Let there be light! At night! The Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade is a valley-wide favorite for the holidays and is this weekend. In Palm Desert, Zoo Lights is back at The Living Desert, and many other events are celebrating the holidays.
Our team is getting together this weekend to celebrate the bringing together of GayDesertGuide.LGBT and KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs this Fall. Thanks to each of you who have reached out to compliment us on the work we do in entertaining and informing on what’s happening in the Coachella Valley.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide & KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
P.S. If you’re not getting the weekly “Oasis Insiders” newsletter, please sign up today so we can stay in touch.
#ILoveGayPalmSprings
#ILoveGayCatCity
29th Annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade
The 29th Annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade is on Saturday, December 4 at 5:45 p.m. on Palm Canyon Drive. The City’s signature holiday event and a much loved tradition, the parade features spectacular twinkling floats, magnificent marching bands, huge Macy’s-style holiday balloons – and Santa Claus of course! This year’s Community Grand Marshals are Mariah Hanson, founder of Dinah Shore Weekend and Linda Barrack, CEO of Martha’s Village and Kitchen. Also broadcast live on NBC Palm Springs starting at 6:00 p.m. More info
Hairspray at the McCallum
The McCallum Theatre presents Hairspray on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, December 3–5 with both matinee and evening performances. You Can’t Stop the Beat! This all-new touring production will reunite Broadway’s award-winning creative team led by Director Jack O’Brien and Choreographer Jerry Mitchell to bring Hairspray to a new generation of theater audiences. Join 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960’s Baltimore as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show. Get tickets
Indio Tamale Festival
The 29th Annual Indio International Tamale Festival takes place Saturday, December 4 from 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m and Sunday, December 5 from 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. in Downtown Indio. Music highlights include La Sonora Dinamita, Tijuana Panthers, Banda Arkangel, The Red Pears, Thee Midniters and Sweet & Tender Hooligans, “the Ultimate Smiths & Morrissey Tribute Band.” Appearing for the first time at Tamale Festival is a stacked bill of luchador wrestling, featuring 6-matches per day of high-flying athletics, and for the kids: the Guinness Certified World’s Biggest Bounce House, and carnival rides, plus a 3,600 sq ft roller rink for a skate party filled with music and dance for all ages. Get tickets
The Sound of Music
Palm Canyon Theatre presents The Sound of Music from December 3–19. Set in Austria on the eve of the Anschluss in 1938, the musical tells the story of Maria, who takes a job as governess while she decides whether to become a nun. She falls in love with the children, and eventually their widowed father, Captain Von Trapp. Get tickets
Winter Wonderettes
Desert Theatreworks presents the Winter Wonderettes from December 3–23. This seasonal celebration finds the 60’s girl group “The Wonderettes” entertaining at the annual Harper’s Hardware Holiday Party. When Santa turns up missing, the girls use their talent and creative ingenuity to save the holiday party! Featuring a live band and great ’60s versions of holiday classics such as “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Run, Rudolph, Run,” and “Winter Wonderland.” Get tickets
The Best of Modernism Online Auction
Modernism Week offers The Best of Modernism, an exciting online auction of intriguing and distinctive items, and customized architectural experiences, just in time for the holiday shopping season, from December 4–12. The online bidding event will feature more than 45 unique architectural tours and experiences, exclusive VIP Modernism Week event tickets and experiences packages for February 2022, access to prime sold-out parties during Modernism Week, and uncommon, exclusive items not typically available to the public. More info
Men of the Desert Fashion Show Fundraiser
Join Animal Samaritans for an afternoon of fun on the runway with the 12th Annual Men of the Desert Fashion Show on Sunday, December 5 at 11:00 a.m. at the Palm Springs Air Museum. The event features dudes, dogs, and fashion strutting their stuff all to benefit the life-saving rescue program and care for homeless animals at Animal Samartians’ no-kill shelter. Get tickets
Engelbert Humperdinck at The Show
Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage presents The Legend Continues: Engelbert Humperdinck Reflections Tour on Saturday, December 4 at 8:00 p.m. Humperdinck’s unique voice has charmed billions of fans around the globe with his award-winning music from romantic ballads to disco, rock & gospel. Get tickets
Crying on Trains Staged Reading
Script2Stage2Screen’s second production of the season –“Crying on Trains” is a staged reading about two unlikely companions traveling life’s tough yet rewarding journey together, on Friday and Saturday, December 3 & 4, at 7:30 p.m. It’s a story about living, loving and coping with life’s challenges. Get tickets
