Amsterdam Pride weekend is underway and I’m embedded with BearCruise.com for the celebration. This corresponds with another big event — the anniversary of me purchasing and hitting the reset button on KGAY 106.5 Radio on August 1, 2021.
This is our 4th anniversary under my ownership, but the station actually began on Christmas Day 2018. (It was less than a year into the previous non-profit structure that we left en masse and sat out the next two COVID-filled years from the sidelines. So this Christmas will be the 7th anniversary of KGAY’s existence.) Hiccup aside, I’ve been so grateful to be a part of this wonderful community.
I started Gay Desert Guide some 12 years ago on Labor Day weekend 2013. We begin our 13th year of service to the community and have become the top destination for LGBTQ+ businesses, info, news and events. We’ll relaunch our website next month.
I’m proud to lead the charge for many initiatives in the Coachella Valley. We support our businesses, hospitality industry and non-profits. They look to us to help promote, market and advertise for the things we believe in.
We take pride in being selective about who we work with. If a business advertises with us, it’s because they have shown a genuine interest in our community and core values. Those who chose not to support us are conspicuous by their absence.
We will continue to be a voice for each letter of the LGBTQ+ alphabet as well as for our allies. I have thoroughly enjoyed growing our media brands and thank each of you for your support and feedback.
My team of over 20 people are carrying out our mission and interacting with you and we meet regularly to look at ways we can be better at what we do.
So as another milestone is achieved, I have you to thank for our success. “You” may be as an advertiser, a listener, a #SupportYourStation contributor, a viewer of our content, a community partner, a friend…
We do it all for “you” and look forward to doing so for many more years to come.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
For the latest, follow our socials @GayDesertGuide and @KGAY1065 and listen to KGAY Palm Springs wherever you reside!
#ILoveGayPalmSprings #ILoveGayCatCity #ILoveGayTravel #ILoveGay #SayKGAY #FindYourOasis #SupportYourStation
Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage
Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage is in full swing, running through Sunday, August 17—serving up three weeks of sizzling specials and delicious discoveries. With a $10 wristband, available from the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce or participating nonprofits, you’ll unlock exclusive deals at dozens of local restaurants. It’s a win-win: enjoy tasty bites, cool treats, and culinary adventures while supporting vital nonprofit programs across the Coachella Valley. Come hungry and celebrate the season with flavor and community! More info
Bonnie G – Torch Songs with a Twist
Get ready for heartbreak and hilarity on Friday, August 1 from 7:30–9 pm, when Bonnie G. takes the stage at the Palm Springs Cultural Center for Torch Songs With a Twist. Part of the Cabaret A La Carte series, this cheeky evening blends sultry ballads, sassy anthems, and psychic flair into a cabaret cocktail of love gone wrong. With musical direction by Kevin Tokarz and complimentary adult beverages, it’s a night of big feelings, bold laughs, and Bonnie G.’s signature wink. Get tickets
Queer Women’s Tea Dance
Celebrate community, connection, and queer joy at the Queer Women’s Tea Dance on Sunday, August 3 from 3–6 pm at the Palm Springs Surf Club. Inspired by the original gay tea dances of the 50s and 60s, this vibrant afternoon gathering offers a welcoming space for women to unwind, dance, and socialize before the week begins. Hosted by The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert and featuring music by Ay-Lex Song, the event honors LGBTQ+ history while creating new memories! More info
Modernism Week – October Tickets on Sale Now
Modernism Week – October is just around the corner, running from October 16-19! Tickets are on sale as of August 1 for this four-day celebration of midcentury and modern architecture, art, design, and vintage culture. Don’t miss out on exciting events and tours, including the Premier Double Decker Bus Tour, visits to iconic homes like the Frey House II, and unique experiences such as learning to craft vintage cocktails at Midcentury Mixology. Get tickets
Jimmy O Yang – Big & Tall Tour
Comedy heavyweight Jimmy O. Yang brings his Big & Tall Tour to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa on Friday, August 1 at 8 pm. With credits like Silicon Valley, Crazy Rich Asians, and Space Force, Jimmy’s razor-sharp humor and viral standup chops promise a night of nonstop laughs. Get tickets
The Birds
Feather your Friday night plans with flair—The Birds lands at the Palm Springs Cultural Center on Friday, August 1 at 7 pm for a scream-worthy screening that’s equal parts thriller and camp classic. Hitchcock’s avian apocalypse delivers drama, fierce fashion, and fabulous leading ladies in peril—all the makings of a queer cult favorite. Get tickets
Tour de Big Bear 2025
Pedal into adventure at the Tour de Big Bear on Saturday, August 2—a full day of cycling excitement set against the stunning backdrop of Big Bear Lake. With road routes ranging from 5K to 100 miles, plus Dirty Cub/Dirty Bear gravel rides and the new Dirty Burro mountain bike race, there’s a challenge for every rider. Whether you’re chasing personal bests or soaking up alpine scenery, this high-altitude ride delivers fresh air and lots of cycling camaraderie. More info
Solar Sessions at Royal Sun
Solar Sessions returns to Royal Sun Palm Springs each Saturday with a sun-drenched soundtrack curated by underground DJ collectives and global talent. From emerging voices to seasoned performers, the weekly poolside series celebrates eclectic soundscapes in a vibrant desert setting. Join the community at High Moon Pool Bar this Saturday, August 2 from 12–6 pm. More info
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Friday, Aug 1
Food Truck Fridays | 5–10 pm in Downtown Indio
Saturday, Aug 2
LGBTQIA Higher Powered OA Meeting | 11:30 am at Sunny Dunes Clubhouse
Country Dance Saturdays: Call Me Señorita Line Dance with Andrew Jimenez | 7 pm at Step by Step
Sunday, Aug 3
Guided Hikes | 11 am & 1:30 pm at San Jacinto State Park (Tramway Mountain Station)
Sunday Stomp Line Dancing | 6–10 pm at Reforma
LOOKING AHEAD
NEXT WED: Cruise Chat with Patrick Evans
Join Cruise Chat with Patrick Evans on Wednesday, August 6 from 4:30–6 pm, a free RSVP-only event featuring expert insights on river and ocean cruising, land tours, and exclusive travel deals. Hosted by Victoria Bell (Azamara Cruises), Will Reece (Premier World Discovery), and beloved TV and radio personality Patrick Evans, the evening includes complimentary wine tasting from Portugal, Spain, and Italy, plus light appetizers. Specific location details (in Palm Desert) will be sent upon RSVP. More info
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!
- Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage
Jul 24–Aug 17 at a wide variety of Rancho Mirage restaurants - Cruise Chat with Patrick Evans
Wed. Aug 6 from 4:30–6 pm in Palm Desert - Gay Softball League Fall Tryouts
Sat. Aug 16 from 9–11 am at Demuth Park - Clear the Shelters Adoption Event
Aug 16 & 17 from 11 am–5 pm at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter - Out on the Mountain LGBTQ Night
Fri. Aug 22 from 6 pm–Midnight at Six Flags Magic Mountain - Guadalupe’s House Party
Fri. Aug 22 from 7:30–10 pm at the Palm Springs Art Museum - Michael Holmes’ Purple Room Re-Opens for 12th Season
Weeknights: Aug 26–28, Lucie Arnaz Aug. 29 & 30, The Judy Show! Aug 31 - September at the McCallum Theatre
The Righteous Brothers (9/10), Jon Lovitz (9/13) & more. - Pride Under the Pines 2025 – Early Bird Tickets on Sale Now
Sat. Oct 4 in Downtown Idyllwild - Modernism Week – October
Oct 16–19 – Tickets on Sale Aug 1 - Palm Springs Leather Pride 2025 – Gods of Leather
Oct 30–Nov 2 at Hotel Zoso, Tool Shed, CCBC, Hunters - Mizell Center Presents Cheyenne Jackson Live in Concert
Wed. Nov 12 at 7 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Palm Springs International Film Festival
Jan 2–13, 2026 – Passes on Sale Aug 1 - Palm Springs International Film Awards
Sat. Jan 3, 2026 – Tickets on Sale Aug 1
My Desert Dogs is your dog’s home away from home in Cathedral City, offering daycare for playful pups, cozy overnight boarding, and grooming services to keep your furry friend looking sharp. This gay-owned and operated retreat blends personalized care with a welcoming desert vibe, ensuring every tail-wagger feels right at ease. Whether your dog craves social time or some extra TLC, My Desert Dogs has you covered! 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
THIS WEEKEND: DJ Galaxy spins joyful disco vibes at Oscar’s iconic Sunday T-Dance on Sunday, August 3 from 3–7 pm with pure happy energy dance music! Meanwhile, its Modgirl’s East Coast takeover— bringing her signature sparkle to Fire Island Pines all weekend long.
You can WIN TICKETS to Out on the Mountain, the ultimate LGBTQ night at Six Flags Magic Mountain on Friday, August 22 from 6 pm–12 am, courtesy of KGAY 106.5 and 92.1! Experience the thrill of exclusive ride access, high-energy dance parties, and dazzling performances including a DJ set and performances by Kerri Colby from RuPaul’s Drag Race—all in a safe, inclusive space. With over 5,000 attendees expected, this private event supports local LGBTQ organizations and features top attractions like Twisted Colossus, Wonder Woman Flight of Courage, Full Throttle and many more. Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page
KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 has your chance to WIN front-row seats to the hilarious and fast-paced Hot Spot Trivia with Deven Green & Handsome Ned! Listen to John Taylor on KGAY every Monday morning for the trivia question, then head to the KGAY Contest Page to enter your answer. Winners get reserved front-row seating in the Cascade Lounge at Agua Caliente Casino, where you’ll play digital trivia and compete for exciting prizes! 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
This Weekend on 103.1 MeTV FM: Steve Goddard will highlight the Sweethearts of Rock N’ Roll (think Cher, Janis Joplin & Nancy Sinatra) on Goddard’s Gold this Sunday morning at 9 am. Brought to you by The Skylark Bar at the Skylark hotel. 103.1 MeTV FM plays a variety of the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s with a touch of the ’50s! Listen in your car, at work, at home or around the world, online at 1031metvfm.com or tell Alexa, “Open 103.1 MeTV FM.”
WIN a $250 gift card to Chef Tanya’s Kitchen
103.1 Me TV FM invites you to Dine & Sip… on ME! Fridays this summer, Patrick Evans will give away a gift card to a featured Coachella Valley Eatery! UP NEXT: Starting Saturday, August 2: ENTER TO WIN a $250 gift card to Chef Tanya’s Kitchen, the desert’s favorite destination for chef-crafted vegan comfort food for over 30 years. Founded by Tanya – a pioneer in plant-based cuisine – every dish is packed with flavor, creativity, and love…committed to sustainable, locally sourced ingredients. Find them in Palm Springs and Palm Desert, open daily! Enter to WIN on the 103.1 MeTV FM Contest Page
- Alaska Airlines Adds New Palm Springs–Santa Rosa Route This Fall
- 2025 CV Lip Sync Battle: Warm Up Those Jazz Hands and Get Ready to Rumble!
- The Tribe’s Side: The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum’s ‘Section 14: The Untold Story’ Exhibit Explains What Happened on Palm Springs’ Most Storied Section of Land
- More Is More at Bar Issi, a Maximalist New Dining Destination in Palm Springs
- A Road Trip Itinerary: LA, Palm Springs & Joshua Tree National Park
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.