There’s a time capsule buried on Arenas Road that has been in place for just over 22 years. This weekend the City of Palm Springs celebrates its 85th birthday. That time capsule still has decades to marinate before its opening in 2101. What will the Arenas district look like then? What gatherings will we have had to mark tragic or celebratory events?
We think of the changes that have occurred in the 85 years since Palm Springs began a chartered city. Then think back to when the Agua Caliente Indians settled on this land. Time marches on and we’re merely here for a short stint.
This weekend, you can see a display of “our” part in the history of Palm Springs. The LGBTQ+ History and Archives of the Desert will host an exhibition at the Welwood Murray Library on Saturday. I hope you’ll stop by and also take in the “100 Years of Men in Love” at the Palm Springs Art Museum.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Palm Springs 85th Anniversary Celebration
The City of Palm Springs is turning 85 years old and everyone is invited to celebrate with an all-day party this Saturday, April 8. KGAY‘s John Taylor will be doing a live broadcast from 11 am–1 pm, and he will be riding in the spectacular classic car parade, “Cruising Through the Years,” kicking off at 11:30 am with a long list of shining stars and a host of local media figures and prominent residents who have made an impact on Palm Springs. The Parade Route starts at the Convention Center and goes west on Amado Road to Belardo Rd. It then turns south (left) and continues to Museum Drive. Following the parade, the vintage cars will be displayed around Forever Marilyn for all to enjoy. Everyone is invited to get a selfie in front of the car from the year they were born, and the festivities continue in the downtown park area throughout the afternoon with music, a historical photo exhibit, family-friendly activities, scavenger hunt, and a Canine Celebrity Costume Contest at 6 pm. The birthday bash will conclude with a rockin’ Elton John Tribute Concert at 7 pm. More info
100 Years of Men in Love: The Accidental Collection
The Palm Springs Art Museum’s Artful Events presents a screening of 100 Years of Men in Love: The Accidental Collection on Saturday, April 8 at 2 pm at the Annenberg Theater. The film focuses on a unique, moving, and joy-filled collection of vintage photographs of men in love from the 1850s to the 1950s. Taken when male partnerships were often illegal, the photos were found at flea markets, in shoe boxes, family archives, estate sales and old suitcases. The film will be followed by a Q&A with its Emmy Award-winning director, David Millbern, followed by a meet-and-greet reception in the Meyerman Sculpture Garden. Get tickets
Made in Hollywood Opening Night and Book Signing
Rubine Red Gallery presents an Opening Night reception for Made in Hollywood: All Access with The GoGo’s on Saturday, April 8 from 5–9 pm. The Go-Go’s were the first all-female rock group in history to write their own songs, play their own instruments, and reach the top of the Billboard charts with their #1 album, Beauty and the Beat. Made In Hollywood is drummer Gina Schock’s personal account of the band, which includes a treasure trove of photographs and memorabilia collected over the course of her 40-year career. Enjoy music, bites, drinks, an autographed copy of the book, and a chance to meet the author. [Get tickets] On Sunday, April 9, there will be also be a book signing event from 1–4 pm. The show of photography from the book continues at Rubine Red Gallery through April 24. More info
Tears for Fears Tickets on Sale Friday
Tears For Fears: Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith with special guest Cold War Kids will bring The Tipping Point Tour Part II to Acrisure Arena on August 1, 2023 and tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, April 7 at 10 am. Tears For Fears are one of the most iconic bands of the ‘80s, selling over 30 million albums worldwide with singles such as “Shout,” “Everybody Wants To Rule The World,” “Mad World,” “Sowing The Seeds Of Love,” and “Woman In Chains” acknowledged as classics. In 2022, the band released their latest studio album, The Tipping Point, which garnered critical acclaim and has already become a fan favorite. Get tickets
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!
