Brad Fuhr Caricature

Out at the Fair comes to the Riverside County Fair for the first time this Saturday. After many successful fairs from Alaska to New Mexico, it’s our turn. I couldn’t be happier than to partner with the group, led by William Zakrajshek. KGAY and Gay Desert Guide are media sponsors and will be there all day Saturday.

According to their website, “OATF® is a community-focused event designed to bring people together and promote a message of acceptance and love. The event is open to everyone, regardless of their background, sexual orientation, or beliefs, making it a safe and welcoming space for all.”

The day will featured “Drag Queen Story Time”, which continues to stir up emotions with a fever pitch about how the LGBTQ+ community is somehow “grooming” young people. Events like Out at the Fair help tamp that down, I hope. One step forward…

Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide & KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs,

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Modernism Week Is Here

Modernism Week’s annual 11-day festival is underway, running February 16–26, featuring more than 350 events including the Palm Springs Modernism Show, tours of iconic homes in more than 24 neighborhoods, the Palm Desert Signature Home Tour and the Palm Springs Signature Home Tour on both weekends. Also offered are architectural walking, biking and double-decker bus tours, tours of the historic Annenberg Estate at Sunnylands, a classic car show, a vintage trailer show, a golf tournament, garden tours, nightly parties, and a special series of compelling and informative talks. All events are open to the public, and many events are free or low cost Get tickets.

23rd Annual Modernism Show

The 23rd annual Palm Springs Modernism Show runs from Friday, February 17 through Monday, February 20 at the Palm Springs Convention Center and is once again a featured event during Modernism Week. The show hosts 125 dealers offering stunning items representing all design movements of the 20th century and select 21st century items and contemporary cutting-edge home design products and technology. On Friday evening, February 18 from 6–9 pm, there is an Opening Night Party which requires a separate ticket and offers a chance to be among the first to shop from this world-class collection. [More info]. The main show opens at 10 am on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday and closes at 6 pm Saturday, 5 pm Sunday, and 4 pm on Monday. Get tickets

Modernism Weeks’ CAMP (Community and Meeting Place) is the central meeting place for all things Modernism Week and it’s FREE and open to the public inside the Hyatt Palm Springs. Discover new events and activities to attend, dine and sip at Cheeky’s To-Go, shop at the Destination PSP store, meet authors at book signings, explore design elements for your home, and relax and commune with fellow modernists. CAMP will be open daily 9am–5pm during Modernism Week. More info

Riverside County Fair & Date Festival – Out at the Fair®

The Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival takes place from Friday, February 17–Sunday, February 26, at the Riverside County Fairgrounds in Indio [Get tickets]. Originating as a festival to celebrate the end of the annual date harvest, the annual Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival welcomes over 250,000 guests each February. On Saturday, February 18, Out at the Fair®, the official LGBTQ+ family-friendly festival of the fair industry, comes to the Pageant Stage for a full day of entertainment. KGAY’s John Taylor will be there broadcasting LIVE from 11 am–1 pm., and Emcees Pauly & Monks and Landa Plenty will host Drag Queen Story Time, and a Zumba class led by Landa Plenty, and performances by West Coast Vibez, Noah Toprak, David Rosales, Layke, Derek Jameson, KingQueen, plus the National Date Pageant, and the Out at the Fair Glam Show with Alexander Rodriguez, San Diego Kings Club, Rusty Waters, Victoria Elvatto, Keri Oki, and Landa Plenty. The ‘OutAt After Dark’ all-ages dance party starts at 8:30 pm! Get tickets

Reforma Grand Opening Weekend

Reforma is Palm Springs’ newest bar, restaurant & night club, open daily 3 pm–12 am (2 am on Friday & Saturday), and this weekend they kick it off with the Gasolina Reggaeton Party on Friday, February 17 at 9 pm. Then on Saturday, February 18 it’s the Madonna Drag Brunch and Wig Party at 11 am and 2 pm. The Grand Opening Party on Saturday night, February 18 at 9 pm features sets by Todd Terry, Freak On & Lee Dagger. More info

