Pride month is coming to a close during a most tumultuous year in our LGBTQ+ history. World Pride events in Washington, D.C. have mostly ended and the major Pride in California – San Francisco – will close out the month this weekend.
When I left my home state of Michigan in the 90s, you could count the number of June celebrations on one hand. My aunt sent me a 4 page insert from Lansing City Pulse, an Indy newspaper in the state’s capitol. It took that many pages to list ALL the Pride celebrations in the Great Lakes State. I was so pleased!
My hometown, Hastings, will have its celebration this weekend. It joins conservative Holland, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Monroe County, Owosso, South Haven, Benton Harbor/St. Joe, Big Rapids, Port Huron DeWitt, Buchanan and Detroit suburb, Farmington, for a last hurrah of Pride Month.
You’ve likely never heard of many of these towns and cities. Like my hometown, they have always had LGBTQ+ identifying people in them. But it took decades of work by activitists, non-profits, civic leaders and allies to hatch so many celebrations at a time when our world needs them more than ever.
Multiply Michigan by 49 states and other territories and we can be quite proud of what our movement has accomplished. But we also know that extremists and the current administration have designs on disappearing us. So I’ll remind you of my favorite Pride Month saying from a t-shirt I own: “Pride is a MARCH, not a parade!” Let’s keep up the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
For the latest, follow our socials @GayDesertGuide and @KGAY1065 and listen to KGAY Palm Springs wherever you reside!
#ILoveGayPalmSprings #ILoveGayCatCity #ILoveGayTravel #ILoveGay #SayKGAY #FindYourOasis #SupportYourStation
MON: 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
Starts TUE: Palm Springs International ShortFest
The Palm Springs International ShortFest runs Tuesday, June 24–Monday, June 30, and it’s one of North America’s largest showcases of short-form cinema! This Academy Award, BAFTA, and Goya-qualifying festival features hundreds of films from around the world, spanning genres like Animation, Documentary, and Live-Action. Enjoy curated film programs (such as the LGBTQ+ “Gayla!” see below), filmmaker Q&As, and unparalleled cinematic storytelling. Secure your passes or tickets now: Get tickets
TUE & THU: CVRep Summer Cabaret Series
The CVRep Summer Cabaret Series continues this week with two fantastic performances! Catch Alix Korey on Tuesday, June 24 at 7 pm, followed by Susan Edwards Martin on Thursday, June 26 at 7 pm. Enjoy these intimate evenings of live entertainment at CVRep in Cathedral City, part of the series running through July 31. Get tickets
WED: The Center Social
The June Center Social is on Wednesday, June 25 from 5:30–7pm at Toucans. Connect with friends, build new relationships, and enjoy a relaxed happy hour with great conversation and community vibes. Held every 4th Wednesday of the month, this gathering is the perfect way to unwind and engage. Don’t miss out—come be part of the fun! More info
WED: Spirit of Palm Springs Awards – Pride Month
Celebrate Pride Month at the Spirit of Palm Springs Awards on Wednesday, June 25 from 3–5 pm at Palm Springs City Hall, where Mayor Ron deHarte will honor six outstanding LGBTQIA+ business leaders: Jennifer Seymour (Hunters Palm Springs), Bill Sanderson (Townie Bagels), Tony Marchese (Trio Restaurant), Lucy DeBardelaben (Palm Springs Women’s Jazz and Blues Association), Shann Carr (A Lesbian Concierge in the Desert), and Tai Spendley (Rooster and the Pig). More info
THU: ShortFest – GAY!LA
Queer life takes the spotlight at “GAY!LA”, a vibrant ShortFest screening on Thursday, June 26 at 8 pm at Festival Theaters 5. This eclectic program celebrates LGBTQ+ stories in all their complexity—political, artistic, and deeply personal. From a revived lesbian photo tour to magical foxes, drag queens, and unexpected connections, each short film offers a fresh lens on identity and transformation. KGAY will be there, too, stop by our table and say hi! [Get tickets]. The iconic GAY!LA Party follows from 10 pm–12 am at Reforma, bringing filmmakers, artists, and allies together to dance, celebrate, and shine. It’s bold, it’s joyful, it’s the can’t-miss ShortFest bash where queer energy takes center stage. Party ticket sold separately: [Get tickets].
