Gay Desert Guide Week of Mar 16 2026
Brad Fuhr at the RCA

 It was a tough year of loss in Hollywood’s movie community as the In Memoriam segment played at the Oscars telecast Sunday night. We lost some true greats in 2025 from Robert Redford to Catherine O’Hara. Especially touching was the tribute to Rob Reiner by the many actors who had worked with him.

Seven decades of Reiner helping right bigoted wrongs against the LGBTQ community came to an end with his death in December. It was just prior to a scheduled appearance with wife Michele Singer Reiner, for Palm Springs Speaks.

As “Meathead”, Archie Bunker’s foil and son-in-law in All in the Family he delivered lines in defense of homophobic slurs. If that script stuck with him, we’ll never know. But the fact that Reiner was instrumental in the fight for marriage equality is not well known.

Following the passage of Proposition 8 in 2008 which banned same-sex marriage in California, Reiner and his wife, funded AFER specifically to challenge the ban in federal court.

His work went far beyond celebrity endorsement. He was the primary architect and financier of the legal strategy that eventually led to nationwide equality. It’s interesting to look back and see the bipartisan support that “gay marriage” had just a few decades ago. Ted Olson, who ended up litigating for our side, had written a 2010 Newsweek magazine article, entitled, The Conservative Case for Gay Marriage. Today, it’s difficult to find conservatives who openly support our causes. (Especially in regards to trans rights.)

Reiner’s legacy of films will live on for the ages. One of my favorites is Stand By Me, that coming of age film that paralleled the age in which I grew up. The film is set for re-release later this month to commemorate the 40th anniversary. I’m planning a trip to one of our local movie houses to see it — and have the ability to wipe away tears as the nostalgia flows.

And I’ll think of all the other films that Rob Reiner created and championed over his career. But I’ll also be thanking him forever for his work to help our community gain marriage equality.

“We’re all human beings, we all share the same planet, and we should all have the same rights, period. It’s no more complicated than that.”

Rob Reiner, HRC Dinner, Los Angeles, 2019

Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide

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🍕MON: Papa Dan’s Grand Reopening

PAPA DAN'S

Papa Dan’s Pizza invites the community to celebrate its Grand Reopening on Monday, March 16 at 9:30 am, marking a fresh start in a new, larger space on Country Club Drive. After rebuilding from the fire that closed its previous location, the restaurant is welcoming guests back with a warm, updated interior and the classic pizza and pasta dishes locals have loved for decades. The public is encouraged to join the ribbon cutting with the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce and help usher in this new chapter for a longtime favorite. More info


MON–WED: Fashion Week El Paseo

Trina Turk Summer Soleil
Trina Turk Summer Soleil

Fashion Week El Paseo continues at The Gardens on El Paseo now through Wednesday, March 18, bringing the sophistication and creative energy that have made it the West Coast’s largest fashion week. Guests can explore an immersive lineup of runway shows, designer showcases, cocktail receptions, pop‑up shopping, and celebrity appearances, all set. Get tickets


TUE : The Naked Magicians

The Naked Magicians

The Naked Magicians bring their wildly popular, adults‑only magic‑and‑comedy spectacle to the Plaza Theatre on Tuesday, March 17 at 7:30 pm with a second show added at 4 pm due to popular demand! Direct from hit runs in Las Vegas, London’s West End, and more than 250 cities worldwide, these two cheeky Australian performers deliver world‑class illusions and nonstop laughs — all while wearing nothing but a top hat and a smile. Seen by millions on major TV networks, their R‑rated blend of sharp humor and daring showmanship proves that good magicians don’t need sleeves, and great ones don’t need pants. Get tickets


TUE & WED: Fellow Travelers – The Opera

Fellow Travelers Opera

Palm Springs Opera Guild brings the emotional core of Fellow Travelers to the Dezart Playhouse on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 17–18 from 7–9 pm, presenting the most powerful and tender scenes from Gregory Spears and Greg Pierce’s acclaimed opera. Set during the 1950s Lavender Scare, this gripping story follows two young gay government employees whose secret romance unfolds under the shadow of McCarthy‑era persecution, leading to impossible choices and a heartbreaking betrayal. Based on Thomas Mallon’s bestselling novel—and the inspiration for the 2023 Paramount+ series—the performance will be followed by a panel discussion with members of the cast and creative team. Get tickets


