Gay Desert Guide Weekend: Feb. 14–17, 2020 (Presidents’ Day)

Modernism Week Kicks Off! Alexander Family Honored, Design Expo, Hollywood Blondes, Joy of Jell-O, Bingo-A-Go-Go, Valentine’s Day, Adonis Lounge, Happiest Burlesque on Earth, Red Dress Tickets, HRC Palm Springs, Nancy Sinatra, Art Palm Springs, Keith Sweat, Old Bags, Riverside County Fair, Weekend Theatre, Looking ahead to The Dinah, John Waters, White Party, Ten Tenors, and much more plus Hot Deals and Happy Hours!

New Map & Guide Out Now!

The latest edition of our printed Map & Guide is hot off the presses! It has all the top places for Food & Drink, Nightlife, Attractions, Gay Resorts, Dispensaries, and other services…it’s the paper complement to the website you are reading right now! Pick one up at gay-friendly bars, stores, and resorts around town, share with your friends, it’s a great resource for visitors and locals alike!

Red Dress/Dress Red Tickets on Sale Friday Morning

This is one red-hot ticket and you won’t want to delay getting yours before they sell out. Online sales will open Friday, February 14 at 9:00 a.m. sharp for this year’s Red Dress/Dress Red party, benefiting The LGBT Center of the Desert and taking place on Saturday, March 21 at the Palm Springs Air Museum. This event sells out every year–and fast–so set yourself a reminder! More info 

Modernism Week Kicks Off

The 15th year of Modernism Week’s signature festival is underway: Thursday, February 13–Sunday, February 23 and highlights midcentury modern architecture, art, interior and landscape design, and vintage culture. The 11-day festival will feature more than 350 events including the Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale, tours of iconic homes in more than 30 neighborhoods, and the popular Signature Home Tour on both weekends. Also offered are architectural walking, biking and double-decker bus tours, tours of the historic Annenberg Estate at Sunnylands, a classic car show, garden tours, nightly parties, and a special series of compelling and informative talks. Check out these new talks and special events: [Newly added for 2020]. All events are open to the public, and many events are free or low cost, follow our link for the full schedule: Get tickets

Walk of the Stars Honors Alexander Family

Join the City of Palm Springs and the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce in honoring the Mid-Century Modern Family, the Alexanders, with a Star Dedication Ceremony on Friday, February 14 at 2:00 p.m. at the Edward Harris Pavilion Architecture and Design Center. From homes built in idyllic neighborhoods like Twin Palms and Las Palmas, to the iconic Honeymoon Hideaway home where Elvis & Pricilla Presley once lived, the Alexander Construction Company was as much part of what shaped the desert landscape as the desert winds and washes. More info

Modernism Show & Sale and Modern Design Expo

Held in conjunction with Modernism Week, the 20^thAnnual Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale will feature more than 90 premier national and international dealers with furniture, decorative and fine arts, representing all design movements of the 20th century and select 21st century items. The adjoining Modern Design Expo will feature 40 exhibitors presenting the newest and hippest elements for modern living. Both shows open on Friday, February 14 with a Preview Gala benefiting Modernism Week from 6:00–9:00 p.m [More info], and then both shows are open to the public Saturday through Monday, February 15–17. More info

Sunny and Her Hollywood Blondes

Sunny Thompson, the star of the hit documentary film, “Becoming Marilyn Monroe” and the long running, award-winning, stage play “Marilyn Forever Blonde” returns to Palm Springs for Modernism Week 2020 with her hit stage show, “Hollywood Blondes” on Sunday, February 16 from 7:00–8:15 p.m at the Annenberg Theater. Sunny will pay tribute to her favorite blondes: Mae West, Dolly Parton, Joan Rivers, Dinah Shore and Carol Channing, along with a special salute to everyone’s favorite blonde bombshell, Marilyn Monroe. Get tickets

The Joy of Jell-O

The Saguaro Palm Springs will be screening “The Joy of Jell-O” on Sunday, February 16 at both 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Join quirky housewives Sarah and Madelon as they take you on a Jell-O journey, and enjoy a welcome cocktail and taste the housewives’ Jell-O concoctions, from canapés to spaghetti entrees to the show-stopper stained glass cake! 21+ only. Get tickets

Mizell at Modernism Week: Bingo A-Go-Go!

