A flurry of news hit today and the Labor Day weekend is officially here. The big news is that Southwest Airlines is coming to town, with flights to and from PSP starting later this year.
Meanwhile, Palm Canyon Drive has been transformed to allow for outdoor “al fresco” dining along a two block stretch. Other restaurants (and the Arenas bars) are expanding into the streets and alleys to make up for the lack of indoor seating.
How this all plays out during an excessive heat warning will be interesting. You’ll be enduring heat for everything from drive-in movies at the Cultural Center to having a beverage and a bite at your old watering hole. Stay hydrated and try to stay cool.
We’re shining the holiday weekend spotlight on a few places which have reopened: From CCBC and All Worlds Resort offering passes to Hunters and Barracks reopening, it’s going to test everyone’s manners and your masking abilities.
Our retailers are open for business: GayMart USA and BearWear on Arenas, the newly renamed “Desert Mischief”, Not So Innocent, Revivals, Re[x], Christopher Kennedy, Trevor Wayne Pop Art, DestinationPS; even places to buy food and beverage like Bouschet and Grocery Outlet. You’ll find them all in our directory of LGBTQ-friendly shopping places on GayDesertGuide.LGBT.
Stop by the Kimpton Rowan and get your Insta on with the new “Love Letters” art installation. (Don’t forget to “gay up” your post with #ILoveGayPalmSprings. In fact, use it every time and we’ll make sure it gets shared!)
And get ready for a September full of “Fun & Games” from Shann Carr and GayDesertGuide. We’re offering 50% off all virtual events with the discount code below.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide
I Love Gay Palm Springs Podcast – Episode 61
Cinema Diverse, condition “PURPLE” status, Restaurants, Hair Salons, Dating…they’re all part of the mix in this week’s #ILoveGayPalmSprings podcast with John Taylor and Shann Carr. Guests include Brad Fuhr of GayDesertGuide.com, Love Coach Pamela Gort of LesbianRelationshipCoach.com, Publisher and editor of CVIndependent.com Jimmy Boegle, from the PSCulturalCenter.org Michael Green discusses Cinema Diverse and Food Blogger Charles Drabkin takes a big bite out of the local dining scene.**Use discount code GDG10 to save 10% when you order from our podcast sponsor Out & About CBD.**
Shann Carr’s Virtual Big Gay Game Night
The Fun & Games Dept. of Gay Desert Guide, along with TheMenEvent.com, present Shann Carr’s Virtual Big Gay Game Night on Tuesday, September 8 at 7:00 p.m. Let’s have some fun at home! This evening of fun and games will feature prizes for the winners, up to $75 in gift cards for local dining & retail establishments. Games can include easy favorites you know and love, like Hangman, Friendly Feud, and Trivia. We’ll all get acquainted and share niceties before the fierce and friendly competition starts. Get tickets
Fun & Games Dept Labor Day Sale – 50% OFF!
Gay Desert Guide is pleased to offer a special Labor Day Discount on our Fun & Games Dept Events with the promo code LABOR giving you a 50% discount on any tickets purchased between Friday, September 4 (6:00 a.m.) through Monday, September 7 (ends at midnight).
- Shann Carr’s Virtual Big Gay Game Night – Tue Sep 8 at 7:00 p.m.
- Shann Carr’s Virtual Big Gay Trivia – Tue Sep 15 at 7:00 p.m.
- Zoom That Tune Virtual Game Show Hosted by Shann Carr – Tue Sep 22 at 7:00 p.m.
Speed Dating Events (also hosted by Shann):
- Gay Virtual Speed Dating for Men of All Ages – Sat Sep 12 at 6:00 p.m.
- Daddies and Their HuntersGay Virtual Speed Dating – Sat Sep 19 at 6:00 p.m.
- Lesbian Virtual Speed Dating for Women of All Ages – Sat Sep 26 at 4:00 p.m.
- Big Gay Bear Hunt Virtual Speed Dating – Tue Sep 29 at 6:00 p.m.
Palm Canyon Drive Closure for Outdoor Dining
Starting Thursday, September 3, a section of downtown Palm Canyon Drive will be closed to vehicle traffic to allow for expansion of outdoor dining space through the end of the year. Barriers will be set up between Tahquitz Canyon Way and Baristo Road, allowing for east-west traffic at Arenas and U-Turns at La Plaza. Learn more
PS Chamber Unveils New Interactive Art Piece: “Love Letters”
The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce has unveiled a newly commissioned interactive art piece titled “Love Letters,” in the plaza adjacent to the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel downtown. “Love Letters” consists of two red metal sculptures—each six feet tall and weighing 850 pounds—placed side by side. One section spells out “PS,” while the other depicts a heart and a “U.” By standing between the two, residents and visitors can become the “I” in the phrase “PS I (Love) U.” The perfect photo op! In honor of the lifesaving work done by healthcare workers during the coronavirus pandemic, the heart will initially be wrapped in a giant white mask that will remind everyone to please keep one another safe. Read more
Dining Out(side) at Trio Palm Springs
Gay Desert Guide’s food writer Charles Drabkin has decided it’s time to “Live, Live, LIVE” and take part in the gradual, careful re-opening of dining out in Palm Springs. He chose local favorite Trio, which has outdoor seating for 80 with plenty of safety measures in place. The verdict? “The staff, attention to detail and exquisite food made me feel like eating out, although different than before, can start to become part of my new normal.” Read Charles’ full review of the experience [here].
