Our community comes together at the drop of a hat for each other. Whether it’s a black tie gala or a drag bingo, the needs are always there. And people show up and put out ($$ wise) for a good cause.
Case in point, Shann Carr’s labor of love: The annual CV LipSync Battle that packed the Palm Springs Cultural Center on Saturday night. The top prize of $1,000 went to Cathedral City’s LGBTQ Days group, with L-Fund and the Friends of the Desert Mountains taking 2nd and 3rd place.
Shann’s devotion to this “Waiting for Guffman” style event is something to behold and to celebrate. If you missed it, local groups spend the summer getting their act together – literally – to perform a choreographed number in front of the community. Last year, I was a most-handsome man singing The Chiffon’s “He’s So Fine” in drag. Yes, it’s that kind of fun and embarrassment for many of us.
Shann has led our community in many endeavors from “Art in the Park in the Dark” to a stint on the KGAY morning show and the #ILoveGayPalmSprings Podcast during COVID. She’s what we call a local treasure who helps keep us smiling, laughing and willing to support her vision.
And with everything happening in Trump world today, we need more Shann’s!
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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MON: Auditions for the Modern Men Chorus
Modern Men – Coachella Valley Men’s Chorus invites singers to audition for its 12th season and upcoming holiday concert, Cool Yule. An open rehearsal will be held Monday, September 8 from 6:30–8:30 pm, with auditions beginning at 8:30 pm. A second audition opportunity will take place Saturday, September 13 at 11 am. Tenors are especially encouraged, though all voice parts are welcome. This is a chance to join a vibrant musical community and help bring harmony to the desert. More info
TUE: PS Library Ribbon-Cutting of Temporary Location
The Palm Springs Public Library hosts a ribbon cutting on Tuesday, September 9 from 9:45–10 am to celebrate the opening of its temporary location during the renovation project. Mayor Ron deHarte will deliver remarks before the ribbon is officially cut at 10 am. Guests are invited to explore the new space, sign up for a library card in honor of National Library Card Sign-Up Month, and enjoy light refreshments while available. City leaders, Library Board members, and community partners will be in attendance. More info
TUE: Positive Life Series – “Physicology”
Discover the transformative power of the mind–body connection at Positive Life Series – “Physicology”: Mind Body Connection in Health, happening Tuesday, September 9 from 6–9 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center/Camelot Theatre. Created by Michael Koth, PhD, the Physicology program offers fresh insights into holistic well-being and the science behind mental and physical harmony. Come curious, leave inspired. More info
WED: The Righteous Brothers
The Righteous Brothers bring their Lovin’ Feelin’ Farewell Tour to McCallum Theatre on Wednesday, September 10 at 7 pm. This soul-stirring concert celebrates decades of iconic hits, from the birth of Blue-Eyed Soul to unforgettable moments like Dirty Dancing. Get tickets
THU: 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
Join the Palm Springs Fire Department for the Never Forget 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on Thursday, September 11 at Station #2, 300 N. El Cielo Rd. Arrive by 8:15 am for the 8:30 am ceremony honoring the lives lost and the brave responders of that day. This brief but powerful gathering invites our community to reflect, remember, and stand together in unity. Coffee and donuts will be served following the ceremony at 9 am. All are welcome. More info
THU & FRI: Healthy Desert, Healthy You! Environmental Health Summit
The Desert Healthcare District & Foundation is hosting the Healthy Desert, Healthy You Environmental Health Summit, a two-day event at The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa on Thursday and Friday, September 11 and 12. The summit is free to the public, but registration is required. Attendees will hear from keynote speaker Andrea Vidaurre, a policy analyst and one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people. The event will also feature panels and experts on community well-being, discussing topics such as clean water and the Salton Sea. New this year, environmental tours will be offered on the second day. More info
FRI: RM Chamber Annual Marketing Summit
Sharpen your strategy and connect with fellow innovators at the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce Annual Marketing Summit, happening Friday, September 12 from 8:30 am–12:30 pm at the Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory. Dive into expert-led sessions on AI, branding, nonprofit outreach, and media tools—from Canva to press releases and local TV/radio. Admission includes coffee, refreshments, and a boxed lunch. Proudly supported by KGAY as media sponsor, this half-day summit is your gateway to fresh insights and powerful connections in the ever-evolving marketing landscape. More info
FRI: All Valley Mayors, County and Tribal Chairpersons Luncheon
The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce presents the Annual All Valley Mayors, County and Tribal Chairpersons Luncheon on Friday, September 12 from 10:30 am–12 pm at Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa. This exclusive event brings together all nine Valley Mayors, the County Supervisor, and Tribal Chairs to discuss key issues impacting the region’s business community, including tax policy, emerging industries, and economic outlook. More info
FRI: Billy Idol
Rock icon Billy Idol returns to the desert with “It’s a Nice Day To…Tour Again!” at Acrisure Arena on Friday, September 12 at 7:30 pm. Joining him for this electrifying night is fellow legend Joan Jett & the Blackhearts. Idol’s recent milestones include the 40th anniversary of Rebel Yell, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame appearance, and the release of Billy Idol: State Line, a concert film capturing his historic performance at the Hoover Dam. Get tickets
Greater Palm Springs Spa Month
Greater Palm Springs Spa Month is underway, offering a full month of rejuvenating wellness experiences across the valley’s most celebrated resorts and spas. Check our video short for a Spa Month sneak peek with Brad. With over 100 indulgent deals now available, visitors can enjoy discounted facials, massage treatments, overnight spa packages, and yoga passes—each thoughtfully crafted to help guests relax, recharge, and embrace the healing energy of the desert. Whether you’re seeking a solo escape or a shared retreat, Spa Month is the perfect invitation to unwind. Advance reservations are strongly recommended. More info
Tramway Annual Maintenance
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is closed for annual preventative maintenance from Monday, September 8 through Sunday, October 12, with a tentative reopening scheduled for Monday, October 13 at 10 am. The last day to ride before the closure is Sunday, September 7. This year’s maintenance includes rebuilding the carriage on cabin one, replacing the counter haul rope, and conducting state-permit testing and control system servicing by Switzerland-based technicians.
