This week in #ILoveGayPalmSprings – Fashion Week is here to heat up El Paseo with runway shows, celebrities, cocktail receptions, trunks shows and more! The Palm Desert Chamber holds their Mixer at Saks, Jazzville is Wednesday at Hotel Zoso, Rocky Horror Picture Show Interactive with Among Friends is a charity benefit, and Glee‘s Matthew Morrison is here to show us his Broadway chops with the Desert Symphony. We also look ahead to the weekend with a special screening of “Coming Out: A 50-Year History,” the ONE-PS Picnic, and Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival!

Fashion Week is Here

The West Coast’s largest consumer fashion show, Fashion Week El Paseo, continues through Saturday, March 23, at The Gardens on El Paseo in Palm Desert. Showcasing the talents of renowned and emerging designers, this premier fashion event presents their newest collections in a state-of-the-art experience  with its cocktail receptions, trunk shows, celebrity meet-and-greets, and much more. Whether you’re a seasoned stylemaker or a fledgling fashionista, you’re sure to feel inspired and transformed by the events at Fashion Week as audiences from all walks of life enjoy the sophistication and luxury of the desert. More info

 

Project Runway Meet and Greet with Michael Costello and Friends

On Tuesday, March 19 at 10:30 a.m., you have an opportunity to meet with Michael Costello and some of your favorite Project Runway designers as they gather under one roof for an informal Q&A. This year’s designers include: Seth Aaron, Project Runway All Stars, Season 7; Mondo Guerra, Project Runway All Stars, Season 1; Viktor Luna, Project Runway All Stars, Season 3; and Anthony Ryan, Project Runway All Stars, Season 2. Learn more about these designers as they share their stories, secrets, and ambitions during this round-table discussion. Learn More

Hollywood Party – Nobody Sleeps Tonight

On Wednesday, March 20 at 8:00 p.m. Hollywood history comes to life with the archival collection of Academy Award–winning costume designer Helen Rose at the Hollywood Party – Nobody Sleeps Tonight. Costumes worn by some of the biggest names of the silver-screen Golden Age, including Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, Cyd Charisse, Lena Horne, Judy Garland, and more, will be featured on the runway, followed by a spectacular runway collection from red-carpet designer Gustavo Cadile. Cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m. with two meet-the-author book signings. Get Tickets

The Best of Saks Fifth Avenue

Experience a showcase of high-end men’s and women’s fashions from the very best of Saks Fifth Avenue’s collection of designers including Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, The Row, and many more on Friday, March 22 at 8:00 p.m. Cocktail reception starts at 6:30, with afterparty for ticket holders from 9:00–10:30 p.m. on the lawn in front of Saks, featuring live music, food and drinks. Get Tickets

 

OUTstanding Voices Nominations

OUTstanding Voices from Palm Springs is a platform to preserve and celebrate our history, with a celebration this year on June 5, honoring 81 LGBTQ leaders (81 to mark the city¹s 81st Birthday). Honorees are visibly out or vocal allies that influence, impact and advance LGBTQ equality in Palm Springs. Brad Fuhr of Gay Desert Guide was among the 80 inaugural year nominees last year. Nominate your Palm Springs community member to be celebrated this year! Submit your nominee today

After Hours Mixer at Saks Fifth Avenue

The Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce presents a networking mixer on Wednesday, March 20 from 5:30–7:00 p.m. at Saks Fifth Avenue on El Paseo Drive. They have a new manager, the Chamber has a new staff and they are excited to see new faces! Make networking part of your marketing strategy , and hey, a mixer within The Gardens on El Paseo doesn’t sound so bad either. More info

Jazzville: Jacques Lesure Quartet

On Wednesday, March 20, at 7:00 pm., DJ Baz and Hotel Zoso present Jazzville featuring Jacques Lesure Quartet. Jacque’s guitar playing is steeped in the rich tradition of his mentors like George Benson and Kenny Burrell, but he’s also a visionary… His music is rooted in the foundations of gospel, blues and jazz, and his belief that the sounds of “today” are as relevant as those of glorious days gone by and create a synergy that makes his music swing with a style like no other. Pairing Jacques Lesure’s jazz and blues guitar mastery with the brilliant, young vibraphone player Dillon Vado from San Jose. Will Lyle on bass and famous Nigerian jazz drummer Tosin Aribisala. Get Tickets

