Holiday Wreath Auction, Crazy Sweaters at The Barracks, Stonewall Democrats Town Hall, Center Social: Paws-n-Claus, Michael’s House 30th Anniversary, Sounds of the Season at PCT, Positive Life Series, Gin Mill Grifters at Jazzville, plus a weekend preview!


25th Annual Holiday Wreath Auction

Join the Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter and the LGBT Community Center of the Desert on Monday, December 2 for the Holiday Wreath Auction  from 7:00–9:00 p.m. at Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge. Over 50 holiday wreaths will be auctioned off to support The Center and the Animal Shelter, You are invited to wear your most UGLY holiday sweater, and imbibe on the beautiful heated patio of 849. More info


Cookies, Cocktails, and Crazy Sweaters at The Barracks

Fresh on the high heels of the very popular Cat City Drag Race, a new contest is taking place at six bars in Cathedral City: Cookies, Cocktails and Ugly Sweaters will feature an “Ugliest Sweater Contest” with celebrity and audience judges, and this week (at The Barracks) John Taylor from the I Love Gay Palm Springs podcast will be a celebrity judge! Prizes each week lead up to a Golden Pass prize valued at $600. The evening is hosted by Cat City Drag Race Winner Angelique VaGorgeous, with music by DJ Galaxy. The competition takes place at The Barracks Bar on Monday, December 2 at 6:00 p.m. Next up: Studio One 11 on Monday, December 9. See our link for the full schedule, running through December 23: More info


IBC Black Friday to Cyber Monday SALE

The International Bear Convergence (taking place February 20–24, 2020) is offering their biggest sale of the year from Black Friday to Cyber Monday, and it ends at midnight on Monday, December 2. Save $26 on Standard Run Passes, or Save $20 on VIB Express Passes, plus 10% off all other items. Get tickets

 


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Stonewall Democrats Town Hall

The Desert Stonewall Democrats will have a very special Town Hall for their December meeting on Tuesday, December 3, at 6:00 p.m. at Mizell Senior Center. The Town Hall will feature Palm Springs city council members, the first all LGBTQ council. They will reflect on what it was like to be on that Council, and answer audience questions. More info


Positive Life Series: Gut Health in HIV

The Positive Life Series is a monthly community HIV/AIDS seminar series presented by HIV+ Aging Research Project Palm Springs (H+ARP), and the topic for Tuesday, December 3 is “Gut Health in HIV,” presented by Peter Anderson, NP from AIDS Project Los Angeles & Brian Coppedge of Napo Pharmaceuticals. Light supper is served at 6:00 with program beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Sinatra Auditorium at Desert Regional Medical Center. RSVP not required. More info


The Gin Mill Grifters at Jazzville

Jazzville presents the Gin Mill Grifters lead by Tim Gill , the dapper vocalist/trumpeter who wrote the unforgettable song, “Small Batch Bourbon.” This is the big Christmas in New Orleans show and they’re gonna deck the halls with beads and balls for some serious Swingtime and Dixieland, baby! Don’t miss this show featuring Tim Gill (vocals/trumpet), Danny House (clarinet/sax), Adam Bravo (piano), Gareth Price – (drums/washboard), Nick Schaadt (bass), Ben Devitt (trombone) and more! Get tickets


The Center Social: Paws ‘n’ Claus

The LGBT Community Center of The Desert presents their Winter Social: Paws-n-Claus hosted by Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge on Wednesday, December 11, from 5:30–7:00 p.m. (Please note this new rescheduled date!) Get your holiday picture taken along with your four-legged friends, and help stock the pet food pantry at The Community Food Bank @ The Center, because sometimes hungry families include hungry pets. More info


The Roost: Mr. Bill Lohnes Wednesday and Cruise Night Friday

The Roost Lounge welcomes Mr. Bill Lohnes back to their stage on Wednesday, December 4 from 7:00–10:00 p.m. singing Sinatra, Bublé, Bee Gees, and Broadway (More info), and then on Friday, December 6 at 9:00 p.m. it’s Cruise the Roost in the dark, a gear/underwear night, with Toy Drive (bring a new toy and receive a drink token), plus hot go-go men, no cover, free clothes check, 50/50 raffle, and DJ Galaxy spinning! More info


