Brad Fuhr Caricature

“Love your Pet Day” coincided with Monday, Feb 20 Presidents Day this year. And one of our staff members lost his dog this week to old age. Our four legged, winged and finned friends mean the world to us. For many in the LGBTQ+ community, the unconditional love shown by a dog or cat has never been found elsewhere.

When I lost my last dog, I was turned on to a book that i highly recommend, Goodbye, Friend. I just returned from a week away and I know that I missed Buddy, the Wonder Dog. He was right there at the door when I returned home and it was such a comfort.

Our two local charities, Animal Samaritans and the Palm Springs Animal Shelter do incredible work in the community. Last weekend, Christopher Kennedy hosted a series of home tours to benefit the latter. And there’s much more as Modernism Week continues.

Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide & KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs,

For the latest, follow our socials @GayDesertGuide and @KGAY1065 and listen to KGAY Palm Springs wherever you may be!
#ILoveGayPalmSprings #ILoveGayCatCity #ILoveGayTravel #ILoveGay #SayKGAY (and win!)


Modernism Week in Full Swing

Modernism Week’s annual 11-day festival is underway, running now through Sunday, February 26, featuring more than 350 events including the Palm Springs Modernism Show, tours of iconic homes in more than 24 neighborhoods, the Palm Desert Signature Home Tour and the Palm Springs 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, a vintage trailer show, a golf tournament, garden tours, nightly parties, and a special series of compelling and informative talks. All events are open to the public, and many events are free or low cost. Get tickets

Modernism Weeks’ CAMP (Community and Meeting Place) is the central meeting place for all things Modernism Week and it’s FREE and open to the public inside the Hyatt Palm Springs. Discover new events and activities to attend, dine and sip at Cheeky’s To-Go, shop at the Destination PSP store, meet authors at book signings, explore design elements for your home, and relax and commune with fellow modernists. CAMP will be open daily 9am–5pm during Modernism Week.

23rd Annual Modernism Show

The 23rd annual Palm Springs Modernism Show wraps up a long weekend with its last day on Monday, February 20 from 10 am–4 pm at the Palm Springs Convention Center. This Modernism Week Featured Event hosts 125 dealers offering stunning items representing all design movements of the 20th century and select 21st century items and contemporary cutting-edge home design products and technology. Get tickets


Once

CVRep presents Once, opening Tuesday, February 21 and running through Sunday, March 11. Once is a love story reminding us of how the language of music is universal. Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Once tells the story of Guy, an Irish songwriter who spends his days fixing vacuums in the Dublin shop he runs with his father. While on the verge of giving it up altogether, along comes a girl who convinces Guy to believe in love, music, and the courage to carry on. Get tickets


The Lincoln Debate

The Bent Theater Company presents The Lincoln Debate on Monday, February 20 at 7 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. This new play takes a funny, touching and historically honest look at the relationship between Abraham Lincoln and Joshua Speed, a man he shared a bed with for four years. Did they have an intimate relationship? Did one of the greatest men in American history have a letter under the LGBTQ banner that fit him? You will leave armed to draw your own conclusions. Upcoming performances will be on February 28 and March 7 & 14. Get tickets


2023 Oscar® Nominated Short Films

The Palm Springs Cultural Center presents the 2023 Oscar® Nominated Short Films, playing now through Sunday, February 26. Enjoy the year’s most spectacular short films for a limited time, with each nominee released in one of three distinct feature-length compilations according to their category of nomination: Live Action, Animation, or Documentary. Get tickets


This Week at the McCallum

The McCallum Theatre presents Rosanne Cash with John Leventhal on Tuesday, February 21 at 7 pm, Steve Tyrell on Wednesday, February 22 at 7 pm, and Beginnings: A Celebration of the Music of Chicago with The Desert Symphony on Thursday, February 23 at 8 pm. Then, this weekend, it’s the story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan told through music in On Your Feet! from Friday, February 24–Sunday, February 26. Next week: MNOZIL Brass (2/27), and Our Planet Live in Concert (2/28). Get tickets