TUE–SAT: Pink Martini

Pink Martini

Pink Martini headlines this week at the McCallum Theatre, bringing their globe‑spanning “little orchestra” for six performances from Tuesday, March 17 through Saturday, March 21. Now in their 31st year, the group continues to charm audiences worldwide with a dazzling blend of vintage pop, big‑band sparkle, international flair, and irresistible joy — all delivered by an ever‑rotating lineup of vocalists including China Forbes, Storm Large, Ari Shapiro, Edna Vazquez, Jimmie Herrod, and Meow Meow. Their concerts are known for uniting audiences of every age and background, creating an atmosphere that feels both glamorous and warmly inclusive. The Plaza’s week concludes on Sunday, March 22 at 3 pm with Music of Joy and Peace, a Jeffrey Siegel’s Keyboard Conversations® program featuring uplifting works by Bach, Mendelssohn, Beethoven, Schumann, and Gershwin. Get tickets


☘️ St. Patrick’s Day on the Water

St Patrick's Day on the Water

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in a uniquely Palm Desert way with the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa’s St. Patrick’s Boat Experience, offered March 17, 20, and 21 from 4–9 pm. Guests can enjoy a private 25‑minute cruise for up to eight people through the resort’s scenic waterways, complete with refreshing brews, savory bites, and stunning desert views — plus a complimentary drink for anyone wearing green. More info


WED: Live from New York! George Wesner

George Wesner

St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church welcomes a true New York showman on Wednesday, March 18 at 7 pm with Live from New York! George Wesner, Principal Organist at Radio City Music Hall and the famed Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular. The evening begins with an Italian buffet dinner, followed by a dazzling multimedia program where Wesner transforms the organ into a full theatrical experience — from high‑energy Broadway favorites to sweeping classical moments. Show‑only tickets are also available. Get tickets


WED: The Center Queer Women’s Social

Looking for a fantastic way to meet new people and expand your social circle? Head over to Alice B for The Center Queer Women’s Social taking place on Wednesday, March 18 from 5:30–7 pm. This monthly gathering is the perfect opportunity to make meaningful connections and forge new friendships in a welcoming environment. Whether you are a local or just visiting, come enjoy a fun time with the community and see what wonderful conversations the evening holds. More info

WED–THU: The Green Room

The Green Room

For two nights only, THE BENT brings a bold new staged reading to the Palm Springs Cultural Center as it presents The Green Room on March 18–19 at 7 pm. Featuring a cast of valley favorites — Billy L’Amour, Melanie Blue, Michael Pacas, and Alex Price — this darkly funny and sharply contemporary reimagining of Sartre’s No Exit drops its characters into a media‑saturated purgatory with no host, no audience, and absolutely no escape. Get tickets


WED: Catherine O’Hara – Beetlejuice

COH Beetlejuice still

Catherine O’Hara: Simply the Best continues on Wednesday, March 18 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center/Camelot Theatre with a big‑screen showing of Beetlejuice, beginning with a 6:30 pm introduction and the film at 7 pm. This tribute series celebrates O’Hara’s remarkable career and the unforgettable characters she’s brought to life, and Beetlejuice remains one of her most iconic—an inventive, supernatural comedy that blends chaos, charm, and her signature wit. Get tickets


THU–SUN: Palm Desert Food & Wine

Palm Desert Food and Wine Chef Collage 2026

Palm Desert Food & Wine returns March 19–22 at The Gardens on El Paseo, bringing four days of world‑class culinary talent, premium wines, hands‑on demos, and the region’s most celebrated tasting experiences. This signature festival gathers top chefs, vintners, and brewmasters for a vibrant weekend of flavor, creativity, and desert‑style indulgence — from the James Beard Gourmet Four‑Course Luncheon to two days of grand tastings featuring more than 60 wines, craft brews, and standout bites from across the Coachella Valley. Get tickets


