New Map & Guide is out now, Modernism Week starts, DBA Mixer at AsiaSF, Human Rights Commission Awards, Craft Cocktail Week Winners, Red Dress/Dress Red Tickets go on sale, Mexican Spirits Dinner, Gong Show Karaoke Finale, and Valentine’s Day, plus a Weekend Preview and a look at some hot upcoming events!

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!

DBA Networking Mixer at AsiaSF

Join the Desert Business Association at their mixer on Monday, February 10 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. for a peek inside the brand-new AsiaSF Palm Springs, the desert’s location of the storied San Francisco dinner theatre and cabaret, which officially opened this past weekend! More info

Human Rights Commission 2020 Service Awards

The Palm Springs Human Rights Commission will honor local community leaders and one organization for outstanding contributions promoting human rights, social progress and equality for everyone at its annual Community Service Awards on Monday, February 10 at 3:00 p.m. at City Hall. Honorees include: Joy Brown Meredith, Brothers of the Desert, Ginny Foat, Rabbi David Lazar, Katherine V. Forrest, Chief Bryan Reyes, Ron Oden, and Brian Wanzek. Learn more about the nominees [here].

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.

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 

How to Feel Good Even on a Bad Day

The LGBT Community Center of The Desert and Eisenhower Health presents Un-Happy Days: How to Feel Good Even on a Bad Day on Wednesday, February 12 from 5:30–6:30 p.m. at The Center. Join Gaetano Vaccaro to discover that happiness may come from where you least expect it, even when life is just plain tough! In the last 20 years, research on happiness has consistently shown that we are not very good at predicting what will bring us long term happiness and most of the things that bring us momentary pleasure actually make us UN-Happy in the long run. Free event, registration requested. More info

Mexican Spirits Dinner at El Jefe

Come to El Jefe Mexican Restaurant at The Saguaro Palm Springs for their Mexican Spirits Dinner Series on Wednesday, February 12 at 7:00 p.m. The 3-course dinner will be paired with 123 Organic Tequila, an artisan producer of certified organic tequilas made from estate-grown lowland agaves northeast of Guadalajara in Jalisco, Mexico. The evening includes an informational discussion with a knowledgeable brand ambassador. More info

Gong Show Karaoke Finale Week at Runway

Gong Show Karaoke, Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m at Runway Bar & Restaurant, is karaoke like you’ve never seen it before, with audience participation and a winner named each week leading up to the finals every 7th week, which falls on this Wednesday, February 12. The grand prize is a cash prize (minimum $200) and the opportunity to be a guest star in a future cabaret show at Runway! More info

 

Drawing Classes at The Center

The LGBT Center of the Desert is starting up 6-week sessions for classes in Open Air Drawing (weekly, starting Wednesday, February 19) and Drawing Boot Camp II: Advanced Basics (twice a week, starting Tuesday, February 18). Limited space, reserve your spot!

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

 

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

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

THIS WEEKEND

Modernism Week Kicks Off

The 15th year of Modernism Week’s signature festival will take place 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 20thAnnual 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

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 from 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

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

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

 

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. We’ve got a pair of IBC passes to give away, register to win [here] on our Facebook page before February 13! 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! 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