Come From Away
The McCallum Theatre presents the Best Musical winner Come From Away for 8 performances, from April 4–9. This show takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. Coming up at the McCallum: The Desert Symphony presents Eaglemania – The World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute Band on Tuesday, April 11, and next weekend, April 14–16 it’s the 25th Anniversary Tour of Riverdance. The Open Call Talent Project will be April 21–22, and Benzaiten I Taikoproject takes the stage on Friday, April 28. Get tickets
Hand to God – Final Weekend
CVRep presents Hand to God by Robert Askins, now through Sunday, April 9. This play received five Tony Award nominations, including Best New Play. Tormented by feelings of lust and loss, an unhappy teenage boy tries to please his mother by performing with a puppet for her church ministry program. However, things get slightly out of hand and do not go according to plan. Tackling the nature of good and evil, Hand to God is a metaphor to getting to the crux of matters. Audience members should note that this dark comedy contains sexualized scenes, violence, profanity and puppet nudity. Our Gay Desert Guide Theatre Reviewer Stephen Radosh says “I urge you to go and see this wickedly funny play before it closes,” and praises the “amazing performance by Luke Wehner as Jason and Tyrone, the puppet from hell.” Read his full review [here]. Get tickets
Comedy Night Dinner Show & Live Auction
The Roost Foundation presents a Comedy Night Dinner Show & Live Auction benefiting Voices For Children on Sunday, April 9 from 5–8 pm. Jason Stuart will be headlining along with Laurie Kilmartin (Conan O’Brien Show) with special guests LGBTQ comedians Nicky Paris and Mina Hartong. The evening will feature a 3-course Easter Dinner & Wine Pairing by Camden Cellars, Comedy Show, and a Live Auction. VIP and General Admission ticket options are available. 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
Little Women the Musical
Palm Canyon Theatre presents Little Women the Musical from April 7–23. 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
Fellini Retrospective: I Vitelloni
Thanks to popular demand, the Palm Springs Cultural Center is extending its Fellini Retrospective series through the end of 2023, continuing on the first Friday of every month. The series is part of the Fellini 100 Tour, an international celebration of Fellini’s centennial. Experience why Fellini’s name is synonymous with the international art of cinema! On Friday, April 7 at 7 pm, the featured film will be I Vitelloni (1953). Five young men dream of success as they drift lazily through life in a small Italian village. Fausto (Franco Fabrizi), the group’s leader, is a womanizer; Riccardo craves fame; Alberto (Alberto Sordi) is a hopeless dreamer; Moraldo (Franco Interlenghi) fantasizes about life in the city; and Leopoldo (Leopoldo Trieste) is an aspiring playwright. As Fausto chases a string of women, to the horror of his pregnant wife, the other four blunder their way from one uneventful experience to the next. Get tickets
Art Party at Desert Art Center
Desert Art Center presents an Art Party on Friday, April 7 from 5–7 pm. Come mingle and see the latest artwork from many of their juried artists, enjoy nibbles and a glass of wine in the back lawn and meet the artists. All are welcome at this free event. More info
First Friday: Perez Road
Cathedral City presents First Friday Art Walk on Perez Road this Friday, April 7 from 5–8 pm. Go Where ART Lives! Cathedral City is the place for wonderful art and design galleries. Join painters, sculptors, and musicians in their studio for a peek into their process and the thoughts behind the work. More info
First Fridays El Paseo
The famed shopping district of El Paseo presents First Fridays El Paseo, a monthly evening of events all along the district. On Friday, April 7, enjoy the following: ArtWalk El Paseo: Take a self-guided tour of over 15 fine art galleries and enjoy in-gallery artist receptions, stroll the Median Art Exhibition and take selfies with the many wall murals. El Paseo Cruise Night: classic car show atop the Gardens on El Paseo followed by the famed cruise with hundreds of cars from 4–7 pm. Check out the El Paseo Design District with a newly expanded range of over 20 shops to help create living spaces. You can also catch a free ride on the El Paseo Courtesy Carts daily from 11am–6 pm. More info
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
The Spa at Séc-he Now Open
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and Agua Caliente Casinos present the opening of their brand-new spa and cultural center, The Spa at Séc-he, in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, open to the public as of Tuesday, April 4. The Spa at Séc-he includes approximately 40,000 square feet of relaxation, health and wellness. Its creation celebrates the ancient healing waters of the Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring with treatments rooms, men and women’s bathhouses, a tranquility garden, a salon, fitness center and outdoor mineral pools. Learn more
Pet Adoption and Party at Fiesta Kia
This Saturday, April 8 is a great time to come to Fiesta Kia in Indio between 11 am–3 pm for their Pet Adoption and Parking Lot Party. Check out some of Palm Springs Animal Shelter‘s amazing animals with on-site pet adoptions, and enjoy some great food and refreshments. There will be no adoption fees thanks to Fiesta Kia. More info
