This Week in #ILoveGayPalmSprings: A special screening of The Lavender Scare, a double-header event with Info-A-Go-Go and the Center Social, a look back for the late Greg Pettis, and looking forward to a Community Forum for the Plaza Theatre, Craft Cocktail Week, Southwest Arts Festival, the Palm Springs Health Run and Fitness Expo, Walk of Stars for Steve Chase and Arthur Elrod, and more! 
 

The Lavender Scare: Benefit Screening One Night Only Jan 22

Dezart Performs hosts a special one-night-only screening of The Lavender Scare on Tuesday, January 22 at 7:00 p.m. at Camelot Theatre at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. This searing documentary by Emmy Award-Winning producer/director Josh Howard that chronicles the anti-gay purges of the 1950s, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower deemed homosexuals to be “security risks” and vowed to rid the federal government of all employees discovered to be gay or lesbian. Get tickets

Check this short promo for The Lavender Scare:  

 

Info-A-Go-Go PLUS Center Social

There's a great combination of two important community events on Wednesday, January 23 at the Hyatt:
 

First, the Info-A-Go-Go LGBTQ+ Community Expo takes place from 3:00–6:00 p.m. Over 400 people attended the inaugural event last year, with all the great LGBTQ+ groups, clubs, organizations, and things that the Coachella Valley has to offer in one spot. FREE to the public. More info
 

Following this, the LGBTQ Center Social will run from 5:30–7:00 p.m. on The Sundeck at the Hyatt, sponsored by Gay Desert Guide, so come learn, celebrate community, and connect with friends all  in one afternoon! More info

Celebration of Life for Mayor Greg Pettis

Mark your calendar for next week, Friday, February 1 at 10:00 a.m. for the public Celebration of Life Ceremony for Cathedral City Mayor Greg Pettis, at Big League Dreams Sports Park. The ceremony, emceed by KESQ Meteorologist Patrick Evans, features dignitaries from our federal, state, county and local representatives, family members of Mayor Pettis, city staff, friends, and colleagues, remembering the city's longest-serving councilmember and first openly gay public servant. The public is invited to gather together, share the memories, and pay tribute to his lasting legacy. A reception will follow the ceremony onsite. Shuttle service available. More info

Zach & Evan Tied the Knot!

YouTube celeb couple Zach & Evan's dream of having a Palm Springs wedding took place this past weekend at the Ace Hotel! We'd like to extend a warm congratulations from our desert community to the happy couple! Big thanks go out to the Ace Hotel, My Little Flower Shop, Mai Salon, Pastry Swan, and Acme House Rentals for their contributions to Zach & Evan's big day. If you love gay weddings as much as #ILoveGayWeddings, be sure to follow them in Instagram and @ilovegaywedding on Twitter!
    

K-GAY 106.5 Expands to East Valley

QChella Media Corporation's new radio station, K-GAY 106.5 FM is now also available at 93.1 FM to better reach the eastern Coachella Valley. For those of you who still use AM radio, it can also be found on at 1270 AM, which can reach even further. You can also listen to K-GAY online anywhere, and through the Tune-In app on Amazon Alexa-enabled devices, SONOS systems, and anywhere you can listen to Tune-In!

Bongo Johnny's Ribbon Cutting Friday

On Friday, January 25 at 3:15 p.m., Join the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce for the official Ribbon Cutting for Bongo Johnny's Patio Bar and Grill, now open at 301 North Palm Canyon Drive. Everyone is welcome to attend. More info
 

Community Forum – Historic Plaza Theatre Restoration

On Saturday, January 26 at 10:30 a.m.,  the City of Palm Springs will hold special Community Forum to discuss The historic Plaza Theatre in downtown Palm Springs, which is in need of a significant renovation. Residents and interested stakeholders will have an exciting opportunity to get inside and experience a rare view of this iconic gem, as well as provide input and suggestions about how to finance and fundraise for this important restoration. More info

Craft Cocktail Week 2019 Kicks off Friday

The 3rd Annual Palm Springs Craft Cocktail Week runs Friday, January 25–Saturday, February 2. Bars and restaurants valley-wide will be doing special cocktails and cocktail menus and donating a portion of the proceeds to the Desert AIDS Project and the LGBT Community Center of the Desert. Participating purveyors include: Rio Azul Mexican Bar & Grill, Acqua California Bistro, Lulu California Bistro, Trio, The Purple Room and more!

On Wednesday, January 30, Some of the valley's top bartenders will compete live for the coveted Cocktail Week Championship, as well as the Audience Choice Award. Brad Fuhr from Gay Desert Guide will be among the illustrious judges! Join us in celebrating the art of the cocktail! More info

Southwest Arts Festival Starts Thursday

The 33rd Annual Southwest Arts Festival® will take place Thursday, January 24–Sunday, January 27 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio.  Every year the Arts Festival continues to evolve and attract a high caliber of talented artists and unique artwork. This year’s festival will feature interactive art displays and live music, with pottery, glass and fine art painting scheduled to be on display. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of food and beverage options while casually walking the grounds. More info

Palm Springs Health Run & Fitness Expo 2019

The Palm Springs Health Run & Fitness Expo is on Saturday, January 26 from 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. This is one of the largest events of its kind in Southern California and is the perfect way to start out the New Year. Join nationally recognized health and wellness speakers, healthy food demonstrations and over 80 vendors showcasing the latest in nutrition and exercise techniques. Get registered

Rancho Mirage Food & Wine Fest Starts Jan 30

The Rancho Mirage Wine and Food Festival, held Wednesday, January 30–Saturday, Feb 2 at Rancho Mirage Community Park, is about people coming together to celebrate a shared passion; a love for great wine and mouth-watering gourmet food. Your all inclusive ticket includes an elegant crystal souvenir wine glass, limitless tastes of award winning wines, and a dizzying variety of gourmet appetizers, prepared by Top Chefs of the Desert.  100% of silent auction proceeds goes to the Desert AIDS Project. Get tickets

Steve Chase Walk of Stars Dedication Feb 8

One day in advance of The Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards Gala (Feb 9), The City of Palm Springs will posthumously honor Steve Chase as a humanitarian and designer with a Palm Springs Walk of Stars Dedication in front of the Palm Springs Art Museum, on Friday, February 8 at 4:30 p.m. Chase’s philanthropy has had a lasting impact on the environment, arts & culture, and healthcare through his support of the Living Desert, Palm Springs Art Museum, and Desert AIDS Project. Leaders of the three non-profits will speak about the lasting impact of his support during the dedication ceremony. More info

Modernism Week 2019 runs February 14–24 and on Friday, February 15 at 2:00 p.m., another Star will be dedicated when friends, family and former colleagues gather outside the Architecture + Design Center to honor Arthur Elrod, Palm Springs' most influential interior designer. . More info
 

Next DBA Mixer: January 28

Mark your calendar for the next mixer hosted by the Desert Business Association, which will be co-hosted by Gay Desert Guide, on Monday, January 28. Details to come. 
 

Mini Gay Day Ticket Prices Increase Feb 3

You may have heard that Disneyland is hiking their ticket prices this year, and the organizers of Mini Gay Day Anaheim, taking place Saturday, March 2, tell us that this will affect their (still discounted) ticket prices as well. However, the change doesn't take effect until February 3, so if you haven't already, get yours now! More info

Â