Theatre is an important part of our wonderful oasis. Productions range from the full-scale touring Broadway show at the McCallum Theatre to youth theatre productions at our local high schools.
So it’s no wonder that the sheer number of nominees and categories for the Desert Theatre League’s 2023 “Desert Star Awards” is longer than the scripts they are honoring.
And since it’s hot as hell and we’re now in August, what better time to shine the proverbial spotlight on theatre? Our # 1 thing to do this weekend is to shop for tickets for your favorite performances. Yep, stay inside with the A/C cranked and max out the credit card supporting local theatre!
Me? I’m off for a well-deserved break including this weekend’s Amsterdam Pride celebration. The forecast is for showers and temps in upper 60s – heaven! But I’ll be doing my ticket buying from the road. See you at the theatre!
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Planning for Fall Performances
While we are still in the dog days of summer here in the desert, it’s a great time to plan ahead: local theatre companies and performance venues are gearing up for a spectacular season to come! The Purple Room opens Labor Day Weekend with Debby Boone and continues with a stacked schedule of performers all month. Dezart Performs kicks off their season with The Thanksgiving Play on November 3, Desert Theatreworks opens with Lend Me a Tenor starting Oct. 6, Desert Ensemble Theatre Company presents Singing with the Desert Stars on Oct. 6 and their first production of the season is Collective Rage, opening Nov. 10. CV Rep presents The Fantasticks (re-imagined and re-gendered), opening November 1, and the McCallum Theatre‘s 2023-2024 season is on sale now as well, with events starting in October and November, and more being added all the time. Check out the Gay Desert Guide Events Channel for the full season of performances, plus information on season tickets and packages. Get planning!
Craft Beer Weekend
The Ace Hotel & Swim Club’s annual Craft Beer Fest takes place Saturday, August 5 from 1 pm–11 pm. This frothy festival celebrates the micro-brewers, hop heads, cask masters and maltsters who make the world a better place for beer lovers everywhere. Guests can also purchase pourings from the participating breweries, while supplies last, all weekend in The Amigo Room. Alf Alpha & Super Sonido Sistema perform hip hop and electronic dance music from 12–5 pm @ The Commune. More info
Beneath the Desert Sky: Barrett Martin
The Joshua Tree National Park Association presents Barrett Martin’s One Man Show on Saturday, August 5 from 7:30–9 pm at Indian Cove in Joshua Tree National Park. The show features an enthralling combination of storytelling, film, and live musical performances by the Grammy-winning producer, author, and esteemed drummer of Screaming Trees, Mad Season, and Tuatara. Barrett also holds a master’s degree in ethnomusicology and linguistics and has studied and practiced Zen for over 25 years. This extraordinary event promises to take you on a captivating journey around the world of music. Get tickets
Long Beach Pride
Long Beach Pride takes place Friday–Sunday, August 4–6 at Marina Green. The three-day event features the famous Long Beach Pride™ parade, live music by headline artists Mya, Laura Leon, Edith Márquez, La Diva Lucia Mendez, and Symon and many more favorites, with a Fiesta Caliente Stage, Urban Soul Stage, Country Stage and Dance Stage, plus food and drink, 150+ arts/crafts vendors, DJ’s and dancing, drag shows, parade, games, giveaways and more. The parade goes down E. Ocean Blvd from 10:30 am to 1 pm on Sunday, August 6. More info
Broadway to the BIG SCREEN – Little Shop of Horrors
