Holiday music droning from the grocery store speakers. Black Friday Sale emails. End of the year donation requests. Tis the season! As Thanksgiving week gets underway, you can participate in somber remembrances, laugh at comedy, take in holidays lights displays, take a trot, enjoy a musical performance or a play.
And that’s just prior to Turkey Day!
Greater Palm Springs will be enjoying perfect weather, so if you’re coming here, no rain gear is needed! Maybe just a frock or lined kaftan… I’m getting ready to make my family apple pie recipe for my chosen family Thanksgiving dinner.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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9th Annual Transgender Day of Remembrance
The Transgender Health & Wellness Center is hosting the Transgender Day of Remembrance 2023 in Palm Springs on Monday, November 20 at 5 pm at City Hall. Transgender Day of Remembrance (often called TDOR) was founded in 1999 by Gwendolyn Ann Smith. It has grown to a global moment to have a vigil to read the names of the transgender, gender non-conforming and intersex (TGI) persons that have been murdered for being TGI. The Human Rights Campaign announced in its annual report ahead of the Transgender Day of Remembrance that as of July of 2023, there have been at least 14 deaths due to anti-transgender violence. This number is almost half of what it was last year and although the number has significantly gone down, we want that number to be zero. The Transgender Health & Wellness Center is bringing public attention to these senseless acts of violence by hosting this TDOR vigil in Palm Springs. More info
Off the Street
Revolution Stage Company presents Off the Street this Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, November 19, 20 & 21 from 7–9 pm. Matt Naylor & Jeanie Cunningham’s musical about one of the most topical subjects of the moment, homelessness, opens after a well-received 2022 reading at PS Underground. The new production is directed by Gary Powers. Get tickets
Book & Movie Salon for Women: Mad Honey
Lesbians of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley and beyond present a monthly B.A.M. Salon (Book and Movie Salon) for women, hosted by Flynn Sylvest and Irma O’Dell on Tuesday, November 21 from 7–8:30 pm on Zoom. B.A.M. Salon looks to develop and deepen LGBTQ+ community and connection through stimulating and informative conversations about books and movies that highlight women authors and women’s stories and experiences. This month, the featured novel is Mad Honey, a novel by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan. More info
The Center Social at Chill Bar
On the 4th Wednesday of each month, it’s time for The Center Social, a mixer of fun, community, and happy hour! The November Center Social is on Wednesday, November 22 from 5:30–7 pm at Chill Bar Palm Springs. Look forward to friendship, connection, and a tasty happy hour. Spread the word—everyone is invited! More info
Cabaret6 Desert Stars: Tod Macofsky
For six Wednesdays of the Cabaret6 Desert Stars series, from November 8–December 13, a different Desert Star will take the stage each week at the newly renovated Revolution Stage Company in downtown Palm Springs. On Wednesday, November 22 at 7 pm, it’s Tod Macofsky taking the stage with a show he calls 1963. Celebrating the year he was born, Macofsky has played to sold out crowds in the Desert, Los Angeles and on many top-tier cruise ships. You won’t want to miss his updated show backed by the stellar Gand Band. Get tickets
The Dirty Show 2.0 with Skyler Gentry
Ben Zook from the hit gay web series, “Where the Bears Are,” presents The Dirty Show 2.0 with Skyler Gentry on Wednesday November 22 at 7 pm at Dietlart Gallery. This all-new show features Zook as Skyler Gentry, America’s favorite actor-singer-dancer-psychic, with raunchy songs, comedy bits and “psychic readings” with the audience. His original show was a smash hit in Palm Springs and he performed it all over the world. He’s thrilled to be back in Palm Springs with this brand new “Dirty Show 2.0!” Beware – the show is very gay, very dirty and loads of fun! Intended for mature audiences. Get tickets
Wildlights Kicks off Wednesday
Light up your holiday with WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens, recognized in the Top 10 Best Zoo Lights by USA Today, and kicking off this week on Wednesday, November 22, plus Friday & Saturday, November 24 & 25 from 6–9 pm. This magical winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, dazzling light displays, and holiday fun is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit and make lasting memories with friends and family. This year, experience several new and reimagined light exhibits, such as the new 30-foot-tall holiday tree and lighted animal-themed displays. But don’t worry, many of your festive favorites are returning, such as the Tunnel of Lights, smores station, holiday carousel, photos with Santa, and much more! If kiddos aren’t your thing, mark your calendar for Adults Only (21+) Night on Thursday, December 14. In true WildLights tradition, the G-scale model trains, with more than 3,300 feet of track, will be decked out for the holidays. Get tickets
