When I started Gay Desert Guide, the Desert Business Association was one of the first organizations I partnered with. As one of the nation’s oldest LGBTQ+ chambers of commerce, DBA has led the way in helping businesses grow.
I was awarded DBA Business of the Year and Businessperson of the year on two separate occasions, and I can still remember how much those award meant to me at the time — and still do today. Tonight’s DBA Impact Awards recognize a new year of honorees.
We have many non-profits that benefit our community, but only one organization which is chartered differently with the expressed purpose of assisting businesses — DBA. What I have watched is dedicated board members and leadership find ways to help like-minded businesses get started, grow and thrive.
Veterans of the organization can point to numerous people who came to a mixer with an idea a just-launched new business. They came way with new resources and potential customers. Even competing businesses help each other within the DBA.
Tonight’s Business Person of the Year award will go to Bob Smiland, owner of Desert Hand Car Wash. Bob was the motivation behind our “Palm Springs ❤️ Canada” campaign and is well-deserving of the honor.
According to The Washington Post, “…Smiland and Keith McCormick, who owns a Palm Springs car-auction company, suggested that Mayor Ron deHarte lead a citywide campaign to support Canadians. So on April 4, city maintenance workers hung 40 banners on Palm Canyon Drive, and the city designed digital billboards for Palm Springs International Airport.”
We’ve seen the international coverage those signs have generated. While press doesn’t equate to making up for lost revenue, Desert Hand Car Wash is just one of hundreds of businesses in DBA that deserve your support. At Gay Desert Guide, we flag DBA members on our business directory in a long-standing partnership.
Please join me in supporting and congratulating our DBA Impact Award winners listed in today’s blog, including our men in blue from the Palm Springs Police Department.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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MON: DBA Impact Awards
Celebrate excellence at the 2025 Desert Business Association Impact Awards on Monday, May 5 from 5–9 pm at the Palm Springs Convention Center. This prestigious event honors outstanding contributions across various categories:
- Business of the Year: Stonewall Gardens Assisted Living
- Business Person of the Year: Bob Smiland, Desert Hand Car Wash
- Outstanding Community Service Organization: Dinner with Patsi
- Outstanding Community Service Leader: Palm Springs Police Department – All Officers and Staff
- Legacy Award: Lisa Middleton, Former Palm Springs Mayor and Council Member
Additionally, the event supports Youth Educational Scholarships through Safe Schools Desert Cities. Get tickets
MON: Cinco de Mayo at Agua Caliente
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Agua Caliente Casinos on Monday, May 5. Enjoy roaming mariachi bands, live DJs (3 pm–8 pm), delicious and specialty cocktails at 360 Sports, Waters Café (Rancho Mirage), Café One Eleven, and Agave Caliente (Cathedral City), with 50% off happy hour drinks. More info
TUE: HARP Positive Life Series: CROI Conference Update
On Tuesday, May 6, from 6–8 pm, the Palm Springs Cultural Center/Camelot Theatre will host the HARP Positive Life Series: CROI Conference Update, featuring Cathy Chien from Gilead. This free event presents key insights from the latest CROI Conference, spotlighting groundbreaking developments in health and positive living. More info
WED: Rock the Park: L.A Vation U2 Tribute
It’s the ultimate tribute to U2 as Rock the Park presents L.A.Vation on Wednesday, May 7 from 7–8:30 pm at Palm Springs Downtown Park. Enjoy a free, electrifying outdoor concert featuring all the iconic hits and sounds of U2, brought to life by this talented band! Their dedication to faithfully recreating U2’s music and spirit has earned them the title of “The World’s Greatest Tribute to U2.” More info
WED: The Problem with Pink
Discover the captivating US premiere of The Problem with Pink at the McCallum Theatre on Wednesday, May 7 at 7 pm. This exhilarating 55-minute dance drama, suitable for ages 6 and up, uses stunning visuals and expressive performances to explore themes of friendship, identity, and the impact of stereotypes. Join Alix, Sasha, Lou, and Noa on their imaginative journey as the color pink becomes a symbol of societal judgment, testing their bonds and reshaping their world. Get tickets
THU: Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast
Join the inspiring 2025 Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Thursday, May 8 from 8:30 am–10:30 am. This meaningful event celebrates the legacy of Harvey Milk while supporting LGBTQ+ programs in the Coachella Valley. Highlights include the coffee networking hour, followed by the breakfast and program honoring Holly Near with the Harvey Milk Legacy Award and Toni Atkins with the Harvey Milk Leadership Award. Get tickets
THU-SAT: The Marvelous Marilyn Maye
The legendary Marilyn Maye returns to The Purple Room for three spectacular nights—Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, May 8–10, with dinner at 6 pm and show at 8 pm. Marilyn brings her signature charm, powerhouse vocals, and decades of show-stopping artistry to Palm Springs. Don’t miss this rare chance to experience one of America’s most celebrated cabaret icons live. And on Sunday night: it’s Purple Room favorite The Judy Show! Get tickets
THU-SUN: Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival
The Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival returns to Palm Springs Cultural Center May 8–11, bringing a stellar lineup of classic and rare noir films to the big screen. This year’s program features beloved stars like Errol Flynn, Barbara Stanwyck, and Marlon Brando, alongside hard-to-find cinematic gems. Special guests, including Rory Flynn, Eddie Muller, and Guillermo del Toro, add to the festival’s allure, making it a must-attend event for cinephiles. Get tickets
CLOSING SOON: Desert X
Time is short with just one week left to explore the fifth edition of Desert X in the Coachella Valley, now through Sunday, May 11. This outdoor art exhibition features installations across several valley cities. Check out descriptions of all the pieces and photos from the installations [here]. The Desert X 2025 Hub is hosted at the Thompson Palm Springs Friday from 2–5 pm and Saturday & Sunday from 10 am–5 pm. Plus, this weekend: on Saturday, May 10, the Annenberg Theater at Palm Springs Art Museum hosts a series of engaging events, including a conversation with architect Ronald Rael at 11 am, screenings of G.H.O.S.T. Ride by Cannupa Hanska Luger at 12 pm, and Desert X Art Club Student Films at 12:30 pm. More info
FRI: Sunnylands’ Films in the Gardens
Enjoy cinematic magic under the stars at Sunnylands’ Films in the Gardens, continuing in May with two exciting outdoor screenings! Catch Hook on Friday, May 9, followed by The Goonies on May 16. Gates open at 6 pm, with movies starting at 7:30 pm. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and small picnics for a cozy movie night. More info
THEATRE
The Inheritance Part I
Experience the powerful storytelling of The Inheritance, presented by THE BENT at the Palm Springs Cultural Center from May 9–26. This award-winning play by Matthew Lopez delves into the lives of three generations of gay men navigating love, loss, and identity in a changing America. Directed by Steve Rosenbaum and inspired by E.M. Forster’s Howards End, the performance promises an unforgettable evening of drama and reflection. Get tickets
Forever Plaid
Step into a musical time warp with Forever Plaid at Palm Canyon Theatre, running May 9–18! This charming, nostalgia-filled production follows the Plaids as they return from the afterlife for one last shot at musical glory, blending witty banter and flawless harmonies with beloved hits from the 1950s. Don’t miss this delightful journey into classic doo-wop and heartfelt storytelling. Get tickets
ALSO THIS WEEK
Monday, May 5
Immunotherapy for Melanoma: Recent Advances and Future Directions | 5:30 pm at Eisenhower Health
Monday Bingo Night w/Bella da Ball | 7 pm at King’s Highway at the Ace Hotel
Wednesday, May 7
James Taylor & His All-Star Band 2025 Tour | 7:30 pm at Acrisure Arena
Thursday, May 8
Better Understanding Heart Disease in Women | 6 pm at Eisenhower & Virtual
VillageFest Street Fair | 6 pm–10 pm in Downtown Palm Springs
Friday, May 9
A Tribute to Marvin Gaye w/ L Young and Crystal Starr | 7 pm at Oscar’s
Pyromania: The Ultimate Def Leppard Tribute | 8 pm at The Show
Saturday, May 10
Bariatric Surgery Information | 10 am Virtual Meeting w/Eisenhower Health
The Gay Naked Talk Show with Skyler Gentry feat. Daryl Richter | 7 pm at Dietlart Gallery
Country Dance Saturdays: Beginner Two Step with Jan Alden | 7 pm at Step by Step
THIS WEEKEND
Pink Saturday 3
Get ready for a fabulous evening under the Palm Springs stars! The Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation invites you to Pink Saturday 3 on Saturday, May 10, from 5–8 pm. Join the party at a private home for a special “House Party PS” benefiting the vital work of PS Test and Let’s Kick ASS (AIDS Survivor Syndrome). Entertainment features the sensational Billie L’Amour, TV and film star Garrett Clayton, the award-winning cabaret star Leanne Borghesi, the dazzling Bella Da Ball as your emcee, and the always-colorful Desert Flaggers. Indulge in premium cocktails, fine wines, and delicious appetizers, all while supporting a fantastic cause. Get tickets
