Gay Desert Guide: Week of Feb 16, 2026

Twinks, bears, otters, jocks, daddies. The tribes of gay men runs the gamut. The new film Pillion which premiered for us earlier in the month shows a world that is rarely seen in a major release: that of a the master-sub relationship.

Pillion, termed a DomCom, shows us the transformation of young man who goes from barbershop singer to ‘slave’ sleeping on the floor of his master’s bedroom in the blink of an eye.

Heated Rivalry characters show a closeted side of men who long to love but must maintain their fierce competitiveness. Heartstopper explored the twink-meets-jock dynamic. Early on, Queer As Folk was the groundbreaking US series that explicitly categorized characters into tribes.

Locally, White Party brought the circuit boys to Palm Springs for many years before it fizzled out. CCBC hosts many fetish weekends that wall off many tribes’ proclivities from the outside world. There’s also Blatino Oasis, which is one of the largest circuit-style events in the desert specifically for Black and Latino men.

This coming weekend, the heavyweights are in town for IBC weekend. International Bear Convergence, as its longhand name suggests, brings the bear community together. Within the bear community, it has spectrum of men from cubs to muscle bears. Locals Joe Dietl, Rick Copp and Ben Zooks helped popularize bear culture in their web series and movie, Where the Bears Are.

If you noticed a handkerchief or two in Pillion and were wondering what that’s all about, it’s a “whole nuther world” of tribal categorization. While tribes like Bears or Twinks categorize men by their physical appearance, the hanky code is a secret language used to categorize men by their sexual interests and roles. It’s the most-seen page on GayDesertGuide.LGBT and a topic for another day.

In the heat of the Coachella Valley, the lines between tribes blur into a melting pot to find belonging and pleasure. From Bears to Leather-men, it’s prime time for finding your community, expressing your truth, and indulging in every pleasure the desert has to offer.

Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide

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ALL WEEK: Modernism Week 2026

Modernism Week is back, running now through Sunday, February 22, offering an immersive 11‑day celebration of midcentury and contemporary design throughout the Greater Palm Springs area. With more than 450 events, the festival invites guests to explore iconic architectural homes, join guided neighborhood tours, enjoy nearly 80 talks and films, and experience signature evening parties. Highlights include Featured Home Tours of Soleil House and The Marquee at Twin Palms, rare access to legendary estates, popular double‑decker bus tours, and the beloved Vintage Trailer Show. Modernism Week continues to be the definitive destination for architecture and design enthusiasts seeking inspiration, education and experiences. Get tickets

MON: Palm Springs Modernism Show

The Palm Springs Modernism Show wraps up Monday, February 16 from 10 am–4 pm as one of the signature highlights of Modernism Week, closing out its four‑day run at the Palm Springs Convention Center with an expanded roster of 140 dealers. Visitors still have one last chance to explore an exceptional mix of vintage 20th century and contemporary 21st century design, along with exclusive tours of the Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian Limited Edition Airstream. Get tickets

MON: Palm Springs Authors Reception & Book Signing

The Palm Springs Authors and Artists Reception & Book Signing comes to the Destination PSP Pop Up Mod Shop at Modernism Week’s C.A.M.P. inside the Hyatt Palm Springs on Monday, February 16 from 3–5 pm, offering a relaxed opportunity to meet an impressive lineup of creators shaping the region’s design and cultural landscape. Guests can browse books, chat with local authors, and mingle with Modernism Week participants, including Tom Dolle and Jeff Stork, co‑authors of Glamour Road. With appearances from celebrated writers, photographers, historians, and artists, this free event showcases the depth of talent behind the stories and visuals that define Palm Springs’ modernist legacy. More info

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MON: ACT for MS Charity Golf Tournament

The 4th Annual ACT for MS Charity Golf Tournament returns Monday, February 16 at Palm Valley Country Club, offering a full afternoon of friendly competition and community spirit in support of local residents living with multiple sclerosis. Beginning with a 12 pm shotgun scramble, the event includes a continental breakfast, social hour, silent auction, dinner, and live entertainment by The John Stanley King Band. More info

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TUE: Tastes and Sounds of Cathedral City

Tastes and Sounds of Cathedral City continues on Tuesday, February 17 from 5:30–7:30 pm with a lively performance by the Rancho Mirage High School Band at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater. Guests can enjoy an evening of student talent paired with food from Meester Zebra and sweet treats from Crush Crush Cookies. More info