Every Saturday this summer, the Palm Springs Cultural Center presents the great musicals that made it from Broadway to the BIG SCREEN (and sometimes back again). On Saturday, August 5 at 4 pm, the featured film is Little Shop of Horrors. When a hungry space alien meets a nerdy florist, the result is a tale filled with home grown horror, side eye humor and some great B Movie music. The action happens in skid-row, where meek flower shop assistant Seymour (Rick Moranis) pines for co-worker Audrey (Ellen Greene). During a total eclipse, he discovers an unusual plant he names Audrey II, which attracts the attention of everyone including Audrey! The growing plant also attracts a great deal of business to the previously struggling flower shop, but it’s growing appetite for human flesh and blood threatens everyone’s idea of a happy ending! MeTV 103.1 fm is a proud media sponsor of the Broadway to the BIG SCREEN Film Series! Get tickets
Sing Along With Us – Singin’ in the Rain
The Palm Springs Cultural Center presents classic movie musicals in the Sing Along With Us Film Series all summer long, on the largest screen in the valley at the Historic Camelot Theatre. The Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus will lead the singing. On Sunday, August 6 at 3 pm, come sing along to Singin’ in the Rain. In this beloved musical, a silent film star falls for a chorus girl just as he and his delusionally jealous screen partner are trying to make the difficult transition to talking pictures in 1920s Hollywood. Gay Desert Guide and KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs are proud media sponsors of the Sing Along With Us This Summer Film Series! Get tickets
🙌 You can enter to win tickets to Sing Along With Us on the KGAY Contest Page! 🙌
Modernism Week October Tickets on Sale Now
Tickets are on sale now for Modernism Week – October, the Fall Edition of Modernism Week, the annual festival that highlights midcentury modern architecture, art, interior and landscape design. This mini-Modernism Week event runs October 19–22, offering nearly 50 events over four days, including many free and low-cost programs. In addition to beloved returning favorites, there are many new events slated for the October festival, including: “Legendary Palm Springs Commercial Architecture Bus Tour,” “Desert Glamour: The Crockett Residence Tour,” “Celebrate the Restoration of the Iconic Plaza Theatre,” and more! Get tickets
Vote for Mitch! – Favorite Chef
Palm Springs’ own Mitchell Battersby made it to the quarterfinals in the prestigious Favorite Chef competition, presented by celebrity chef Carla Hall. In this tournament-style competition, competitors go through rounds, and those with the most votes in those rounds move on. To win Favorite Chef, one must leverage the power of social media and word-of-mouth advertising to garner the support of the public to vote. From a humble group of over 100 talented chefs, Mitch has challenged himself to prove time and again that his culinary skills are unrivaled. As he continues to work toward the finals, you can help Mitch win by voting daily, and if he wins the competition, he’s donating $5,000 to Palm Springs Pride to help keep Pride free for everyone. Vote today
Fellini Retrospective: Satyricon
Thanks to popular demand, the Palm Springs Cultural Center presents 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, August 4 at 7 pm, the featured film will be Satyricon (1969). After his young lover, Gitone (Max Born), leaves him for another man, Encolpio (Martin Potter) decides to kill himself, but a sudden earthquake destroys his home before he has a chance to do so. Now wandering around Rome in the time of Nero, Encolpio encounters one bizarre and surreal scene after another. He’s invited to a poetry reading that ends in violence; is taken hostage by pirates; and is even forced to battle a gladiator disguised as a minotaur in a giant labyrinth. Get tickets
Lazy Bear Week
Lazy Bear Fund, Inc. presents their annual signature event, Lazy Bear Week, from Monday, July 31–Monday, August 7 in Guerneville, the heart of Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley. This is one of the largest and most successful bear gatherings in the world, going for over 25 years. Attendees enjoy pool parties, dance parties, campfires, live entertainment and amazing DJs. Most Lazy Bear Week revelers stay in local lodges, campgrounds and cabins, or avail themselves of any number of options in nearby towns and cities. More info P.S. Don’t forget to stop by and support Equality Vines, the LGBTQ+ operated tasting room in the downtown corridor.
