Fifty years ago for the Bicentennial, it felt like the entire country came together to celebrate. We were coming out of a severe recession and years of political turmoil.
President Gerald Ford—who had inherited the office via appointment after Richard Nixon’s resignation—used the July 4th Bicentennial to project leadership, national unity, and a “time to heal”.
We’re in those dark days once again for our LGBTQ+ community and the nation as a whole. There’s little to celebrate, even when the President throws lots of money and resources at staged events made to his liking.
Patti Vasquez is a Chicago progressive radio host on WCPT. She wrote a blog contrasting Chicago’s Pride celebration — where over 1,000,000 people showed up — with the Great American State Fair on the National Mall.
Her juxtaposition between the America that this administration puts out there and what is actually happening is stark and spot on. At Sunday’s Pride parade in Chicago, The Community Grand Marshals were the Alliance of Illinois Judges, the state’s LGBTQ judges’ association. Patti writes that an LGBTQ+ judge leading the parade saw her, got out of the trolley float and brought her a copy of the Declaration on Independence. She ends her Substack with this:
White Christian nationalism is betting it can shame the LGBTQ community into silence. It leans on mental-illness narratives, on God, on the authority of scripture. It’s trying to shrink what it means to be American down to a single bloodline, a single theology, a single way of being human. And it’s failing. Not because the threats aren’t real. They are, and they’re escalating. It’s failing because a million people showed up on a sweltering Sunday in Chicago to say we exist. We love. We build. We belong here.
That’s the founding promise. That’s not fringe. That’s America actually working.
As Pride month concludes and the Fourth of July is at hand, I find little to celebrate. But knowing that the country has been down worse roads in much darker times gives me hope that things will get better. While I won’t be around for our 300th, I hope that celebration will be reminiscent of the optimism of 1976.
P.S. Many thanks to each of you who contributed to the #SupportYourStation week on KGAY that just concluded. Our Big Splash Pool Party was a beautiful culmination of the week, and brought together so many of you who feel a strong connection to what we do . Thank you!
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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MON: Best of ShortFest 2026
The Palm Springs International ShortFest 2026 at Festival Theaters brings a full day of screenings on Monday, June 29 from 9 am–9 pm, wrapping up its weeklong celebration of more than 300 short films from around the world. This final day is Best of the Fest, offering a curated lineup of the highest‑rated, award‑winning, and audience‑favorite films from the 2026 edition. With staggered showtimes and access through the Best of Fest Pass, attendees can immerse themselves in standout storytelling without purchasing individual tickets. More info
THU: Where Were You in 1976? A Look Back at Bicentennial Cinema: Nashville (1975)
The Nashville (1975) screening at Palm Springs Cultural Center takes place on Thursday, July 2 at 6 pm. This special presentation features a curated pre‑show of Bicentennial‑era ephemera at 6 pm, followed by Robert Altman’s iconic ensemble film at 6:30 pm. As part of a series reflecting on America’s 1976 Bicentennial, the program includes archival footage and cultural artifacts that illuminate the themes and anxieties of the era. More info
STARTS THU: Fourth of July Celebrations
THURSDAY, JULY 2
Coachella kicks off the holiday weekend early with its Independence Day Celebration from 6:30–10 pm at Bagdouma Park, featuring food vendors, games, a community pool, and a 9 pm fireworks show. • Palm Springs hosts the VillageFest Kick-Off from 7–10 pm downtown, offering live music, games, and complimentary snow cones while supplies last.
FRIDAY, JULY 3
Palm Springs continues the fun with Dive-In Movie Night at the Palm Springs Swim Center, offering open swim at 6 pm followed by a free 7 pm screening of The Sandlot. • Agua Caliente Casinos in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, and Rancho Mirage locations begin their America 250 weekend celebrations, running July 3–5 with DJs, entertainment, and dining specials.
SATURDAY, JULY 4
Rancho Mirage presents the massive Agua Caliente Fireworks & Drone Show Spectacular at 9 pm, with a drive‑in experience opening at 3 pm featuring giveaways, games and free Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. • Indio hosts its Independence Day Bash at the Empire Polo Grounds from 6–10 pm, ending with a 9:30 pm drone show. • Palm Desert celebrates with its America250 Celebration at Civic Center Park beginning at 4 pm, followed by food trucks at 5 pm, live entertainment with The Swing Cats Big Band at 7 pm on the Civic Center Park main stage, a Sensory Safe Space from 8–9:30 pm, and a 9 pm fireworks display. • Palm Springs activates Sunrise Park at 5 pm with face painting, arts and crafts, photo ops, and an All‑American History Wall, leading into the Fireworks Spectacular at 9:15 pm. • Palm Springs also offers two aquatic celebrations: the All‑American Pool Party at the Swim Center from 3–10 pm, and the 21+ Hustle: 70’s Disco Pool Party at The Saguaro from 1–7 pm.
