Gay Desert Guide Weekend Apr 18-20 2025
Brad Fuhr Caricature

Saint or sinner? This Sunday you pick your side in a variety of ways in #ILoveGayPalmSprings. On the “saint” side is traditional Christian Easter and the end of Passover on the Jewish calendar.

On the “sinner” side, it’s 4/20 day on Sunday and the last day of Coachella Weekend 2. There will be our typical cadre of drag brunches on Sunday with some decidedly Easter themes and gawd awful takes on the religious holiday.

And then there’s the in between: One of my favorite Easter traditions on Arenas is the annual Easter Bonnet and Costume contest at Streetbar. While the event has evolved since the days of Dick Haskamp owning the bar, it’s still a sight to see: Dozens of men in some of the most outrageous hats that were smuggled from Aunt Bea’s closet or found at a thrift store. While no one ever found religion at a bar, this event is worth observing even if from one of the other patios at Dick’s, Chill, Hunters or Blackbook.

There are plenty of brunch options at our local restaurants as well. But the big opportunity for a meal will be Thursday’s Dining Out For Life, sponsored by dap Health. Make your reservations or just plan on at least one meal at a participating eatery.

Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs

For the latest, follow our socials @GayDesertGuide and @KGAY1065 and listen to KGAY Palm Springs wherever you may reside!
#ILoveGayPalmSprings #ILoveGayCatCity #ILoveGayTravel #ILoveGay #SayKGAY #FindYourOasis

Processingโ€ฆ
Success! You're on the list.

Easter Sunday

Easter Streetbar 2025 crop

There’s a diverse array of Easter celebrations on Sunday, April 20, from Sunrise Service at Palm Springs Aerial Tramway from 4:30โ€“7:30 am to “Vanity’s Gospel Brunch: Easter Eleganza” with Vanity Halston at one eleven bar starting at 11 am. Streetbar will host their Easter Bonnet & Costume Contest from 2 pm with prize-winning opportunities. Award-winning country star Ty Herndon will host an Easter Bonnet Brunch at 11 am at The Roost, benefiting Voices for Children. Additionally, the JW Marriott Desert Springs will be hosting their Easter Brunch from 10 amโ€“5:30 pm and Lulu California Bistro’s Easter Brunch is a festive 3-course celebration from 9 amโ€“3 pm. More info


Celebrate 4/20

This Sunday, April 20, you can mark “420 Day” with the high heels + high hair drag show at one eleven bar. Starting at 8 pm, the event features performances by Vanity Halston, Norma Lee High, Dani Kay, and Veronica Halston, promising an entertaining and festive atmosphere [More info]. For those interested in exploring cannabis-related offers, check local dispensaries such as Reefer Madness, and Double Eye Dispensary is providing free health & wellness gift bags with purchase plus on-site consumption, and chill vibes all day!


Coachella Weekend 2

Coachella 2025 Art Installation Flower

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival returns to the Empire Polo Club in Indio for its second weekend, April 18โ€“20. Lady Gaga takes the spotlight with a can’t-miss headliner performance Friday night after 11 pm, leading a stellar lineup including Green Day, Post Malone, Megan Thee Stallion, Charli XCX, MARINA, Benson Boone, Missy Elliott and dozens more. Coachella offers something for everyone! Catch the excitement in person or via the Official Coachella LIvestream, as over 125,000 attendees celebrate this iconic festival. Get tickets

Looking to connect with our tribe at the festival? Try #gaysofcoachella on social media: Instagram & Facebook


Unlimited: A Wickedly Wonderful Celebration of Oz

Unlimited PSCC

Immerse yourself in the magic of Oz at Unlimited: A Wickedly Wonderful Celebration of Oz, happening Saturday, April 19 from 5:30โ€“9 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. This enchanting fundraiser features a big-screen concert experience with selections from The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz, and Wicked, performed by local talent and Broadway star Julie Garnyรฉ. Enjoy a festive pre-show party with Oz-themed cocktails, photo ops, and a Build-A-Wand craft station, while supporting the Cultural Centerโ€™s mission. Get tickets


Picnic in the Park with Desert Stonewall Democrats

Desert Stonewall Democrats

Take a well-deserved break with Desert Stonewall Democrats at Picnic in the Park on Saturday, April 19 from 11 amโ€“2 pm at Ruth Hardy Park in Palm Springs. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the sunshine with fellow Democrats, featuring hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, and drinks provided. Guests are encouraged to bring a favorite side dish, dessert, or beverage to share. Celebrate community and camaraderie in this guaranteed good time! More info


Self-Advocacy in Healthcare

HARP Logo 10th Anniv

The HIV+ Aging Research Project (HARP) is presenting a “Self-Advocacy in Healthcare” conference in Palm Springs on Saturday, April 19 from 9 amโ€“3 pm at the Mizell Center. This free half-day symposium aims to help both HARP clients and the wider community navigate the medical system effectively. The event will feature community leaders and experts in the field, covering topics related to self-advocacy, insurance, and providers. More info


