What was your favorite “No Kings Day” protest sign? I’d see one, snap a photo and think it was brilliant. Then another would pop up. And so it went here in the Coachella Valley and throughout the United States of America.
We rained on his parade.
Even in the brutal afternoon heat, over 5,000 came together in Palm Springs Downtown Park to hear a cacophony of speakers from across the spectrum – from trans service members to political activists. And the cherry on top was our own KGAY morning host John Taylor delivering a missive that sent the crowd off with just the right tone of hope and indignation.
Knowing that the media’s attention was on the over 2,000 protests, downtown Los Angeles and the tragic assassination of Minnesota lawmakers was kosmic karma in my book. Maya Angelou said it best: “Be a rainbow in somebody else’s cloud.”
P.S. We’ve experienced a larger than usual number of “unsubscribes” to our weekly Oasis Insiders Friday blog and newsletter. Some have complained that my blog was too political in nature. If you still want the lowdown on what’s happening, simply scroll beyond these missive and into the heart of the info we share and gather. And if you like what I write, invite your friends to be Oasis Insiders.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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MON-FRI: Native American Arts Festival Week
Experience the Native American Arts Festival Week at Idyllwild Arts Campus, running Monday, June 16–Friday, June 20. This annual celebration showcases Indigenous artistry, culture, and storytelling, featuring three-time U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo, the Renegades of Art exhibition, the Michael Kabotie Lecture Series, and a special “Welcoming Home the Birds” event honoring Cahuilla and Serrano traditions. Enjoy panel discussions, music, dance, film screenings, and traditional cuisine. More info
TUE: Stonewall Democrats June Meeting
Stay informed and engaged at the Stonewall Democrats June Meeting on Tuesday, June 17 from 6–8 pm at the Mizell Center. Kick off the evening at 5:30 pm with a special Pride Month celebration, featuring appetizers and beverages, then dive into a critical discussion on legislative updates from guest speakers. Join in-person or via Zoom to connect, advocate, and take action for LGBTQ+ rights. More info
TUE & THU: CVRep Summer Cabaret Series
Get ready for the CVRep Summer Cabaret Series, kicking off this week! Enjoy an intimate evening of live performance every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 pm at CVRep in Cathedral City. The series begins with Glenn Rosenblum on Tuesday, June 17, followed by Sally Mayes on Thursday, June 19. Tickets are on sale now for this exciting series running through July 31. Get tickets
WED: Cheers to René Hébert: International Mr. Leather 2025
Join the celebration on Wednesday, June 18 from 8–10 pm at the Tool Shed as the Palm Springs community honors René Hébert, recently crowned International Mr. Leather 2025! From Mr. Palm Springs Leather to the world stage, René’s journey is a testament to pride, perseverance, and passion. Come raise a glass, show your support, and celebrate this incredible milestone with PSLOD and friends. More info
WED: The Center Women’s Social
Connect, unwind, and build community at The Center Women’s Social on Wednesday, June 18 from 5:30–7 pm at Grand Central Palm Springs. Join fellow women for an evening of friendship, conversation, and connection in a warm, welcoming space. This free monthly gathering is the perfect opportunity to meet new people and strengthen bonds. More info
STARTS WED: Tidal Wave Party – Camp Morning Wood
Dive into the ultimate summer escape at Tidal Wave 17: Camp Morning Wood, running June 18–22 at Hilton Palm Springs. This action-packed weekend features pool parties, dance events, bear-naked yoga, trivia, mixers, and more, all set in the heart of Palm Springs. From a dazzling Pitch the Perfect Tent Underwear Party to the Pride Glow Closing Dance, expect nonstop fun, connection, and celebration. Get tickets
Get ready to bare it all at the Official Tidal Wave (Naked) Excursion Party! From Thursday, June 19–Sunday, June 22 from 9 am–4 am, CCBC Resort is the ultimate spot for some clothing-optional fun in Palm Springs. Hosted by Western Xposure in partnership with Tidal Wave, this all-access pass lets you enjoy everything Tidal Wave has to offer—just with less clothing! Get tickets