Palm Springs Wild Turkey Trot
The Palm Springs Turkey Trot 5K takes place on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 23 at 8 am at the corner of Tahquitz & Palm Canyon. This is a fast and flat certified course where world records are meant to be broken! Start and finish downtown, in perfect racing weather, on beautiful Palm Canyon. All participants receive a long sleeved tech t-shirt, finisher medal, free finisher photo download and wild turkey hat! A portion of your entry supports the Mizell Center’s Meals on Wheels Program, providing food for homebound seniors.Show your holiday spirit and run as a turkey, pilgrim or in another festive outfit. Keep an eye out for Santa Claus who will be there to welcome in the holiday season! More info
Thanksgiving at JW Marriott Desert Springs
For Thanksgiving, JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa will be serving a Holiday Buffet on Thursday, November 23 from 12–8 pm. Highlights include 4 different meat-carving stations, including roast turkey & prime rib, as well as a poke bar, a range of seafood towers, a mix of both healthy and indulgent sides and over 50 holiday dessert options, including fresh crepes and a donut wall. More info
Walter Clark Legal Group Thanksgiving Safe Ride Home
Walter Clark Legal Group is offering its Safe Ride Home Program for the Thanksgiving holiday, covering the fare for alcohol-impaired drivers who choose to call a cab or use a rideshare service instead of getting back behind the wheel of their car. The program runs from 10 pm –3 am on the evenings of Wednesday, November 22, and Thursday, November 23. To be eligible for reimbursement, participants must register online. More info
Parents as Heroes Toy Drive
The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 519 presents the Parents As Heroes Holiday Toy Drive, collecting toys now through December 1 at the American Legion on Belardo, and Michael Holmes’ Purple Room Supper Club. The Auxiliary is looking for new unwrapped toys. The toys will be organized and placed in a “Toy Bank” where the parents can shop for their children for free. The goal is to reach 1200 toys this year, including gift cards for older children. The Toy Bank will be open from December 7–December 11. More info
Magic of Lights – Coachella Valley 2023
Experience Magic of Lights – Coachella Valley 2023 now through December 31, every night starting at 5:30 pm at the Empire Polo Club. Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Experience Magic of Lights from the comfort and safety of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path of Coachella Valley’s new holiday tradition. One carload, one price. Get tickets
Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City Celebrates 3 Years
Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City is celebrating its 3-year anniversary on Friday, November 24 with a 3rd Anniversary Bash at 8 pm at Agave Caliente Tequila Bar. Guests can enjoy a live DJ, giveaways, prizes, food, and drinks all night. Get ready to groove to the sounds of Liquid Blue, a globally acclaimed party band known for their electrifying performances at high-end events. Agua Caliente Cathedral City is also offering all-day happy hours at Café One Eleven and 360 Sports throughout November, with $3 margaritas on the casino floor from 2–5 pm and all-day Happy Hour specials. More info
The Rocky Horror Picture Show with Coachella Valley Shadow Cast
The Coachella Valley Shadow Cast brings The Rocky Horror Picture Show to life on Friday & Saturday, November 24 & 25 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Experience the cult favorite on the largest screen in the valley with audience participation and an all-local, full shadow cast. Dress up, sing along, and embrace your inner creature of the night. The first 100 audience members to arrive at the theatre will receive a free interactive prop bag. This night of decadent delights starts with cocktails at 8 pm, show at 9 pm. Get tickets
Artist-Made Gifts at Desert Art Center
The Desert Art Center presents: Holiday Shop: Artist-Made Gifts, now through December 31. Don’t miss the finest artist-made giftables in the valley. You’ll find fine ornaments and decor, jewelry and wearables, prints and wall art, greeting cards, and much more. More info
Perez Art District Fourth Fridays
The Perez Art District’s highly regarded Art Walk event is on Fourth Fridays at 4 pm, including this Friday, November 24, providing an immersive experience for art enthusiasts and the local community. The Perez Art District is home to a vibrant community of artists. Visitors to the district will have the opportunity to explore working studios, a unique chance to witness the creative process across a variety of disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. More info
Our Visitor Map & Guide for Pride 2023-24 is Here!