FRI & SAT: Boot Barn PBR Greater Palm Springs

PBR

Boot Barn PBR Greater Palm Springs charges into Acrisure Arena on Friday & Saturday, March 20 & 21 for two nights packed with high‑octane action and edge‑of‑your‑seat excitement. Fans will witness rising bull‑riding talents and seasoned pros take on some of the sport’s toughest bulls, delivering the grit, intensity, and heart‑pounding moments PBR is known for. Get tickets


FRI: Susan Rice – Funny Old Bag

Susan Rice

Susan Rice brings her sharp wit and fearless storytelling to the Annenberg Theater at the Palm Springs Art Museum on Friday, March 20 from 7–9 pm, offering audiences a chance to experience one of stand-up’s most seasoned and compelling voices. Fresh off a breakout moment that drew national attention, she blends decades of television credits with a dynamic stage presence shaped by performances alongside comedy greats. Her work offstage—using humor to strengthen communities and champion local causes—adds even more depth to an evening that celebrates both craft and character. Get tickets


Friday Night Fever

FRI: Friday Night Fever

MODGIRL turns up the heat on Friday, March 20 as Friday Night Fever takes over the Amigo Room at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club from 8–11 pm. Dance, drink, and lose yourself in a night of disco‑kissed house grooves as she takes the decks and transforms the space into Palm Springs’ coolest late‑night escape. It’s free, it’s vibey, and it’s absolutely the place to be. RSVP


This Week at the Plaza Theatre

Rumours

It’s a packed and lively week at the Plaza Theatre: The fun kicks off Tuesday with the cheeky, crowd‑pleasing Naked Magicians, followed on Wednesday by Renée Taylor’s warm and witty autobiographical comedy My Life on a Diet. On Thursday, Rumours brings the classic sound and spirit of Fleetwood Mac to life with a meticulously crafted tribute performance. Kathy Griffin arrives Friday and Saturday with two sold‑out shows, bringing her signature sharp‑edged comedy to an eager audience. The week wraps on Sunday with Matthew Morrison, offering a glimpse of his new show Rhythms & Revelations. Get tickets


FRI & SAT: Carole J. Bufford – Chanteuse

Carole J Bufford

Carole J. Bufford brings her acclaimed show Chanteuse to The Purple Room on Friday and Saturday, March 20 and 21, inviting audiences into a lush, nostalgic tribute to the legendary women who defined the golden age of nightclub entertainment. With her powerhouse vocals and magnetic storytelling, Bufford channels the glamour, grit, and emotional fire of icons like Barbra Streisand, Judy Garland, Edith Piaf, Eartha Kitt, Sophie Tucker, and Ella Fitzgerald. It’s an evening that celebrates torch songs, jazz classics, and the unforgettable personalities who left their mark on stages around the world. Get tickets


FRI: Out of This World Gala

Colorful graphic featuring the phrase 'Out of this world' with a planet and rings, surrounded by stars and hearts.

The Rancho Mirage Woman’s Club invites guests to blast off for a playful, high‑energy afternoon at the Out of This World Gala on Friday, March 20 from 10 am–3 pm at The Ritz‑Carlton, Rancho Mirage. This cosmic‑themed fundraiser encourages everyone—humans and aliens alike—to arrive in full cosplay for a champagne‑filled day featuring a silent auction, a three‑course lunch, and an electrifying dance party with towering LED robots and swirling “planet” bubbles, all to raise vital funds for children’s charities across the Coachella Valley. Get tickets


Sunset Boulevard

Sunet Boulevard Palm Canyon Theatre 2026

Palm Canyon Theatre brings Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard to the stage March 13–April 5. This darkly glamorous musical follows the fateful collision between a struggling screenwriter and a forgotten silent‑film star, unfolding a story of ambition, obsession, and the price of fame. With sweeping melodies, striking Hollywood noir atmosphere, and classic moments such as “As If We Never Said Goodbye,” this production offers a dramatic and compelling night of theatre. Get tickets