THU-SUN: Juneteenth Freedom Weekend
Celebrate Juneteenth, honoring African American Independence Day, with an array of educational fun, cultural activities, food, and live entertainment in Palm Springs! The festivities kick off on Thursday, June 19 at 7 pm with the Juneteenth Kickoff at Village Fest in Downtown Palm Springs. Friday, June 20 features a Kings & Queens Pageant at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center at 5 pm, followed by a Concert in the Park, a tribute to Kool & the Gang, at Downtown Park at 7 pm. On Saturday, June 21, catch a screening of “Racist Trees” at the Palm Springs Art Museum at 2 pm and 6 pm, and join the Unity Picnic at Downtown Park at 5 pm. More info
THU: Juneteenth: The Fight for Freedom
Join the Sunset Music & Education Foundation for a powerful Juneteenth celebration at Oscar’s Downtown Palm Springs on Thursday, June 19 from 5–7 pm. This free event honors Juneteenth’s legacy and ongoing fight for racial equality, featuring a thought-provoking panel with leaders in media, education, and activism. Enjoy soulful music by Yve Evans & Friends with Richard Riley, storytelling by Sweet Baby J’ai, and an interactive “Boots on the Ground” dance led by the Coachella Valley Sistahs Network. More info
Pride Month Festivals & Parades
Pride Live! Hollywood takes center stage from June 11–29, with a month-long celebration of LGBTQ+ storytelling, exclusive screenings, lively conversations, rooftop parties, dance parties, and family-friendly events. Coming up: The 55th annual San Francisco Pride Celebration, themed “Queer Joy is Resistance” is June 28 & 29 at Civic Center, culminating in the renowned Pride Parade on Sunday, June 29 at 10 am. And next month, mark your calendars for San Diego Pride, San Diego’s biggest celebration of diversity and inclusion, at Balboa Park on July 19 & 20!
ALSO THIS WEEK
Monday, June 16
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, June 18
Pulse of Progress: The State of Healthcare | 11:30 am–1:30 pm at Mission Hills Country Club
Hot Spot Bingo with Deven & Ned | 7–8:30 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City
Thursday, June 19
VillageFest Street Fair | 7–10 pm in Downtown Palm Springs
Carousel Live Retro Music | 7–8:30 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
Friday, June 20
Food Truck Fridays | 5–10 pm in Downtown Indio
Country Dance Saturdays: Beginner Two Step with Rob Ollander-Krane | 7 pm at Step by Step
Kathleen Madigan: The Day Drinking Tour | 8 pm at The Show
Saturday, June 21
Country Dance Saturdays: Beginner Waltz with Rob Ollander-Krane | 7 pm at Step by Step
Silversun Pickups | 8 pm at The Show
Sunday, June 22
Guided Hikes | 11 am & 1:30 pm at San Jacinto State Park (Tramway Mountain Station)
Family + at the Palm Springs Art Museum | 12–4 pm
Sunday Stomp Line Dancing | 6–10 pm at Reforma
THIS WEEKEND
Surf City Allstars Honor Brian Wilson
The Surf City Allstars take the stage at Riviera Palm Springs on Saturday, June 21 from 7:30–9 pm for a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Brian Wilson, honoring his profound impact on music and culture. As the premier Beach Boys tribute band—featuring musicians who have shared the stage with Brian himself—the Allstars will bring his timeless melodies to life in an evening filled with nostalgia and celebration. Part of Rhythms at the Riviera, this special event is more than a concert—it’s a tribute to a visionary who shaped the sound of an era. Get tickets
Strong Words: Queer Beyond Belief
Celebrate Pride with the Queer Beyond Belief edition of Strong Words Palm Springs, returning Friday, June 20 at 7:30 pm to the Palm Springs Cultural Center. After three sold-out shows at Living Out, this electrifying night of storytelling promises 90 minutes of raw, hilarious, and heartfelt true tales from LGBTQ+ voices. With a cash bar, cool theatre, and a room full of beautiful humans—it’s a night that feeds the soul. Get tickets
Revolution Stage Company End of Season Party
Revolution Stage Company is closing out another incredible season with its End of Season Party & New Season Announcement. Taking place on Saturday, June 21 from 6–8 pm, this celebratory evening will bring the community together for entertainment, conversation, and a highly anticipated reveal of the upcoming season. Enjoy the festivities and connect with fellow theater enthusiasts. Get tickets
Get our Free Visitor Map & Guide
Check out our new 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!