A Seat at the Table

Join the Desert Business Association and the NGLCC Communities of Color Initiative (CoCi) to hear from Black LGBTQ+ business owners, supplier diversity thought leaders, and members of the NGLCC team on Tuesday, February 21 from 11 am–12:30 pm as part of Black History Month. All are welcome to join in honoring the legacy and contributions of Black Americans over time and across the nation. More info


Les Michaels: A Celebration of Life

Join friends and fans of Les Michaels for an open mic celebrating his life and birthday on Tuesday, February 21 from 5–8 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. The late Palm Springs resident and cabaret producer and singer who produced and presented Open Mic Cabaret events at various venues in both in Palm Springs and Los Angeles will be honored on what would have been his 72nd birthday. Hosted by Gregg Marx, Daytime Emmy Award Winner for “As The World Turns,” Leslie Tinnaro, star of CVRep’s recent hit show, “Fun Home” and Clifford Bell, acclaimed Cabaret Producer and Director. More info


Emmitt Smith Speaks in Rancho Mirage

The City of Rancho Mirage and Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa have partnered to present the Rancho Mirage Speaker Series – Legends of Sports as it moves to The Show at the Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa in Rancho Mirage. On Tuesday, February 21 from 7–9 pm, the featured speaker will be Emmitt Smith — the NFL’s all-time leading rusher. The former Dallas Cowboy is a three-time Super Bowl champion and holds the record for career rushing touchdowns. After retiring from football, Smith successfully transitioned to the dance floor – winning Dancing with the Stars’ mirror ball trophy. On Tuesday, March 21 boxing hall of famer Sugar Ray Leonard hits the stage. Get tickets


Monthly Center Social at Reforma

The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert presents the February Center Social on Wednesday, February 22 from 5:30–7 pm. This month the social will be at Palm Springs’ newest bar, restaurant and nightclub, Reforma. Look forward to friendship, connection, and a tasty happy hour. Spread the word…everyone is invited! More info


From Broadway with Love…Backwards

Palm Canyon Theatre presents From Broadway with Love…. Backwards on Wednesday, February 22 from 7–9 pm. This is a night of Broadway Love songs…with a twist. A cast of talented performers will sing some of their favorite Broadway love songs that were originally written and sung by performers of the opposite gender. Featured performers include Jaci Davis, Ben Reece, Se Layne, Sheldon Safir, Georgia Smith, NIcholas Sloan, Jamie Leigh Walker, and many more of your favorites. Get tickets


Riverside County Fair

The Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival takes place from Friday, February 17–Sunday, February 26, at the Riverside County Fairgrounds in Indio. Originating as a festival to celebrate the end of the annual date harvest, the annual Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival welcomes over 250,000 guests each February. Get tickets


Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap

Desert Theatreworks presents Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap now through March 5. This thrilling murder mystery from the best-selling novelist of all time returns to Desert TheatreWorks with a signature twist. As news spreads of a murder in London, a group of seven strangers find themselves snowed in at a stately countryside guesthouse with a killer in their midst! Which one is the murderer? Who will be their next victim? Can you solve the mystery before another “mouse” succumbs to the trap? Join in for suspenseful fun courtesy of the longest-running play in history. Get tickets


Stress Management for Overall Health

Eisenhower Health and The LGBTQ Center of the Desert present Stress Management for Overall Health on Wednesday, February 22 from 4–5 pm on Zoom. Join Karen Stewart, RN, for some tips on how you can manage your stress. Not all stress is bad, however, long-term stress can lead to health problems. Preventing and managing long-term stress can lower your risk for other conditions like heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, and depression. Free event, registration required. More info


