Gay Desert Guide: Week of Feb 23, 2026

How do you greet someone?  That usually depends upon your familiarity with that person, the situation and — in the case of we gays — our sexual orientation.  

In the days of Bridgerton, you never spoke to someone until you were officially introduced by a third party. To speak to a stranger was a scandal; to touch them (handshake) was an intimacy reserved only for established friends or business deals.

You didn’t just say hello, you bowed or curtsied according to your rank in society. That changed in the Victorian era, where a handshake became the symbol of being a “gentleman”. After WWII, it was okay to say “hi” and “hey” (without the “gurl”…)

A hug would never have been an option, especially a bear hug.

We have become more physical with friends than Regency folks ever were. A “friend-hug” would have been scandalous for Daphne or Eloise, but today it’s the standard for anyone beyond a first-time acquaintance.

IBC was in town, so one had to be prepared for bear hugs.  Hopefully not as huggy as John Taylor got last week.  He was out and about at an Arenas watering hole, when a friend came up from behind with his version of “hello”.  That hug ended up cracking a rib and made John’s midsection a little tender.

And there’s the rub:  Too much affection can cause physical damage; a nod or a simple extending the hand can be off putting and signal that you really don’t like nor respect that person.

At Saturday’s Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards, John and I said our many “hello’s” to friends and community members. Luckily, decorum prevailed and John’s ribs survived the stress test.

Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide

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MON: Petula Clark and the Women Who Changed Pop

Maxine Linehan brings her acclaimed cabaret artistry to Palm Springs on Monday, February 23 at 8 pm with Modern Muse: Petula Clark and the Women Who Changed Pop at Studio 4707. This intimate evening highlights the groundbreaking voices of mid‑century pop—Petula Clark, Shirley Bassey, Lesley Gore, Dusty Springfield, and Cilla Black—reimagined through Linehan’s cinematic vocals and insightful storytelling. Get tickets

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MON: Fire Department Open House

The Palm Springs Fire Department invites the community to an Open House on Monday, February 23 from 4–6 pm at Fire Station 1, offering a rare chance to explore the historic 1955 facility designed by Albert Frey and Robson C. Chambers. Guests can join Chief Paul Alvarado and PSFD personnel for guided tours, learn about the station’s architectural significance, and hear updates on plans for a new, expanded facility that will enhance service to the community. More info

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MON & FRI: Bianca Del Rio

Bianca Del Rio storms into The Plaza Theatre on Monday, February 23 and Friday, February 27 at 8 pm with the razor‑sharp wit, fearless humor, and larger‑than‑life presence that made her a global sensation. Known for her rapid‑fire insults, impeccable timing, and gleefully unapologetic style, the RuPaul’s Drag Race champion delivers a night of comedy that is as bold as it is brilliantly crafted. With international tours, film roles, bestselling books, and history‑making performances on some of the world’s most iconic stages, Bianca brings her signature “clown in a gown” brilliance to Palm Springs for two evenings of pure comedic chaos. Get tickets

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TUE: Jimmy Boegle Joins the Hall of Fame

The 2026 Media Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony places a well‑deserved spotlight on our friend Jimmy Boegle, founding editor and publisher of the Coachella Valley Independent, as he is inducted for his decades of leadership, integrity and impact in local journalism. From championing independent reporting to elevating arts, culture and community voices across the valley, Boegle’s work has shaped how residents stay informed and connected. This year’s ceremony, featuring NPR’s Tonya Mosley, honors a class of inductees who have defined the region’s media landscape—and Jimmy’s recognition is especially meaningful for those who value fearless, community‑driven storytelling. Don’t forget to catch Jimmy on the air Tuesdays on KGAY, joining John Taylor on the KGAY Morning Show!