Join Mizell Senior Center for big-prized bingo at a vintage venue when they present Bingo A-Go-Go on Wednesday, February 19 from 7:30–10:00 p.m. at The Bank. With disco breaks between games, Palm Springs’ favorite drag queen, Bella da Ball, calling the numbers, and prizes like a $500 gift certificate to Saks Fifth Avenue on El Paseo, and two nights at the V Hotel, this is big time Bingo! Proceeds support Mizell’s valley-wide Meals on Wheels program. Get tickets

Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is Friday, February 14 and Runway Bar & Restaurant has a 3-course dinner for just $19.99 per person, with Siobhan Velarde performing from 7:00–9:00 p.m. [more info]. And over at The Saguaro hotel, El Jefe restaurant is having taco and margarita specials for their “Valentine’s Day Taco Party” from 5:00–11:00 p.m. with live music, taco platters, and pitchers of margaritas [more info].

Also on Valentine’s Day, Friday, February 14 from 9:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m., Hotel Zoso brings back The Adonis Lounge. The most talked about male strip revue in LA, NYC, Phoenix, and Vegas returns to the heart of downtown Palm Springs. Come for a steamy, good time with flirtatious dancers, lap dances, and special guest stars! More info

For a Valentine’s Day outing you will never forget, make a reservation at AsiaSF Palm Springs for Friday, February 14 for a decadent Cal-Asian tasting menu and a one-of-a-kind show from the fabulous ladies of AsiaSF Palm Springs! More info

The Happiest Burlesque Show on Earth

Welcome to a day at the park with the Dirty Little Secrets on Saturday, February 15 at Hotel Zoso. Bringing back one of their favorite shows ever, the Happiest Burlesque Show on Earth pays tribute to some of the best parts of Disneyland in true burlesque parody form! From tassel twirling Pirates of the Caribbean to bump n’ grinding Seven Dwarves, you don’t want to miss this amazing tribute show. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., Show at 8:30 p.m. Get tickets

Her HRC Palm Springs

Join HRC in Palm Springs for the 4th Annual Her HRC event on Saturday, February 15 from 2:00–4:00 p.m. The mission of Her HRC events is to gather women to celebrate and build a greater sense of community, while learning about the importance of engaging in the LGBTQ civil rights movement. This event will be held at a beautiful private residence in Palm Springs featuring music and a special performances. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and libations from community supporters and local leaders. Get tickets

Nancy Sinatra at the Plaza Theatre

For the first time during Modernism Week, the incomparable Nancy Sinatra will host a fun and engaging fundraising event to help restore the historic Plaza Theatre. This SOLD OUT event will take place on Sunday, February 16 at 3:00 p.m. and will feature a screening of Nancy’s selections from her television specials along with a conversation and Q&A with Nancy, her daughters and surprise guests. More info

Art Palm Springs 2020

Art Palm Springs will be hosting its 9th consecutive year, bringing nearly 70 galleries from across Asia, Europe, North and South America to the Palm Springs Convention Center starting with the Opening Night Preview on Thursday, February 13, and open Friday through Monday, February 14–17. More info

Keith Sweat at The Show

The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage will feature the “Make It Last Forever Valentine’s Day Show” on Friday, February 14 at 8:00 p.m., with live performances by The King of RNB Keith Sweat, 112 and Next. This Valentine’s Day all you need is love and little bit of RNB. Don’t miss out having this RNB Rewind experience under one roof one night only! Get tickets