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TUE: Queer Women’s Social

The Center Queer Women’s Social returns on Wednesday, February 18 from 5:30–7 pm at Low Desert Modern Mexican Restaurant, offering a warm, easygoing space for queer women to connect, unwind, and build community. Held every third Wednesday, this monthly meetup brings people together for conversation, friendship, and a relaxed early‑evening vibe. More info

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THU–SUN: International Bear Convergence (IBC)

International Bear Convergence returns Thursday–Sunday, February 19–22, bringing thousands of bears, cubs, chasers, and admirers to Palm Springs for five days of poolside revelry, high‑energy nightlife, and community connection. From daytime DJ sets at Hotel Zoso’s sun‑soaked pool parties to themed dance events like Gladiator and Furball, plus brunches, mixers, comedy, and the Mr. IBC Contest, this is the ultimate winter celebration of bear culture. Keep an eye out for the K‑Gay Desert Guide Visitor Map & Guide tucked right into your IBC welcome bags, ready to help you explore all weekend long! Visit our event listing for the full rundown of parties, performances, and registration details: More info

Bear Naked turns up the heat Thursday–Sunday, February 19–22 at CCBC Resort, a clothing‑optional series of pool parties and late‑night fun running alongside IBC weekend. With poolside DJs, cruising after dark, and the signature energy of a Western Xposure–style gathering, this is where bears and their friends come to let loose in a relaxed, welcoming space just minutes from the host hotel. More info

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THU: Bernadette Peters / Desert Symphony 37th Annual Gala

Bernadette Peters joins The Desert Symphony for a luminous gala evening on Thursday, February 19, bringing her celebrated voice and timeless artistry to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage. Beginning with a cocktail reception and dinner before the 8 pm concert, the night offers a rare chance to experience one of Broadway’s most iconic performers sharing beloved works from the great American songbook in an intimate, elegant setting. Get tickets

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FRI: Wag & Shag at the SHAG House

Wag & Shag takes place at the iconic SHAG House on Friday, February 20 from 5–8 pm, inviting guests to mix, mingle, and support the Palm Springs Animal Shelter in true midcentury‑modern style. The evening features cocktails, bites, a live auction, and exclusive experiences set against one of the city’s most distinctive backdrops, all benefiting the shelter’s lifesaving work and adoption programs. Get tickets

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FRI: Black History Swings, Sings & Testifies

Sweet Baby J’ai brings a powerful Black History Month celebration to Palm Springs with Where History Swings, Sings & Testifies, an evening of music, movement, and storytelling that honors the legacy of Black artists who shaped America’s cultural landscape, on Friday, February 20 at 7 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Cascade Lounge. With dynamic performances, live musicians, and a rich blend of jazz, tap, and narrative, the show invites audiences to experience the rhythms, voices, and histories that continue to inspire generations featuring Melba Miller, Rick Taylor, Lynne Jassem, and a band of master musicians. Get tickets

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FRI & SAT: Ben Jones

Ben Jones is at the Purple Room on Friday–Saturday, February 20–21 with Timeless, a sweeping celebration of 100 years of the American Songbook. Joined by acclaimed composer and musical director Ron Abel, Jones brings remarkable vocal range and theatrical nuance to a program that honors the great architects of classic American music while spotlighting contemporary voices who carry the tradition forward. Get tickets

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This Week at the Plaza Theatre

The Plaza Theatre delivers a dynamic week of music and storytelling, beginning Monday, February 16 with Aloe Blacc’s Wake Me Up Tour, showcasing the genre‑blending artist whose soulful voice and rich musical influences span hip‑hop, folk, and classic soul. On Tuesday, February 17, the Palm Springs Symphony presents From Mozart to Modern, a spirited journey through centuries of orchestral brilliance. Wednesday, February 18 brings Lucie Arnaz in Sing Happy!, a big‑band celebration of Broadway, the American Songbook, and her family’s deep ties to the desert. The week rounds out on Thursday and Friday, February 19 and 20, as Dean Z takes the stage with his acclaimed tribute to Elvis, honoring the King with the energy and authenticity that have earned him global recognition. Get tickets

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This Week at the McCallum Theatre

