Gay Desert Guide Week of March 2 2026
Brad Fuhr at the RCA

Charity begins at home is a proverb suggesting that one should prioritize the needs of family, friends, and the local community before assisting those further away.

Attributed to Sir Thomas Browne in 1642, it emphasizes that personal responsibility, love, and care should be established within one’s immediate circle first.

It’s been used to suggest that the United States should focus on the needs of its own people before those in other countries. US AID was destroyed by the Trump administration under this ruse. The sentiment is a cornerstone of his “America First” foreign policy.

Yet in most policy and actions in this first year, the cruelty of this administration has been on almost daily display. Funding for so many domestic programs that help feed, house and care for Americans have been gutted. It’s especially apparent in the LGBTQ+ communities with funding cut or reduced for HIV/AIDS/Trans care, food banks and especially research. Most illegal cuts get turned around by the courts. However, many organizations and institutions acquiesced without so much as a whimper. (Think Harvard).

But there are ways for you to help those in need locally. It involves your pursestrings and not you protest signs.

Tuesday, March 3rd is Coachella Valley Giving Day, a time to give back to the many non-profits that dot the landscape of the Coachella Valley. This day was modeled after a successful program in Colorado and is spearheaded by the Coachella Valley Foundation.

The website gives you a menu of non-profits to support, and early giving is open now. Some, like the Cathedral City Senior Center, even have matching programs. Whether you give $10 or $10k, make a contribution now. Our local charities — and their beneficiaries — will be grateful. And you will have helped make a difference here at home.

P.S. 11 years ago, the first LGBT Days were held in Cathedral City. We took a year to plan the first event and took a year off for COVID. So this weekend will mark 10 years for the event. Before Sunday’s Bed Race, organizers will pay tribute to those who helped start it. While that was before KGAY, Gay Desert Guide was a founding sponsor as was CCBC. And this year, we’ll be competing in the Bed Race looking to best our 2nd place finish from last year. Let’s keep our fingers crossed we will “Be Best”…

Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide

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MON: A Studio 54 Celebration

Studio 54 Celebration Benefiting McCallum’s Education Programs

A Studio 54 Celebration Benefiting McCallum’s Education Programs brings disco glamour to the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort on Monday, March 2 at 4:30 pm, inviting guests to step into an evening of sparkle, high-energy music, and themed cocktails inspired by the iconic era. The event features a festive cocktail hour, a seated dinner, and both silent and live auctions offering unique items and experiences. Your Gay Desert Guide Brad Fuhr will be serving as host for the evening. All proceeds support McCallum Theatre Education, which provides transformative arts programming to 40,000 students and educators each year at no cost to participants. More info


ENDS MONDAY: Pippin

PIPPINS QUEST

Pippin takes the stage at Revolution Stage Company, extended through Monday March 2, inviting audiences into Stephen Schwartz and Roger O. Hirson’s dazzling, meta‑theatrical journey of spectacle, seduction, and self‑discovery. Our theatre reviewer, Stephen Radosh, says “…this production captures the show’s central message with sincerity: sometimes the extraordinary is found in the beautifully ordinary.” Read his full review and Get tickets


MON: South Palm Canyon Drive Traffic Flip

S Palm Canyon Project

Traffic on S. Palm Canyon Drive will shift to the newly rebuilt western bridge span on Monday, March 2, with one lane open in each direction as crews begin reconstruction on the eastern span. Drivers and pedestrians will use the new western side, all business access remains open, and full turning movements continue at S. Palm Canyon Drive and E. Sunny Dunes Road. Belardo Road is the recommended alternate route. More info


ALL WEEK: BNP Paribas Open

BNP Paribas Stadium Day

The BNP Paribas Open is now underway, running through Sunday, March 15 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, and Tennis Paradise is set for another heavy-hitting edition. The 2026 field features nearly all of the top 100 ATP and WTA players, including Carlos Alcaraz, arriving fresh off a historic Australian Open win that completed his career Grand Slam. World No.1 Elena Rybakina, four‑time major champions Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner, and Grand Slam legend Novak Djokovic all make their bids for the title, while Coco Gauff and former champion Taylor Fritz lead a strong American contingent, with Venus Williams on a wild card invitation. Get tickets


TUE: Coachella Valley Giving Day

CVGiving

Coachella Valley Giving Day returns on Tuesday, March 3 for a full day of regional generosity, uniting residents, donors, and organizations in a 24‑hour online effort to strengthen local nonprofits. Designed to amplify impact through collective giving, cash‑prize opportunities, and community visibility, the event has already raised more than $2 million since its launch, including over $800,000 last year. More info