SUNDAY, JULY 5
Desert Hot Springs closes out the long weekend with its Semiquincentennial Celebration at Mission Springs Park from 6–10 pm, featuring live music, food, family activities, and a 9:15 pm fireworks finale.
THU–FRI: RAW DOG Naked Comedy Festival / Prism Theater
The RAW DOG Naked Comedy Festival at Prism Theater runs Thursday & Friday, July 2 & 3 at 8 pm, delivering a bold, adults‑only lineup of LGBTQ+ and ally comedians performing fully unclothed. This three‑day festival promises outrageous stand‑up, uncensored storytelling, and unexpected surprises, making it one of the summer’s most daring live events. More info
FRI: The Commodores
The Commodores bring their legendary Motown, R&B, and funk sound to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa on Friday, July 3 at 8 pm. As one of music’s most influential vocal groups, they continue to energize audiences with timeless hits performed with the passion and precision that defined their global success. Their Greatest Hits Tour – Live! is an unforgettable night of classic grooves. More info
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
- Palm Springs Symphony Liberty & Legacy – Celebrating 250 Years of America
- Saturday from 7–10 pm, the Palm Springs Symphony presents a powerful patriotic tribute honoring 250 years of American history in Central Palm Springs. This concert celebrates the spirit of freedom and resilience through stirring symphonic works and includes a special recognition ceremony dedicated to veterans.
- Dance Ranch / Country Dance Saturdays
- Saturday from 6–9:30 pm, Step by Step Dance Studio hosts country western dancing for the LGBTQ+ community. This weekend: Rob Ollander-Krane teaches intermediate two-step at 6 pm followed by Andrew Jimenez leading an Uno Dos Tres Line Dance lesson at 7 pm. The night features two-step, waltz, shadow, and swing dancing for all skill levels.
SAY KGAY 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
Summer 2026 Visitor Map & Guide – FREE!
Check out the just-published Summer 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.
THIS WEEKEND
SAT: Depth Charge 2
The Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert dives into Independence Day weekend with Depth Charge 2, an after‑hours celebration unfolding Saturday, July 4 from 9 pm–1:30 am in the catacombs of Hotel Zoso. Building on the energy of last year’s GO DEEP party, this official July 4th weekend event brings together hundreds of attendees for a night designed for community connection and leather culture camaraderie. With multiple designated play areas—including slings, benches, and additional spaces—Depth Charge 2 is the final major PSLOD event before Leather Pride returns in October. More info
FRI & SUN: WILD Dance Party (Glow Edition) & WET Pool Party
A pair of parties presented by Eagle Cathedral City (opening later this year):
The WILD Dance Party (Glow Edition) transforms The Sonoran into a Neon Jungle on Friday, July 3 from 9 pm–2 am. Music comes from Circle Jerk, Chris Cox, and VIP Red Room beats by Relate, creating a high‑energy atmosphere that lights up the holiday weekend. More info
The WET Pool Party, also at The Sonoran, offers a sun‑drenched afternoon on Sunday, July 5 from 4–9 pm, blending poolside relaxation with high‑energy beats from Scott Helms and Retrocub. Guests can enjoy food by Taco Bear while soaking up the desert sun and transitioning into a vibrant sunset celebration. More info
Tramway Holiday Weekend
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is stretching its schedule for the Fourth of July weekend, giving visitors extra time to escape the heat and enjoy the cool alpine air atop Mount San Jacinto. From July 3–5, trams begin running at 8 am each day, with extended evening hours allowing guests to stay late and take in sunset views and starry skies. On Sunday, July 5, the celebration continues with guided nature walks led by Mount San Jacinto State Park volunteers—offering two scenic options along the Desert View Trail at 11 am and the Long Valley Nature Trail at 1:30 pm. These walks are free with general admission and require no advance registration.
