Gay Desert Guide Weekend: Dec. 13–15, 2019 - Gay Desert Guide Palm Springs

Sounds of the Holidays from Desert Winds Freedom Band, The Skivvies, Chris Isaak, Broadway at The River, Naughty & Nice at Runway, Twisted Christmas Burlesque, Wildlights, Weekend Theatre and more, plus HOT DEALS and Happy Hours!

Desert Winds Freedom Band: Sounds of The Holidays

The Desert Winds Freedom Band will fill the Bochner Auditorium at the Jewish Community Center with Sounds of the Holidays on Saturday, December 14 from 7:00–9:00 p.m.. Enjoy traditional holiday music to inspire you for the holidays. Get tickets

Broadway at The River: Holiday Edition

Acqua California Bistro & Musical Theatre University present Broadway at the River: Holiday Edition on select nights in December. This unique dinner-show experience features servers who “sing for your supper,” a delicious 3-course prix fixe dinner with a fully-staged Broadway Song and Dance Revue. Famous Broadway guest stars at each performance, including: Joyce Bulifant on Friday, December 13, Janene Lovullo on Dec. 18, and Teri Ralston on Dec. 20. Evenings start at 6:00 p.m. Make reservations

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The Skivvies: “I Touch My Elf”

The Skivvies return to The Purple Room Supper Club with their holiday-themed show, “I Touch My Elf” for two performances: Friday & Saturday, December 13 & 14. The Skivvies are Lauren Molina and Nick Cearley, self-described “undie-rockers.” This acclaimed duo of singer/musicians performs clever genre-hopping musical arrangements that showcase the artists soaring voices and tight harmonies all with a minimalist dress code to reflect their stripped-down musical style! Expect ukulele, electric cello and an array of zany instruments. Dinner at 6:00, Show at 8:00 p.m. Get tickets

Chris Isaak at The Show

On Friday, December 13 at 8:00 p.m., Chris Isaak takes the stage at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage. Isaak is called “Rockabilly’s Greatest Ambassador” by Rolling Stone, and his career as a recording artist, songwriter, and actor goes back 34 years. His breakthrough classic “Wicked Game,” remains one of the most covered songs in music. His new album, just released this month, is called First Comes the Night. Isaak’s film soundtrack credits include Wild at Heart, Blue Velvet, True Romance, and Eyes Wide Shut, and the California native has also done extensive work in front of the camera, including The Silence of the Lambs, That Thing You Do! and more. Get tickets

Holiday Shows at Runway: Naughty or Nice?

Runway is presenting two different Holiday Dinner Shows this year: Make your choice for a musical and comedic night of adult humor at the “Naughty” shows or enjoy an evening of holiday classics on the “Nice” nights! Performers include Siobhan Velarde, Gilmore Rizzo, Robbie Wayne, and Mark Kahny. There are two performances of each show: Naughty nights on Saturday, December 14 and Friday, December 20, and Nice nights on Friday, December 13 and Saturday, December 21. The evenings start at 7:00 p.m. and include a 4-course dinner! Get tickets

Twisted Christmas Burlesque

Join the burlesque showtroupe Dirty Little Secrets for their holiday-themed show, Twisted Christmas Burlesque, on Saturday, December 14 from 8:30–10:00 p.m. at Hotel Zoso. This is a fun night of laughs, dancing, food and drink–full bar and dinner menu available, doors open at 7:00 p.m. Get tickets

Wildlights at The Living Desert

Over a million twinkling lights dazzle at the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens for Wildlights, running select nights through the holidays, (final night: December 28) from 6:00–9:00 p.m. Guests will find holiday festivities, food, drink, arts and crafts, animal encounters, live entertainment, Santa Claus and more. Get tickets

WEEKEND THEATRE

Disney’s Mary Poppins will be presented by Desert Theatreworks through Sunday, December 22. This holiday musical, winner of 44 major theatre awards from around the globe, has captivated audiences for generations, and now the enchanting story, unforgettable songs and breathtaking production numbers will dazzle and delight theatergoers of all ages. Believe in the magic and discover a world where anything can happen if you let it! Get tickets