Rocky Horror Interactive Screening and Charity Benefit

Among Friends is presenting the interactive experience that started it all: cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show, on Wednesday, March 20 from 6:00–8:00 p.m. The fun starts at 6pm with the Rocky Cocktail party & charity event along with a costume contest. Come dressed in your favorite Rocky Horror Picture Show costume for your chance to win the Golden Lips award. Doors to the theater open at 7:30 so you can get ready to join Dr. Frank N. Furter in his quest to create the ultimate male. Proceeds from this event will benefit Palm Springs Cultural Center and Sanctuary Palm Springs. Get Tickets

An Evening with Matthew Morrison

Remember the cute show choir teacher from Glee? The Desert Symphony presents An Evening with Matthew Morrison on Thursday, March 21 at 8:00 p.m. at the McCallum Theatre. Star of stage and screen, Morrison has been nominated for Tony, Emmy, and Golden Globe awards. He was nominated for a Tony for “The Light in the Piazza,” and received a Drama Desk Nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Musical for “10 Million Miles.” His performance in “Hairspray” on Broadway and the Tony-winning revival of “South Pacific” both met with critical acclaim. Morrison will perform LIVE with The Desert Symphony in an evening of sophisticated enjoyment. Get Tickets

THIS WEEKEND

Coming Out: A 50 Year History

On Friday, March 22 from 5:30–9:00 p.m., The City of Palm Springs Human Rights Commission, in partnership with the LGBT Center of the Desert, invites the entire community to a special screening of the documentary film Coming Out: A 50 Year History. A VIP reception is slated for 5:30 p.m. with special guests, NBC Palm Springs personalities Bryan Gallo and Manny de la Rosa. The film, narrated by transgender teen Jazz Jennings, includes young people interviewing a host of LGBTQ elders who came out in different historical eras from the 1950s to today. The young interviewers get an opportunity to compare and contrast their “coming out” experience with people who came out during McCarthy, Civil Rights, post-Stonewall, and the AIDS era. Get Tickets

ONE-PS Picnic & Community Expo

Over 1000 residents are expected to enjoy the BBQ lunch, DJ entertainment and more than 50 non-profit and for-profit booths at this year’s ONE-PS Picnic and Community Expo on Saturday, March 23 from 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.. The City of Palm Springs always has a great showing of the Palm Springs Police Department, Fire Department, Search and Rescue teams as well as the CERT Program. Participants range from the Desert Water Agency to the Palm Springs Art Museum. The Palm Springs neighborhoods get involved with booths and prizes to raffle off, too! More info

Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival

Enjoy eclectic tastings, libations, hands-on demonstrations, and more at the ninth annual Palm Desert Food and Wine Festival, taking place Friday, March 22–Sunday, March 24. This three-day premier event showcases some of the nation’s most prominent epicurean influencers — chefs, vintners, and brewmasters — and welcomes all foodies and wine lovers to the breathtaking tree-lined El Paseo shopping district. Meet Scott Conant and Fabio Vivani at the Celebrity Chef Reception on Friday, March 22. Enjoy a James Beard Gourmet Four-Course Luncheon prepared by top culinary talents, followed by two days of grand experiences, where you can indulge in savory eats from local and regional restaurants and experience more than 60 premium wines. Beer lovers will relish unique craft brews, IPAs, and draught ciders. There is truly something for everyone! Get Tickets

