A Coachella Virgin! That’s me and I’m about to experience my first Coachella Music & Arts Festival this weekend. After a decade, I was finally granted press credentials for weekend 2.
I’ve been consulting the app for guidelines on everything from my backpack size to the art installations. There is, of course, a Queer+ section to the app which points me to the HeadQ+uarters (HQ+), dedicated to the festival’s all-inclusive culture.
I’ll be visiting and “reporting” i.e. posting this weekend. I’m also monitoring the @GaysofCoachella IG and also as a Facebook group. But we have been using the #GaysofCoachella for years and there’s plenty of posts there too.
Of course, I’m most looking forward to seeing Blondie, whose music I played on the radio as a young DJ in the 80s. If Debbie Harry can get on stage to perform at 77, I can certainly “survive” a trip to Coachella’s expansive grounds.
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 be!
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Coachella Music & Arts Festival – Weekend 2
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival presents the second weekend of the annual mega-event playing to a capacity crowd of 125,000 attendees at the Empire Polo Club in Indio. If you are going, be sure to check out these great resources: every one is a safe space community care effort to support mental health and harassment prevention at the festival, and HQ+ is a social gathering space within the festival grounds for BIPOC LGBTQ+ individuals to come and be celebrated. Both are located in the Coachella Courtyard near the 12 Peaks VIP section, across from the Coachella Main Stage. Some of the top acts playing again this weekend include Bad Bunny, Gorillaz, Chemical Brothers, and Blondie on Friday, April 21, Blackpink, Roslía, Eric Prydz and Charli XCX on Saturday, April 22 and on Sunday, April 23, Blink 182 will headline in place of Frank Ocean, plus Björk, Jackson Wang and many more. Once again this year, you can stream Coachella LIVE on their YouTube channel. See the poster with full lineup on our event listing: More info
On social media: Gays of Coachella is the perfect place to connect with other LGBTQ Coachella Festival-goers. Check out their feed on Facebook and get the latest in Coachella trends and news, with announcements on upcoming events, meet-ups, and pre-parties. Find them on Facebook at GaysofCoachella and on Instagram: @GaysofCoachella
Desert Gold at Ace Hotel & Swim Club
The Ace Hotel & Swim Club presents Desert Gold, a weekend of holy chaos, sunbathed sound and glorious poolside parties this weekend, April 20–23. This year Desert Gold invites in a days-long list of legends and surprise stars, including DFA Records, Link Up, Dublab, The Do-Over, Pitchfork Live, The Deep End, Stones Throw Records, and more. Every event is free and all are welcome, though space is limited and first come, first served. More info
Experience Palm Springs Like a Local
While Palm Springs hotels may be packed with visitors here for the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, it’s a great time to go downtown and support our locally-owned businesses while those visitors clear out to attend the festival all afternoon and evening! Enjoy the even more relaxed vibes and check out this great article from Visit Palm Springs for locally-owned shopping, eats, nightlife and more things to do. Learn more
Palm Springs Pride 2023 Theme Announced: “Drag Now. Drag Forever”
Taking a stand against anti-drag bills and LGBTQ+ extremism and to support the historic form of artistic expression and advocacy, Palm Springs Pride organizers announced the 2023 Pride Week theme is ‘Drag Now. Drag Forever.’ The festival and parade are set to take place November 5 & 6, 2023, and to highlight harmful legislation and physical violence targeting members of the LGBTQ+ community, Greater Palm Springs Pride declares Palm Springs a Drag Sanctuary City to honor and celebrate freedom of expression of all forms. Read the declaration and learn more
Slay: the Art of Drag
Mr. Mann’s Design Gallery invites you to the opening of a new exhibition, Slay: the Art of Drag, on Saturday, April 22 from 4–7 pm. Drag has been in the news for brunches and bans. It’s also a misunderstood art form that has been in existence since William Shakespeare’s choice of men to play female roles. Exploring drag as art, local artist Craig Mann celebrates local drag artists who bring joy and entertainment to their audiences in his new exhibit, with 16 portraits of our queens on display. Exhibit continues through April. More info
Open Call Talent Project