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TUE: Palm Springs Speaks – Wade Rouse

Palm Springs Speaks presents An Evening With Wade Rouse on Tuesday, February 24 at 7:30 pm, featuring the internationally bestselling author in conversation with Steven Rowley. Rouse, who also writes under the pen name Viola Shipman, has published 21 books that have been translated into nearly 30 languages, with several titles optioned for film and television. This special event offers an inside look at his newest novel, That’s What Friends Are For, ahead of its March 3 release. Get tickets

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WED: The Center Social

The Center Social returns on Wednesday, February 25 from 5:30–7 pm at The Palm Springs Surf Club, offering an easygoing early‑evening meetup for connection, conversation, and community. Held every fourth Wednesday, this monthly gathering brings people together in a relaxed setting with a friendly happy‑hour vibe, making it a great midweek stop for anyone looking to meet new friends and strengthen ties within the local LGBTQ+ community. More info

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OPENS WED: Guys and Dolls

CVRep delivers a bold new take on Damon Runyon’s New York when Guys and Dolls opens Wednesday, February 25 at 2 pm, running through March 22. This dynamic production drops audiences into the grit and glamour of Prohibition, where gamblers, nightclub performers, and missionaries collide in a fast‑moving mix of charm, scheming, and romance. Follow Nathan Detroit’s scramble to launch the city’s biggest craps game, Adelaide’s long wait for a wedding, and Sky Masterson’s unexpected pursuit of Sarah Brown in a sharply reimagined version of the award‑winning musical comedy. Get tickets

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WED: Pints for a Cause

Pints For A Cause brings the community together on Wednesday, February 25 from 5–7 pm at Luchador Brewing Company in Cathedral City for an evening of good food and meaningful impact. With a $15 door fee, guests can enjoy complimentary flautas and quesadillas while supporting a vital lodging program that helps keep families together during medical crises. More info

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WED: Coachella Valley Classical Voices

Coachella Valley Classical Voices brings a one‑night celebration to Palm Canyon Theatre on Wednesday, February 25 from 7–9 pm, featuring 35 trained local singers performing opera and Broadway favorites under the direction of Doug Nagel. With selections from Don Giovanni, Rent, Hamilton, Carmen, La Traviata, The Merry Widow and more—accompanied by pianist Kurt Jordan—CVCV Greatest Hits! blends vocal artistry with community support. All proceeds benefit Palm Canyon Theatre. More info

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THU–SUN: La Quinta Art Celebration

The La Quinta Art Celebration returns Thursday–Sunday, February 26–March 1 at the La Quinta Civic Center, transforming the park into a four‑day showcase of world‑class creativity. Jury‑selected artists from across the nation and around the globe present original works in a stunning outdoor setting known for its enthusiastic patrons, exceptional hospitality, and polished, VIP‑level experience. With top‑tier art, strong community support, and a beautifully curated environment, it remains one of the desert’s most anticipated fine‑arts events. More info

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THU: Black History Month Closing Celebration

The Palm Springs Art Museum closes its Black History Month programming with an outdoor celebration on Thursday, February 26 from 5–8 pm in the Elrod Garden. Guests can enjoy small bites from Tasteful Soul Catering with Chef Corinne, a pop‑up bar, live music from Million, and a vibrant artist and maker market curated by Alice Flores Combs. More info

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OPENS THU: Destroying David

Dezart Performs presents the West Coast premiere of Jason Odell Williams’ Destroying David, an intimate and emotionally charged solo work that blends art history, personal grief, and the fragile beauty of what we choose to preserve. Opening Thursday, February 26 at 7 pm and running through March 8, the production invites audiences into a private after‑hours “tour” of Michelangelo’s David, where an art restorer slowly reveals a deeply personal loss and a startling question at the heart of their journey. Get tickets

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THU–SUN: CINEMA FRANÇAIS 2026

CINEMA FRANÇAIS 2026 brings four days of exceptional French filmmaking to the historic Camelot Theatre from Thursday–Sunday, February 26–March 1. Presented by the Palm Springs Cultural Center, the festival showcases ten films ranging from intimate character studies to award‑winning literary adaptations, all screened with English subtitles. The event opens with Valensole 1965 and a post‑film conversation with director Dominique Filhol and investigative journalist Paola Harris, then continues with a rich lineup exploring love, memory, ethics, identity, and the unexpected corners of human experience. Get tickets

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This Week at the McCallum

The McCallum Theatre’s week starts on Monday, February 23 at 7 pm with a sold‑out appearance by Patti LuPone. On Tuesday, February 24 at 7:30 pm, the Academy of St Martin in the Fields brings its renowned clarity, elegance, and world‑class musicianship to the stage under the direction of Joshua Bell. The week continues Wednesday–Sunday, February 25–March 1 with Clue – Live on Stage! a fast‑paced, laugh‑filled whodunit inspired by the classic film and board game, complete with twists, turns, and a cast of colorful suspects. It’s a lively mix of music, mystery, and theatrical fun. Get tickets