Desert Art Center Holiday Party
The Desert Art Center presents a fun and festive holiday party on Friday, December 3 from 5:00–7:00 p.m. Ring in the season and see their new Winter Show in the Main Gallery featuring works by member artists and introducing new artwork by just-juried new Gallery Artists. There will be music, a very merry mashed potato bar, refreshments, a sweet-tooth table, and as always, the largest selection of GAY and local fine art in the valley. More info
Nathaniel, The Recorded Story of a Legend
Experience the 1960s through the eyes of one of America’s most beloved performers with Nathaniel, the Recorded Story of a Legend, by local playwright Joachim St. Maximilian, presented by the Palm Springs Art Museum, Friday through Sunday, December 3–5 at the Annenberg Theater. Using a rich tapestry of music, storytelling, and nostalgic banter, St. Maximilian’s ‘translucent set’ will make this theatrical experience unlike any other. Experience the legendary Nat King Cole with Jimmy Durante in a touching reflection on life, gratitude, and friendship. Get tickets
Brian Justin Crum Holiday in the Desert
The Desert Rose Playhouse presents Brian Justin Crum Holiday in the Desert on Friday and Saturday, December 3 & 4 at 7:00 p.m. Crum is an American singer and actor from San Diego who came to national attention competing on the eleventh season of America’s Got Talent, taking fourth place. Ticketed meet & greet available following the performance. Get tickets
Golden Grapes Wine Festival
Join the Ace Hotel & Swim Club for the 3rd Annual Golden Grapes Wine Festival on Saturday, December 4 from 11:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. in their clubhouse. This wine-soaked bacchanalia celebrates the best winemakers, grapes, and grape lovers in California with over 20 participating wineries. Get tickets
Ironman 70.3 Indian Wells – La Quinta
Trainual IRONMAN 70.3 Indian Wells – La Quinta takes place Friday–Sunday, December 3–5. The new bike course will take athletes through beautiful flat county roads while they soak up the warm California sun. More info
Palm Springs Vintage Market
The Palm Springs Vintage Market is on the first Sunday of each month from October through May, and this month falls on Sunday, December 5, from 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Palm Springs has some of the best shopping in the world for mid-century design. Come see a collection of the best Southern California sellers of vintage and antique furniture, art, clothing, jewelry, and home furnishings. More info
Saturdays with Ross Mathews on KGAY!
Coachella Valley resident Ross Mathews continues on KGAY 106.5 through the holidays with his new show airing Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. Ross is seen nationally on RuPaul’s Drag Race, The Drew Barrymore Show, and more. Ross does what he knows best: show biz, current events and the Coachella Valley. As Ross puts it “KGAY is…giving the gayest person in history his own radio show…Me!” Saturdays with Ross Mathews is on KGAY 106.5, on the FM dial in the Coachella Valley and streaming worldwide online! Ask your smart speaker to “Play KGAY.”
Wildlights at The Living Desert
WildLights is celebrating 29 years dazzling guests by transforming The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens into a sparkling winter wonderland, recognized in the Top 5 Best Zoo Lights by USA Today. Come to this festive, annual tradition and marvel at more than a million colorful, sparkling holiday lights on the following remaining evenings: December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 – 24, 26 – 30. WildLights guests will encounter a herd of life-size, luminescent animal lanterns, explore newly added pathways and stroll through the popular tunnel of lights flashing to holiday music. Advanced reservations are required for both members and guests. More info
Palm Springs Art Museum Returns to Regular Schedule
As of Thursday, December 2, the Palm Springs Art Museum is back to their regular schedule of being open six days a week: Thursday from 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m., Friday through Tuesday from 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., closed only on Wednesday. Those last two hours from 5:00–7:00 p.m. on Thursday nights are free admission, funded by the City of Palm Springs Public Arts Commission. More info
Vote Now for STRUT LGBTQ+ Awards
OutAT TV presents the STRUT Awards Gala on December 12 at 6:00 p.m. at Margaritaville Resort. Join friends, grab a drink and enjoy this new Awards Gala for the LGBTQ+ Industry in Palm Springs and the SoCal Region. The STRUT Awards are a “People’s Choice” Voting Format Awards show for the LGBTQ+ Industry. VOTE NOW for your favorite community members, and attend the show to see who won, with special performances and guest presenters. Gay Desert Guide is nominated in Digital Media and Publication categories, along with Brad Fuhr as KGAY Business Owner, plus John Taylor of KGAY as event emcee! Vote and/or Get tickets
It’s Hip to be KGAY!