Desert Stonewall Democrats February Meeting

The Desert Stonewall Democrats February Membership Meeting will take place on Thursday, February 23 at 6 pm at The Palm Springs Cultural Center. The topic this month is “Section 14: A Bitter Legacy.” In Palm Springs, hundreds of Black and Mexican families are seeking millions of dollars in restitution for being forcibly evicted from the Section 14 neighborhood in the 1950s and 1960s. Hear from a panel including survivors and descendants of the Section 14 evictions, invited to discuss the history and current reality behind the reparations claim. More info


TC4 Saxophone Quartet at DHS High

Desert Hot Springs Classical Concerts presents TC4 Saxophone Quartet at DHS High School’s Black Box Theatre on Wednesday, February 22, from 7–8 pm. TC4 brings an eclectic program of music for saxophone quartet, including music by Venezuelan composer Aldemaro Romero, French composer Eugene Bozza, and American music including by Michael Daugherty, and a world premiere by Chris Evan Hass. More info


Desert Blues Revival: LOOKOUT! Vintage Soul and R&B Revue

Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs presents the Desert Blues Revival every Wednesday at 8 pm in the Cascade Lounge. On Wednesday, February 22, LOOKOUT! Vintage Soul and R&B Revue takes the stage. Each week, come enjoy great bands playing authentic Blues, Soul, R&B, and Rock from all over the globe right here in your backyard. Get tickets


Jazzville: Chuck Johnson Quintet Celebrates Dexter Gordon’s 100th

Jazzville invites you to experience the hottest acts in jazz and step back in time to when all the cool cats came to play and put Palm Springs on the map! On Thursday, February 23 from 7–8:30 pm, Jazzville brings the Chuck Johnson Quintet to Palm Springs during Modernism Week when all things mid-century are celebrated. And how cool to celebrate the jazz legend, Dexter Gordon, on what would be his100th birthday with a fantastic tribute by the best band to do it! Get tickets


Visitor Map & Guide Spring Edition is Here!

The Spring 2023 edition of our Gay Desert Guide Visitor Map & Guide (great for locals too!) is available now around town and online. We help you find everything you need to know while visiting or living in the Coachella Valley, featuring the top places for Food & Drink, Nightlife, Shopping, Attraction, Gay Resorts with passes, Dispensaries and other services. You can also view it online, and download the PDF [here].


THIS WEEKEND

International Bear Convergence (IBC) 2023

The International Bear Convergence, IBC 2023, is taking place from Thursday February 23–Sunday, February 26 for an amazing weekend of “Fun, Frolic & Fur” at Hotel Zoso. IBC is the premier winter event for the Bear community, welcoming thousands of frisky bears, muscle bears, cubs, chasers, chubs, admirers & their fans to have the time of their lives. 2022 broke all previous attendance records and in 2023 they expect to do it again. With daily pool parties, speed dating, hot DJs, a Bear Heat late-night party with a live performance by CeCe Peniston, Hungry Bear Drag Brunch, and The Dirty Show with Skyler Gentry, the weekend is packed with things to do and we’ve got the run-down on our event page: More info


Boots on Arenas

Modernism Week presents Boots on Arenas – The Ultimate Street Party Celebration honoring Nancy Sinatra on Saturday, February 25 from 4:30–5:30 pm. Pull out your miniskirts and go-go boots and set your 60s bombshell hair, then walk on down to Arenas Road for a celebration with Nancy Sinatra and the Modernism Week double decker bus. Bella da Ball will cruise down Arenas Road for the ultimate dance celebration of These Boots are Made for Walkin’, Modernism Week’s penultimate night street party! More info


Peaches & Heklina’s High School Reunion

The Palm Springs Cultural Center presents Peaches and Heklina’s High School Reunion on Saturday, February 25 at 7 pm. Join Peaches Christ and Heklina as they celebrate dubious fashion choices, business women lunch specials, Post-its, and their High School Reunion. Wear your best Prom attire and enter the Prom King and Queen contest! The show also stars Mario Diaz, Clammy Faye/Nancy French, Mutha Chucka and more, while glamourous award-winning musical duo Deven Green & Handsome Ned play your favorite hits from the movie before the main event. After the pre-show, stick around for the free interactive screening of the iconic film, Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion. Get tickets