Spring Music Series at The River – Hotwyre
Every Saturday in April, the Spring Music Series at The River in Rancho Mirage will benefit teens and adults with autism and other disabilities. Kicking off the Spring Music Series this week is Hotwyre on Saturday, April 8 from 6–8 pm. Experience Classic Rock hits with versatile, 3 part harmonies! 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: Brad Mercer Band (4/15), Crimson Crow ( 4/22), and SK Jive (4/29). More info
City of Indio presents The Dreamboats
The City of Indio presents Second Saturdays Center Stage on Saturday, April 8 from 6–9 pm, this month featuring music by The Dreamboats. Second Saturdays is a FREE community concert series for all ages located in downtown Indio in a safe, fenced-in, “outdoor living room.” Enjoy family activities, local food vendors, and craft beer. Come dressed for the weather and the themed occasion. More info
Vegan Future Food Market in Indio
Join Paragon City for the second ever Future Food Market at Miles Park in Indio on Saturday, April 8 from 12–6 pm — featuring delicious, vegan food vendors from all over So-Cal, artisan vendors with animal-free goodies and an Easter egg hunt. More info
Screwball Sundays: The Philadelphia Story
The Palm Springs Cultural Center presents a series of the greatest screwball comedies of Hollywood’s golden age, showing The Philadelphia Story (1940) on Sunday, April 9 at 3 pm. This classic romantic comedy focuses on Tracy Lord (Katharine Hepburn), a Philadelphia socialite who has split from her husband, C.K. Dexter Haven (Cary Grant), due both to his drinking and to her overly demanding nature. As Tracy prepares to wed the wealthy George Kittredge (John Howard), she crosses paths with both Dexter and prying reporter Macaulay Connor (James Stewart). Unclear about her feelings for all three men, Tracy must decide whom she truly loves. Get tickets
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. In April and 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
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
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 Michael Norpell Wall to Wall
The next Desert Business Association Networking Mixer event will be at Michael Norpell Wall to Wall in Palm Springs on Monday, April 10 at 5:30 pm. Wall to Wall is a design firm specializing in Midcentury Modern homes helping clients bring their visions and dreams to life, “Making the Midcentury Modern Again,” known for both their interior and landscape architecture design. The DBA will also hold their regular raffle that supports LGBTQ Youth Scholarships through Safe Schools Desert Cities, so please bring an item to raffle, and some cash to win it back — hopefully along with something else! More info
On the Air at KGAY 106.5
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
- Palm Springs’ 85th Anniversary Party
Sat. Apr 8 from 11:30 am–9 pm in Downtown Palm Springs - 100 Years of Men in Love: The Accidental Collection
Sat. Apr 8 at the Annenberg Theater - Gina Shock: Made in Hollywood Opening Night Party & Book Signing
Sat. & Sun. Apr 8 & 9 at Rubine Red Gallery - Tickets on Sale: Tears for Fears: The Tipping Point Tour Part II (Aug 1, 2023)
General Public Sales Open Fri. Apr 7 at 10 am for Aug 1 concert at Acisure Arena - Come From Away at the McCallum Theatre
Apr 4–9 - Hand to God presented by CVRep
Mar 28–Apr 9 - Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man
Now through May 27 at Margaritaville Resort - Comedy Night Dinner Show & Live Auction
Sun. Apr 9 from 5–8 pm at The Roost Lounge - KGAY’s John Taylor Live Appearance from Toucans Tiki Lounge
Sat. Apr 15 from 3–5 pm - 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 - Day Club Palm Springs
Apr 15 & 16 and Apr 22 & 23 at the Hilton Palm Springs - Drag4Drag Rally Palm Springs
Tue. Apr 18 at 5 pm in Downtown Palm Springs - Making Magic for Mizell
Tue. Apr 18 from 6–9 pm at Tamarisk Country Club - Lee Squared: The World Tour
Fri. Apr 21 from 6–9:30 pm at The Purple Room Supper Club - “Manilow! – Songs that Make the Whole World Sing” presented by Modern Men
Sat. & Sun. Apr 22 & 23 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - PRO on the Move “Walk, Ride & Roll” – Parkinson’s Awareness Month
Sat. Apr 22 - “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
- Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast to Honor Nicole M. Ramirez with 2023 Legacy Award
- 9 New Restaurants to Check Out This Season in Greater Palm Springs
- Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, Smithsonian Institution Advance Tribal History
- What to Know Before Visiting Coachella 2023: Our Full Festival Guide
- 2023 Coachella Party Preview: Everything Everywhere All At Coachella
Low Desert Modern Mexican serves great classic Mexican Food with a healthy and updated twist, offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a full bar. Located in Smoke Tree Village, South Palm Springs. Save on Low Desert Modern Mexican with our HOT DEAL: Get a $50 gift card for just $35! 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, Monster Shakes, Desert Mischief, Jolene’s, Rick’s, Trevor Wayne Pop Art, Destination PSP, Kitchen 86, AMP Sports Lounge, Men’s Grooming Spot 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)