Christopher Kennedy’s Midcentury Home Tours

Christopher Kennedy presents two Mid-Century Home Tours on Saturday & Sunday, February 18 & 19, showcasing homes owned by clients of Christopher in Indian Canyons (Saturday, 1–4 pm) and Vista Las Palmas (Sunday, 1–4 pm). In addition, Christopher will be opening up his own Indian Canyons home for a VIP cocktail party on Saturday evening. Proceeds will benefit the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. Get tickets

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap

Desert Theatreworks presents Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap now through March 5. This thrilling murder mystery from the best-selling novelist of all time returns to Desert TheatreWorks with a signature twist. As news spreads of a murder in London, a group of seven strangers find themselves snowed in at a stately countryside guesthouse with a killer in their midst! Which one is the murderer? Who will be their next victim? Can you solve the mystery before another “mouse” succumbs to the trap? Join in for suspenseful fun courtesy of the longest-running play in history. Get tickets

My Fair Lady at the McCallum

My Fair Lady

The McCallum Theatre presents the lavish Lincoln Center production of the Broadway favorite My Fair Lady, playing Friday through Sunday, February 17–19. Coming up: Rosanne Cash with John Leventhal (2/21), Steve Tyrell (2/22), Beginnings: A Celebration of the Music of Chicago (2/23), On Your Feet! (2/24–26), MNOZIL Brass (2/27), and Our Planet Live in Concert (2/28). Get tickets

Visitor Map & Guide Spring Edition is Here!

The Spring 2023 edition of our Gay Desert Guide Visitor Map & Guide (great for locals too!) is hot off the presses and distributed about town for your perusal. 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].

2023 Oscar® Nominated Short Films

The Palm Springs Cultural Center presents the 2023 Oscar® Nominated Short Films, playing now through Sunday, February 26. Enjoy the year’s most spectacular short films for a limited time, with each nominee released in one of three distinct feature-length compilations according to their category of nomination: Live Action, Animation, or Documentary. Get tickets

Crystal Gayle at The Show

The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage presents Crystal Gayle & Johnny Lee on Friday, February 17 at 8 pm. Crystal has been a favorite of audiences of country and popular music since attaining national prominence with her first chart records in the mid-seventies. Renowned for her classic recording of her timeless signature song Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue, Crystal also scored with her multi-format hits You’ve Been Talking In Your Sleep, When I Dream, Half the Way and her duet with Eddie Rabbitt, Just You and I. Get tickets Also this weekend: on Saturday, February 18, the Show presents legendary rock back Styx for a SOLD OUT show.

Gently Down the Stream

The Bent Theater Company presents Martin Sherman’s Gently Down the Stream at the Palm Springs Cultural Center from February 17–March 4. Gently Down the Stream is a remarkably moving, brilliantly funny love story between an older man and his much younger partner. This is playwright Martin Sherman’s newest play. His works include the seminal gay play, Bent, as well as the book to the musical The Boy from Oz. Get tickets

South Pacific

Desert Theatricals presents Rogers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific on Friday, Saturday & Sunday, February 17–19. On a South Pacific island during World War II, Ensign Nellie Forbush, a spunky nurse from Arkansas, falls in love with French planter Emile de Becque. Everyone’s favorite songs including Some Enchanted Evening, Cockeyed Optimist, Nothing Like A Dame, Honey Bun, Younger Than Springtime and more! Desert Theatricals’ Theatre Under the Stars takes place in Rancho Mirage’s Amphitheater. They offer both a dinner theatre experience as well as individual tickets. Get tickets

Palm Springs Lesbian Foray

The Palm Springs Lesbian Foray will take place at the Tryst Bar and Lounge on Saturday, February 18, starting at 7 pm. Cis & trans lesbians are tired of waiting for a lesbian bar to open up in the Coachella Valley, so they’re descending en-masse on a bar once a month and claiming it as theirs for the night. Tryst is a lbgtqpia+ friendly “everyone bar” with a jukebox, pool table, darts, and pinball. They’re taking over the space for one night…with their own playlist. Download AMI Music App and you can play your favs too! More info

Mid-Mod Show and Tiki Party

The Desert Art Center (DAC) presents the Mid-Mod Show from February 17–28, open daily from 10 am–4 pm. So many of DAC’s artists connect with the midcentury modern aesthetic here in Palm Springs that they are mounting a special show of their invigorating artwork. Don your Hawaiian shirt and join in for a Tiki Party Kick-off on Friday, February 17 from 5–7 pm. Be there or be square! More info