ALSO THIS WEEK
Monday, September 8
Monday Night Bingo with Bella da Ball | 7–9 pm at the Ace Hotel
Hot Spot Trivia with Deven & Ned | 7–8:30 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
Wednesday, September 10
Hot Spot Bingo with Deven & Ned | 7–8:30 pm at Agua Caliente Cathedral City
Thursday, September 11
Carousel Live Retro Music | 7–8:30 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
VillageFest Street Fair | 7–10 pm in Downtown Palm Springs
Friday, September 12
Rancho Mirage Chamber Annual Marketing Summit | 8:30 am–12:30 pm at RM Library
Drag Bingo/Trivia Nights (alternating) | 4:30–7 pm at Arrive Hotel
Food Truck Fridays | 5–10 pm in Downtown Indio
Saturday, September 13
Solar Sessions at Royal Sun Palm Springs | 12–6 pm
Country Dance Saturdays: Beginner Waltz with Alicia Hennick | 7 pm at Step by Step
THIS WEEKEND
Gay Days Anaheim
Gay Days Anaheim takes over Disneyland Resort Friday, September 12–Sunday, September 14 with a weekend of LGBTQ+ pride, parties, and performances. Attendees can visit the Welcome Center in the Sequoia Ballroom at the Grand Californian Hotel on Friday from 12–8 pm and Saturday from 9 am–8 pm for official merchandise, show tickets, and raffle prizes. Special guests include Ginger Minj in The Magic Queendom, Cheyenne Jackson in Another Prince Charming, Lawrence Chaney in Taking the Mickey, Zach Noe Towers in A Night of Stand-Up, Jackie Cox in Nurse Jackie, Kay Sedia hosting Drag Queen Bingo, and DJ Paulo Ramirez at the Kingdom! dance party. Get tickets
High Desert Pride Festival
High Desert Pride Festival returns Saturday, September 13 from 10 am–10 pm at the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds. Celebrate love, diversity, and community with a full day of music, joy, and empowerment. Entertainment includes Aztec Dance YANKUITITL, Story Time Hour with Luna Lockhart, cover band B oK, Mariachi Arco Iris De Los Angeles, Pistolas de Oro, and a Showstopper Drag Show you won’t want to miss. All are welcome—bring friends, family, and allies for this vibrant tribute to equality and Pride spirit. More info
This Weekend at The Purple Room
The Purple Room Supper Club serves up a dazzling weekend of music, comedy, and star power. On Friday, September 12, Broadway duo Nic & Desi bring “Broadway to Hollywood” to life with soaring vocals, stunning choreography, and heartfelt storytelling—joined by American Idol’s Michael Orland on piano. Saturday, September 13 features powerhouse vocalist Debby Holiday with her Tina Turner Tribute, delivering iconic hits with unmatched energy and soul. Then on Sunday, September 14, Michael Holmes returns with “The Judy Show,” a riotous blend of impersonation, comedy, and classic standards that celebrates Judy Garland and her legendary guests. Get tickets
Hunters 27th Anniversary
Hunters Palm Springs marks 27 years of elevated spirits with a high-energy anniversary celebration on Saturday, September 13 at 4 pm. Guests can enjoy live music by Pulp Vixen at 6 pm, followed by an electrifying set from international DJ Younjosh Marley at 9 pm. Come enjoy community connection and a festive atmosphere in the heart of the Arenas District. More info
McCallum Theatre: Jon Lovitz, Camila Fernández
This weekend at McCallum Theatre: Comedy icon Jon Lovitz takes the stage Saturday, September 13 at 8 pm with his trademark humor and charm. On Sunday, September 14 at 3 pm, Camila Fernández delivers a powerful performance, showcasing the soul and strength of the Fernández Dynasty. Get tickets
Interfaith Discussion on Christian Nationalism
Join an open-hearted conversation at the Interfaith Discussion on Christian Nationalism, happening Saturday, September 13 from 9:30–11:00 am at the United Methodist Church of Palm Springs. In partnership with Havurah of the Desert, this hybrid book study explores Amanda Tyler’s How to End Christian Nationalism, offering practical tools to foster religious freedom and pluralism. All are welcome to engage in this timely dialogue and help build a more inclusive community. RSVP encouraged. More info
Primetime Emmy Awards
Television’s biggest night returns Sunday, September 14 at 5 pm as the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards take center stage at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Hosted by comedian Nate Bargatze, the ceremony honors the best in prime time programming from the past year, with top contenders including Severance, The Penguin, and The Studio. The event will air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+
Get our Free Visitor Map & Guide
Check out our Summer 2025 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!