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 – Best of the Fest
Mon. Jun 29 at Festival Theaters - Hot Spot Bingo with Deven & Ned
Mondays at 7 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs - 4th of July in Greater Palm Springs
July 2–5 in various locations - Depth Charge 2 – Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert
Sat. Jul 4 from 9 pm–1:30 am at Hotel Zoso - Gay Wine Weekend – 15th Anniversary Celebration
July 17–19 in Sonoma Valley - Out on the Mountain
Fri. Aug 21 from 6 pm–midnight at Six Flags Magic Mountain
Discover Lennar’s Ara & Nova at Skyborne in Desert Hot Springs, where modern new homes pair easy desert living with breathtaking mountain views, just minutes from Palm Springs. These homes start from the upper $300,000s. Spend sunny afternoons by the swimming pool or take your pup to the dog park. 3–4 beds | 2–3 baths, 1,229–2,583 sq. ft. Models open for tours daily. Skyborne by Lennar is at 62659 Rainbow Lane in Desert Hot Springs. Learn more
Chi Chi Restaurant at The Avalon Hotel on Belardo offers fresh, vibrant California fare with Latin influences. The menu emphasizes seasonal ingredients, plant-forward dishes, and poolside favorites perfect for light bites or sunset dining. With a backdrop of palm trees and mountain views, the atmosphere is casual yet elevated—ideal for both daytime lounging and candlelit evenings. Reservations at Chi Chi through OpenTable. Learn more
Ben’s Flower Shop delivers premium flower arrangements, gift baskets and flower subscriptions with same day flower and gift delivery within the greater Palm Springs area. Events, parties and wedding flower services available a la carte or by custom design. Learn more
KGAY 103.1 FM
The KGAY 103.1 Retro Lunch airs Monday through Friday from noon–1 pm, with DJ Galaxy (Vincent Corrales) and DJ Eric Ornelas playing an hour of their nonstop 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 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 103.1 online
This Weekend: MODGIRL brings the heat to the Ace Hotel & Swim Club this holiday weekend with two high‑energy sets. She kicks off Friday Night Fever on Friday, July 3 at 9 pm in the Amigo Room, then returns for the Soundwaves Pool Party on Sunday, July 5 at 12 pm.
WIN TICKETS to Out on the Mountain
KGAY 103.1 wants to give you the chance to experience Out on the Mountain — the Ultimate Pride Party at Six Flags Magic Mountain on Friday, August 21. This private, all‑ages LGBTQ+ celebration packs the park with thrill rides, drag performances, dance parties, and a full night of community joy. It’s Pride… with roller coasters! Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page
WIN the Ultimate Palm Springs Summer Escape
KGAY 103.1—in partnership with Visit Palm Springs, presenting XOXO: The Palm Springs Arts & Culture Celebration (June 11–22)—is giving you another shot at winning the Ultimate Palm Springs Summer Escape! Whether you’re a local looking for a staycation or a visitor dreaming of a desert getaway, this prize package delivers a full Palm Springs experience: a one‑night stay, dining, attractions, shopping, and a spa day pass. Featured partners include Avalon Hotel & Bungalows, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Drag & Fly Tours, Destination PSP, Hunters Nightclub, and more. Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page
Sunny 106.5 FM
Take the sunshine indoors with the Sunny 106.5 Alexa skill — just tell Alexa to “enable Sunny Palm Springs Radio skill” and the brightest variety will be one voice command away at home or at work. Sunny 106.5 is the Coachella Valley’s new home for feel‑good hits from the ’90s, 2000s, and beyond, blending familiar favorites with local updates and weekday weather from Patrick Evans. Play Sunny 106.5 Online
- Palm Springs Restaurant News: New Owners, Dining Tips & Local Updates
- Nicholas Snow Donates Lifelong LGBTQ+ Media Archive to the LGBTQ+ History & Archives of the Desert
- 8 Coachella Valley Districts for Dining, Shopping, and Art
- The Complex and Surprising History Behind LGBTQ+ Pride Flags
- LGBTQ Icons Honored for America’s 250th Anniversary
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 2026 Coachella Valley Calendar of Events.
Listen to KGAY over the air, stream it [here], or listen on iHeart Radio with Alexa or Siri by saying “Play K-G-A-Y” 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.
This Way Out, the award‑winning weekly LGBTQ radio program, airs every Sunday at 6:30 a.m. on KGAY 103.1 and is also available on‑demand via our streaming player under Menu>Streams>Podcasts. As the only internationally distributed LGBTQ radio show, it airs on about 200 community stations worldwide and delivers global queer news, reporting, interviews, and cultural features.