Desert X

Kimsooja To Breathe 2 โ€“ Desert X 2025 Coachella Valley, photo by Lance Gerber
Kimsooja To Breathe โ€“ Desert X 2025 Coachella Valley, photo by Lance Gerber

We have great weather this weekend to explore the fifth edition of Desert X in the Coachella Valley, on display now through May 11. This outdoor art exhibition features installations across several valley cities that reflect on the desert’s deep time evolutions and intertwine ancestral wisdom with contemporary visions. 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. Hub visitors can chat with knowledgeable volunteers, browse merchandise, and enjoy a meal or cocktail at Lola Rose before heading to the exhibition. Printed programs and field guides will be available for pickup at the Hub during open hours or at the front desk throughout the exhibition. Hub hours are Fridays from 2โ€“5 pm and Saturday & Sunday from 10 amโ€“5 pm. More info


THEATRE

Falsettos

Falsettos Dezart 2025

Experience the powerful and poignant musical drama Falsettos, presented by Dezart Performs from April 18โ€“27. This Tony Award-winning masterpiece by William Finn and James Lapine explores the complexities of love, family, and relationships with humor and heartache. Following Marvin as he navigates life after leaving his wife and son for his lover Whizzer, the story delves into themes of growth, acceptance, and resilience, set against the backdrop of baseball, bar mitzvahs, and the AIDS crisis. Get tickets


Beyond Therapy

Beyond Therapy

Join Desert Ensemble Theatre for Beyond Therapy, running April 18โ€“27. This witty 1981 comedy follows Bruce and Prudence, two neurotic urbanites navigating the chaos of modern romance with the dubious guidance of their eccentric therapists. Packed with unexpected twists and laugh-out-loud surprises, Christopher Durangโ€™s play offers a hilariously unpredictable exploration of love and sanity. Get tickets



PLUNGE with PSLOD

Plunge 2025 crop

Dive into the fun at PLUNGE 2025, hosted by PS Leather Order of the Desert, on Sunday, April 20 from 12โ€“5 pm at the CCBC Resort in Cathedral City. DJ Decker McGuire will provide the perfect soundtrack for this lively pool party, where you can reconnect with old friends or meet new ones in this welcoming and playful outdoor setting. Pre-Register


An Evening with Yuko Mabuchi: Jazz, Wine, and Music Education

Yoko Mabuchi

Join the Sunset Music & Education Foundation for an enchanting evening with jazz piano virtuoso Yuko Mabuchi on Saturday, April 19 from 5โ€“7 pm. Hosted at an exclusive private residence, this intimate event features gourmet bites, fine wines, and live jazz, alongside performances by rising SMARTS students. Proceeds support music education, providing instruments and scholarships to young musicians. Get tickets


Sunnylands Celebrates Earth Day

Sunnylands Earth Day

Celebrate Earth Day 2025 with a free Family Day at Sunnylands Center & Gardens on Sunday, April 20, from 9 amโ€“2 pm. Guests of all ages can explore the desertโ€™s beauty through fun activities highlighting native plants, wildlife, and art materials found in nature. Admission and parking are free, making it a perfect way to connect with the Coachella Valley’s ecosystems and celebrate our planet. More info


ALSO THIS WEEKEND

Friday, April 18
CV Firebirds v. Abbotsford Canucks
| 6 pm at Acrisure Arena
Razzle Dazzle: A Broadway Revue | 7 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center

Saturday, April 19
Afro Sun Coachella pre-game | 11 amโ€“4 pm at Royal Sun Palm Springs
How Do We Protect Our Beloved Community Effectively through Resistance? | 1 pm at The Center
2025 Pitch Competition & SEED Lab Graduation
| 3โ€“5 pm at the Annenberg Theater
Country Dance Saturdays: Beginner Waltz with Jan Alden | 7 pm at Step by Step
The Dirty Show 3.0 w/ Skyler Gentry | 7 pm at Dielart Gallery

Sunday, April 20
Coachella Essentials Pop-Up Shop | 11 amโ€“4 pm at JW Marriott Desert Springs
Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Coloring Book Release Party | 3โ€“7 pm at Oscar’s


KGAY Desert Guide Highlights!