Don’t Worry Darling – Palm Springs Retro Style

Modernism Week Palm Springs presents Don’t Worry Darling – Palm Springs Retro Style on Saturday, February 25 at 2 pm. Palm Springs sets the stylish scene of the Warner Brothers psychological thriller Don’t Worry Darling, starring Harry Styles, Chris Pine, Florence Pugh, and director Olivia Wilde. Join three-time Oscar-nominated costume designer Arianne Phillips and location manager Chris Baugh as they offer a behind-the-scenes look on the essential parts of Hollywood filmmaking, costume design, set décor and the art of selecting the right location. Moderated by film and design journalist, and author, Cathy Whitlock (Designs on Film: A Century of Hollywood Art Direction), the panel will detail their creative process on everything from creating retro eye-candy costumes to sleek midcentury modern interiors and exteriors. Get tickets


The L-Fund Gala

Join the the L-Fund for their 10th Anniversary “Luck Be a Lady” L-Fund Gala on Saturday, February 25, from 5–9 pm at the Margaritaville Resort. This Red-Carpet Event supports cis & trans Lesbians in the Coachella Valley. With dinner, dancing, and gambling (poker, blackjack, craps, roulette), plus a silent auction and raffle prizes for casino winners. Entertainment by Elaine Gibbs and band. 2023 honorees include: Jill Hingston, PhD, LMFT, Rhonda Ceccato, and Kim Kieler. Get tickets


Black History Month Parade and Town Fair

In celebration of Black History Month, The Palm Springs Black History Committee and the City of Palm Springs James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center will host the 36th Annual City of Palm Springs Black History Month Parade and Town Fair on Saturday, February 25 from 11 am–3 pm. This year’s 2023 Black History Month theme is “Black Resistance.” The Parade starts on Palm Canyon Drive in Downtown Palm Springs. Immediately following the Parade, the Town Fair is held at the New Downtown Park in Palm Springs across the street from the Palm Springs Art Museum. More info


McCormick’s Exotic Car Auction

McCormick’s 74th Palm Springs Exotic Car Auction takes place Friday, Saturday & Sunday, February 24–26. This is a live, in person auction of classic, vintage, & muscle cars in the usual outdoor location on the grounds of The Palm Springs Convention Center. Prices range from just $3000 to over $250,000 and the general public as well as dealers are welcome. Friday is FREE admission with an expanded lot of 180 crossing the block. On Saturday and Sunday, admission is $15 (or $25 for both) and another 220 and 175 cars will be auctioned off, respectively. More info


The Red Sale at Revivals

The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert presents The Red Sale on Friday, February 24 from 6:30–8 pm at Revivals Palm Springs. Pick up the red-hot items you’ll need for the Red Dress/Dress Red party, and benefit the good work of Revivals while you’re doing it! More info


Coachella Valley Wildflower 5K

Friends of the Desert Mountains present the Coachella Valley Wildflower 5K Trail Fun Run/Walk on Saturday, February 25 from 7:30–11 am on the Randall Henderson Trail. All ages are welcome; this family fun event is about experiencing nature at its best, with beautiful spring wildflowers and breathtaking views of the Santa Rosa mountains. Friends of the Desert Mountains is celebrating 35 years of conservation in the Coachella Valley. More info


Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man

Bus Stop Productions presents Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man in the Tropics Lounge at the Margaritaville Resort on Fridays and Saturdays from February 24–March 18, with two shows per night at 7 pm & 9:30 pm. This show has been sharing its upbeat brand of humor with theater audiences all across America for over five years! The play is set at a local university auditorium where the English department holds its monthly meet the authors event. Robyn is the shy and studious moderator of the event and this month’s featured author is Dan Anderson of Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man. With the help of a hunky stage assistant named Stefan, Dan aims to turn this meet the authors event upside down with a highly theatrical, audience interactive sex tip seminar. Get tickets