The Gardens Concert Series presents Eevan Tré

The 22nd Annual Concert Series is underway, Saturdays on the center lawn in front of Saks Fifth Avenue at The Gardens on El Paseo. Since the concert’s inception, The Gardens has been able to raise more than $1 million for those in need, bringing people together with music. On Saturday, February 15, Eevan Tré will be performing at 6:00 p.m., benefiting the Friends of the Desert Mountains, with light bites by Sullivan’s Steakhouse. See our link for full schedule details. [Read more] about Eevan Tré and Get tickets

Old Bags Luncheon Benefiting Animal Samaritans

Enjoy a delicious lunch, entertainment, and bid on gorgeous handbags while supporting Animal Samaritans’ life-saving programs at the Old Bags Luncheon on Sunday, February 16 from 11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m. at Thunderbird Country Club. All handbags are new or gently used, by top brands like Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch, and many more! Get tickets

Riverside County Fair and Date Festival

The Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival takes place February 14–23 at the county fairgrounds in Indio. The fair started as a celebration for the end of the annual date harvest in the Coachella Valley and remains true to those agricultural roots as well as an Arabian Nights theme developed decades ago. So in addition to fair favorites like animal exhibits and monster truck rallies, you’ll also be able to enjoy Camel and Ostrich Races and cooking demonstrations featuring dates. Musical entertainment and carnival rides add to the appeal of this diverse county fair. More info

Craft Cocktail Week Winners

The Fourth Annual Palm Springs Craft Cocktail Week, a production of the Coachella Valley Independent, wrapped up last weekend and the Craft Cocktail Championship on February 5 at Moxie Palm Springs crowned two notable winners: the Drinker’s Choice Award went to Farm Restaurant, mixologist Carlos Argumendo, and the championship went to Jake’s Palm Springs, Juan Hurtado mixologist. Gay Desert Guide’s own Brad Fuhr was among the distinguished panel of judges, and a portion of all proceeds go to the Desert AIDS Project and the LGBT Community Center of the Desert.

Zach & Evan: One Year Anniversary

Gay Desert Guide is your one stop portal for all your matrimonial needs, like when our wedding channel Married in Palm Springs partnered with YouTube couple Zach & Evan to create their dream Palm Springs wedding. Gay Desert Guide worked with the two men on their wedding plans, and we were there when they tied the knot in January 2019 at the Ace Hotel and Swim Club. They recently sent this thank-you and memento of their special day, illustrated by Kristina Micotti. Learn more

Weekend Theatre

CVRep presents a re-imaged version of the 1978 Broadway musical Ballroom through Sunday, February 16. This 26-character revival (CVrep’s largest cast ever!) includes all the musical numbers from the original Broadway production, restores several songs originally written for the show, and offers up three new songs.The story follows central character Bea and her relationships with love interest Alfred (a mail carrier), her ballroom friends and family members. Get tickets

The Desert Rose Playhouse presents Those Musclebound Cowboys From Snake Pit Gulch with an extended run through Sunday, February 16. This new world premiere musical is about a NYC Private Investigator who disguises himself as Femme Fatale Daisy LaFleur and heads out west during the height of the Gold Rush of 1849 to solve an open murder case and claim jumping scheme. He journeys to the wild and wooly town of Snake Pit Gulch where men are men and the mail order brides ain’t comin’!  With no other women in the lawless and dangerous town of Snake Pit Gulch, the local cowboys have discovered that loving each other is simply the natural way to go. Get tickets

Coyote Stageworks presents A Doll’s House, Part 2 through Sunday, February 16 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. This play picks up where Ibsen’s famous A Doll’s House ended. In the final scene of Ibsen’s 1879 groundbreaking masterwork, Nora Helmer makes the shocking decision to leave her husband and children, and begin a life on her own. In A Doll’s House, Part 2, many years have passed since Nora’s exit. Now, there’s a knock on that same door. Nora has returned. But why? And what will it mean for those she left behind? You do not need to know the original to laugh at this irreverent sequel! Get tickets

“I would definitely consider this production of A DOLL’S HOUSE, PART TWO as a must see, regardless of whether you are familiar with the original play or not.  It truly stands tall by itself,” says our theatre writer, Stephen Radosh. Read his full review [here].