Country Dance Fridays
Dance Ranch Palm Springs presents Country Dance Fridays, a great night of country western dancing, including two-step, waltz, shadow, East and West Coast swing and line dances, every Friday from 7–9:30 pm at Step by Step. The dance lesson is at 7 pm with dancing from 7:30–9:30. Dance Ranch Palm Springs is a country western dance group serving the LGBTQ+ community and its friends. Country dancers of all levels are welcome. More info
Indio Food Truck Fridays
The City of Indio presents a weekly Food Truck Fridays event, from 5–10 pm at Towne Street and Bliss Avenue. Check out the array of food served by the finest food trucks in the area, including Mariscos El Berrinche, Tacos al 100, Nick’s Pizza, Krazy Daisy, Pupuseria 503, Cool Cactus Candles, the Green Truck, and many more! Regardless of what you are craving, Food Truck Fridays has you covered. More info
Palm Springs Public Library Passport Fair
The Palm Springs Public Library is having a Passport Fair on Saturday, August 5 from 10 am–4 pm for people who need to apply for a passport for the first time. (No renewals). Just bring your completed paperwork, proof of citizenship, and identification. Staff will review all documentation and once complete will submit your application to the State Department for processing. To learn more about the needed forms, acceptable forms of identification, and fees, go to the library’s website prior to your visit. Passport photos are also available at the library for an additional fee (proceeds to benefit the Friends of the Palm Springs Library). More info
Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage
Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage 2023 is going on now through August 13. For just $10, your event wristband opens up a world of exclusive summer specials at participating Rancho Mirage restaurants so you can savor the best of the Rancho Mirage culinary scene, such as Willie’s Modern Fare, Ben & Jerry’s, Brandini Toffee, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Maracas Mexican Cantina & Grill, Pastry Swan, Waters Cafe, and many more. See our event listing for a link to the full list of participating restaurants and their exclusive Taste of Summer offers. Wristbands can be picked up at a variety of local non-profits. More info
Visitor Map & Guide Summer Edition
The Summer 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, Attractions, Gay Resorts with passes, Dispensaries and other services. You can also view it online, and download the PDF [here].
LOOKING AHEAD
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Annual Maintenance Closure
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will close for annual maintenance beginning Monday, August 7, with a tentative reopening date of Friday, September 1. This is a time for the Tramway to perform annual State-permit testing, as well as updating control systems, rebuilding the gearbox and testing the cables. The last day to ride the Tram before the annual maintenance closure is Sunday, August 6. More Tram Info
The Purple Room Autumn Season Opens Labor Day Weekend
The Purple Room Supper Club is bringing back favorites and some new names too for their Autumn Season, including season opener Debby Boone in her first performance at the Purple Room on Labor Day Weekend. The fall season features performances from Brenna Whitaker, Debby Holiday as Tina Turner, Jonathan Karrant, Sharon McNight, Meghan Murphy, Lorna Luft, The Black Market Trust, Lee Squared, Liz Callaway and more. Tickets are on sale now: More info
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!
On the Air: KGAY 106.5
Win Tickets to see The Chainsmokers
THE PARTY NEVER ENDS! 🔥 This summer, The Chainsmokers are bringing Two Friends, ARMNHMR & NOTD to LA State Historic Park on Saturday, August 19 for a timeless day in the park! ☀️ KGAY 106.5 has your tickets to see THE CHAINSMOKERS: The Party Never Ends! Enter to win tickets on the KGAY Contest Page
Win Tickets to Out on the Mountain
KGAY 106.5 and Gay Desert Guide have your tickets to Out on the Mountain, taking place Friday August 18 at Six Flags Magic Mountain! Get your gay thrills on with lots of rides, dance music, and entertainment. It’s the annual Six Flags Magic Mountain private party for the LGBTQ community. Enjoy a full park private party of entertainment and inclusive fun for 5,000+ LGBTQ and friends from 6 pm–12 am , as well as with general public from 10:30 am–6 pm. Enter to win on the KGAY Contest Page!
Vacaya Resort Sweepstakes
You can WIN 7 nights at an all-inclusive resort vacation for 2 during VACAYA’s Mexico Resort Takeover! The complimentary room includes: Beautiful accommodations for 7 nights at Hilton Vallarta Riviera, unlimited standard drinks for length of stay, delicious food in 7 restaurants, including a bountiful buffet open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus a fitness center, pool and beach volleyball, kayaking & snorkeling on site, yoga classes, and of course, all the VACAYA signature activities, parties, and entertainment! SIGN UP TO WIN
Win Summer Sing Along Tickets
Musicals are back on the big screen this summer at the Palm Springs Cultural Center and you can WIN tickets from KGAY 106.5 & Gay Desert Guide! Your favorite Broadway musicals that made it on the big screen are on the biggest screen in the valley (with hot buttered popcorn and your favorite beverage) on Sundays at 3 pm, with the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus leading the Sing Along. More information on the series here and you can enter to win tickets on the KGAY Contest Page!