The McCallum Theatre presents the Open Call Talent Project this Friday and Saturday, April 21 & 22. Outstanding local performers of all ages are presented in this exciting talent competition – a visually stunning and energy-filled production with a full cast finale that has become a McCallum sell-out event. Audience members can vote for their favorite performer and the winners are announced and celebrated at the final performance on Saturday evening. Get tickets
Day Club Palm Springs Weekend 2
Day Club Palm Springs returns to the Hilton Palm Springs for Weekend 2 on April 22–23, hosting two full days of lineups curated by the artists themselves, with poolside programming from noon to sun-down. Performances this weekend include: Two Friends, Łaszewo, SG Lewis (DJ Set) & Elderbrook (DJ Set) with more to be announced. Both single day and weekend passes are available. Get tickets
Manilow! Songs that Make the Whole World Sing
Modern Men: Coachella Valley Men’s Chorus presents two SOLD OUT performances of MANILOW! Songs that Make the Whole World Sing on Saturday and Sunday, April 22 & 23. Modern Men will honor Barry Manilow’s gift to the world through his music from “Mandy” to “I Can’t Smile Without You,” “Copacabana” to “Jump Shout Boogie.” A portion of each ticket sold for these performances will benefit the Manilow Music Project. More info
Future Thinking
Desert Ensemble Theatre presents Future Thinking by Eliza Clark this weekend, Friday–Sunday, April 21–23. Dressed as a character from his favorite sci-fi TV series, middle-aged super fan Peter finds himself being held in Comic Con security after violating a restraining order against him by his favorite actress from the TV series. Meanwhile, the spoiled starlet from the TV show, Chiara, is stuck in a hotel suite with her stage mom and bodyguard. Will Peter ever be able to deliver Chiara an important and mysterious message? Get tickets
The Play that Goes Wrong
Desert Theatreworks presents The Play That Goes Wrong now through April 30. Welcome to opening night of the Cornley University Drama Society’s newest production, The Murder at Haversham Manor, where things are quickly going from bad to utterly disastrous. This 1920s whodunit has everything you never wanted in a show – an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines). Nevertheless, the accident-prone thespians battle against all odds to make it through to their final curtain call, with hilarious consequences! Get tickets
The Garbologists
Dezart Performs presents The Garbologists, the acclaimed new comedy by Lindsay Joelle, running through Sunday, April 23. A White conservative New York City sanitation worker and a Black Ivy-educated single mother are thrown together in the cab of a NYC garbage truck, working for the Dept of Sanitation. They spend their shifts bickering, one-upping each other, and practicing the secret art of mongo: hunting for treasure in the trash. But as their lives become increasingly entwined, they discover some things are easier to toss than others. Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh says “..it becomes obvious that underneath the more superficial differences they are, in many ways, very much alike. We also learn several other valuable lessons especially the truth in the saying “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.” Read his full review [here]. Get tickets
Mid-Century Moderns
The Mid-Century Moderns musical returns to Oscar’s Downtown Palm Springs every Thursday and Friday in April at 7 pm. Journey back to 1966 Palm Springs, along with the music of Tom Jones, Petula Clark, Lesley Gore, Frank and Nancy Sinatra, The Association, The Monkees and many more in the delightful tale of a plucky Wisconsin widow who transforms from frump to fabulous when she finds herself at the center of modernity in Palm Springs. Get tickets
Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man
Bus Stop Productions presents Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man in the Tropics Lounge at the Margaritaville Resort on Fridays and Saturdays through May 27, with two shows per night at 7 pm & 9:30 pm. This show has been so popular they’ve extended its run by several weeks! The play is set at a local university auditorium where the English department holds its monthly meet the authors event. Robyn is the shy and studious moderator of the event and this month’s featured author is Dan Anderson of Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man. With the help of a hunky stage assistant named Stefan, Dan aims to turn this meet the authors event upside down with a highly theatrical, audience interactive sex tip seminar. Get tickets
Destination PSP Warehouse Sale