Just in time for Pride season here in Greater Palm Springs, we present our Visitor Map & Guide Pride 2023-24! 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 our printed version around town if you’re here, or if planning a visit, you can view and download it right here, right now!
THIS WEEKEND
The Cher Show
The Cher Show is the Tony Award-winning musical about the life of the iconic singer and actress. The show will be running for five performances at the McCallum Theatre from Friday, November 24–Sunday, November 26. Cher’s story is one of rags to riches, as she rose from a childhood in poverty to become one of the most successful entertainers of all time. The show features 35 of her smash hits, spanning six decades of stardom. It also tells the story of her two marriages to rock stars Sonny Bono and Gregg Allman. The Cher Show is a must-see for any fan of the star, or anyone who loves a good musical. Get tickets
Caliente Comedy Presents Shann Carr
Shann Carr headlines the Caliente Comedy LGBTQ Showcase on Friday, November 24 at Agua Caliente Palm Springs, along with Max Mitchell & Ashley Ryan. Shann has been making Palm Springs audiences laugh for a long time. Known as the gay man’s lesbian, Carr has been entertaining audiences from deserts to high seas cruises for longer than she’ll admit. Ashley Ryan decided to jump into comedy after a first date took her to “The Comedy Store” and she didn’t think anyone was funny. Max Mitchell is an award-winning filmmaker, writer and comedian who has performed stand-up comedy in top clubs across the United States and his native Canada. Get tickets
Latrice Royale: Why it Gotta Be White Christmas?
Divas in the Dust presents Latrice Royale: Why it Gotta Be White Christmas? for 5 holiday shows at The Sonoran Palm Springs. Accompanied by her husband and musical director Christopher Hamblin, the one and only Latrice Royale will share songs and stories of the couple’s own holiday memories. A little bit reverent, and a little bit silly, this holiday romp is not to be missed. Performances are Saturday & Sunday, November 25 & 26, and Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, December 1, 2 & 3. Get tickets
30th Annual Palm Springs Open
The 30th Annual Palm Springs Open will take place on Thanksgiving weekend from Friday, November 24–Sunday, November 26 at Indian Wells Tennis Gardens, Mission Hills Country Club, Sunrise Country Club, and Palm Valley Country Club. This international tennis tournament run by the Desert Tennis Association attracts more than 300 LGBT players from around the world. A Player Welcome Party will take place on Thursday, November 23 (Thanksgiving) from 7–9 pm at Chill Bar. On Friday and Saturday nights there will also be a late- night party at Chill Bar. A Player’s Party with a silent auction and raffle benefiting AAP – Food Samaritans will also be held at Reforma in Palm Springs on Saturday, November 25 at 7 pm. More info
Lindsey Stirling – Snow Waltz Tour
The Show at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage presents Lindsey Stirling’s Snow Waltz Tour on Saturday, November 25 at 8 pm. For over a decade, Lindsey Stirling has enchanted audiences across the globe by performing a certain spellbinding magic with her electronic violin, dreaming up an exquisitely composed yet boldly inventive sound entirely her own. “On my first holiday album I toyed with more traditional Christmas sounds like big-band music, but this time I wanted to give the songs a more whimsical, pixie-like feeling that’s quintessentially me,” says Stirling. Get tickets
Christmas with the Crawfords
Desert Theatreworks presents Christmas with the Crawfords at Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs now through December 30. This riotous camp classic is based on the actual Christmas Eve live radio broadcast from the Crawford family’s Brentwood mansion in 1949. Filled with exaggerated silver screen icons, this mash-up musical parody is a loving homage to Hollywood’s “Golden Age” and features appearances of Tinsel Town divas such as Judy Garland, Carmen Miranda, Gloria Swanson, Hedda Hopper and the Andrews Sisters. Christmas With The Crawfords is a delightful alternative to the usual saccharine fare offered during the holidays and is guaranteed to make anyone who sees it feel much better about their own family this time of year. Get tickets
Kinky Boots