Fashion Week Wraps Up

Late week events for Fashion Week El Paseo include the Finale Night featuring New York designer Lela Rose on Saturday, March 23 starting at 6:30 p.m. There are also late-week trunk shows for both Saks Fifth Avenue and Lela Rose; these events are free and open to the public. The Best of Saks Fifth Avenue Trunk Show runs Saturday, March 23 from 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. and Sunday, March 24 from 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. The Trunk Show Featuring Lela Rose also takes place at Saks, on Sunday, March 24 from 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. and Monday, March 25 from 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Members of the Lela Rose team will be available to assist you with a personal consultation of the Lela Rose collection. More info

LOOKING AHEAD

Cathedral City LGBT Days March 29–30

The first Pride celebration of the season is almost here! The Cathedral City LGBT Days features an Opening Night Block Party on Friday, March 29 from 6:00 p.m. to midnight, featuring DJs and live entertainment presented by The Roost Lounge and AMP Sports Lounge. KGAY 106.5 will be on hand broadcasting live! On Saturday, March 30 it’s the LGBT Days Festival from 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. with live musical performances, outdoor dancing, food, beverages, and community booths at city hall, and of course the festival’s signature event: the 5th Annual LGBT Days Bed Race at 11:00 a.m. The entertainment includes Emily Perry, Ada Vox, Jessica Sutta, The Gand Band, AZRA, Modern Men’s Chorus, FLAVA and the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus. Throughout the weekend  you’ll find pool parties, beer busts and dancing at Cathedral City establishments: CCBC Resort, The Barracks Bar, Trunks, as well as Roost and AMP. More info

Desert Winds Freedom Band: When We Rise

Join the Desert Winds Freedom Band on Saturday, March 30 at 7:00 p.m. for their exciting Spring 2019 Concert: “When We Rise,” celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. The evening’s special Guest of Honor is Cleve Jones, one of the famed leaders of the LGBT civil rights movement and author of the book “When We Rise” on which the 2017 ABC mini-series of the same name was based. DWFB will also be performing a commissioned piece of music at the concert. Get Tickets

César Chávez Breakfast Celebration

The City of Palm Springs presents a celebration to commemorate and celebrate the life and work of labor and civil rights leader César E. Chávez on Monday, April 1 from 9:30–11:00 a.m. at the Palm Springs Leisure Center Pavilion. The purpose of the program is to educate the community and raise awareness about the life and legacy of a leader who rose up to became a symbol of hope. A story of a true American hero. A story of the voice for the voiceless. It is also an affirmation of the commitment in the City of Palm Springs to fight for justice, fair wages, better working conditions, dignity and respect for all. Get Tickets

NCLR Palm Springs Garden Party

On Saturday, April 6, the National Council for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) presents their 2019 Palm Springs Garden Party from 4:00–6:00 p.m.. This year’s party will be one of the most coveted tickets in town – it’s being held at the fabled William Holden Estate, a must-see gem of mid-century architecture once owned by the legendary Hollywood heartthrob. The event is a fundraiser for the important work that NCLR is currently doing to protect LGBTQ+ rights. Tickets are on sale now, you don’t want to miss this one. This year’s event chairs are Christy Holstege and Carl Baker. Get Tickets

Faux Fur Ball V: Island Tails

The Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter present the 5th Annual Faux Fur Ball: Island Tails on Saturday, April 6 at 6:00 p.m. at the Palm Springs Air Museum. This signature fundraising event brings community and animal-lovers together for a festive evening of celebration for pet stewardship and humane treatment of animals. Island Tails provides critical funds to the shelter’s life-giving mission as the only public shelter in Coachella Valley operating under the no-kill philosophy and providing compassionate care to animals. Pack your bags and have your passport ready to be transported to a tropical affaire! Get Tickets

John Tesh Concert to Benefit Qchella Media

Grooves at the Westin presents John Tesh in concert on Wednesday, April 10 at 7:00 p.m. With six music Emmys, two Grammy nominations, three gold records, seven Public Television specials and 8 million records sold, John Tesh’s recording and live concert career continues to thrive today. After more than three decades as an international entertainer, see him live at The Westin Mission Hills. This concert benefits The American Heart Association and Qchella Media of KGAY 106.5. Get Tickets