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.
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 all about “Music! Dancing! Fashion! Fun!” and she throws down the most irresistible, uplifting beats each week! Listen online. She’s also appearing at The Rowan Window Bar on Thursday from 7–10 pm.
On the Air: 103.1 MeTV fm
Join MeTV fm for a Class Reunion Weekend 1973! Our weekend special begins in the 7 pm hour Friday on 103.1 MeTV fm, or listen online. 103.1 MeTV fm is KGAY’s sister station, featuring a unique mix of timeless and memorable music incorporating a wide variety of classic hits, deep tracks and softer sounds spanning several decades of popular music, including the ‘60s and ‘70s with a touch of the ‘50s and ‘80s. Listen online
- Clear the Shelters
Sat. & Sun Aug 12 & 13 at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter - Vote for Mitch – Favorite Chef Mitchell Battersby
Daily voting through Aug 7 - Big Bear Romp 2023
Aug 17–20 at The Lodge at Big Bear Lake - Out on the Mountain 2023
Fri. Aug 18 from 6 pm–12 am at Six Flags Magic Mountain - Odesza -The Last Goodbye Tour
Wed. Sep 20 at 6:30 pm at Acrisure Arena - Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend
Sep 20–24 at Margaritaville Resort - Pride Under the Pines 2023
Sat. Oct 7 from 12–9 pm in Idyllwild - Palm Springs Modernism Fall Show
Fri.–Sun. Oct 20–22 at the Palm Springs Convention Center - Palm Springs Food & Wine Festival
Sat. & Sun. Nov 11 & 12 at the Palm Springs Stadium Pavilion - Madonna -The Celebration Tour
Thu. Jan 11 at 8:30 pm at Acrisure Arena
Welcome New Partners!
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Luchador Brewing Company has 20 rotating taps featuring a wide selection of ice-cold beers & seltzers, with an in-house food truck serving up delicious Mexican tapas-style street food. Now serving brunch Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 am–12:30 pm, come Indulge in their craft beer cocktails and a special menu featuring huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, and mouthwatering Yucatan French Toast, stuffed with marscapone cheese, coconut & pineapple. ¡Salud! Learn more
- Dave Catching Talks About the Return of the Beneath the Desert Sky Concert Series, and 30 Years of Rancho de la Luna
- ‘One of the Best Shows We’ve Played” – DJs Reminisce About the Magic of Splash House
- Ibis Group Institute Announces Its Formation, Bringing a New Paradigm in LGBTQ+ Political Campaigns
- CV History: Before the Tribe-Owned Casinos, Illegal Gambling Operations Brought Crowds to Cathedral City
- The 20 Best Songs of 2023 From LGBTQ+ Artists (So Far)
The Purple Room is a destination for foodies and music lovers alike. The 2023-24 season opens Labor Day weekend with Debby Boone and continues with Brenna Whitaker, Jonathan Karrant, Debby Holiday, Meghan Murphy, Sharon McKnight, Lorna Luft, Black Market Trust and so much more, including perennial favorite The Judy Show! You can visit Palm Springs’ premier supper club for great weeknight entertainment too. Save at The Purple Room with our HOT DEAL: Get a $75 gift card for only $60. That’s 20% Off! Get Your Deal
We also have Hot Deals at Boozehounds, Destination PSP, Rick’s Desert Grill, Hunters Nightclub, Trevor Wayne Pop Art, Kitchen 86, Coachella Valley Coffee Co., Palm Springs Fine Men’s Salon, Papa Dan’s Pizza and Pasta, Men’s Grooming Spot, V Wine Lounge & Martini Bar, Jolene’s Bar & Lounge, Zin American Bistro 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.” 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)