Guys and Dolls

Guys and Dolls EXTENDED 1080x1080 (700 x 700 px) - 1

CVRep delivers a bold new take on Damon Runyon’s New York with Guys and Dolls, running February 25–March 22. This dynamic production drops audiences into the grit and glamour of Prohibition, where gamblers, nightclub performers, and missionaries collide in a fast‑moving mix of charm, scheming, and romance. Follow Nathan Detroit’s scramble to launch the city’s biggest craps game, Adelaide’s long wait for a wedding, and Sky Masterson’s unexpected pursuit of Sarah Brown in a sharply reimagined version of the award‑winning musical comedy. Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh called the production “Pure theatrical delight!…every element locks together with precision.” Read his full review and Get tickets


ALSO THIS WEEK


SAYKGAY to Save on Rivalry Merch

Heated Rivalry Coming to the Cottage T-shirt

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 SAYKGAYShop Now


NEW Spring 2026 Visitor Map & Guide – FREE!

Map and Guide Spring 2026 Cover TOC

Check out the latest Spring 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.



Ask a Gay Doc Episode 33: Better Sleep

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 33, Dr. Christopher Hawkey, Chief Clinical Officer and Licensed Clinical Psychologist at The LGBTQ Community Center of The Desert, joins John and Dr. Corzano to offer strategies to help us all get better sleep! Watch the entire 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

ONE-PS Picnic & Community Expo

ONE-PS Picnic

The Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs invite the entire community to come together for the 17th Annual Picnic & Community Expo on Saturday, March 21 from 11 am–2 pm at Ruth Hardy Park. This free, family‑friendly gathering brings neighbors, local businesses, and city partners together for an afternoon of food, games, youth activities, and lively connection. Highlights include a pup costume contest, youth hoops with prizes, crafts, and the always‑spirited neighborhood booth competition. It’s a perfect chance to meet new friends, celebrate community pride, and enjoy a fun spring day in the park. More info


Red Dress Dress Red + Rebound Pool Party

Red Dress 2026

The Center’s famous Red Dress Dress Red party is Saturday, March 21 from 8 pm–midnight at the Palm Springs Air Museum, transforming the night into a dazzling sea of red as the community comes together for one of the city’s most spirited celebrations. For an event this large — with 3,500 guests plus vendors and staff expected — all attendees should plan to park at the Palm Springs Unified School District lot at 150 District Center Dr., where free shuttles will run to and from the entrance. Rideshares and limited valet must access Gene Autry Trail via Vista Chino, and only guests with accessibility needs will be allowed to park on‑site at the Air Museum. Everyone can keep the vibes going at Rebound, the official next‑day pool party at the Palm Springs Surf Club on Sunday, March 22 from 11 am–3 pm, serving up music, drinks, and sun‑soaked recovery fun.


Pinkies Up

Pinkies Up – A Sassy Tea Party sweeps in on Sunday, March 22 from 3–5 pm at Willie’s Modern Fare, offering a playful, social twist on the classic high‑tea experience. Guests can expect an afternoon of sassy elegance, great company, and beautifully crafted bites and beverages, all set within one of Rancho Mirage’s most stylish dining rooms. More info


Palm Springs Art Festival’s Final Weekend of the Season

Palm Springs Art Festival

The Palm Springs Art Festival returns to Frances Stevens Park for the final weekend of its 37th year, welcoming visitors on Saturday–Sunday, March 21–22 from 10 am–4 pm. This beloved Uptown event showcases an impressive range of work across two‑ and three‑dimensional mixed media, ceramics, digital art, glass, jewelry, painting, photography and sculpture, bringing together artists from across the region during peak season. More info


Unbuttoned: A Boylesque Social Experience

Unbuttoned

Unbuttoned: A Boylesque Social Experience brings the sizzling talent of Michael Silas to The Social Cafe and Lounge on Saturday, March 21 from 6–8 pm. Known globally as one of Lady Gaga’s original dancers, Silas blends dance, storytelling and sharp comedic flair into a bold, intimate evening that showcases his decades of work with some of the world’s biggest artists. With a career spanning international tours, major film and television appearances and iconic pop‑culture moments, he now channels that star power into a boylesque performance crafted for Palm Springs audiences. Get tickets


