingo/Trivia Nights (alternating) | 4:30–7 pm at Arrive Hotel
Food Truck Fridays | 5–10 pm in Downtown Indio
Saturday, August 30
LGBTQIA Higher Powered OA Meeting | 11:30 am at Sunny Dunes Clubhouse
Solar Sessions at Royal Sun Palm Springs | 12–6 pm
Country Dance Saturdays: Goin Hamm Line Dance w/Jim Drew | 7 pm at Step by Step
Sunday, August 31
Guided Hikes | 11 am & 1:30 pm at San Jacinto State Park (Tramway Mountain Station)
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!
- Broadway in the Desert with Levi Kreis
Sat. Aug 30 at 6 pm at Spiritual Center of the Desert - Michael Holmes’ Purple Room
The Judy Show! Sundays, Elvis: The Early Years (Sep 5), Brenna Whitaker (Sep 6) - CV Lip Sync Battle 2025
Sat. Sep 6 at 6 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Healthy Desert, Healthy You! Environmental Health Summit
Sep 11 & 12 at The Westin Rancho Mirage - September at the McCallum Theatre
The Righteous Brothers (9/10), Jon Lovitz (9/13) & more. - Gay Days Anaheim
Fri.–Sun. Sep 12–14 at Disneyland Resort - Cinema Diverse LGBTQ+ Film Festival
Thu.–Sun. Sep 18–21 and 25–28 - Positively Aging Project HIV+ 10th Annual Conference
Sat. Sep 20 from 10 am–3 pm at Mizell Center - Pride Under the Pines 2025 – Early Bird Tickets on Sale Now
Sat. Oct 4 in Downtown Idyllwild - Wings of Hope: A Glamorous Journey – Hanson House Fundraiser
Sat. Oct 11 from 6–11 pm at Palm Springs Air Museum - Modernism Week – October
Oct 16–19 – Tickets on Sale Aug 1 - Palm Springs Leather Pride 2025 – Gods of Leather
Oct 30–Nov 2 at Hotel Zoso, Tool Shed, CCBC, Hunters - Mizell Center Presents Cheyenne Jackson Live in Concert
Wed. Nov 12 at 7 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Dear Evan Hansen, presented by CVRep
Dec 3–21 – Tickets on Sale Now for 2025–2026 Season - Palm Springs International Film Festival
Jan 2–13, 2026 – Passes on Sale Now - Palm Springs International Film Awards
Sat. Jan 3, 2026 – Tickets on Sale Now
Welcome to ABC Recovery Center, a trusted beacon of hope in the Coachella Valley. For over 60 years, ABC Recovery Center has provided compassionate, individualized care, empowering individuals and families to overcome substance use disorders and embrace lasting recovery. Learn more
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
KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 is giving fans a chance to experience Janet Jackson’s final Las Vegas shows in style! Enter to WIN TWO TICKETS to Janet Jackson: Las Vegas at Resorts World, a two-night stay, and dinner for two between September 10–20. With over 50 dining options and a legendary performance from a five-time GRAMMY winner, this is your shot at an unforgettable Vegas getaway. Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page
KGAY 106.5 and 92.1 want you to WIN TICKETS to Gay Days Anaheim 2025, happening September 12–14! Celebrate pride and magic at Disneyland Resort with thousands of LGBTQ+ fans, friends, and families—and an all-star lineup of special guests including Lawrence Chaney, Ginger Minj, Cheyenne Jackson, Zach Noe Towers, and Kay Sedia. Tune in and enter to win—your Gay Days adventure starts with KGAY! 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 on Monday night at 7 pm, where you’ll play digital trivia and compete for exciting prizes! 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
WIN TICKETS to Bee Gees Gold
Get ready to groove—103.1 MeTV FM and KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 are giving away tickets to Bee Gees Gold on Saturday, October 18 at the Spotlight 29 Casino Showroom! This high-energy tribute brings the legendary Bee Gees sound to life, from early hits like “Massachusetts” and “I Started a Joke” to disco anthems like “Stayin’ Alive” and “You Should Be Dancing.” Enter now for your chance to experience the magic live! Enter to win at the KGAY Contest Page and the MeTV FM Contest Page
103.1 MeTV FM
Whether you’re cruising down Highway 111 or soaking up the sun poolside, 103.1 MeTV FM has your soundtrack ready with the Summer Cruisin’ Weekend—featuring all the upbeat, sing-along favorites you know and love. Enjoy nonstop summer vibes brought to you by Desert Hand Car Wash and Gameday Men’s Health. Plus, don’t miss Steve Goddard’s special Goddard’s Gold spotlight on the Bee Gees’ first decade of hits this Sunday at 9 am, presented by The Skylark Bar at the Skylark hotel. Listen in your car, at work, at home or around the world, online at 1031metvfm.com or tell Alexa, “Open 103.1 MeTV FM.”
- How Bob Mackie Became Your Favorite Gay Icon’s Favorite Designer
- 11 Blissful Spas in Greater Palm Springs to Check Out This Spa Month in September
- Restaurant News Bites: Get Ready for Taste of Palm Springs; New Brews, Coffee and Donuts in Indio; and More!
- Caesar Cervisia: All of a Sudden, the Eastern Coachella Valley Has a Variety of Great Places to Enjoy Craft Beer
- Be Heard: Palm Springs Pride 2025 Celebrates Resilience and Resistance
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.