  • House of Vance Event 02
  • House of Vance Event 01
  • House of Vance Event 04
  • House of Vance Event 03

Plaza Theatre Welcomes PSGMC as Inaugural Resident Artists

PSGMC
The Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus
Plaza Theatre Logo Header

This December, the newly restored Palm Springs Plaza Theatre will reopen, marking a new chapter in local arts with a multi-year partnership with the Palm Springs Gay Menโ€™s Chorus (PSGMC) as its inaugural resident artists. PSGMC will kick off its 26th season with โ€œBells, Brass & Sass,โ€ a glittering holiday spectacular, from December 19โ€“21, 2025, and return in spring 2026 with โ€œRhinestones & Rainbows,โ€ celebrating Dolly Partonโ€™s sparkle and authenticity. Originally opened in 1936 and recently restored, the Plaza Theatre stands as an architectural gem and cultural hub for Palm Springs, reflecting its mission to uplift local talent and honor artistic tradition. Tickets for the 2025โ€“2026 season will be available later this year. More info


LOOKING AHEAD

Palm Springs International Piano Competition FINALS

PSIPC Junior 2025

The Grand Concerto Finals of the Palm Springs International Piano Competition (Junior Division) will take place on Monday, April 21 at 6 pm at the McCallum Theatre, showcasing the extraordinary talent of the top young pianists. Competing for the prestigious $10,000 Gold Medal prize, these finalists will deliver riveting performances in pursuit of career-defining opportunities, including a Yamaha Artist Services New York recording and appearances through 2025โ€“27. Witness the culmination of this remarkable competition!. Get tickets


Behind the Curtain: Untold Stories from Canadaโ€™s Team Broadway

After a sold-out show in November, Behind the Curtain: Untold Stories from Canadaโ€™s Team Broadway returns to the Revolution Stage Company on Monday, April 21 at 7 pm. This critically acclaimed musical cabaret features Broadway alumni Craig Ramsay and Catherine Wreford, winners of The Amazing Race Canada, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, celebrity encounters, and favorite Broadway tunes, packed with high notes and heartfelt moments. Get tickets


Map Guide Cover Crop Spring 2025

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!


Featured Events
Welcome New Partners
Rancho Descanso

Rancho Descanso in Desert Hot Springs is a gated community offering modern new homes priced from the upper $400,000s, surrounded by the natural beauty of the desert. Enjoy a peaceful retreat with convenient access to all Palm Springs has to offer. Visit Lennar.com/DesertHomes to learn more. More info

On the Air

KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 FM

CVI Best of Awards 2023

The KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 Retro Lunch airs Monday through Friday from noonโ€“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 amโ€“4 pm. Perfect party music! The KGAY 106.5 Sunday Tea Dance with Modgirl airs every Sunday from 4โ€“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 โ€œAlexa ENABLE K. Gay Palm Springs SKILLโ€ (include โ€œSKILLโ€) or manually enable it in the Alexa app or at Amazon. Once enabled, access the station by saying โ€œAlexa, OPEN,โ€ โ€œLAUNCH,โ€ or โ€œPLAY K. Gay Palm Springs.โ€ You can also make special requests, such as birthday shoutouts or song dedications! Happy streaming! Learn more


Retro Palm Springs 2025

KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 is giving you the chance to step back in time! Enter now for a TICKET GIVEAWAY to Retro Palm Springs, a nostalgic fan convention celebrating pop culture [More info]. Happening May 3 & 4 at the Palm Springs Convention Center, this event is a weekend of awesome celebrity guests, rad vintage shopping, and plenty of Instagrammable retro moments for the whole family, including a video store experience. Win General Admission and one will win the Grand Prize of 2 VIP tickets! Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page


One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest

KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 is also giving you the chance to WIN TICKETS to One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest presented by Palm Canyon Theatre, running April 18โ€“27 [More info]. This compelling stage adaptation of Ken Kesey’s classic novel blends humor and candor while exploring the harsh realities of life in a mental institution. Donโ€™t miss the unforgettable tale of McMurphy, whose rebellious charm leads him to unexpected challenges. Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page


103.1 MeTV FM

KMEE Alexa MeTV 1031 300x250

103.1 MeTV FM plays a Timeless and Memorable variety of the 60โ€™s, 70โ€™s, and 80โ€™s with a touch of the 50โ€™s! You can listen to 103.1 MeTV FM everywhere! In your car, at work, at home or around the world! Online at 1031metvfm.com or tell Alexa, “Open 103.1 MeTV FM.” THIS SUNDAY: Listen to Goddard’s Gold for a double spotlight on music from Lovin’ Spoonful and The Turtles on 103.1 MeTV FM! Listen online

Bookmarks
  1. Billie! Bernie! Bad Romance! The 12 Best Coachella Moments from Weekend One
  2. Queerchella: Lady Gaga, Green Day & Bob Mizer: Coachella Music Festivalโ€™s Gayest Moments
  3. Hiking With T: Keep an Eye Out for Rattlesnakes, and Take Common-Sense Precautions While on the Trails
  4. How to Slay Your First Drag Brunch Like a Pro
  5. Palm Springs Is Proof: The Coachella Valley Is Becoming a Culinary Destination

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.

KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 Palm Springs Radio

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 โ€œPlay K-GAY 106 5 .โ€ John Taylor is on mornings 6โ€“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 amโ€“4 pm, followed by Modgirl spinning the KGAY Sunday Tea Dance from 4โ€“6 pm.