LOOKING AHEAD
Palm Springs AI & Creativity Expo 2025
Explore the future of technology and creativity at Palm Springs AI & Creativity Expo 2025 on Monday, June 23 from 8:30 am–5 pm at Palm Springs Convention Center. This one-day community learning experience delves into AI’s impact on daily life, business, and creativity, featuring inspiring keynote speakers like Baratunde Thurston (Life with Machines) and Rob Minkoff (The Lion King), plus interactive demos, expert panels, and networking opportunities. Get tickets
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!
- Tidal Wave Party – Camp Morning Wood
Jun 18–22 at Hilton Palm Springs - Surf City Allstars – Beach Boys Tribute Band
Sat. Jun 21 from 7:30–9 pm at Riviera Palm Springs - Palm Springs International ShortFest
Sat. Jun 24–Mon. Jun 30 at Festival Theaters - Stonewall Day Commemoration at Living Out Palm Springs
Sat. Jun 28 at 2 pm - Ethical Cataract Care Pledge Signing
Sat. Jun 28 from 10–11:30 am at Hotel Paseo - All American 4th of July Weekend
July 3–5 at various locations around Palm Springs - McCallum Theatre 2025-2026 Season
Sep 2025–May 2026 – Tickets on sale now - Pride Under the Pines 2025 – Early Bird Tickets on Sale Now
Sat. Oct 4 in Downtown Idyllwild - Stagecoach 2026 – Advance Sale Begins Friday, June 13
Apr 24–26, 2026 at Empire Polo Club
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
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
Swirl, sip, and celebrate in style: Gay Wine Weekend returns to Sonoma County from July 18–20, bringing vineyard tours, winemaker dinners, and dazzling T-Dances to the most luxurious LGBTQ+ summer event! KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 want you to WIN VIP PASSES! Stop by a participating sponsor to get a code and enter to win priority seating, exclusive event access, and a stay at The Lodge at Healdsburg. Learn More and Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page
Win the ultimate summer escape with KGAY 106.5 & 92.1! Enter to win a Lola Rose Swim Club membership plus a two-night stay at Thompson Palm Springs, with your VIP pass to poolside lounging, weekend yoga, and exclusive perks. Enjoy daily access to the pool and gym, 10% off food and drinks, and guest passes to share the fun—all summer long! 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
103.1 MeTV FM plays a Timeless and Memorable variety of the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s with a touch of the ’50s! We are celebrating two birthdays this coming week: Barry Manilow turns 82 on Tuesday and Paul McCartney turns 83 on Wednesday. Listen for their Timeless and Memorable songs on their birthdays all day long! Listen in your car, at work, at home or around the world, online at 1031metvfm.com or tell Alexa, “Open 103.1 MeTV FM” Listen online
103.1 Me TV FM invites you to Dine & Sip… on ME! Every Friday this summer, Patrick Evans will give away a gift card to a featured Coachella Valley Eatery! THIS FRIDAY: You can WIN a $250 gift card to Manhattan in the Desert, your New York style deli in Palm Springs. Offering Happy Hour pricing all day long and $17.99 dinner specials throughout the summer they are open 7 days a week with delivery services, a full-service bar and freshly made bakery items. Enter to WIN on the 103.1 MeTV FM Contest Page
Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of ShortFest, courtesy of 103.1 MeTV FM! Win a pair of ticket vouchers to the 31st edition of the Palm Springs International Short Film Festival, running June 24–30 at the Festival Theaters in Palm Springs. This world-renowned event showcases an incredible lineup, including 45 world premieres and over 300 films from 141 countries and territories. Enter to WIN on the 103.1 MeTV FM Contest Page
- Tried-and-True LGBTQ+ Travel Destinations Remain Popular for a Reason
- Palm Springs ShortFest 2025: A Firestorm of Independent Cinema Is About to Hit the Desert
- 29 Spots to Get Brunch and Coffee in Palm Springs (and Beyond)
- Queer Laughs: LGBTQ+ TV Dramas Get the Critical Glory, but Comedies Shouldn’t Be Overlooked
- Big Bear Launches Groundbreaking Film Festival and Industry Institute
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.