It’s time for the famous Destination PSP Warehouse Sale, two days only, Friday and Saturday, April 21 & 22 at the Destination PSP warehouse on E Research Drive. Get great deals like 25% to 90% off placemats, glassware, books, towels, cocktail shakers, mugs, posters, clocks, caps, coasters and more! The event will be held outside in the parking lot. Please no early birds. Cash and cards accepted. More info
Little Women the Musical
Palm Canyon Theatre presents Little Women the Musical now through April 23. Based on Louisa May Alcott’s life, Little Women follows the adventures of sisters: Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March. Jo is trying to sell her stories for publication, but no one is interested. Meanwhile, a friend encourages Jo to write more about personal experience. Begrudgingly taking this advice, Jo weaves the story of herself and her sisters growing up in Civil War America into an exciting musical journey. Get tickets
Novio Boy
The Green Room Theatre Company Presents the Award-winning Novio Boy on Saturday, April 22 at 12 pm at Desert Mirage High School in Thermal. As a colorful, romantic comedy about the anxieties and ambitions that the main character experiences to transition from childhood to adolescence, the story centers around a first date and the concerns, anticipation, and steps to social maturity leading up to, and through the date. This traveling production brings top-quality theatre to various locations throughout the Coachella Valley, with future Saturday performances on May 6 and May 13. Get tickets
Flagging in the Desert
Flagging in the Desert returns on Saturday, April 22 from 12–4 pm at Ruth Hardy Park. Local DJ Jamie Sanchez will provide an exciting soundtrack to dance, flag, or just watch. There is an instructional class preceding the event at 11 am and the DJ starts at noon. While the event is free, you are invited to donate what you can to this event’s selected local charity, Queerworks. There will also be a silent auction of donated flags. More info
Spring Music Series at The River – Crimson Crow
Every Saturday in April, the Spring Music Series at The River in Rancho Mirage will benefit teens and adults with autism and other disabilities. Performing at the Spring Music Series this week is Crimson Crow on Saturday, April 22 from 6–8 pm. They feature songs by artists popular from the 60’s up to today, with special emphasis on the 80’s and 90’s. Enter the month long raffle to win a Fender Squire Stratocaster Electric Guitar and more prizes from local businesses at The River. Show your support, dance the night away and support a great cause. Coming up: SK Jive (4/29). More info
Piazza de Liberace – An Evening of Bling
The Palm Springs International Piano Competition (PSIPC) presents An Evening of Bling on Sunday, April 23 from 4–6 pm. This SOLD OUT event will be held at The Piazza de Liberace (Liberace’s original Palm Springs home) featuring the talented David Maiocco. This is the place to be for Liberace style entertainment, cocktails & tasty bites. Waitlist available. Get tickets
Sunnylands’ Annual Family Day Celebration
Sunnylands presents “Family Day: In the Gardens,” open to the public from 9:30 am–2 pm on Sunday, April 23. Admission and parking are free. Guests will have the opportunity to take part in several activities highlighting desert plants, bugs, and plant life, including guided bird walks, helping artist Zach Fleming Boyles create a mural inspired by the colors and shapes of the desert, crafting your own hummingbird using recycled materials, insect and reptile exploration stations, and much more. More info
Broadway Under the Stars
Opera Arts presents Broadway Under the Stars on Sunday, April 23, from 6–9 pm at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort in Indian Wells. Enjoy an evening of Broadway and Opera with performances by Jamie Chamberlin, Nathan Granner and Cedric Berry. This reception and dinner will honor Jeanie Cunningham and raise funds for Well in the Desert. Get tickets
Glow in the Park
The wildly popular nighttime event, Glow in the Park, returns to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens now through April 30, from 6:30–10 pm, with last admission at 9 pm. This spring spectacular new lineup of hand-crafted lanterns represents wildlife from around the world—and even under the sea. These larger-than-life displays, which feature breathtaking artistry, interactive elements, and a never-ending number of photo-ops, will create a truly unforgettable night for guests of all ages. Get tickets
Desert X