TUE: Cat City Drag Race LGBT+ Days Kick-Off

Cat City Drag Race Pride Kickoff 2026

Cathedral City Drag Race kicks off LGBT+ Days on Tuesday, March 3 from 5:30–7:30 pm at the Cathedral City Amphitheatre as part of the Tastes & Sounds of Cathedral City series, bringing high-energy performances, community pride, and plenty of flair to the weekly series. Guests can enjoy food from Uncle D’s, Nice Haas, Tacon’ Todo, and Crush Crush Cookies while taking in one of the season’s most spirited evenings. More info


TUE: Music of the Knights

Music of the Knights

The Plaza Theatre turns Tuesday, March 3 into a symphonic celebration with Pops at The Plaza – Music of The Knights, an evening honoring the iconic songbooks of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sir Elton John, and Sir Paul McCartney. With the Palm Springs Pops and a trio of Broadway vocalists, including Blaine Krauss of Hamilton, the night brings beloved hits like “Circle of Life,” “Crocodile Rock,” “Your Song,” and “Yesterday” to life in a richly orchestrated tribute to three of Britain’s most influential musical legends. Get tickets


WED: Rock the Park – Always, Adele

Always Adele

Rock the Park returns on Wednesday, March 4 at 7 pm with Always, Adele, bringing the powerful vocals and emotional sweep of Adele’s greatest hits to Downtown Park in Palm Springs. This free outdoor concert invites audiences to settle in under the evening sky for a night of soaring ballads in this dynamic tribute performance. More info


WED: Catherine O’Hara – Best in Show

COH Best in Show still

Catherine O’Hara: Simply the Best starts on Wednesday, March 4 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center/Camelot Theatre with a big‑screen presentation of Best in Show, beginning with a 6:30 pm introduction and the film at 7 pm. This tribute series honors O’Hara’s brilliant comedic legacy, and Best in Show remains one of her most beloved performances—a sharp, laugh‑out‑loud mockumentary that dives into the eccentric world of competitive dog shows. Get tickets


THU: Yappy Hour

Yappy Hour

Yappy Hour returns to the Riviera Resort’s Desert Rose Garden on Thursday, March 5 from 4–6 pm, offering an afternoon of wine, hors d’oeuvres, and tail-wagging fun. Hosted by KiKi Tormo, this pet-friendly gathering invites guests and their leashed pups to mingle in a lush garden setting while supporting Animal Samaritans’ life-saving programs for local homeless animals. More info


FRI–SUN: Cathedral City LGBT Days

Cathedral City LGBT Days 2026 logo

We at KGAY Desert Guide are tuning up our entry for the infamous Bed Race — with DJ Eric Ornelas proudly in the driver’s seat — as Cathedral City LGBT+ Days returns Friday–Sunday, March 6–8 at the Cathedral City Civic Center Plaza. This milestone 10th‑anniversary celebration brings a full weekend of live entertainment, community gatherings, drag performances, artisan vendors, the CommUNITY Strong Walk, and headliner David Archuleta. From Friday’s rally and Pride flag‑raising to Saturday’s all‑day festival and Sunday’s parade and bed race, the weekend showcases Cathedral City’s spirit and inclusivity. See our event listing for a detailed schedule: More info

HRC Awards

Cathedral City will be honored for its steadfast commitment to LGBTQ+ equity during a special presentation on Saturday, March 7 from 7–7:30 pm at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater, when the Human Rights Campaign presents the city with the Community Leadership Award on the Stonewall Main Stage. This prestigious recognition celebrates the city’s consistent perfect score on the Municipal Equality Index and its leadership in inclusive governance and nondiscrimination protections. More info


OPENS FRI: Meteor Shower

A graphic design featuring a house silhouetted against a night sky with meteor showers, accompanied by the title 'METEOR SHOWER' and 'BY STEVE MARTIN' in bold text.

Desert Ensemble Theatre brings Steve Martin’s sharp, surreal humor to the stage with Meteor Shower, running March 6–15 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center/Camelot Theatre. This cosmic comedy follows a seemingly simple evening of dinner and stargazing that unravels into a whirlwind of absurdity, unexpected twists, and Martin’s signature off‑beat brilliance. Audiences can expect a fast-paced, imaginative ride that turns the ordinary into the hilariously extraordinary. Get tickets


FRI: Paula Poundstone

Paula Poundstone Plaza Theatre March 6 2026

Enjoy an evening of legendary wit as iconic comedian Paula Poundstone takes the stage on Friday, March 6 at 8 pm at The Plaza Theatre. Known for her smart, observational humor and a spontaneous style that makes every performance unique, Poundstone has established herself as a titan of comedy through her work as a regular panelist on NPR’s Wait, Wait… Don’t Tell Me and her role as Forgetter Paula in the Inside Out films. This performance offers a chance to see the first woman to ever host the White House Correspondents Dinner! Get tickets