The McCallum Theatre’s week starts on Tuesday, February 17 at 7:30 pm when Gustavo Dudamel leads the Los Angeles Philharmonic in a program that blends contemporary color with timeless orchestral power. On Wednesday, February 18 at 7 pm, Great American Crooners brings the golden age of jazz to life with swoon‑worthy classics and behind‑the‑music stories. Friday, February 20 at 8 pm, Teatro Lirico d’Europa presents Verdi’s Rigoletto, a towering masterpiece of passion and tragedy. The week concludes Saturday, February 21 at 8 pm with the legendary Count Basie Orchestra and Sunday, February 22 at 3 pm with Life on the Move, an inspiring exploration of global animal migrations led by ecologist Lucy Hawkes. Get tickets

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FRI–SUN: McCormick’s Classic Car Auction

McCormick’s Classic Car Auction returns Friday–Sunday, February 20–22 at the Palm Springs Convention Center, showcasing more than 400 vehicles spanning nearly a century of automotive design. From rare classics to modern exotics, this outdoor event brings together collectors, enthusiasts, and first‑time buyers for a weekend celebrating the craft and excitement of car culture. More info

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The Graduate

Desert TheatreWorks stages the iconic coming‑of‑age story The Graduate, running through March 8. Scripted by Terry Johnson, the production follows recent college graduate Benjamin Braddock as he’s pulled into a charged and complicated triangle with Mrs. Robinson and her daughter Elaine. Presented in the round in DTW’s intimate Blackbox Theater, the show places audiences close to the tension as this classic tale unfolds. Get tickets

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In the Wake

The BENT’s production of Lisa Kron’s In the Wake runs through February 28, bringing audiences into the turbulence of the 2000 presidential election—yes, that one, with parallels that still resonate. Ellen, a political junkie, finds her convictions colliding with those of her partner and friends, exposing personal blind spots and challenging assumptions about the country. Funny, passionate, and sharp, this searing work from Palm Springs’ LGBTQ+ theater company delivers a gripping look at belief, identity, and the cost of certainty. Get tickets

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Pippin

Pippin takes the stage at Revolution Stage Company through March 1, inviting audiences into Stephen Schwartz and Roger O. Hirson’s dazzling, meta‑theatrical journey of spectacle, seduction, and self‑discovery. Guided by the enigmatic Leading Player, this vibrant production follows young Prince Pippin through war, pleasure, politics, and illusion, all set to an iconic score and the show’s signature theatrical magic. Our theatre reviewer, Stephen Radosh, says “…this production captures the show’s central message with sincerity: sometimes the extraordinary is found in the beautifully ordinary.” Read his full review and Get tickets

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Hair

Hair is on a spirited run through March 1 at Palm Canyon Theatre, channeling the raw energy and cultural revolution of the 1960s. Audiences are invited into a world of peace, love, and youthful rebellion as a tribe of free‑spirited hippies navigates identity, protest, and the power of community. With its electrifying rock score and timeless call for change, this landmark musical continues to resonate with its bold, joyful, and unapologetically revolutionary spirit. Get tickets

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Camp Morning Wood

Camp Morning Wood is making its west coast premiere, presented by the new PRISM Theater at The 4707 for a run that continues through Sunday, March 22. Fresh from its Off‑Broadway success, this bold and irreverent musical follows a newly engaged couple who unexpectedly land at a gay nudist camp, setting the stage for cheeky comedy, lively songs and outrageous choreography. Get tickets

The Art of Science

The Art of Science offers an intimate one‑man performance that blends live music, immersive visuals, and thought‑provoking scientific storytelling. Created by local artist Patrick Olson and refined after a successful Off‑Broadway chapter, the show invites audiences to explore connection, consciousness, and the universe in a uniquely moving way. Complimentary 45‑minute preview performances take place Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, with Saturday 2 pm matinees newly added due to popular demand! More info

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THU–SUN: Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival

The Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival runs Thursdays–Sundays in Indio through March 1 with food, entertainment, and classic fair fun, celebrating our region’s rich date‑growing heritage. Visitors can explore agricultural exhibits, live music, carnival rides, cooking demonstrations, and cultural performances, all set within one of the desert’s most beloved annual traditions. More info