After welcoming a total of more than 1.25 million to all three previous iterations in the Coachella Valley, Desert X is back for their fourth biennial exhibition, running now through Sunday, May 7. The exhibition of site-specific installations by acclaimed international artists examines social and environmental themes. Check out our bookmarks on the exhibition from Wallpaper.com and AFAR.com. Free and open to the public, stop in at the Desert X hub at the Ace Hotel or download the app for information on artists, a map to find the installations, and interactive content. More info
Architecture Tours by Modernism Week
Architecture Tours by Modernism Week is a season-long series of high-quality, in-depth, small group tours, running now through May. The tours run on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, with most tours beginning at 9:30 am, departing from the Palm Springs Visitor Center. Modernism Week has partnered with PS Architecture Tours to enable participants to learn about the exciting architectural history of the Palm Springs area and experience midcentury modern culture and lifestyle. Get tickets
Annual LGBTQ Community Survey
We at KGAY 106.5 and Gay Desert Guide ask you to please take part in the Community Marketing & Insights (CMI) 17th Annual LGBTQ Community Survey! For over a decade, this survey has provided free data to help non-profits, universities, and organizations better understand and serve the LGBTQ community. The report will be published on the CMI.info website for free download on approximately August 15. Previous surveys have had over 45,000 participants from 150 countries!, Also, participation in this survey gives important feedback to our LGBTQ community media and organizations, and provides data to companies interested in serving our community, sponsoring our charities, and supporting their LGBTQ employees. The survey should take about 12 to 15 minutes to complete. Please [click here] to start the survey
Palm Springs Pride Festival and Parade Registration Open
Palm Springs Pride has announced they are now accepting applications for this year’s 37th Annual Palm Springs Pride Festival taking place Saturday and Sunday, November 4 & 5, from 11 am to 9 pm on Saturday and 11 am to 4:30 pm on Sunday in downtown Palm Springs [Register here]. The Palm Springs Pride Parade will be Sunday at 10 am [Register here]. Early registration discounts are available up to noon on Wednesday, May 31.
Visitor Map & Guide Spring Edition
The Spring 2023 edition of our Gay Desert Guide Visitor Map & Guide (great for locals too!) is available now around town and online. We help you find everything you need to know while visiting or living in the Coachella Valley, featuring the top places for Food & Drink, Nightlife, Shopping, Attraction, Gay Resorts with passes, Dispensaries and other services. You can also view it online, and download the PDF [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!
LOOKING AHEAD
DBA Networking Mixer at Ball Beachwear
The Desert Business Association (DBA) presents their next Networking Mixer event at one of their newest DBA Members, Ball Beachwear on Monday, April 24 at 5:30 pm just in time for warmer weather! Featuring swimwear, shorts, and tanks, this shop recently opened in Palm Springs, adding to its stores in Fort Lauderdale and Provincetown. Ball Beachwear has a wide selection of men’s swimwear and other attire to fix you right up! The DBA will also be having their regular raffle to support LGBTQ Youth Scholarships through Safe Schools Desert Cities, so please bring an item for the raffle, and some cash to win it back — hopefully along with something else! More info
On the Air at KGAY 106.5
Win a Brand g Columbia River Cruise from KGAY
KGAY 106.5 wants to send YOU on a Brand g LGBT+ vacation to the Pacific Northwest sailing down the Columbia River! Listen Weekdays At 8 am, 1 pm or 5 pm for the KGAY 106.5 Song Of The Day. Then visit the KGAY Contest Page to enter the song name and you’re registered to win our Brand g Columbia River Cruise, sailing in June 2024. You’ll start your 8 day trip in historic Spokane and then enjoy breathtaking scenery from the luxury of your private veranda onboard the American Empress through Oregon and Washington…plus Brand g signature entertainment! Increase your chances to win by entering every weekday!
Win Tickets to Tinseltown’s Queer 30th Anniversary Celebration
Friday, April 28 is the 30th Anniversary Celebration of Nicholas Snow’s historic public access television show Tinseltown’s Queer: Activism Hollywood Style, celebrating from 6–9 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Be part of Queer media history in this celebratory evening of iconic archival television clips featuring some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, as well as champions of the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement [Get tickets]. KGAY 106.5 has your chance to win tickets, and there are 8 ways to enter on the KGAY Contest Page!