FRI: 1979 Time Capsule

1979 Time Capsule music show

Step back into the electric energy of 1979 as award-winning vocalist Tod Macofsky and Palm Springs’ own The Gand Band take you on a nostalgic journey through a pivotal year in music. Hosted at the Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs on Friday, March 6, this “Time Capsule” variety show celebrates the iconic transition from the peak of disco to the rise of pop and new wave. From high-energy dance floor anthems to sophisticated soul, the performance captures the fashion, stories, and sounds that defined a generation. Get tickets


FRI & SAT: Brenna Whitaker

Brenna Whitaker

Brenna Whitaker returns to The Purple Room for two intimate nights on Friday and Saturday, March 5 and 6. Joined by Grammy Award–winning pianist Sam Barsh, she’ll weave songs from her new album Enraptured into the timeless, soul‑rich performances that have made her a favorite of legends like Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, and David Foster. With a voice built for drama and a stage presence that fills the room, Whitaker delivers an evening of jazz, swing, and emotional fire that feels both classic and boldly new. 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 through 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


Destroying David

Destroying David

Dezart Performs presents the West Coast premiere of Jason Odell Williams’ Destroying David, an intimate and emotionally charged solo work that blends art history, personal grief, and the fragile beauty of what we choose to preserve. Running through March 8, the production invites audiences into a private after‑hours “tour” of Michelangelo’s David, where an art restorer (Aleisha Force) slowly reveals a deeply personal loss and a startling question at the heart of their journey. Our theatre reviewer, Stephen Radosh, says “Ms. Force delivers a remarkable performance… she succeeds in strengthening the bond between herself and the audience.” Read his full review and Get tickets


The Graduate

The Graduate

Desert TheatreWorks stages the iconic coming‑of‑age story The Graduate now through March 8. Scripted by Terry Johnson, the production follows recent college graduate Benjamin Braddock as he’s pulled into a charged and complicated triangle with Mrs. Robinson and her daughter Elaine. Presented in the round in DTW’s intimate Blackbox Theater, the show places audiences close to the tension as this classic tale unfolds. Get tickets


Camp Morning Wood

Camp Morning Wood

Camp Morning Wood contineus its west coast premiere run, presented by the new PRISM Theater at The 4707 through Sunday, March 22. Fresh from its Off‑Broadway success, this bold and irreverent musical follows a newly engaged couple who unexpectedly land at a gay nudist camp, setting the stage for cheeky comedy, lively songs and outrageous choreography. Get tickets


This Week at the Plaza Theatre

The Mikado
The Mikado

The Plaza Theatre’s week starts Monday with the Sound & Vision Awards, where Adopt the Arts honors rock icons Paul Rodgers and Geezer Butler in an evening led by Matt Sorum and hosted by Jane Lynch. The momentum continues Thursday with the acclaimed New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players’ reimagined production of The Mikado, followed on Friday by the sharp, quick-witted comedy of Paula Poundstone. Saturday brings an adventure-filled screening and conversation with Cary Elwes in The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening, and Sunday rounds out the week with Vicki Lawrence & Mama: A Two-Woman Show, blending storytelling, music, and classic comedy. 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.



THIS WEEKEND

Fantasy Prom

Mirror Disco Ball

“Fantasy Prom” by the Desert Sparkles Fund transforms the Palm Springs Surf Club into a joy-filled celebration on Saturday, March 7 from 6–9 pm. Guests can relive—or reinvent—the prom they always deserved with a welcome drink, appetizers, two drink tickets, dancing to tunes spun by Modgirl, a silent auction, and the ever‑popular Wine Wall. Whether you arrive with a partner or come ready to mingle, the evening supports a meaningful cause: providing college scholarships to LGBTQIA+ students across the Coachella Valley. Get tickets


Contour Dermatology’s Silver Anniversary

Day of Beauty Contour Dermatology 25th Anniversary

Contour Dermatology marks a major milestone with its 25‑year celebration during Day of Beauty Week, leading up to a special in‑office event on Saturday, March 7 from 9 am–1 pm. Guests can enjoy exclusive savings on popular aesthetic treatments all week long, with personalized recommendations from the expert team to help refresh and rejuvenate. The celebration includes an Out & About appearance from KGAY’s John Taylor, broadcasting live from 10 am–12 pm to add even more energy to the festivities. More info


Tennis and Tea Dance

tennis for homosexuals

On Saturday, March 7 from 3–6 pm, Mission Hills Country Club hosts a lively Tennis and Tea Dance that blends fast‑paced Liveball, on‑court drag performances, and a high‑energy afternoon of music and community connection. As the only LGBTQ tennis event during The BNP Paribas Open, the gathering invites guests to embrace playful disco‑tennis style, enjoy a complimentary specialty drink, and support the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert through donated tennis gear. Get tickets