Two Shag House Experiences
Celebrate midcentury magic at The Shag House with two exclusive events. On Saturday, May 10 at 7 pm, Sipp and Stamp: A Cocktail Passport Party offers a lively evening benefiting US Modernist, blending craft cocktails with immersive design. Then, on Sunday, May 11 at 11 am, Bubbles and Bites invites you to toast Mother’s Day in style—because she deserves a little Shag! Both events provide a unique chance to step into a life-size Shag painting and experience the bold, colorful world of midcentury revival. Get tickets
Mr. Palm Springs Leather Send-Off Party
Come out and support Rene Hebert, Mr. Palm Springs Leather, at his official send-off party as he embarks on his journey to IML 2025! Hosted by the Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert, this exciting event will be held on Saturday, May 10 at 8 pm at The Tool Shed. Don’t miss this chance to show your support and wish Rene the best of luck! More info
Big Paws & Big Hearts Adoption Event
Give a large dog a loving home at the Big Paws & Big Hearts Adoption Event on Saturday, May 10 from 10 am–2 pm at Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce in Indio. The Palm Springs Animal Shelter is in crisis, and these incredible dogs need homes now. Adoption fees for large dogs are waived, with every adoption including a year of free vaccinations and six months of free food thanks to Lucy Pet Food. Even if you can’t adopt, help by spreading the word. More info
Riverside’s Inland Empire Pride
The 3rd Annual Riverside Inland Empire Pride Festival takes place on Saturday, May 10 from 12–9 pm at White Park. The theme for this year’s festival is “Together We Are Unlimited.” Attendees can expect over 120 vendors, music, DJs, drag performances, food, a beer garden, art, a youth zone, and workshops. Free tickets are available with online RSVP: Get tickets
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical
Tina – The Tina Turner Musical comes to the McCallum Theatre from Friday, May 9–Sunday, May 11, with multiple performances scheduled. This electrifying production celebrates the inspiring journey of Tina Turner, the Queen of Rock n’ Roll, who broke barriers to become one of the world’s best-selling artists of all time. Featuring her iconic hits and written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall, this musical showcases Tina’s unmatched talent and determination that captivated millions. Get tickets
Pride at the LA County Fair
Celebrate Pride at the LA County Fair on Saturday, May 10 from 11 am–6 pm with a day of food, rides, and LGBTQ+ visibility! Wear your favorite Pride colors and enjoy the festivities alongside the general public, then keep the energy going at a special Pride Dance Party from 6–9 pm, featuring go-go dancers and music from DJs Ray Rhodes and DJ SRO, hosts Samantha Starr and DIVOS, and performers Amanda Love, Ashlynn Roxx, and Jenna Diamond. More info
Diana Krall
Experience the unparalleled artistry of Diana Krall live at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa on Saturday, May 10, at 8 pm. With two GRAMMY® Awards, ten Juno® Awards, and a record-breaking eight albums debuting at the top of the Billboard Jazz Albums chart, Krall’s performances are nothing short of legendary. Known for her mesmerizing blend of jazz and sophistication, she captivates audiences with her cool, sultry voice and extraordinary musicality. Get tickets
Mother’s Day at Agua Caliente
Honor Mother’s Day with elegance at Agua Caliente Casinos on Sunday, May 11! Indulge in a Prix Fixe 4-Course Dinner at The Steakhouse Palm Springs for $85 or savor Brunch, Dinner, and Bubbles at The Steakhouse Rancho Mirage, featuring specials like Farmer’s Market Strawberry & Burrata Salad and Pan-Seared Dover Sole. Treat the moms in your life to this special meal—Mother’s Day Weekend Brunch is served 10 am–2 pm. More info
LOOKING AHEAD
Tramway Unlimited Summer Passes on Sale
Escape the summer heat with the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Summer Pass, available May 1–August 31! Enjoy unlimited tram rides to Mount San Jacinto, where temperatures are 30–40 degrees cooler than the valley floor. Passholders also receive discounts on additional admissions, dining at Peaks Restaurant and Pines Café, plus free parking. With breathtaking views, hiking trails, and picnic areas, it’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors all season long. More info
Get our Free Visitor Map & Guide
Check out the latest 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!