- Healthy Desert, Healthy You! Environmental Health Summit
Sep 11 & 12 at The Westin Rancho Mirage - September at the McCallum Theatre
The Righteous Brothers (9/10), Jon Lovitz (9/13) & more. - September is Greater Palm Springs Spa Month
Special offers at spas throughout Greater Palm Springs, Sep 1–30 - Michael Holmes’ Purple Room
Nic & Desi (Sep 12), Debby Holiday (Sep 13), The Judy Show! (Sep 14) - Gay Days Anaheim
Fri.–Sun. Sep 12–14 at Disneyland Resort - Annual Marketing Summit by Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce
Fri. Sep 12 from 8:30 am–12:30 pm at Rancho Mirage Library - Business Expo and Taste of Palm Springs
Wed. Sep 17 from 5–9 pm at Indian Canyons Golf Resort - Cinema Diverse LGBTQ+ Film Festival
Thu.–Sun. Sep 18–21 and 25–28 - Positively Aging Project HIV+ 10th Annual Conference
Sat. Sep 20 from 10 am–3 pm at Mizell Center - Hooch ‘n’ Pooch Fundraiser for the Palm Springs Animal Shelter
Sat. Sep 20 from 12–5 pm - Cans ‘N Kibble Pet Food Drive
Fri. Sep 26 from 10 am–3 pm at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter - Pride Under the Pines 2025 – Early Bird Tickets on Sale Now
Sat. Oct 4 in Downtown Idyllwild - One Night Out: Paris
Sat. Oct 4 at the Palm Springs Air Museum - Kool & The Gang
Wed. Oct 8 at 8 pm at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino - Wings of Hope: A Glamorous Journey – Hanson House Fundraiser
Sat. Oct 11 from 6–11 pm at Palm Springs Air Museum - Modernism Week – October
Oct 16–19 – Tickets on Sale Aug 1 - Miss Coco Peru – Fucq This Sh!t
Sat. Oct 18 at 7 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Edie: Las Vegas Showgirl Unleashed
Sat. Oct 25 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Palm Springs Leather Pride 2025 – Gods of Leather
Oct 30–Nov 2 at Hotel Zoso, Tool Shed, CCBC, Hunters - The ABC Gala: A Beacon of Courage Shines Bright
Tue. Nov 4 from 5:30–9 pm at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino - Mizell Center Presents Cheyenne Jackson Live in Concert
Wed. Nov 12 at 7 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Dear Evan Hansen, presented by CVRep
Dec 3–21 – Tickets on Sale Now for 2025–2026 Season - Palm Springs International Film Festival
Jan 2–13, 2026 – Passes on Sale Now - Palm Springs International Film Awards
Sat. Jan 3, 2026 – Tickets on Sale Now
We’d like to welcome our new partner, HOT Cookie! For those of you familiar with them in the Castro, you already know how delicious these treats are! If you don’t know HOT Cookie, don’t deprive yourself any longer. Put something sweet in your mouth at HOT Cookie! They’re on Palm Canyon just north of the Sonny Bono statue. 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
KGAY 106.5 and 92.1 are giving away TWO VIP TICKETS to Pride Under The Pines, returning Saturday, October 4 in Idyllwild. This mountain celebration features music, community, and a headline performance by Janice Robinson. VIP winners will enjoy meet and greets with performing artists and an open hosted bar throughout the day. Pride Under The Pines is a nonprofit event supporting LGBTQ+ advocacy in Idyllwild and surrounding mountain communities. Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page
You can WIN TICKETS to Kool & The Gang, courtesy of KGAY 106.5 & 92.1, and experience one of the most iconic funk and soul groups of all time live in concert. Catch them at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on Friday, October 10 as they bring hits like “Celebration,” “Cherish,” and “Jungle Boogie” to the stage. With over 30 gold and platinum albums and a legacy spanning decades, this Hall of Fame band promises a night of legendary energy. Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page
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 ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s with a touch of the ’50s! Spend your weekdays 10 am–3 pm with 103.1 MeTV FM 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! Listen in your car, at work, at home or around the world, online at 1031metvfm.com or tell Alexa, “Open 103.1 MeTV FM.”
- Palm Springs Pride Announces 2025 Pride Honors Awards Recipients
- Palm Springs Rallies for The Alibi: Community Support Urged as Beloved Venue Heads to Trial
- Palm Springs Gay Travel: Hook-Up Apps & Sex Club Guide
- An Insider’s Guide to the Ace Hotel & Swim Club, Palm Springs
- Jasmine Sullivan-Waits Named Palm Springs Pride Director After 20 Years Creating Free, Inclusive City Events
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.