Palm Springs Art Festival

Palm Springs Art Festival

The Palm Springs Art Festival returns to Frances Stevens Park for its 37th year, welcoming visitors on Saturday–Sunday, March 7–8 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, this is the second in a trio of festivals, with the final weekend being March 21 & 22. More info


Cocktails on the Page: Lucie Arnaz and Laurence Luckinbill

Cocktails on the Page Arnaz Luckinbill

Cocktails on the Page returns on Sunday, March 8 from 4–6 pm as the Palm Springs Public Library Foundation welcomes Lucie Arnaz and Laurence Luckinbill for an intimate literary gathering at a private Movie Colony home. Guests will enjoy a relaxed poolside setting with cocktails and light appetizers while the celebrated spouses join Foundation Board Member Corey Roskin for a lively conversation about their books, their careers, and their shared love of libraries. Each attendee will take home signed copies of both books. Get tickets


San Diego Symphony Orchestra

San Diego Symphony Orchestra

The McCallum Theatre welcomes the San Diego Symphony Orchestra on Sunday, March 8 at 5 pm, bringing one of the nation’s most dynamic ensembles to the desert under the electrifying leadership of Rafael Payare. Known for performances that blend precision with expressive power, the orchestra appears with internationally acclaimed violinist Leonidas Kavakos, who performs Brahms’ Violin Concerto in D major. Get tickets


Morning Wood

Text graphic featuring the phrase 'Morning Wood at CCBC' with a sun illustration.

Morning Wood brings a full weekend of clothing‑optional fun to CCBC Resort from Friday–Sunday, March 6–8, offering guests three days of sun, connection, and the signature playful energy the event is known for. Saturday features the Morning Wood BBQ Party with locals at CCBC, followed by a relaxed pool day on Sunday. With plenty of opportunities to unwind, meet new people, and enjoy the resort’s expansive grounds, it’s a weekend designed for easygoing vibes and community spirit. Get tickets


Yellow Brick Band at The Gardens on El Paseo

Yellow Brick Road Elton John Tribute

The Gardens on El Paseo Concert Series wraps up its 28th season on Saturday, March 7 at 4:30 pm with Yellow Brick Band, bringing the beloved music of Elton John to the Center Lawn for a grand finale. This closing night continues the series’ tradition of pairing great performances with community impact, benefiting Family YMCA of the Desert and supported by charity sponsor Desert Care Network. It’s the last chance this season to “wine down” with live music, local spirit, and a tribute packed with hits that will have the whole crowd singing along. More info


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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 Weekend: Catch DJ Galaxy in action starting with “Fur Friday” at Hunters on March 6 from 4–9 pm, followed by a high-energy set at the Oscar’s Sunday T-Dance on March 8 from 3–7 pm! On Friday, March 6 at 8 pm, Modgirl will provide the soundtrack to Friday Night Fever at Ace Hotel & Swim Club, and the party continues Saturday, March 7 from 6–9 pm at the Fantasy Prom at the Palm Springs Surf Club, and finally Sunday, March 8 at 11:30 am, she takes the stage for an electrifying DJ set at Cathedral City LGBT+ Days!


Fashion Week El Paseo 2026

KGAY 103.1 has your chance to WIN TICKETS to the West Coast’s largest fashion event, Fashion Week El Paseo, held Friday–Wednesday, March 13–18 at The Gardens on El Paseo. This premier experience features a week of high-style cocktail receptions, celebrity meet-and-greets, and runway shows showcasing the country’s top design talents. It is a perfect opportunity for local fashionistas! Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page


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


Michael Cavanaugh

Sunny 106.5 FM wants you to WIN TICKETS to The Desert Symphony presenting The Music of Billy Joel starring Michael Cavanaugh! Handpicked by Billy Joel himself for the Broadway hit Movin’ Out, the Tony and Grammy-nominated Cavanaugh brings a powerhouse performance to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino on Wednesday, March 11. Don’t miss this high-energy celebration of rock & roll classics. Enter to WIN on the Sunny 106.5 Contest Page

Bookmarks
  1. Palm Springs’ Enduring Allure: Hollywood History, Modern Design, and Desert Dreams
  2. Restaurant News Bites: Tack Room Tavern Reopens, New Eateries Debut, and Tastes and Sounds Returns
  3. Demuth Park Improvement Project to Close Dog Parks Through Construction
  4. Top Colorectal Cancer Myths Debunked by DAP Health: What Everyone Should Know
  5. CV Giving Day 2026: Support Coachella Valley Nonprofits

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.