THU: GCVCC 1st Annual Membership Appreciation Mixer
The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce invites members to the 1st Annual Membership Appreciation Mixer on Thursday, June 26 from 5–7 pm at Acrisure Arena’s exclusive Cîroc Lounge. This special event celebrates valued members with arena tours, a photo booth experience by Fuego, ticket giveaways, door prizes, and complimentary wine & light bites. More info
THU: San Bernardino Pride
San Bernardino Pride returns for another electrifying celebration, partnering with San Bernardino Parks and Recreation’s Sizzlin’ Summer Nights for an evening of community and entertainment. Taking place on Thursday, June 26 from 5–10 pm at Al Guhin Park, this vibrant event features high-energy performances from DJ Commodore and Levitating, a sensational Dua Lipa cover band. Guests can enjoy delicious food, exciting games, lively photo booths, and a variety of helpful resources—all in the spirit of unity and pride. More info
THU: Wayne Newton
Experience a special evening with Wayne Newton – Up Close and Personal on Thursday, June 26 at 8 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa! A true entertainment icon, Newton brings his legendary stage presence, hit songs like “Danke Schoen”, and personal stories from his record-setting Las Vegas career. Don’t miss this intimate performance from Mr. Entertainment himself. Get tickets
FRI: The Little Pageant That Could
CV Rep hosts the Palm Springs premiere of The Little Pageant That Could on Friday, June 27 from 7–9 pm, celebrating the legacy of L.A.’s longest-running drag benefit. Directed by John Carlos Frey, the evening includes a screening, performances by Mayhem Miller, a special appearance by Morgan McMichaels, and remarks from the director. A VIP reception hosted by Eight4Nine follows, offering guests an exclusive chance to mingle with cast, queens, and surprise guests. Get tickets
ALSO THIS WEEK
Monday, June 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
Wednesday, June 25
Hot Spot Bingo with Deven & Ned | 7–8:30 pm at Agua Caliente Cathedral City
Thursday, June 26
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 27
Food Truck Fridays | 5–10 pm in Downtown Indio
BearUnion | 8 pm–4 am at Club 541
Saturday, June 28
Animal Samaritans Adoption Event | 11 am–1 pm at PetSmart in Palm Desert
Country Dance Saturdays: Beginner Shadow with Rob Ollander-Krane | 7 pm at Step by Step
Sunday, June 29
Dolly & Friends Country Drag Brunch w/Vancie Vega | 12 pm at one eleven bar
Sunday Stomp Line Dancing | 6–10 pm at Reforma
Guided Hikes | 11 am & 1:30 pm at San Jacinto State Park (Tramway Mountain Station)
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!
Ask a Gay Doc Episode 24: Diabetes
Dr. Renzo Corzano and KGAY’s John Taylor are answering your health-related questions in the Ask A Gay Doc series, sponsored by Desert Oasis Healthcare. In Episode 24, John and Dr. Corzano talk about the care, treatment and prevention of diabetes.
Watch the Ask a Gay Doc series, and find out how you can submit your own questions, on the Ask a Gay Doc page at kgaypalmsprings.com.
THIS WEEKEND
Living Out Palm Springs Stonewall Day + Art Walk
Living Out Palm Springs commemorates Stonewall Day with a special celebration honoring LGBTQ+ pioneers Carl Bean, Connie Norman, Phyllis Lyon, and Dell Martin. The day begins with an unveiling ceremony on Saturday, June 28 at 1 pm for invited guests, followed by a public gathering at 2 pm; this meaningful event features an on-site Art Walk showcasing over 300 original works by LGBTQ+ artists from the Coachella Valley and beyond. Attendees can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, explore the rotating art exhibit, and connect with the community in a space dedicated to inclusivity and creativity. More info
80s Fest: Loverboy, The Smithereens, and Vixen
Get ready for a throwback to the ultimate ’80s rock era at 80s Fest on Saturday, June 28 at 6 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa! Loverboy will fire up the crowd with their anthems like “Working for the Weekend”, while The Smithereens deliver their classic high-energy rock sound, and Vixen—the pioneering all-female hard rock band—takes the stage with their signature power. From classic anthems to powerhouse performances, this lineup is pure nostalgia and high-energy excitement. Get tickets
Pepper Mashay on the 25th Anniversary of Queer As Folk
Pepper Mashay brings her signature energy to one eleven bar on Sunday, June 29 from 8–10 pm, celebrating 25 years of Queer as Folk with electrifying performances of her dance-floor anthems. Hosted by The Filmmakers’ Gallery, this high-energy event promises a night of music, community, and celebration. Get tickets
San Francisco Pride
San Francisco Pride is Saturday, June 28 & Sunday, June 29 with the theme “Queer Joy is Resistance”! The Civic Center will have a weekend full of live performances, community spaces, and an LGBTQ+ street fair featuring over 300 artists and exhibitors. On Sunday at 10 am, the iconic Pride Parade takes over Market Street, uniting over 250 contingents in a dazzling display of solidarity and celebration. More info – Also: Pride Live! Hollywood continues from June 11–29, with a month-long celebration of events, 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!