Flagging in the Desert

On Saturday, February 18 from 11 am–4 pm, Flagging in the Desert will be at Ruth Hardy Park. DJ Randy Bettis from New York will provide an exciting soundtrack to dance, flag, or just watch. There is an instructional class preceding the event at 11 am and the DJ starts at noon. While the event is free, donations will be accepted for the Transgender Health and Wellness Center. There will also be a silent auction of donated flags. More info

Afternoon Concert Crawl in DHS

The Desert Hot Springs Classical Concerts presents an Afternoon Concert Crawl on Saturday, February 18 from 2–4 pm. Featuring performers at Cabot’s Pueblo Museum, the City Hall Amphitheater, and the new Desert Hot Springs Library. At each venue, short performances will begin at 2 pm, 2:45 pm, and 3:30 pm, making it possible for audience members to attend all three concerts in whatever order they choose. It’s a Choose-Your-Own Adventure concert experience! Featuring Vanessa Fountain (harp), Jeffrey Krieger (electric cello), and Margaret Irwin-Brandon (harpsichord). More info

National Caregivers Day Resource Fair

The Neuro Vitality Center presents the National Caregivers Day Resource Fair on Friday, February 17 from 1–5 pm. Come and enjoy a day devoted just for caregivers. This Resource Fair will feature organizations and centers from around the Coachella Valley, with useful information, special prices and wonderful food. Presentations include: “Care Pathways Resources for Family Caregivers” presented by Guillermo Delgado, “Alzheimer Concerns & Awareness” presented by Kimberly Spiegel, and “Knowledge is Power” presented by Leonie Maitland, Social Worker. Free event, registration required. More info

Caregiving is a Partnership

PALS (Planning Ahead for LGBT Seniors) presents Caregiving is a Partnership: The Latest Research on Gay and Lesbian Caregiving on Saturday, February 18 from 9:30–11 am on Zoom. Did you know? There is a difference in caregiving styles and strategies of Gay and Lesbian partners compared to opposite-sex partners. Brian de Vries, Professor Emeritus SFSU, returns with his latest research on the topic. As for you, who is on your care team – for giving and receiving care? Come with pen and paper – or digital apparatus – to identify and enhance your care team. Take action! It’s never too soon to plan ahead before a health issue. More info

Woven Together Art Exhibit

The first U.S. exhibition of “Woven Together” featuring Fernando Bengoechea’s images woven by his brother Marcelo is taking place in Palm Springs during Modernism week. The gala opening event is Saturday, February 18 from 6–9 pm at Super Simple (a gay-owned home store). Internationally acclaimed photographer Fernando Bengoechea tragically lost his life in the Tsunami of 2004. As you may remember, Fernando was vacationing in Sri Lanka with his partner celebrity designer Nate Berkus. Nate miraculously survived. Fernando’s body was never found. He was 39. Fernando’s brother, Marcelo Bengoechea has made it his mission to keep his brother’s art alive.The artwork will be on sale and the exhibit will remain in the store for 30 days. More info

“The Unicorn Pinata Head” by Ernesto Ramirez

Ernesto Ramirez Art Studio Opening

Ernesto Ramirez Designs presents the opening of Ernesto’s Art Studio on Saturday, February 18 from 4–7 pm. Come by to check out Ernesto’s new workspace and his newest collection. More info

Lisa Lynn & the Broken Hallelujahs at The Gardens

Agua Caliente Casinos present The Gardens 25th Annual Concert Series on Saturday, February 18 from 4:30–7:30 pm with a concert by Lisa Lynn & the Broken Hallelujahs, benefiting Friends of the Desert Mountains. For 25 years, The Gardens on El Paseo has brought together the Coachella Valley community to support local non-profits, musicians, and organizations. Reserve your tickets now and wine down on the Center Lawn, Saturday evenings to support your community. Upcoming concerts include: Eevan Tré and The Show (2/25), Slim Man (3/4), and John Stanley King Band (3/11). Get tickets