Sounds of the Season Concert

Join many of your favorite Palm Canyon Theatre performers for an evening of holiday entertainment for the Sounds of the Season Concert on Wednesday, December 4 from 7:00–9:00 p.m. Get tickets


Michael’s House 30th Anniversary Open House

Join Michael’s House on Thursday, December 5 from 12:00–3:00 p.m. to celebrate their 30th Anniversary and 30 years of service to the community. Since 1989, Michael’s House has provided excellent, comprehensive care to those suffering from mental health and substance abuse disorders. Enjoy complimentary refreshments, professional networking opportunities, and meet the key players at Michael’s House, including Micheal’s House’s CEO Dr. Barry Mannion. More info

Levi Kreis – Home for the Holidays

The Purple Room Supper Club presents Levi Kreis’ 5th Annual Home for the Holidays performance on Friday, December 6 from 6:00–9:00 p.m. The show infuses gospel, country, rockabilly and jazz into a fresh and flawless collection of Christmas classics and holiday favorites. Dinner at 6:00, show at 8:00 p.m. Get tickets

Desert VegFest

The Coachella Valley’s only vegan festival, Desert VegFest, celebrates compassion on Saturday, December 7 from 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. at UC Riverside Palm Desert, featuring vegan vendors, speakers, live music, and of course food! Get tickets

“The King and I” at Palm Canyon Theatre

Palm Canyon Theatre presents the richly textured musical classic “The King and I” running through Sunday, December 22. It is 1862 in Siam when an English widow, Anna Leonowens, and her young son arrive at the Royal Palace in Bangkok, having been summoned by the King to serve as tutor to his many children and wives. With both keeping a firm grip on their respective traditions and values, Anna and the King grow to understand and, eventually, respect one another, in a truly unique love story. Get tickets

BOGO DEAL! Check out our special limited-time HOT DEAL of Buy-One-Get-One for tickets to the Friday, December 13 performance of The King and I! Get Your Deal


THIS WEEKEND

Sax for Christmas

Grooves at the Westin continues its 8th season with Sax for Christmas on Friday, December 6 at 7:00 p.m. at the Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa. This spectacular holiday concert features three dynamic smooth jazz saxophonists: series producer Michael Paulo will be performing with saxman Paul Taylor and saxtress Jessy J. They will be performing Christmas hits as well as their most well-known songs in this fun evening of holiday cheer. Get tickets

Festival of Lights Parade

Come celebrate the holidays in downtown Palm Springs at the 27th Annual Festival of Lights Parade on Saturday, December 7.  The fun kicks off at 5:45 p.m. sharp along Palm Canyon Drive. Once again the parade will be broadcast live on NBC Palm Springs. Twinkling lights, magnificent marching bands, magical floats and a visit from Santa Claus of course! It’s the most spectacular holiday parade in Southern California.Mary Hart, legendary entertainment journalist, television icon and long-time Mistress of Ceremonies for the Palm Springs International Film Festival’s Awards Gala has been named Celebrity Grand Marshal for the parade. In addition, she’ll serve as Celebrity Tree lighter at the Official City of Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting on Friday, December 6 at 5:15 p.m. at Frances Stevens Park. More info


Sanctuary Palm Springs’ Holiday Spectacular (Holiday Socks)

Holiday Spectacular (formerly Holiday Socks) is a fun-filled benefit for Sanctuary Palm Springs–a transitional housing program for LGBTQ foster youth and their allies–taking place on Sunday, December 8 from 5:00–7:30 p.m. at Spencer’s Restaurant. This SOLD OUT event will feature cocktails, lavish hors d’oeuvres, and a not-so-silent auction co-hosted by the effervescent Dottie and Maude of Las Dames du Soleil, with headliner entertainment by Broadway’s David Burnham, hosted by Alec Mapa. More info