Palm Canyon Theatre presents the richly textured musical classic “The King and I” running through Sunday, December 22. It is 1862 in Siam when an English widow, Anna Leonowens, and her young son arrive at the Royal Palace in Bangkok, having been summoned by the King to serve as tutor to his many children and wives. With both keeping a firm grip on their respective traditions and values, Anna and the King grow to understand and, eventually, respect one another, in a truly unique love story. Get tickets

BOGO DEAL! Check out our special limited-time HOT DEAL of Buy-One-Get-One for tickets to the Friday, December 13 performance of The King and I! Get Your Deal

The Desert Rose Playhouse has brought back to life the smash hit of the holiday season, “Christmas with The Crawfords” through Sunday, December 22. Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh says this is “a funny, campy, over-the-top comedy that will have you laughing out loud.” Read his full review. They sing and dance their way into your hearts! Get tickets

Are You “In the Know…?”

We’ve got a podcast and Facebook group to make sure you are!

I Love Gay Palm Springs Podcast w/John Taylor & Shann Carr

Hosts John Taylor and Shann Carr take you for a ride around Greater Palm Springs on the I Love Gay Palm Springs Podcast, sharing LGBTQ+ things to do, places to go and people to meet, with two new episodes every week! Subscribe and Listen

Hot Deals & Cool Events Facebook Group

Find the Hot Deals and Cool Events from throughout the Coachella Valley here at the #ILoveGayPalmSprings Hot Deals and Cool Events Facebook Group, powered by GayDesertGuide.LGBT. Keep in the loop and join this group to post and comment to be a part of the conversation! Join Hot Deals & Cool Events

LOOKING AHEAD

Cookies, Cocktails, and Crazy Sweaters at Runway – Mon Dec. 16

The Cookies, Cocktails and Ugly Sweaters competition takes place at Runway Bar & Restaurant on Monday, December 16 at 6:00 p.m. Fresh on the high heels of the very popular Cat City Drag Race, this new contest is taking place at six bars in Cathedral City and features an “Ugliest Sweater Contest” with celebrity and audience judges. Prizes each week lead up to a Golden Pass prize valued at $600. The evening is hosted by Cat City Drag Race Winner Angelique VaGorgeous, with music by DJ Galaxy. Next up: The Finals at AMP Sports Lounge on Monday, December 23. More info

Celebrate the Holidays with Thelma Houston

On Saturday, December 21, Chill Bar presents the one and only Thelma Houston performing her new collaboration with Chill Bar resident Bimbo Jones, as well as a holiday number and her classic, “Don’t Leave Me this Way.” This event is a special holiday nod to the local Palm Springs and Coachella Valley communities. Keeping with the traditions of the Palm Springs LGBTQ+ community, there is no cover charge for this event, show starts at 8:00 p.m. More info

At the warm and fabulous Chill Bar, you get a casual bar during the day, with dancing and shows at night! This Saturday, December 14 is going to be a blast from 1:00–5:00 p.m. with their Holiday Hoedown, hosted by Miss Palm Springs Hot Rodeo Jayla D. Foxx, to raise funds for Hot Rodeo! And don’t miss a special performance by Thelma Houston next week!
Get Happy at Chill

At Runway Bar & Restaurant, Happy Hour is Daily from 2:00–7:00 p.m., with great prices on draft beer, house wine, well cocktails, and a variety of tasty bites too! Get your tickets for their “Naughty” or “Nice” holiday shows (or both!) and enjoy a 4-course dining experience along with a festive, fun show!
Get Happy at Runway

On The Mark is a one of kind gourmet food market and deli, featuring a range of unique boutique products such as: craft beer and wine, artisan crafted cheese, nitrate-free meats, pâtés, small batch oils and vinegars, and more, and they’ve just re-opened at their new location at 111 North Palm Canyon! Get your HOT DEAL of a $25 gift certificate for only $17.50! Get Your Deal

Bontá Restaurant‘s cuisine is a combination of Argentinean and German Austrian heritage. Chef Hector has over 36 years experience in the kitchen and only uses the finest quality ingredients. Now experience his culinary skills for 40% off with this HOT DEAL: Get $25 of food and drink at Bonta Restaurant for just $15! Get Your Deal