Power up your wardrobe with some rainbows and spice up your holiday gift shopping with our KGAY logo merchandise! We’ve got t-shirts, hoodies, tank tops and more in a variety of styles, and that’s just the beginning. How about a KGAY case for your phone? Coasters for your coffee table? Magnet for your fridge? Check out the travel mug, tote bag, throw pillow…and much more! Shop Now
LOOKING AHEAD
Paws N’ Claws Annual Pet Food Drive and Winter Social
The LGBTQ Center of the Desert presents their annual Paws n’ Claws Annual Pet Food Drive and Winter Social on Monday, December 6 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge. Dress up yourself and your pets in festive costume, or your worst Xmas sweater, bring some pet food to donate to those pets in need, and get your picture snapped by the helpful elves! More info
Desert Jam 2021
The Well in the Desert presents their annual fundraising event, Desert Jam 21 on Monday, December 6, from 6:30–9:30 p.m. at Agua Caliente Casino Spa in Rancho Mirage. Performers include The Jackson Garrett Band, Deanna Bogart & Barry Baughn, Keisha D, Rose Mallett, Barry Minnifield (The Voice), Patrick Evans, Will Donato, Jeanie Cunningham, Mark Guerrero, Krystofer Do, Tommy Dodson and Joyce Bulifant (Mary Tyler Moore Show). This year’s Special Honoree is Yve Evans and emcees are Jeanie Cunningham and David Ross. The evening also features tributes to Gavin Macleod, Ed Asner, Trini Lopez and Mike Costley. Get tickets
Dionne Warwick’s Walk of Stars Dedication
The Palm Springs Chamber presents Dionne Warwick’s Walk of Stars Dedication on Wednesday, December 8 at 11:00 a.m. Marie Dionne Warwick is an American singer, television host, and former Goodwill Ambassador for the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization. Warwick ranks among the 40 biggest US hit makers between 1955 and 1999, based on her chart history on Billboard’s Hot 100 pop singles chart. More info
Jazzville: Phat Cat Swinger
On Thursday, December 9 at 7:00 p.m., Jazzville Palm Springs presents Phat Cat Swinger at the Cascade Lounge inside Agua Caliente Casino in Palm Springs. This “Little-Big Band” brings style, class and charisma to every show experience with their retro showmanship and wide range of musical styles in both original music and re-imagined favorites. Cocktails, wine and delicious small bites will be available to order and enjoy while bopping to the tunes of the evening. Get tickets
In-Person Games at The Center
The LGBTQ Center of the Desert presents games you can play with friends, in-person: Open Play Bridge on Mondays from 9:00 a.m.–Noon [More info], and Pinochle Monday Afternoons from 2:00–4:00 p.m. [More info]. One-time registration and proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required to attend.
- Hairspray at the McCallum Theatre
Fri.–Sun., Dec. 3–5 - Official City of Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting
Fri. Dec. 3, 4:30 p.m. at Frances Stevens Park - Winter Wonderettes presented by Desert Theatreworks
Dec. 3–23 at the Indio Performing Arts Center - Festival of Lights Parade
Sat. Dec. 4, 5:45–7:45 p.m., Downtown Palm Springs - Indio Tamale Festival
Sat. Dec. 4, 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. near Indio City Hall - 12th Annual Men of the Desert Fashion Show
Sun. Dec. 5, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at the Palm Springs Air Museum - Paws N’ Claws Annual Pet Food Drive and Winter Social
Mon. Dec. 6, 5:30–7:00 p.m. at Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge - One Desert Night – A Live Concert Under the Desert Sky with Keisha D
Thu. Dec. 9, 6:00 p.m. at The Roost Lounge - Sparkle, Twinkle, Jingle! with the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus
Fri.–Sun., Dec. 10–12, at the Annenberg Theater - The Beebo Brinker Chronicles presented by Desert Ensemble Theatre
Dec. 10–19 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour
Sun. Dec. 19 at 7:00 p.m. at the McCallum Theatre - Palm Springs International Film Festival 2022
Jan. 6–17, 2022 at various venues in Palm Springs and Cathedral City - Modernism Week 2022
Feb. 17–27, 2022 at various locations throughout Greater Palm Springs
- 49 Things to Do in Greater Palm Springs in December 2021
- Palm Springs Aids Memorial Sculpture Task Force Launches Capital Campaign During World AIDS Day
- Restaurant News Bites: It’s Time for Tamales; Gigi’s Opens at the V; and More!
- Holiday Dining in Greater Palm Springs 2021
- Modernism Week 2022 Adds New Events to February Schedule
At V Wine Lounge, you can explore a large curated selection of California boutique and old world wines by the glass, throwback cocktails, craft beers, and cheese plates on their newly enlarged patio or their beautiful redesigned mid century lounge! With this HOT DEAL, SAVE 40% and get a $25 gift card to V Wine Lounge for just $15.00! Get Your Deal
Bear Wear is a boutique store nestled in the heart of Arenas Road in Palm Springs, offering men’s fashion, jewelry, gifts and more. They have shirts, shorts, underwear, swimwear, tanks, tees, kilts, and toys. With sizes small (XS in some cases) thru 6XL, you might be surprised! With this HOT DEAL, get a $20 gift card to Bear Wear for just $12.50! That’s a savings of over 35% Get Your Deal
We also have Hot Deals at Coachella Valley Coffee Co., Jolene’s Bar & Grill, One Eleven Bar, Destination PSP, Grand Central, Chill Bar, Runway, Rick’s Desert Grill, Mary Pickford Theatre, Thai Smile and more! See All Deals
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 a.m. 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 a.m.–4 p.m. And Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. through the Holidays, it’s Coachella Valley resident Ross Mathews with his very own radio show!