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ALSO THIS WEEK

• Monday, February 16
  • Premium Bourbon Tasting – Sazerac | 6–8 pm at The Purple Room
  • 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
• Tuesday, February 17
  • Border Grill Taco Tuesday Pop Up Series | 5–9 pm at Alice B.
  • The Rape of Europa | 6–7:30 pm at The Tolerance Education Center
  • The Tuesday Show: Palm Springs Bound | 7 pm at Palm Canyon Theatre
  • Roxy Music’s Phil Manzanera | 7:30 pm at Revolution Stage Co.
• Wednesday, February 18
  • Intro to Energy Healing | 10 am at The Center
  • Tickled Pink at That Pink Door House | 4:30–7 pm at at Villa Sierra
  • Hot Spot Bingo with Deven & Ned | 7–8:30 pm at Agua Caliente Cathedral City
• Thursday, February 19
  • UCR Science to Policy Showcase Event | 6–8 pm at UCR Palm Desert
  • VillageFest Street Fair | 6–10 pm in Downtown Palm Springs
  • Carousel Live Retro Music | 7–8:30 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
  • Cabaret L’Amour | 7 pm at The Velvet Rope Hotel
• Friday, February 20
  • Food Truck Fridays | 5–10 pm in Downtown Indio
  • Drag Bingo | 4:30–7 pm at Arrive Hotel
• Saturday, February 21
  • Sober & Strong | 8–9 am at Atlas Training Club
  • Desert Modern Grand Opening | 11 am–6 pm in Perez Art District
  • The Juilliard String Quartet | 3 pm at Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church
  • Creedenced (CCR Tribute) 4:30 pm at The Gardens on El Paseo
  • Dance Ranch: Beginner Waltz with Alicia Hennick | 7 pm at Step by Step
• Sunday, February 22
  • A.M. Stream with Modgirl | 10 am–1 pm at Café la Jefa
  • PS Concerts: The New Hollywood String Quartet | 2–4 pm at Richards Center for the Arts
  • DHS Classical Concerts: Clare Longendyke (piano) | 4–5 pm at Grace Church
  • The Judy Show! (SOLD OUT) | 5–8:30 pm at The Purple Room

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SAYKGAY to Save on Rivalry Merch

Ride the Heated Rivalry wave with a fresh batch of themed T‑shirts now available through the Pride Store. Some designs rep your favorite fictional teams from the show, while others turn up the temperature with bolder, more provocative takes. Pick your style, show your fandom, and save 10% storewide at checkout with promo code SAYKGAY – Shop Now

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NEW Spring 2026 Visitor Map & Guide – FREE!

Check out the latest Spring 2026 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, all curated to make exploring the valley even easier. Look for the latest edition at businesses and newsstands around town, as well as at hotels, visitor centers, and participating sponsors, or view it online.

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THIS WEEKEND

The Chase

The Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards returns to the Palm Springs Convention Center on Saturday, February 21 from 6–10 pm, bringing together community champions for an evening that blends purpose, celebration, and extraordinary entertainment. Guests will gather for a cocktail reception, dinner, and auctions before The Temptations take the stage, all in support of DAP Health’s mission to expand equitable, compassionate care across the region. This year’s program also honors Lisa Middleton with the Community Service Award, recognizing her steadfast leadership and deep commitment to Palm Springs. Get tickets

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Reduce, Reuse, Redress Pop-Up Resale Event

Reduce, Reuse, Redress returns with a special pop‑up resale event on Saturday, February 21 from 11 am–4 pm at The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, giving the community a chance to shop previously worn but still fabulous Red Dress Dress Red outfits donated earlier in the month. This curated collection of bold, creative looks offers a fresh way to build an outfit for March’s big night while supporting a beloved community tradition. More info

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Palm Springs International Jazz Festival

The Palm Springs International Jazz Festival brings an extraordinary weekend of world‑class artistry to the Plaza Theatre, beginning Saturday, February 21 with Eliane Elias in The Soul of Bossa Nova, a warm, elegant tribute to Brazil’s most beloved sound. That same evening, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band fills the theatre with the timeless spirit of New Orleans, blending tradition and irresistible energy. On Sunday, February 22, Lisa Fischer & Grand Baton take the stage with the emotional power and vocal brilliance that have captivated audiences worldwide, followed by the visionary Esperanza Spalding, whose boundary‑defying creativity and deep musical lineage close the festival with a performance rooted in innovation, connection, and pure musical exploration. Get tickets

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Modernism Art District Tour

The Modernism Art District Tour is on Saturday, February 21 from 11 am–6 pm, offering visitors a rare chance to step inside working studios and explore how midcentury artists continue to inspire today’s creators. This free, self‑guided tour spans five art districts and more than 50 participating artists, with the Back Street Art District—home to Ernesto Ramirez Fine Art—serving as one of the tour hubs. Guests can meet artists, view works in progress, and experience the creative energy that defines the Coachella Valley’s contemporary art scene. More info

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Secret Improv VICE Palm Springs