Outfest Winners and Encore Week
Outfest LA 2020 is bringing back a large selection of its festival film highlights through Labor Day. This historic Encore Week, following its eleven day festival, is set to feature Jury, Programming, and Audience Award recipients. Read the full article for details and for a list of winners [here].
“House of Cardin” Screens at Palm Springs Cultural Center Drive-In
House of Cardin comes to the Palm Springs Cultural Center Drive-In Experience on Friday, September 4 at 7:30 p.m. [Get tickets] This rare peek into the genius of Pierre Cardin is helmed by Palm Springs filmmakers P. David Ebersole and Todd Hughes and in case you missed it, hear our interview with them on Episode 60 of the I Love Gay Palm Springs Podcast! [Listen] or [Watch]. The Palm Springs Cultural Center is planning a Labor Day weekend of great documentary films, including House of Cardin, Miracle in the Desert (The Story of the Salton Sea), and Chuck Berry. Get tickets
In addition to Drive-In Movies, the Palm Springs Cultural Center is still offering movie lovers the chance to see new Palm Springs premieres with their curated Virtual Cinema offerings, like the special engagement with the German breakout hit “How About Adolf?” When Thomas (Florian David Fitz), the black sheep of a progressive middle-class academic family, surprises his siblings with the news that he intends to name his son Adolf, petty carnage ensues as personal, ideological and sexual histories are unmasked in this scintillating dark comedy which raucously lampoons contemporary German attitudes, guilt and denials of the Nazi past. View Trailer and Get Tickets
All Worlds and CCBC are Open This Weekend
All World’s (outdoor) Maze is opening on Friday Sept. 4 at 9:00 p.m. for Labor Day Weekend and every weekend going forward [more info]. CCBC Men’s Resort is also open, with passes only available online [more info]. Runway, the bar and restaurant just outside CCBC (open to everyone) is having a Patio BBQ all weekend long: get a grilled burger, chips and a beer for just $12 [more info].
KGAY 106.5 Virtual Summer Concert Series – Emily West
Gay Desert Guide is pleased to be a Media Sponsor of KGAY’s 106.5 Virtual Summer Concert Series. This virtual concert series is designed to keep you entertained and safe this summer, while benefiting our local artists. The series is hosted by Ben Patrick Johnson and Shann Carr. This Sunday, September 6 at 5:00 p.m. the featured artist is Emily West, and future performances include: Bill Lohnes on Sept 13, and Kristine W on Sept 20. Get tickets
Michael Griffin Art Show Opens Season
Rubine Red Gallery opens the Palm Springs Art Season with a show of new work, “Integrate,” by local artist Michael Griffin on Saturday, September 5 from 1:00–8:00 p.m. Michael’s new work highlights his deft use of the pallete knife — delivering a new take on Mid-Century textures — The “Chrysanthemum Series”. The gallery will be carefully socially distanced using a “walk-through” method with refreshments served beyond the gallery exit in a large outdoor space. Appointments for a private viewing also available. More info
Zoom Online Wine Tasting
The crew at Bouschet invites you to a VirtuREAL Wine Tasting on Saturday, September 5 at 2:00 p.m. via Zoom, featuring Joe Arciga of Wine Warehouse, presenting Mediterranean/Israeli Organic Kosher Wine selections. Wine tasting includes: 2018 Mt. Hermon White, 2019 Yarden Odem Vyd Chardonnay, 2018 Mt. Hermon Red, 2019 Galil Merlot, and 2018 Galil Cabernet Sauvignon. Wine tasting includes a charcuterie sampling, the wine samples, tasting notes and 10% off featured wines. Curbside pickup or delivery! More info
Drive-In Concerts on the Mesa
In these trying times, we can all use a little bit of music to lift our spirits and remember that this too shall pass. While in-person concerts seem impossible right now, there’s one way it can work: in your car! Every Saturday and Sunday at sunset, Jacqueline and Jeremie Levi Samson present a socially-distanced Drive-In Concert Experience at the Mon Petit Mojave ranch, a 15-acre private property located on the Yucca Mesa in Yucca Valley, CA. The shows are free but tips are accepted. More info
Sunnylands Art Garden to Open to the Public for Free
1.5 miles of walking trails in the beautiful and historic Sunnylands Center & Gardens will be available free of charge to the public starting on Wednesday, September 16 and continuing Wednesdays through Sundays, from 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Access to interior spaces, tours of the estate and public programming, such as yoga and tai chi on the Great Lawn, are currently on hold. Read more
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over
While many of us have been staying at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Palm Springs Police Department is reminding everyone who does need to drive to do so while sober. Impaired driving continues to be a problem. Driving while impaired is illegal, whether it is alcohol, prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, or marijuana. Palm Springs Police Department will have additional officers on patrol from Aug. 21 through the Labor Day weekend (Sept. 7) looking for suspected impaired drivers.