Bear Naked

Western Xposure presents Bear Naked 2023 at CCBC Resort in Cathedral City from Friday, February 24–Sunday, February 26. This is an alternative party to IBC for guys looking to get naked. It is a complementary event to IBC, but not part of their event or run pass. They simply offer a clothing-optional place for pool parties (featuring DJ Big Top on Saturday and Sunday) and late night cruising during one of Southern California’s largest bear gatherings. Get tickets


ARRIVAL: The Music of ABBA

The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Rancho Mirage presents ARRIVAL: The Music of ABBA on Friday, February 24 at 8 pm. This tribute band was founded by Vicky Zetterberg in 1995 in Gothenburg, Sweden and very soon became one of the world’s most popular and best selling ABBA show bands. Since the start in 1995 the band has toured in 70 countries and has appeared in several TV and radio shows all over the world. Since 2005 ARRIVAL from Sweden has made 80 successful tours in the USA. Get tickets

On Saturday, February 25 at 8 pm, The Show presents Yuridia (SOLD OUT). This Mexican singer came in second place in the fourth season of the reality show La Academia, which launched her career. In 2005, Yuridia released her debut album La Voz de un Ángel. It became the second best-selling album in 2006 and one of the fastest-selling albums of all time in Mexico.


Eevan Tré and The Show at The Gardens

Agua Caliente Casinos present The Gardens 25th Annual Concert Series on Saturday, February 25 from 4:30–7:30 pm with a concert by R&B singer/songwriter Eevan Tré and The Show, benefiting the Bianca Rae Foundation. For 25 years, The Gardens on El Paseo has brought together the Coachella Valley community to support local non-profits, musicians, and organizations. Reserve your tickets now and wine down on the Center Lawn, Saturday evenings to support your community. Upcoming concerts include: Slim Man (3/4), and John Stanley King Band (3/11). Get tickets


Brien O’Brien Salon Anniversary Party

Brien O’Brien Salon celebrates 15 years with an Anniversary Party on Friday, February 24 from 6–8 pm. Hosted by the lovely Ethylinna Canne, sounds by the one and only DJ ModGirl, and open bar and nibbles by Lynn Hammond Catering. Featuring a huge raffle with prizes including a YEAR WORTH OF FREE HAIRCUTS* with all proceeds benefitting Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. More info


La Quinta Hot Rod & Custom Car Show

Start your engines and get ready for the 16th Annual La Quinta Hot Rod and Custom Car Show on Saturday, February 25 from 9 am–3 pm at La Quinta Community Park. Entertainment, food, drinks and a beer garden will be available at this FREE family friendly event. The vehicles will meander through the spacious grounds of the park, allowing viewers to take their time and comfortably enjoy each vehicle on display. This year the show will be recognizing several prize-winning categories, including Best Street Rod, Best Classic, Best Muscle Car, Best Sports Car, and more. More info


The Sounds of Frank & Ella

The Desert Wind Freedom Band presents the SOLD OUTThe Sounds of Frank & Ella” Jazz Band Concert & Gala Fundraiser on Sunday, February 26 at 4 pm. This audience favorite includes an Italian buffet with beer and wine, as well as a silent auction. Music provided by our community’s own Jazz Band and popular guest vocalists Hope Diamond and Patrick Barnitt. More info


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!


On the Air at KGAY 106.5

Win Tickets to Sex Tips…

KGAY 106.5 has your tickets to Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man. This humorous, highly theatrical audience interactive sex tip seminar is playing Fridays and Saturdays at Margaritaville Resort from February 24–March 18. Win a pair of tickets to the Saturday night show PLUS an overnight stay at Margaritaville! John Taylor will draw a winner on the KGAY Morning Show every Friday morning for the following performances: Feb 24, Mar 4, 11 & 18. Enter to win on the KGAY 106.5 Contest Page