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The Graduate

Desert TheatreWorks stages the iconic coming‑of‑age story The Graduate now 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, extended through Monday March 2, 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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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 23
  • 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 24
  • Tastes and Sounds of Cathedral City: The Dreamboats with food by Smokey Dawgs, El Reaper Chicken Smash Burgers, and Crush Crush Cookies | 5:30–7:30 pm at Cathedral City Amphitheatre
• Wednesday, February 25
  • Intro to Energy Healing | 10 am at The Center
  • Hot Spot Bingo with Deven & Ned | 7–8:30 pm at Agua Caliente Cathedral City
• Thursday, February 26
  • Wine & Design Mixer | 5:30 pm at Cambria Gallery, 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 27
  • Food Truck Fridays | 5–10 pm in Downtown Indio
  • Drag Bingo | 4:30–7 pm at Arrive Hotel
  • Rose Mallet: Songs of Sarah (SOLD OUT) | 6–9:30 pm at The Purple Room
  • Fitz & The Tantrums Man on the Moon Tour | 8 pm at The Show
• Saturday, February 28
  • Run/Walk 4 Kids | 8 am at Rancho Mirage Community Park
  • Sober & Strong | 8–9 am at Atlas Training Club
  • Desert Hot Springs Downtown Concert: Motown Party: Terrell Edwards Band | 4–8 pm
  • Gardens on El Paseo Concert Series: Abbey Road (Beatles Tribute) | 4:30 pm
  • Dance Ranch: Beginner Shadow with Rob Ollander-Krane | 7 pm at Step by Step
• Sunday, March 1
  • A.M. Stream with Modgirl | 10 am–1 pm at Café la Jefa
  • Palm Springs Concerts: USC Thornton Chamber Virtuosi | 2–4 pm at Richards Center for the Arts
  • Desert Hot Springs Classical Concerts: Vanessa Fountain (harp) & Emanuel Esparza (flute & alto saxophone) | 4–5 pm at Grace Church
  • The Judy Show! (SOLD OUT) | 5–8:30 pm at The Purple Room
• Ongoing
  • Oscar Wilde About America | through March 5 at Palm Springs Cultural Center

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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

Legends of Pop Festival: Madonna, Michael Jackson, Prince

The Legends of Pop Festival brings a high‑energy celebration of three music icons to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa on Saturday, February 28 at 6 pm. This vibrant tribute to Madonna, Prince, and Michael Jackson fills the evening with live performances, trivia, costume contests, and themed food and drinks, all leading up to a powerhouse concert honoring the artists who shaped generations of pop music. Expect a dynamic, nostalgia‑packed experience that captures the spirit, style, and sound of these legendary performers. Get tickets

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Black History Parade & Town Fair

The Palm Springs Black History Committee presents the Annual Black History Parade and Town Fair on Saturday, February 28 at 11 am in downtown Palm Springs, bringing the community together for a vibrant celebration of culture, heritage, and unity. The parade steps off along Palm Canyon Drive, followed by the Town Fair at Downtown Park, where visitors can enjoy live entertainment, local vendors, food, music, and activities for all ages. It’s a lively, welcoming day that honors the rich legacy of Black history in Palm Springs and invites everyone to take part in the celebration. More info

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Monét X Change

Monét X Change brings her “High Heels, Bad Knees” tour to The Plaza Theatre on Saturday, February 28 at 7:30 pm, serving up a fast, fearless, and delightfully unhinged hour of stand‑up that dives into the chaos of adulting, questionable life choices, and joints that are…doing their best. From package pirates to the perils of middle seats, she tackles it all with razor‑sharp wit and full‑tilt comedic power. Get tickets

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Judy Collins

Judy Collins takes the stage at The Plaza Theatre on Sunday, March 1 at 7 pm, bringing her luminous voice and decades of artistry to an intimate evening of music and storytelling. With classics like “Both Sides Now” and “Send in the Clowns” woven alongside newer work, she offers a performance that reflects a lifetime of creativity, activism, and emotional depth. Get tickets