Cocktails for a Cause

Celebrate midcentury modernism at Cocktails for a Cause on Sunday, February 19 from 3:30–5:30 pm at a private residence in Palm Springs. Immerse yourself in the architecture and design of Charles Du Bois’ 1959 residence. Explore the magnificent, reimagined interior/exterior which now reflects today’s iconic desert lifestyle. There will be a guest appearance by local artist Shawn Savage, whose art is featured throughout the home. Enjoy curated cocktails and appetizers with music of the 1960-70s by the dynamic local duo Nouveau. Proceeds benefit Volunteer Palm Springs, a 501 (C)(3) nonprofit. Get tickets

BRAVO Children in Music

The Steinway Society of Riverside County presents BRAVO Children in Music on Sunday, February 19 at 11 am. This fundraiser will honor Jimi “Fitz” Fitzgerald and will be hosted by Joey English. The highlight of the afternoon will be the performance of the society’s students. Get tickets

Coachella Valley Invitational Soccer Competition

The Coachella Valley Invitational Soccer Competition is underway at the Empire Polo Club, through February 18. This event welcomes the best clubs in MLS (and their fans!) for a three-week competition to secure roster spots, build momentum, and unofficially officially launch the 2023 MLS season. Get tickets

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LOOKING AHEAD

Once

CVRep presents Once, opening Tuesday, February 21 and running through Sunday, March 5. Once is a love story reminding us of how the language of music is universal. Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Once tells the story of Guy, an Irish songwriter who spends his days fixing vacuums in the Dublin shop he runs with his father. While on the verge of giving it up altogether, along comes a girl who convinces Guy to believe in love, music, and the courage to carry on. Get tickets

The Lincoln Debate

The Bent Theater Company presents The Lincoln Debate on Monday, February 20 at 7 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. This new play takes a funny, touching and historically honest look at the relationship between Abraham Lincoln and Joshua Speed, a man he shared a bed with for four years. Did they have an intimate relationship? Did one of the greatest men in American history have a letter under the LGBTQ banner that fit him? You will leave armed to draw your own conclusions. Upcoming performances will be on February 28 and March 7 & 14. Get tickets

On the Air at KGAY 106.5

Win Tickets to Sex Tips…

KGAY 106.5 has your tickets to Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man. This humorous, highly theatrical audience interactive sex tip seminar is playing Fridays and Saturdays at Margaritaville Resort from February 24–March 18. Win a pair of tickets to the Saturday night show PLUS an overnight stay at Margaritaville! John Taylor will draw a winner on the KGAY Morning Show every Friday morning for the following performances: Feb 24, Mar 4, 11 & 18. Enter to win on the KGAY 106.5 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 hi 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

Welcome New Partner!

Introducing Reforma, offering Latin American cuisine with inspiration from Argentina, Peru, Colombia, Mexico and beyond. This weekend, come for the Grand Opening Party on Saturday night with DJ sets by Todd Terry, Freak On, and Lee Dagger! Join them every day for dinner or their unique 3-2-1 Happy Hour: $3 off any liquor, $2 off all craft cocktails and wines, $1 off beers. Open daily from 3 pm–midnight. Learn more

  1. Tickets Are Still Available for Selected Modernism Week Events
  2. Celebrate Black History Month in Greater Palm Springs
  3. 17 Groovy Shops to Add to Your Palm Springs Bucket List
  4. An LGBTQ+ Guide for Families in Palm Springs
  5. Foodie Festivals in Greater Palm Springs

Destination PSP produces unique, originally-designed merchandise including souvenirs, customized apparel, poolside wares, housewares and more. Destination PSP’s original designs are now featured on their very own Mod Swim and Mod Shirt Collections, for men and women.  Designed by them—made by them, in the following designs: atomic, sunmor, oasis, modernista , lava lamp, modfest, conga, and mambo. Save $10 at Destination PSP with our HOT DEAL: Get a $30 gift card for just $20! Get Your Deal

We also have Hot Deals at V Wine Lounge, The Purple Room, Il Giardino, Grand Central, Hunters Nightclub, Giuseppe’s Pizzeria, Monster Shakes, Desert Mischief, Jolene’s, Rick’s, Lulu California Bistro, AMP Sports Lounge, Trevor Wayne Pop Art 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)