The calm before the proverbial storm. The Dog Days of Summer. Call it what you like, but the next month is one of the quietest of the year in the Coachella Valley.
But in the background, we’re making plans for Leather Pride, The Dinah, Modernism Week October, the Film Festival and, of course, Palm Springs Pride.
I’m enjoying a working vacation aboard The Gentleman with BearCruise.com for my summer break. But the workload doesn’t stop as the onslaught of emails continues. Case in point: Purple Room just put their first two months’ shows on sale. The Plaza Theatre appears to be on schedule and adding shows to their inaugural season. Our non-profit theatre companies are all selling subscriptions for their seasons. The Firebirds start their 4th season and Acrisure brings Paul McCartney to the valley.
You’ve got another month to enjoy some of the local treasures with fewer visitors. Our museums, gardens, tours and spas are less crowded. The easiest hot weather getaway — the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway — rarely needs reservations now. (It closes for maintenance in September.) Summer is at its best throughout Southern California and many of us take a few days to enjoy the mountains, beaches and other touristy things to do.
Soon, all the planning will come to fruition as we get back into “season” in Greater Palm Springs. Our slow time will be just a memory as vehicle traffic increases, our calendars fill up and we long for those dog days of summer.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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TUE & THU: CVRep Summer Cabaret Series – Final Week
The CVRep Summer Cabaret Series comes to a close this week with two exciting performances! Broadway legend Lee Roy Reams takes the stage Tuesday, July 29 at 7 pm with a dazzling showcase of song, dance, and storytelling drawn from his iconic career in The Producers, 42nd Street, Hello, Dolly! and more. On Thursday, July 31 at 7 pm, Christiane Noll brings her powerhouse vocals and theatrical brilliance to close out the Summer Series. With credits spanning Ragtime, Dear Evan Hansen, and Jekyll & Hyde, this Tony-nominated star delivers an unforgettable evening of Broadway hits and heartfelt performance. Get tickets
FRI: Bonnie G – Torch Songs with a Twist
Get ready for heartbreak and hilarity on Friday, August 1 from 7:30–9 pm, when Bonnie G. takes the stage at the Palm Springs Cultural Center for Torch Songs With a Twist. Part of the Cabaret A La Carte series, this cheeky evening blends sultry ballads, sassy anthems, and psychic flair into a cabaret cocktail of love gone wrong. With musical direction by Kevin Tokarz and complimentary adult beverages, it’s a night of big feelings, bold laughs, and Bonnie G.’s signature wink. Get tickets
FRI: Jimmy O Yang – Big & Tall Tour
Comedy heavyweight Jimmy O. Yang brings his Big & Tall Tour to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa on Friday, August 1 at 8 pm. With credits like Silicon Valley, Crazy Rich Asians, and Space Force, Jimmy’s razor-sharp humor and viral standup chops promise a night of nonstop laughs. Get tickets
Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage
Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage is back, serving up three weeks of mouthwatering deals and community spirit, through Sunday, August 17. With a $10 wristband—available from the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce or participating nonprofits—you’ll unlock exclusive specials at dozens of local restaurants. Whether you’re craving upscale dining, casual bites, or sweet indulgences, this culinary celebration offers something for every taste—all while supporting vital nonprofit programs across the Coachella Valley. More info
ALSO THIS WEEK
Monday, July 28
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
Wednesday, July 30
Hot Spot Bingo with Deven & Ned | 7–8:30 pm at Agua Caliente Cathedral City
Thursday, July 31
Carousel Live Retro Music | 7–8:30 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
VillageFest Street Fair | 7–10 pm in Downtown Palm Springs
Friday, Aug 1
Food Truck Fridays | 5–10 pm in Downtown Indio
Saturday, Aug 2
LGBTQIA Higher Powered OA Meeting | 11:30 am at Sunny Dunes Clubhouse
Country Dance Saturdays: Call Me Señorita Line Dance with Andrew Jimenez | 7 pm at Step by Step
Sunday, Aug 3
Guided Hikes | 11 am & 1:30 pm at San Jacinto State Park (Tramway Mountain Station)
Sunday Stomp Line Dancing | 6–10 pm at Reforma
THIS WEEKEND
Tour de Big Bear 2025
Pedal into adventure at the Tour de Big Bear on Saturday, August 2—a full day of cycling excitement set against the stunning backdrop of Big Bear Lake. With road routes ranging from 5K to 100 miles, plus Dirty Cub/Dirty Bear gravel rides and the new Dirty Burro mountain bike race, there’s a challenge for every rider. Whether you’re chasing personal bests or soaking up alpine scenery, this high-altitude ride delivers fresh air and lots of cycling camaraderie. More info
Queer Women’s Tea Dance
Celebrate community, connection, and queer joy at the Queer Women’s Tea Dance on Sunday, August 3 from 3–6 pm at the Palm Springs Surf Club. Inspired by the original gay tea dances of the 50s and 60s, this vibrant afternoon gathering offers a welcoming space for women to unwind, dance, and socialize before the week begins. Hosted by The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert and featuring music by Ay-Lex Song, the event honors LGBTQ+ history while creating new memories in a space designed for us. More info
Get our Free Visitor Map & Guide
Check out our Summer 2025 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. Look for the latest edition at businesses and newsstands around town, or browse it online right here!
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!
- Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage
Jul 24–Aug 17 at a wide variety of Rancho Mirage restaurants - Cruise Chat with Patrick Evans
Wed. Aug 6 from 4:30–6 pm in Palm Desert - Gay Softball League Fall Tryouts
Sat. Aug 16 from 9–11 am at Demuth Park - Clear the Shelters Adoption Event
Sat. & Sun. Aug 16 & 17 from 11 am–5 pm at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter - Out on the Mountain LGBTQ Night
Fri. Aug 22 from 6 pm–Midnight at Six Flags Magic Mountain - Guadalupe’s House Party
Fri. Aug 22 from 7:30–10 pm at the Palm Springs Art Museum - September at the McCallum Theatre
The Righteous Brothers (9/10), Jon Lovitz (9/13), Camila Fernández (9/14) - Pride Under the Pines 2025 – Early Bird Tickets on Sale Now
Sat. Oct 4 in Downtown Idyllwild - Modernism Week – October
Oct 16–19 – Tickets on Sale Aug 1 - Palm Springs Leather Pride 2025 – Gods of Leather
Oct 30–Nov 2 at Hotel Zoso, Tool Shed, CCBC, Hunters - Palm Springs International Film Festival
Jan 2–13, 2026 – Passes on Sale Aug 1 - Palm Springs International Film Awards
Sat. Jan 3, 2026 – Tickets on Sale Aug 1
KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 FM
The KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 Retro Lunch airs Monday through Friday from noon–1 pm, 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! The KGAY 106.5 Sunday Tea Dance with Modgirl airs every Sunday from 4–6 pm (right after the Retro Brunch). All our DJs took honors in the Best of Coachella Valley this year! Listen to KGAY 106.5 online
THIS WEEKEND: DJ Galaxy spins joyful disco vibes at Oscar’s iconic Sunday T-Dance on Sunday, August 3 from 3–7 pm with pure happy energy dance music! Meanwhile, its Modgirl’s East Coast takeover— bringing her signature sparkle to Fire Island Pines all weekend long.
You can WIN TICKETS to Out on the Mountain, the ultimate LGBTQ night at Six Flags Magic Mountain on Friday, August 22 from 6 pm–12 am, courtesy of KGAY 106.5 and 92.1! Experience the thrill of exclusive ride access, high-energy dance parties, and dazzling performances including a DJ set and performances by Kerri Colby from RuPaul’s Drag Race—all in a safe, inclusive space. With over 5,000 attendees expected, this private event supports local LGBTQ organizations and features top attractions like Twisted Colossus, Wonder Woman Flight of Courage, Full Throttle and many more. Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page
KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 has your chance to WIN front-row seats to the hilarious and fast-paced Hot Spot Trivia with Deven Green & Handsome Ned! Listen to John Taylor on KGAY every Monday morning for the trivia question, then head to the KGAY Contest Page to enter your answer. Winners get reserved front-row seating in the Cascade Lounge at Agua Caliente Casino, where you’ll play digital trivia and compete for exciting prizes! Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page
To listen to KGAY Palm Springs via Alexa, say “Alexa ENABLE K. Gay Palm Springs SKILL” (include “SKILL”) or manually enable it in the Alexa app or at Amazon. Once enabled, access the station by saying “Alexa, OPEN,” “LAUNCH,” or “PLAY K. Gay Palm Springs.” You can also make special requests, such as birthday shoutouts or song dedications! Happy streaming! Learn more
103.1 MeTV FM
Spend your weekdays 10 am–3 pm with 103.1 MeTV FM and Patrick Evans: He’ll keep you up-to-date on what’s going on in the Coachella Valley, the weather, and he’ll play songs you can sing along with all day long! 103.1 MeTV FM plays a variety of the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s with a touch of the ’50s! Listen in your car, at work, at home or around the world, online at 1031metvfm.com or tell Alexa, “Open 103.1 MeTV FM.”
WIN a $250 gift card to 1501 Uptown Gastropub
103.1 Me TV FM invites you to Dine & Sip… on ME! Fridays this summer, Patrick Evans will give away a gift card to a featured Coachella Valley Eatery! THIS WEEK: ENTER TO WIN a $250 gift card to 1501 Uptown Gastropub! Open daily for lunch, dinner, and drinks at the bar, this lively establishment also serves weekend brunch every Saturday and Sunday. Don’t miss specialties like the pan-roasted mahi-mahi or Mary’s Chicken Under a Brick—paired perfectly with one of 24 craft beers on tap. Enjoy it all from their phenomenal patio, complete with cooling misters for those warm days. Enter to WIN on the 103.1 MeTV FM Contest Page
- Palm Springs City Council Approves Landmark Flagpole for Arenas District
- Mariah Hanson’s Final Dinah Promises a Star-Studded Farewell to an Era of Queer Celebration
- Modernism Week – October Returns with Four Days of Midcentury Exploration
- Restaurant News Bites: A Sampling of Summer Specials; Carmela Ice Cream Is Open Again; and More!
- Hiking With T: Chino Hills State Park, Just 90 Minutes Away, Offers Cooler Weather and Natural Beauty
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 2025 Coachella Valley Calendar of Events.
Listen to KGAY 106.5 and 92.1 over the air, stream it [here], or listen on iHeart Radio with Alexa or Siri by saying “Play K-GAY 106 5 .” 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 heard on Sundays as the Retro Lunch & Sunday Brunch from 11 am–4 pm, followed by Modgirl spinning the KGAY Sunday Tea Dance from 4–6 pm.