Desert Theatreworks presents the final performances of Kinky Boots, running through Sunday, November 26. Kinky Boots is the winner of every major best musical award, including the Tony, the Grammy and London’s Olivier Award. Based on true events, this huge-hearted hit tells the story of two people with nothing in common – or so they think. Charlie is a factory owner struggling to save his business. Lola is a fabulous entertainer with a wildly exciting idea. With a little compassion and a lot of understanding, this unexpected pair learns to embrace their differences and creates a line of sturdy stilettos unlike any the world has ever seen! Get tickets
Musical Magic: 42nd Street
The Palm Springs Cultural Center presents a series of your favorite movie musicals on the big screen with their Musical Magic series, and this Saturday, November 25 it’s 42nd Street at 3 pm. This 1933 American pre-Code musical film directed by Lloyd Bacon was very successful at the box office and is now a classic. The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture at the 6th Academy Awards. When revered Broadway director Julian Marsh (Warner Baxter) falls on hard times with both his health and his finances, he helms an ambitious musical as a final production before his retirement. His lead actress, Dorothy Brock (Bebe Daniels), is torn between two loves–the show’s wealthy backer, Abner Dillon (Guy Kibbee), and the earnest but penniless actor Pat Denning (George Brent) –while aspiring young performer Peggy Sawyer (Ruby Keeler) waits in the wings, hoping for her big break. Get tickets
“Chorus Cares” Kid’s Holiday Gift & Toy Drive
The Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus continues their annual Holiday Gift & Toy Drive tradition as part of their Chorus Cares Community Outreach. Toys, gift cards, cash, and credit card donations will be collected at the Palm Springs Farmers Market on Saturday, November 25 from 8 am–1 pm. Children and young adults at Martha’s Village and Kitchen will receive your donated toys and gifts on Christmas morning. More info
It’s Only a Play
THE BENT, presents It’s Only a Play by Terrence McNally from November 24–December 10 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. In Julia Budder’s luxurious Manhattan home, a star-studded cast of eccentric characters wait for opening night reviews. The cast includes a pill-popping leading lady, a TV actor who turned down the role, an anxious playwright, a critic who wishes he was a playwright, and a director who begs for honesty. Get tickets
LA Leather Getaway
CLAW presents LA Leather Getaway from November 23–26 at The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites in Los Angeles. The Leather Getaway is becoming one of the largest gatherings of tribes in the gay fetish community. As a fully encompassing weekend of classes, vending, socials, events, dinners, cruising, and more (all under one roof), the Leather Getaway’s fetish focused weekend won’t disappoint. Get tickets
Mid-Century Moderns
Revolution Stage Company presents Mid-Century Moderns, Palm Springs’ favorite musical comedy, now through November 26. A plucky Midwestern widow transforms from frump to fabulous in this delightful original tale. Get tickets
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On the Air: KGAY 106.5
Win Tickets to Feed the Giraffes
KGAY 106.5 wants you to win tickets to feed the giraffes at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens! Have you ever wanted to get up-close and personal with the world’s tallest mammal? Do you dream of gazing eye-to-eye with a giraffe while hand-feeding it lettuce? Who doesn’t, right? Well now you can win General Admission tickets to the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens with a FREE giraffe feeding encounter! Enter to WIN at kgaypalmsprings.com/contests
The KGAY 106.5 Retro Lunch airs Monday through Friday at noon, 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! Listen Online. DJ Galaxy can also be found spinning at Impala Bar & Grill for Divas on the Dance Floor on Thursdays at 8 pm, and the new Friday Fusion T-Dance Happy Hour Social, Fridays from 4–8 pm also at Impala!
The KGAY 106.5 Sunday Tea Dance with DJ Modgirl airs every Sunday from 4–6 pm (right after the Retro Brunch). DJ Modgirl (AKA Kellee McQuinn) is all about “Music! Dancing! Fashion! Fun!” and she throws down the most irresistible, uplifting beats each week. Listen online.