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!
- Rock the Park: L.A. Vation (Tribute to U2)
Wed. May 7 at 7 pm at Downtown Palm Springs Park - The Problem with Pink
Wed. May 7 at 7 pm at the McCallum Theatre - Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast
Thu. May 8 at from 8:30–10:30 am at the Palm Springs Convention Center - Desert X 2025
Mar 8–May 12 at Various Locations Throughout Coachella Valley - Shag House Tours & Experiences
Sat. & Sun., May 10 & 11 at The Shag House, Palm Springs - Tina: The Tina Turner Musical
Fri.–Sun. May 9–11 at the McCallum Theatre - The Inheritance Part I, presented by THE BENT
May 9–25 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Pink Saturday 3 – REAF House Party
Sat. May 10 at 5 pm in Palm Springs - Joshua Tree Music Festival
May 15–18 at Joshua Tree Lake Campground - David Dean Bottrell’s Teenage Wasteland: Thirteen, Fourteen, Fifteen
Sat. May 17 at 7 pm at Revolution Stage Company - Deal with the Dragon, from Desert Ensemble Theatre and Tiger Bear Productions
May 29–Jun 8 - Straight From Carnegie Hall: Lea Michele Live
Fri. May 30 at 8 pm at the McCallum Theatre
Desert Vision Optometry has a new owner! Located on Sunrise & Ramon in Palm Springs is a one-stop shop for all your optical needs with a large selection of brands and sunglasses and an on-site lab. Their goal is to promote good eye health and enable you to have the clearest vision possible. 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
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 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s with a touch of the 50’s! Spend your weekdays 10 am–3 pm with ME and Patrick Evans! He’ll keep you up-to-date on what’s going on in the Coachella Valley, the weather, and he’ll play songs you can sing along with all day long on 103.1 MeTV FM! On Friday, May 9, we wish Billy Joel a Happy Birthday and celebrate his music as he turns 76! Listen online
You can WIN a pair of tickets to “Bubbles and Bites: Because Mom Deserves a Little Shag” at the Shag House [More info], taking place on Mother’s Day, May 11, from 11 am–1 pm courtesy of 103.1 MeTV FM! It’s a poolside brunch celebrating mothers and the loved ones who cherish them. Enter to WIN on the 103.1 MeTV FM Contest Page
You can also WIN TICKETS to Forever Plaid at Palm Canyon Theatre, courtesy of 103.1 MeTV FM! Running May 9–18 [More info], this beloved musical follows the Plaids as they return from the afterlife for one last shot at musical glory. Packed with witty banter and flawless harmonies, Forever Plaid delivers nostalgic hits from the 1950s in a heartwarming, toe-tapping production. Enter to WIN on the 103.1 MeTV FM Contest Page
- Meet the Palm Springs Radio Station Mixing Pleasure and Politics
- Pride Monument in Palm Springs to Honor LGBTQ+ Legacy with Bold Sculpture by Jim Isermann
- Restaurant News Bites: Restaurant Week Is Near; a New Vibe for the Amigo Room; and More!
- OTHER DESERT CITIES – Reviewed by Stephen Radosh
- LGBTQ+ History & Archives of the Desert Celebrates Pride Month with a Special Home Movie Event
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.