Secret Improv VICE Palm Springs brings a one‑night‑only, fully improvised Film Noir mystery to the Mizell Center on Saturday, February 21 from 7–9 pm. Set in a shadowy 1947 Palm Springs gripped by crime, the show invites the audience to shape a brand new case filled with murder, blackmail and a fresh lineup of suspicious characters. Direct from sold‑out performances in San Francisco, this sharp, fast‑moving experience lets guests help steer the investigation, making every twist and reveal part of the fun. Get tickets

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Smokey Robinson

Smokey Robinson brings his Legacy of Love Tour to The Show on Saturday, February 21 at 8 pm, filling the room with the smooth soul and Motown artistry that shaped generations. From his early days with The Miracles to the iconic songs that defined an era, he delivers a rare evening of timeless music from one of the most influential voices in American pop and R&B. Get tickets

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Cocktails for a Cause: Home for a Home

Cocktails for a Cause brings the community together on Saturday, February 21 from 5–8 pm at Saguaro Palm Springs for an uplifting evening supporting Home for a Home’s mission to build brighter futures. Guests can enjoy drinks, tasty bites, and a silent auction while connecting with others who believe in creating meaningful change, one home at a time. More info

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Oscar Wilde About America

Oscar Wilde About America arrives at the Palm Springs Cultural Center on Friday, February 20, inviting audiences into a vivid blend of documentary and magical realism that reimagines Oscar Wilde’s 1882 American tour as a modern‑day road trip. Running through Thursday, March 5, the film from James Andrew Walsh follows Wilde on a contemporary journey toward queer joy, love, and liberation, exploring themes of identity, diversity, and self‑expression. With its inventive storytelling and an original song inspired by Wilde’s famous line “Be yourself, everyone else is taken,” this Cinema Diverse BIG Gay Movie presentation offers a thoughtful and resonant celebration of LGBTQ+ history and imagination. Get tickets

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• Modernism Week 2026
  Feb 12–22
• The Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival
  Feb 12–Mar 1 in Indio
• Bernadette Peters in Concert with The Desert Symphony
  Thu. Feb 19 at 7 pm at The Show
• Wag & Shag at the SHAG House
  Fri. Feb 20 from 5–8 pm at The SHAG House
• In the Wake – presented by THE BENT
  Feb 12–28 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center
• Pippin – presented by Revolution Stage Co.
  Feb 13–Mar 1
• Camp Morning Wood – presented by PRISM Theater
  Jan 23–Mar 22
• The Art of Science with Patrick Olson
  Sat. at 2 pm and 7:30 pm, Sun. at 2 pm at Studio 1068
• The Chase 2026
  Sat. Feb 21 from 6–10 pm at the Palm Springs Convention Center
• Modern Muse: Petula Clark and the Women Who Changed Pop
  Mon. Feb 23 at 8 pm at Studio 4707
• Palm Springs Speaks: Wade Rouse
  Tue. Feb 24 at 7:30 pm at the Plaza Theatre
• Guys and Dolls – presented by CVRep
  Feb 25–Mar 22
• Destroying David – presented by Dezart Performs
  Feb 26–Mar 8
• La Quinta Art Celebration
  Feb 26–Mar 1 at La Quinta Civic Center
• Legends of Pop Festival: Madonna, Prince & Michael Jackson
  Sat. Feb 28 at 6 pm at The Show
• BNP Paribas Open – 2026 Series Packages Now On Sale
  Mar 1–15 at Indian Wells Tennis Garden
• A Studio 54 Celebration Benefiting McCallum’s Education Programs
  Mon. Mar 2 at 4:30 pm at Renaissance Esmeralda Resort
• Cathedral City LGBT+ Days
  Mar 6–8 at Cathedral City Civic Center Plaza
• Fantasy Prom by Desert Sparkles Fund
  Sat. Mar 7 from 6–9 pm at The Palm Springs Surf Club
• Solid Gold Soul
  Wed. Mar 11 at 7:30 pm at The Plaza Theatre
• Fashion Week El Paseo
  Fri.–Wed. Mar 13–18 at The Gardens on El Paseo
• The L-Fund Presents: Luck Be a Lady
  Sat. Mar 14 at 5 pm at Renaissance Palm Springs
• The Naked Magicians
  Tue. Mar 17 at 7:30 pm at the Plaza Theatre
• Palm Desert Food & Wine
  Thu.–Sun., Mar 19–22 at The Gardens on El Paseo
• Desert Legends Women’s Weekend
  Apr 2–5 at Hotel Zoso

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