On the Air: 103.1 MeTV fm
103.1 MeTV FM is KGAY’s sister station, featuring a unique mix of timeless and memorable music incorporating a wide variety of classic hits, deep tracks and softer sounds spanning several decades of popular music, including the ‘60s and ‘70s with a touch of the ‘50s and ‘80s. Listen online
- Transgender Day of Remembrance
Mon. Nov 20 at 5 pm at Palm Springs City Hall - Christmas with The Crawfords presented by Desert Theatreworks
Nov 17–Dec 30 at Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs - Kinky Boots, presented by Desert Theatreworks
Nov 3–26 - The Cher Show
Fri.–Sun., Nov 24–26 at the McCallum Theatre - City of Palm Springs Jingle Mingle Tree Lighting
Fri. Dec 1 at 4:15 pm at Frances Stevens Park - Zoo Families: Wildly Diverse!
Sat. Dec 2 from 9:30 am–12 pm at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens - Comfort and Joy, presented by Modern Men
Sat. & Sun., Dec 2 & 3 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - 31st Annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade
Sat. Dec 2 at 5:45 pm on Palm Canyon Drive - The Leslies’ 35th Annual Toy Drive and Fundraiser
Sat. Dec 2 from 6:30–11 pm - Thank Yule for Being a Friend, presented by The Golden Gays
Sat. Dec 2 at 7 pm at Toucans Tiki Lounge - 14th Annual Men of the Desert Fashion Show
Sun. Dec 3 from 11 am–2 pm at the Palm Springs Air Museum - Kinsey Sicks: Oy Vey In a Manger
Fri. & Sat. Dec 8 & 9 at The Purple Room Supper Club - Desert BrewFest
Sun. Dec 10 from 12–6 pm at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater
Barbara Barrett has been practicing law since 1983. She had a law office in San Francisco for many years and then a second office in Sonoma County. She opened her Palm Springs office in 2002. Barbara practices in the following areas of law: Gay/Lesbian relationship law (prenuptial’s, postnuptial’s, divorce, property agreements, estate planning, etc.), divorce without custody and child support issues, estate planning, trust administration, probate law, Heggstad petitions, wills & trusts, real estate litigations (no evictions). Barbara studied law at Golden Gate University and taught writing and research at Golden Gate to first-year law students, and she was selected to be on Law Review. Learn more
- ‘By no means are we done yet’: Agua Caliente Tribe Eyes the Future After Opening a Building that Tells Stories of its Past
- Did Someone Say Gaycation? Unique and Eco-Friendly Things to Do in Sunny Palm Springs
- Shiver With Antici…pation as The Rocky Horror Picture Show Returns to the Palm Springs Cultural Center’s Historic Camelot Theatre!
- Mural Dedication at ‘Place of Hope and Healing’ Brings Opportunity for Public Reminder of Palm Springs’ Ties to Sister City
- ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ to Receive Vanguard Honor From Palm Springs International Film Awards
Rick’s Desert Grill offers a huge selection of dinner items for all appetites, with an ample beer and wine list and great dishes with a Cuban influence like savory Cuban Ropa Vieja or Cuban Arroz Con Pollo. Try a “Crazy Cuban” cocktail —Happy Hour is 4–6 pm daily (closed Sunday) and on Wine Wednesday, enjoy half-priced bottles of wine all day. They are offering a delicious Thanksgiving Menu with choices like Roast Tom Turkey, Honey Glazed Ham, Slow Roasted Pork, Prime Rib, and Pasta Prima Vera! With our HOT DEAL you save even more: Get a $25 gift card for food & drink at Rick’s Desert Grill for just $15! Get Your Deal
We also have Hot Deals at Lulu California Bistro, PS HomeBoys, Monster Shakes, Men’s Grooming Spot, Il Giardino, V Wine Lounge & Martini Bar, Zin American Bistro, Destination PSP, Thai Smile, 1501 Uptown Gastropub, Boozehounds, Coachella Valley Coffee Co., Papa Dan’s Pizza & Pasta, Trevor Wayne Store, Kitchen 86, Palm Springs Fine Men’s Salon, The Purple Room, Desert Mischief and more! See All Deals
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 2023-24 Coachella Valley Calendar of Events.
Listen to KGAY 106.5 over the air, stream it [here], or listen on TuneIn Radio with Alexa or Siri by saying “Play K-GAY 1065 from Tune In Radio.” 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 now heard on Sundays as the Retro Lunch & Sunday Brunch from 11 am–4 pm, followed by DJ Modgirl spinning the KGAY Sunday Tea Dance from 4–6 pm.