Indio International Tamale Festival

The 28th Annual Indio International Tamale Festival will be held in downtown Indio this Saturday and Sunday, December 7 & 8. Enjoy over 250 vendors, amazing food and tamales, 6 stages of live entertainment, carnival, opening ceremony and more! FREE parking and admission. More info

“Disney’s Mary Poppins” Opens at Desert Theatreworks

Disney’s Mary Poppins will be presented by Desert Theatreworks from Friday, December 6 through Sunday, December 22. This holiday musical, winner of 44 major theatre awards from around the globe, has captivated audiences for generations, and now the enchanting story, unforgettable songs and breathtaking production numbers will dazzle and delight theatergoers of all ages. Believe in the magic and discover a world where anything can happen if you let it! Get tickets


“Waitress” at the McCallum

The McCallum Theatre presents the Broadway musical “Waitress” for five performances from Friday, December 6 through Sunday, December 8. Inspired by the beloved film, Waitress tells the story of Jenna, an expert pie maker who dreams of a way out of her small town. A baking contest and the town’s new doctor may offer her a fresh start, but Jenna must summon the strength to rebuild her own life. Don’t miss this uplifting celebration of friendship, motherhood, and the magic of a well-made pie. Featuring music by Sara Bareilles. Get tickets


First Weekend Palm Desert: Celebrate the Season

On Friday, December 6, celebrate the holiday season at The Gardens on El Paseo with a FREE rockin’ holiday tribute concert to the King, starring Scot Bruce. Enjoy photos with Santa and experience the sights of snowfall at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Snow shows are 10 minutes long. In partnership with Palm Desert First Weekend. More info

Modern Men: “The Gift of Love” Holiday Concert

Modern Men: Coachella Valley Men’s Chorus, under the Artistic Direction of Dr. Stan Hill, presents The Gift of Love as their 2019 Holiday musical offering on Friday through Sunday, December 6–8.  An opening fanfare announces the theme with Christmas Comes Again and moves into There Shall a Star from Jacob Come Forth from Christus, Opus 97 by Felix Mendelssohn. The concert  moves through one divine melody after another with music by Robert Seeley, Anne Albritton, Healey Willan, Franz Gruber, Benjamin Britten and many more. And, of course, there will be some fun and delight. Get tickets

Men of the Desert Fashion Show & Luncheon

Animal Samaritans presents the 10th Annual Men of the Desert Fashion Show and Luncheon: Dudes, Dogs and Designer Fashions on Sunday, December 8 from 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa. Get ready for an afternoon of fun and fashion with champagne reception and silent auction too! Get tickets


Rocky Lang Book Signing

Just Fabulous is hosting a book signing with Rocky Lang on Saturday, December 7 from 12:00-2:00 p.m. Catch the perfect glimpse into Hollywood with “Letters From Hollywood,” compiled by Lang and film historian and researcher Barbara Hall. This priceless treasure trove of more than 130 letters, telegrams, memos, and other missives dates from 1921 (Harry Houdini to producer Adolph Zukor) to 1976 (Jane Fonda to her Julia director, Fred Zinnemann). Each is presented chronologically, and reproduced in its original form. More info

Palm Springs Opera Guild Vocal Competition

The Palm Springs Opera Guild of the Desert presents their 36th Annual Vocal Competition on Sunday, December 8 from 2:00–4:00 p.m. Vocalists between the ages of 21-34 yrs old are invited to compete for cash scholarships. Nearly 100 vocalists from all over the western United States have auditioned, and eight finalists will be selected to perform and compete. Get tickets

UPCOMING: Walk of the Inns 2019

It’s your opportunity to visit the many small boutique hotels in Palm Springs with the annual Walk of the Inns tradition on Thursday, December 12 from 6:00–9:00 p.m., starting at the Palm Springs Art Museum and the Palm Springs Women’s Club. This free, self-guided tour provides a glimpse inside these unique properties for one glittering night. More info