Little Monster’s Burlesque: A Tribute to Lady Gaga
Get ready to unleash your inner monster at Little Monster’s Burlesque: A Lady Gaga Tribute on Saturday, June 28 from 8–10 pm at Hotel Zoso! Experience a glamorous, high-energy celebration of Gaga’s iconic fashion, fierce anthems, and unapologetic self-love with sultry performances, dazzling confidence, and glitter galore. Doors open at 7 pm—come bold, proud, and fabulous for a night where everyone shines. Get tickets
Ethical Cataract Care Pledge Signing
Join Desert Vision Center for the Ethical Cataract Care Pledge Signing on Saturday, June 28 from 10–11:30 am at Hotel Paseo. Led by Dr. Keith Tokuhara, this empowering event sheds light on hidden referral kickbacks in cataract surgery—helping LGBTQ+ seniors and allies make informed healthcare choices. Don’t miss the moving “Wall of Ethics” with live pledge signings and portraits, celebrating transparency, dignity, and health with heart. More info
The Great Gatsby: A Live Radio Play
Step into the roaring twenties with The Great Gatsby: A Live Radio Play on Sunday, June 29 from 2–4 pm at Desert TheatreWorks! This 1940s-style radio broadcast brings Fitzgerald’s timeless tale to life with vintage charm, live sound effects, and a talented ensemble. Don’t miss this one-night-only event filled with champagne dreams, jazz-age intrigue, and the thrill of chasing the American Dream. 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!
- Palm Springs International ShortFest
Sat. Jun 24–Mon. Jun 30 at Festival Theaters - Palm Springs International ShortFest GAY!LA Party
Thu. Jun 26 at 10 pm–12 am at Reforma - 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 - Pepper Mashay – Celebrating 25th Anniversary of Queer as Folk
Sun. Jun 29 at 8 pm at one eleven bar - All American 4th of July Weekend
Jul 3–5 at various locations around Palm Springs - Big Bear Lake – 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular
Fri. Jul 4 from 7–10 pm at Big Bear Lake - Que Calor Pool Party by SOS Entertainers
Sat. Jul 5 from 2–7 pm at The Velvet Rope - Falsettos – Presented by Palm Canyon Theatre
Jul 11–20 - Nola at Escena – Grand Opening
Sat. Jul 19 from 8 am–10 pm at Escena Golf Club - 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
Peepa’s Men’s Store offers an elevated shopping experience in Palm Springs, featuring stylish brands like ST33LE, Marine Layer, Parke & Ronen, and 7 For All Mankind. Discover a wide selection of casual and resort wear, swimwear, underwear, and more, curated for the modern man. Learn more
AIM Mail Centers makes life easier with three Coachella Valley locations—Palm Springs, Cathedral City, and now Palm Desert. From shipping with all major carriers to notary, mailbox rentals, office supplies, and more, they handle it all under one roof. Whether you’re a business or individual, AIM saves you time, travel, and stress. Learn more
CV Floors and Blinds is a proud ally of the LGBT community, and a family owned and operated business proudly serving the Coachella Valley’s communities since 1988 with quality flooring, window covering solutions and awnings for both indoor and outdoor use at all price points. Learn more
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
Catch Modgirl behind the decks Friday, June 27 at 7 pm for Women in the Mix at Thompson Palm Springs, with irresistible beats all night long!
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! Tune in Wednesday, June 25 as 103.1 MeTV FM celebrates World Beatles Day with wall-to-wall classics from the Fab Four. Listen in your car, at work, at home or around the world, online at 1031metvfm.com or tell Alexa, “Open 103.1 MeTV FM”
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 WEEK: WIN a $250 gift card to Kitchen 86 on El Paseo! Open all summer for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night, they offer Happy Hour 12–5 pm Monday–Friday, weekday lunch and dinner specials, Dueling Pianos Thursday–Sunday nights & big screen TVs. Open til 12:30 am every night! Enter to WIN on the 103.1 MeTV FM Contest Page
- Agua Caliente Tribe Tells Story of Discrimination, Resilience in New Exhibit on Section 14
- MODGIRL: The Vintage Visionary Bringing Beats, Joy & Flair
- Hiking With T: Beautiful Cooler-Weather Hikes Are Just Steps Away From Downtown Idyllwild
- This Palm Springs Venue Was a Hot Spot for Music. Then Came the Pandemic and a Bitter Legal Battle.
- 10 Art Installations to See on a DIY Art Tour in the Coachella Valley
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.