An Evening with Leslie Page
CVRep presents “An Evening with Leslie Page” as part of its Theatre Thursday series on Thursday, September 3 at 6:00 p.m. on Zoom. Join Leslie Page for a casual mixture of music and conversation. Accompanied by Nick Sosa on guitar, Leslie will be singing songs from her album, Heart Songs, as well as music that has brought her joy and encouragement in this season. Free event, registration required. More info
LOOKING AHEAD
Virtual Speed Dating for Men of All Ages
The next Speed Dating offering from the the Fun & Games Dept of Gay Desert Guide will be Gay Virtual Speed Dating for Men of All Ages, hosted by Shann Carr, on Saturday, September 12 at 6:00 p.m. Speed dating has never been more fun! We will make introductions, and you go on several short one-on-one dates (each lasting 5-6 minutes) then mingle with everyone with a fun game and have a real conversation about dating. This event is exclusively for men (see our other speed dating events for age groups and themes). You could end up with a date, a friend or a business connection! Get tickets
Cinema Diverse LGBTQ Film Fest 2020
The Palm Springs Cultural Center presents Cinema Diverse: The Palm Springs LGBTQ Film Festival in its 13th year, running from Friday, September 11 through Wednesday, September 30. They have re-envisioned the festival to continue to bring you the latest in quality LGBTQ+ cinema in the healthiest way possible. This year you’ll be able to experience the festival in two unique ways: virtually from the comfort of your recliner at home or at the new PS Cultural Center Drive-In Experience, which will be showing six films over six nights. Virtual Cinema Feature Films, Shorts, and Documentaries will be available online through PSCC’s Virtual Cinema program and can be viewed at your leisure, with All-Access Passes, Six-Packs, and Single Film passes available. More info
Next Week: Virtual Events at The Center
Looking for connection in this time of self-isolation? The LGBT Center of the Desert continues to connect people, using the technology of group-meeting platform Zoom, which you can use on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Here’s just a taste of the programs they are hosting:
Social Caring in the Face of Quarantine with Alexis Ortega – Mondays at 11:00 a.m.
Zumba for Beginners with Shaun Samaro – Mondays at 10:00 a.m.
Knit Together with Doug Morris – Mondays & Wednesdays at 3:00 p.m.
Managing Emotions During a Pandemic with Jill Hingston, Ph.D – Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m.
Dating and Sex in the Age of COVID with Arlen Keith Leight LCSW, Ph.D – Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m.
Conversational Spanish – Tuesdays at 2:00 p.m.
Virtual Beginner Tap with Keith Mottola – Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m.
Prostate Cancer Support Group – 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 4:00 p.m.
Trans Tuesdays with Jill Hingston, Ph.D – Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.
LGBTQ+ Youth Virtual Hangout with Miguel Navarro – Wednesdays at 3:00 p.m.
Seated Wellness with Lynn Simonson – Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.
Women’s Chat with Kim Kieler – Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
Men’s Chat with Stuart Huggins – Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
Who Cares: Caregiver Support Group with Perry Wiggins – Fridays at 3:00 p.m.
Full list of The Center’s Zoom programs [here]
- Southwest Airlines Comes to Palm Springs International Airport
- Judy Tenuta and Luenell Will Be Honored at Virtual Palm Springs International Comedy Festival
- Sunnylands Opens Art Garden to Public Access Starting Sept. 16
- 2018 Women’s British Open Champ Thankful for ANA Inspiration
- Where to Go Apple Picking in Southern California
We are happy to welcome Lulu California Bistro back to the Gay Desert Guide family! Lulu’s delicious and award-winning 3-course brunch is just $19.99. This weekend, they debut Lulu’s Bistro Garden, expanded outside seating on Palm Canyon Drive in support of the city’s new “Dining Al Fresco” business initiative, and they are serving brunch on Labor Day from 9:00 a.m. The party continues to grow at Lulu! Get this HOT DEAL to save big with 30% off at Lulu: Get a $25 gift card for just $17.50! Get Your Deal
We also have Hot Deals at Eight4Nine, Il Giardino, Peepa’s, Dickey’s, V Wine Lounge, Bouschet, Johannes, Pinocchio and more! See All Deals