The KGAY Sunday Tea Dance with DJ Modgirl airs every Sunday from 4–6 pm (right after the Retro Brunch). DJ Modgirl (AKA Kellee McQuinn) is not only the life of the party, she’s also a cover girl on magazines and billboards, a television entertainer, and an award winning producer, director, lyricist and performer. Her moniker is “Music! Dancing! Fashion! Fun!” and she throws down the most irresistible, uplifting beats each week on the KGAY Sunday Tea Dance from 4–6 pm. Listen online
Ross Mathews hosts his popular weekly radio show on KGAY 106.5 airs on Saturdays from 11:00 am–2 pm. That’s 50% more Ross because now it’s a three-hour show! Ross is a part-time Palm Springs resident and currently working on The Drew Barrymore Show, RuPaul’s Drag Race and many other projects. He brings celebrity gossip and news, plus a rundown of what’s happening each weekend in #ILoveGayPalmSprings as he plays some of his favorite dance hits each weekend on KGAY. Listen Online
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
- Open Call Talent Project
Apr. 21 & 22 at the McCallum Theatre - “Manilow! – Songs that Make the Whole World Sing” presented by Modern Men
Sat. & Sun. Apr 22 & 23 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Slay: The Art of Drag
Opening Sat. Apr 22 from 4–7 pm at Mr. Mann’s Design Gallery - Day Club Palm Springs
Apr 22 & 23 at the Hilton Palm Springs - The Play That Goes Wrong presented by Desert Theatreworks
Apr 14–30 - Future Thinking presented by Desert Ensemble Theatre
Apr 14–23 - The Garbologists presented by Dezart Performs
Apr 14–23 at the Pearl McManus Theater - Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man
Fridays & Saturdays at 7 pm through May 27 at Margaritaville Resort - Chocolate and Champagne Cocktail Reception – Parkinson’s Awareness
Wed. Apr 26 from 6–8 pm at the Renaissance Esmeralda in Indian Wells - Dining Out For Life
Thu. Apr 27 at Various Bars & Restaurants in the Coachella Valley - Tinseltown’s Queer: Activism Hollywood Style
Fri. Apr 28 from 6–9 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Tommy Tune Talks with Lucie Arnaz
Fri.–Sun. Apr 28–30 at The Purple Room Supper Club - “Notorius!” presented by The Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus
Apr 28, 29, & 30 at the Annenberg Theater - White Party Palm Springs
May 12–14 at the Hilton Palm Springs and Palm Springs Convention Center - Gay Wine Weekend
Jul 14–16 in Sonoma Wine Country - Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend
Sep 20–24 at Margaritaville Resort
- Heading To Coachella? Here Are 10 Desert Restaurants To Satisfy Your Pit-Stop Cravings
- DET’s ‘Future Thinking’ Goes Behind the Scenes of Comic-Con to Tell a Complex Tale
- The Audience Learns and Laughs as It Rides Along With Two Sanitation Workers in Dezart’s ‘The Garbologists’
- Hiking With T: The Winter Precipitation Has Led to Gorgeous, Flowing Waterfalls
- Palm Springs Profiles: Nicholas Snow, Broadcast Pioneer Living His Truth
V Wine Lounge and Martini Bar offers a large selection of California boutique and old world wines by the glass, throwback cocktails, craft beers and cheese plates in their beautiful mid-century lounge. With our HOT DEAL you can save 30% and get a $25 gift certificate for just $17.50! Get Your Deal
We also have Hot Deals at Boozehounds, Willie’s Modern Fare, Coachella Valley Coffee Co., Palm Springs Fine Men’s Salon, Hunters Nightclub, Low Desert Modern Mexican, Desert Mischief, Jolene’s, Rick’s, Trevor Wayne Pop Art, Destination PSP, Kitchen 86, AMP Sports Lounge, Monster Shakes 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 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.” Ross Mathews is on Saturdays from 11 am–2 pm, 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.
Don’t miss “This Way Out,” Sundays at 6:30 a.m. on KGAY 106.5. “This Way Out” is the only internationally distributed weekly LGBTQ radio program, currently airing on some 200 local community radio stations around the world. Listen to the latest episode as a podcast on our streaming page (click “Podcasts” in the upper right hand corner)