The KGAY Sunday Tea Dance with DJ Modgirl airs every Sunday from 4–6 pm (right after the Retro Brunch). DJ Modgirl (AKA Kellee McQuinn) is not only the life of the party, she’s also a cover girl on magazines and billboards, a television entertainer, and an award winning producer, director, lyricist and performer. Her moniker is “Music! Dancing! Fashion! Fun!” and she throws down the most irresistible, uplifting beats each week on the KGAY Sunday Tea Dance from 4–6 pm. Listen online

Ross Mathews hosts hi popular weekly radio show on KGAY 106.5 airs on Saturdays from 11:00 am–2 pm. That’s 50% more Ross because now it’s a three-hour show! Ross is a part-time Palm Springs resident and currently working on The Drew Barrymore Show, RuPaul’s Drag Race and many other projects. He brings celebrity gossip and news, plus a rundown of what’s happening each weekend in #ILoveGayPalmSprings as he plays some of his favorite dance hits each weekend on KGAY. Listen Online

The KGAY 106.5 Retro Lunch airs Monday through Friday at noon, with DJ Galaxy (Vincent Corrales) and DJ Eric Ornelas playing an hour of their high-energy throwback mixes. On Sundays, we put all five hours together for the Retro Sunday Brunch from 11 am–4 pm. Perfect party music! Listen Online

Welcome New Partner!

Introducing Reforma, offering Latin American cuisine with inspiration from Argentina, Peru, Colombia, Mexico and beyond. This weekend, come for the Grand Opening Party on Saturday night with DJ sets by Todd Terry, Freak On, and Lee Dagger! Join them every day for dinner or their unique 3-2-1 Happy Hour: $3 off any liquor, $2 off all craft cocktails and wines, $1 off beers. Open daily from 3 pm–midnight. Learn more

  1. Tickets Are Still Available for Selected Modernism Week Events
  2. Celebrate Black History Month in Greater Palm Springs
  3. 17 Groovy Shops to Add to Your Palm Springs Bucket List
  4. An LGBTQ+ Guide for Families in Palm Springs
  5. Foodie Festivals in Greater Palm Springs

Destination PSP produces unique, originally-designed merchandise including souvenirs, customized apparel, poolside wares, housewares and more. Destination PSP’s original designs are now featured on their very own Mod Swim and Mod Shirt Collections, for men and women.  Designed by them—made by them, in the following designs: atomic, sunmor, oasis, modernista , lava lamp, modfest, conga, and mambo. Save $10 at Destination PSP with our HOT DEAL: Get a $30 gift card for just $20! Get Your Deal

We also have Hot Deals at V Wine Lounge, The Purple Room, Il Giardino, Grand Central, Hunters Nightclub, Giuseppe’s Pizzeria, Monster Shakes, Desert Mischief, Jolene’s, Rick’s, Lulu California Bistro, AMP Sports Lounge, Trevor Wayne Pop Art and more! See All Deals

Find out what’s happening on any given day by browsing our Gay Desert Guide Online Event Listing Calendar, and for the big picture, take a look at major upcoming events in our 2023 Coachella Valley Calendar of Events.

Listen to KGAY 106.5 over the air, stream it [here], or listen on TuneIn Radio with Alexa or Siri by saying “Play K-GAY 1065 from Tune In Radio.” Ross Mathews is on Saturdays from 11 am–2 pm, John Taylor is on mornings 6–10 am and program director Chris Shebel is on afternoons. Our Retro Lunch with DJ Galaxy and DJ Eric Ornelas is now heard on Sundays as the Retro Lunch & Sunday Brunch from 11 am–4 pm, followed by DJ Modgirl spinning the KGAY Sunday Tea Dance from 4–6 pm.

Don’t miss “This Way Out,Sundays at 6:30 a.m. on KGAY 106.5. “This Way Out” is the only internationally distributed weekly LGBTQ radio program, currently airing on some 200 local community radio stations around the world. Listen to the latest episode as a podcast on our streaming page (click “Podcasts” in the upper right hand corner)