Constellation Awards Womyn’s History Month Brunch

Constellation Award Photo collage 300 dpi

The Sunset Music and Education Foundation celebrates local leadership at the Constellation Awards Womyn’s History Month Brunch on Sunday, March 22 from 11 am–2 pm at the Desert Willow Golf Resort. This inspiring afternoon honors extraordinary women, including Amanda Augustine, Karen Frison, Delois Leonard, Patty Henderson, Dr. Skye Patrick, Joy Silver, and Christine Vendredi, for their contributions to the cultural and social fabric of the region. Guests can look forward to a catered brunch, live entertainment, and a conversation hosted by Emmy Award–winning producer Marilyn F. Solomon focused on the evolving role of women in community building and leadership. More info


Matthew Morrison

Morrison

Matthew Morrison returns to The Plaza Theatre on Sunday, March 22 from 7–9 pm with Rhythms & Revelations, an intimate new show that blends music, movement, and soul‑deep storytelling. Known for his Broadway career and his beloved role on Glee, Morrison steps into a more personal, vulnerable space as he invites audiences to explore the heart behind the performance. Described as “a car wash for your soul,” this evening promises authenticity, artistry, and a powerful connection between performer and audience. Get tickets


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Featured Events
On the Air

KGAY 103.1 FM

Promotional image featuring the KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs logo and three radio hosts: Modgirl, John Taylor, and DJ Galaxy.

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 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 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 Week: DJ Galaxy brings the groove to Oscars Hump Day T-Dance on Wednesday, March 18 from 4–7 pm, returns to Hunters for Fur Friday on March 20 from 4–9 pm, and joins the Red Dress Party at the Palm Springs Air Museum on Saturday, March 21. Modgirl keeps the momentum going with Friday Night Fever at Ace Hotel & Swim Club on Friday, March 20 at 6 pm, followed by her own set at the Red Dress Party on Saturday at 8 pm.


Pussycat Dolls

KGAY 103.1 and Sunny 106.5 are giving listeners the chance to WIN TICKETS BEFORE YOU CAN BUY THEM to see The Pussycat Dolls at Acrisure Arena on Friday, June 5 at 8 pm as they launch the PCD Forever Tour with special guests Lil’ Kim and Mya. This high‑energy night celebrates two decades of chart‑topping hits and marks a major moment for fans eager to experience their signature pop spectacle live in the desert. Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page and the Sunny 106.5 Contest Page.

Mystery Concert

Fresh off the exciting news of The Pussycat Dolls launching their reunion tour at Acrisure Arena, we expect another major concert announcement on the horizon. The reveal drops Tuesday morning, March 17, and listeners can tune in to John Taylor on the KGAY morning show to be among the first to hear what’s coming next!


Sunny 106.5 FM

Sunny106.5 Round

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


John Legend Apr 4 2026

Sunny 106.5 is giving listeners the chance to WIN TICKETS to see John Legend bring his acclaimed Evening of Songs & Stories to the stage on Saturday, April 4 at 8 pm. This intimate concert experience features stripped‑down performances of his biggest hits and fan favorites, all woven together with personal stories from his life and career spanning more than two decades. Enter to WIN on the Sunny 106.5 Contest Page.

Bookmarks
  1. Your Complete Guide to Diamond Wish Fashion Week El Paseo in Greater Palm Springs
  2. Step Inside Bob Mackie’s Dazzling Palm Springs Exhibit Celebrating Cher, Carol Burnett, and Hollywood Glamour
  3. Curtis Stone Shares His Seasonal Cooking Philosophy Ahead of Palm Desert Food & Wine
  4. Goldenvoice Launches ‘Head Trip,’ a New EDM Festival Featuring Calvin Harris, Skrillex, and Swedish House Mafia
  5. How New Leaders Are Shaping the Future of The Dinah, the Iconic Sapphic Festival

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.

Colorful logo of KGAY Palm Springs with the text 'KGAY 103.1' displayed prominently in white font over a gradient background.

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 Logo

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 reaches about 200 community stations worldwide and delivers global queer news, in‑depth reporting, interviews, and cultural features, amplifying LGBTQ voices and stories since 1988.