Desert Theatreworks presents Neil Simon’s Rumors through March 1 at the Indio Performing Arts Center. Hilarity abounds as guests arrive at the Deputy Mayor and his wife’s New York City townhouse to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary. The party never quite begins; the host has shot himself in the head (it’s only a flesh wound) and his wife is missing! Doors slam, people run up and down the stairs, in and out of the bathroom and the kitchen. Join Desert Theatreworks for this spellbinding, side-splitting gem of a comedy by America’s favorite playwright, Neil Simon. Get tickets

Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh was in attendance on opening night of Neil Simon’s Rumors where there were “plenty of laughs and fun to be had, as the entire audience loudly confirmed.” For more of Stephen’s recap of this play written in the classic farce structure, read the full review [here].

Palm Canyon Theatre presents The Pajama Game, opening February 21 and running through March 15. Romance is blossoming at the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Handsome new Superintendent Sid Sorokin falls hard for feisty Union rep “Babe” Williams, and, despite her dismissal of all things love-related, it seems she’s falling right back. That is, until the pair find themselves on either side of a union protest. The Pajama Game features hit songs like “Hey There,” “Hernando’s Hideaway” and “Steam Heat.” Get tickets

LOOKING AHEAD: IBC, The Dinah, and More!

The International Bear Convergence (IBC) is the premier event for Bears and Admirers, February 20–24 at Hotel Zoso. The four-day event will come to life with DJs, live entertainment and thousands of bears from around the globe. See the full IBC schedule and more information here: Get tickets

Club Skirts The Dinah 2020 is the largest lesbian event on the planet and this year’s event, April 1–5 at the Hilton Palm Springs, marks their 30 year anniversary. The Dinah is the world’s most celebrated queer women/lesbian event and in 2020 there will be more great musical performances, comedy shows, pool parties, night parties, concerts, celebrities, contests, DJ battles, fun and games! [More info] Stay tuned, we will soon have passes you can win [here] on our Facebook page!

This year The Dinah is proud to present the one and only iconic filmmaker John Waters (Pink Flamingos, Hairspray, Serial Mom and many more). John will be performing a show written exclusively for The Dinah on Saturday, April 4 at the Palm Springs Convention Center. More info

The McCallum Theatre presents their most popular act: The Ten Tenors, performing their new show “Love is in the Air” from February 19–23. The tenors will showcase the greatest love songs of all time as only they can sing them, from classic love songs and beloved wedding first dance songs to pop songs with a twist and famous love arias. Get tickets

The Desert Winds Freedom Band presents “Isn’t It Romantic” on Sunday, February 23 from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at the Palm Springs Pavilion. This is a combination Jazz Band Concert and Annual Gala Fundraiser for an afternoon of great food, entertainment, and a silent auction. Get tickets

White Party Palm Springs

The largest gay dance music festival, White Party Palm Springs, will take place April 24–27, and advance tickets are on sale now. Performing at the Saturday Night Main Event will be Todrick Hall, along with a host of the hottest DJs, under a “Lords of the Galaxy” theme, and that’s just one of the many parties taking place all weekend! All White Party ticket prices will increase Monday, February 17, so it’s time now to: Get tickets

Mark Your Calendar: Palm Springs International Film Festival 2021

Dates for the 32nd Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival have been announced: January 7–18, 2021. Save the date for the best of international cinema! The Palm Springs Film Awards kicks off Awards season each year as the Palm Springs International Film Festival rolls out the red carpet and welcomes the hottest industry players, A-list celebrities, and Palm Springs community leaders to an elegant dinner and awards ceremony January 7, 2021. Passes, Film Awards Seats, and Film Awards Tables go on sale August 1, 2020! More info