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Marilyn, Mom & Me

Marilyn, Mom & Me returns to the Annenberg Theater on Saturday, February 28 at 7 pm, with a second performance on Sunday, March 1 at 2 pm, offering an intimate and moving staged reading by acclaimed playwright Luke Yankee. This compelling piece explores the unlikely and deeply personal friendship between Marilyn Monroe and Broadway character actress Eileen Heckart, forged during the filming of Bus Stop, and how that bond shaped Heckart’s life and her relationship with her son. Get tickets

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PSPD Open House “Behind the Badge”

Step inside the world of local public safety at the PSPD Open House “Behind the Badge,” happening Saturday, February 28 from 3–6 pm at the Palm Springs Police Department. This interactive afternoon invites the community to meet the officers who serve Palm Springs every day, explore department tours, and experience live demonstrations from the Drone, SWAT, and K9 units. It’s a rare, up‑close look at how “Exemplary Service” comes to life — perfect for families, neighbors, and anyone curious about the work that keeps our city safe. More info

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Flagging in the Desert

Flagging in the Desert brings its colorful, spinning community gathering to Wellness Park on Saturday, February 28 from 9:30 am–3:30 pm. Guests can enjoy a free introductory flagging class at 10:30 am, followed by an afternoon of music from DJ Jamie J. Sanchez as colorful flags fill the park’s open spaces. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch, relax in the shade and take in the movement and music. Donations support Well in the Desert and its food‑assistance programs. More info

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Mini Gay Day Anaheim

Mini Gay Day Anaheim brings a full day of color, community, and pure Disney joy to the Disneyland Resort on Saturday, February 28. Attendees can take advantage of special theme park tickets and spend the day exploring both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to Avengers Campus. Get tickets

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BNP Paribas Open Begins

The BNP Paribas Open begins Sunday, March 1, running through Sunday, March 15 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, and Tennis Paradise is set for another heavy-hitting edition. The 2026 field features nearly all of the top 100 ATP and WTA players, including Carlos Alcaraz, arriving fresh off a historic Australian Open win that completed his career Grand Slam. World No.1 Elena Rybakina, four‑time major champions Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner, and Grand Slam legend Novak Djokovic all make their bids for the title, while Coco Gauff and former champion Taylor Fritz lead a strong American contingent, with Venus Williams on a wild card invitation. Get tickets

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LOOKING AHEAD

Cathedral City LGBT Days

We at KGAY Desert Guide are already tuning up our entry for the infamous Bed Race — with DJ Eric Ornelas proudly in the driver’s seat — as Cathedral City LGBT+ Days returns Friday–Sunday, March 6–8 at the Cathedral City Civic Center Plaza. This milestone 10th‑anniversary celebration brings a full weekend of live entertainment, community gatherings, drag performances, artisan vendors, the CommUNITY Strong Walk, and headliner David Archuleta. From Friday’s rally and Pride flag‑raising to Saturday’s all‑day festival and Sunday’s parade and bed race, the weekend showcases Cathedral City’s spirit and inclusivity. 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!

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• 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
• 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
• Monét X Change: High Heels Bad Knees Tour
  Sat. Feb 28 at 7:30 pm at the Plaza Theatre
• BNP Paribas Open
  Mar 1–15 at Indian Wells Tennis Garden
• The Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival
  Feb 12–Mar 1 in Indio
• Guys and Dolls – presented by CVRep
  Feb 25–Mar 22
• Destroying David – presented by Dezart Performs
  Feb 26–Mar 8
• Pippin – presented by Revolution Stage Co.
  Feb 13–Mar 2
• The Graduate – presented by Desert Theatreworks
  Feb 14–Mar 8
• 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
• A Studio 54 Celebration Benefiting McCallum’s Education Programs
  Mon. Mar 2 at 4:30 pm at Renaissance Esmeralda Resort
• Rock the Park Concert: Always, Adele
  Wed. Mar 4 at 7 pm at Downtown Palm Springs Park
• 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
• Cocktails on the Page: Lucie Arnaz and Laurence Luckinbill
  Sun. Mar 8 from 4–6 pm at a private residence
• Premium Whisky Tasting
  Mon. Mar 9 at 6 pm at The Purple Room Supper Club
• Comedian Michael Blaustein
  Wed. Mar 11 at 7 pm at the McCallum Theatre
• 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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