Gay Desert Guide: Week of Aug 25, 2025

Quietly, Richard Bass passed away last week, as friends lived vicariously through his final days after a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis. He documented his final month on Caring Bridge, a platform for family caregivers and the loved ones they support on a health journey.

Richard’s legacy is an organization he founded called PALS, Planning Ahead for LGBTQ+ Seniors, which he founded in 2013. Why? In his words:

As I am getting older, I am experiencing health crises and loss reminiscent of the AIDS crisis of the 80’s and 90’s. Recently, it wasn’t until a friend’s partner suddenly became paralyzed did they begin conversations as to care (now what do we do?).  And when another man wasn’t responding to calls or emails, he was discovered deceased after two days with no one having access to his house. Another had prepared no legal documents, resulting in the State making determinations with no knowledge of his wishes. 

With no children or affirming family members, many LGBTQ+ people face unique challenges for having such conversations in the first place.  At the time, I could only wring my hands as I and others floundered.

Enough!  In 2013, I set up a Steering Committee to help guide and develop programs that inform and support planning ahead, while also combating isolation, ageism and sexism in the LGBTQ+ community.  I am comforted to be surrounded by scores of pals who now know how to look out for themselves and each other.

Richard’s journey ended as he wished — as a textbook PALS case. All arrangements were made, friends and family keeping tabs on him and fully supporting his wishes. We should all be so fortunate.

I worked with Richard as we were a part of the Positively Aging Conference held each September. (This year’s is Sept. 20th). I dutifully collected their information, and provided a listing on our Gay Desert Guide site for the organization. Now, I’m going to be engaging with PALS to make sure that my wishes are known. So when the time comes, I can pass with dignity like Richard did.

Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide

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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!

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Recap: Guadalupe’s House Party

Guadalupe’s House Party turned the Palm Springs Art Museum into a throwback this past Friday, channeling the energy of a 90s house party with live DJs, custom hat-making, and a fully operational tattoo studio—yes, the ink was real. The immersive exhibit drew a packed crowd and sold out completely, proving that nostalgia, creativity, and bold self-expression still know how to bring the house down!

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TUE–SUN: The Purple Room’s 12th Season Begins

Swing back into action as Michael Holmes’ Purple Room kicks off its 12th sensational season! Weeknights at The Purple Room Supper Club are a dazzling blend of music, martinis, and mid-century magic. Enjoy all-night happy hour at the bar Tuesday–Thursday, with Grammy-nominated Chris Bennett (Tue & Thu) and piano prodigy Kevin Tokarz (Wed) setting the tone from 4–6 pm. Then settle in for live entertainment from 6:30–9:30 pm—no ticket required, just reservations. Tuesdays feature jazz legend Rose Mallett, Wednesdays bring Darci Daniels and Michael Holmes channeling the Rat Pack era, and Thursdays bloom with La Vie en Rose, starring French violinist Jeremie Levi Samson and his Broadway-style quartet. The opening weekend kicks off 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. Let the season begin! Get tickets

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TUE: 5th Annual PSP Job Fair

Palm Springs International Airport hosts its 5th Annual Job Fair on Tuesday, August 26 from 10 am–3 pm at the Palm Springs Convention Center Lobby. With more than 200 open positions across airlines, concessions, security, parking, and more, job seekers are invited to bring their resumes and interview on the spot. Roles include ramp agents, bartenders, retail associates, transportation security officers, and customer service representatives. More info

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WED: The Center Social – August

Connect, unwind, and share good vibes at The August Center Social on Wednesday, August 27 from 5:30–7 pm at the ACE Hotel & Swim Club and we encourage you to bring your swimwear and towel! Hosted every fourth Wednesday, this free happy hour gathering is your chance to meet friends old and new in an inclusive, welcoming setting. Bring your energy, your smile, and your curiosity—community begins here. More info

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FRI: Richard Marx

Experience the enduring voice behind countless romantic anthems when Richard Marx performs live on Friday, August 29 from 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

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ALSO THIS WEEK

Monday, August 25
Monday Night Bingo with Bella da Ball | 7–9 pm at the Ace Hotel
Hot Spot Trivia with Deven & Ned | 7–8:30 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs

Wednesday, August 27
Bariatric Surgery Information with Bobby Bhasker-Rao, MD | 5:30–7 pm Eisenhower Health Virtual Meeting
Hot Spot Bingo with Deven & Ned | 7–8:30 pm at Agua Caliente Cathedral City

Thursday, August 28
Carousel Live Retro Music | 7–8:30 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
VillageFest Street Fair | 7–10 pm in Downtown Palm Springs

Friday, Aug 29
Drag Bingo/Trivia Nights (alternating) | 4:30–7 pm at Arrive Hotel
Food Truck Fridays | 5–10 pm in Downtown Indio

Saturday, Aug 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, Aug 31
Guided Hikes | 11 am & 1:30 pm at San Jacinto State Park (Tramway Mountain Station)

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THIS WEEKEND

Labor Day Weekend

Celebrate Labor Day Weekend 2025 in Palm Springs with sun-soaked pool parties, vibrant nightlife, and laid-back desert escapes. Whether you’re dancing under the stars or savoring a slow brunch, the city offers a perfect blend of energy and relaxation to close out summer in style. Learn more

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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—including last summer’s Brand G cruise from Venice to Malta—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

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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

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The Commodores

Get ready to groove with one of Motown’s most iconic bands when The Commodores hit the stage on Saturday, August 30 from 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

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#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 the Coachella Valley 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

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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.

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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!

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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!

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• Michael Holmes’ Purple Room Re-Opens for 12th Season
  Weeknights: Aug 26–28, Lucie Arnaz Aug. 29/30 (SOLD OUT), The Judy Show! Aug 31
• Broadway in the Desert with Levi Kreis
  Sat. Aug 30 at 6 pm at Spiritual Center of the Desert
• CV Lip Sync Battle 2025
  Sat. Sep 6 at 6 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center
• Healthy Desert, Healthy You! Environmental Health Summit
  Sept 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