Our darkest days are behind us. I mean that both literally and figuratively. As I sat at my kitchen table early Thursday morning, I noticed light in the sky just before 6 AM. The snow-capped mountains were lit and the sky silhouetted by the rising sun.
Just a day before, we had awoken to rain, high winds, flooded roads and destruction. The city looked like a disaster area. Our Pink Door House tour Wednesday night showed the aftermath as a gazebo was shredded and the pool had palm frond debris even after a thorough cleaning.
And it reminded me of what we’ve been through in this first year of the Trump presidency 2.0
Each day, our social media feeds and TV news cycles are filled with the administration’s blunders and latest threats to our democracy: Coal-fired power plants are coming back online as solar and wind power become a target. More ICE detention centers are greenlit on the heels of massive protests. $10 billion to his “Board of Peace” after US-AID was gutted. A massive White House ballroom approved and an historic building demolished.
But then the courts get involved and the tides begin to turn. For those stories, you have to get out of your social media feeds and into real journalism from the likes of the New York Times, Politico, the late night talk shows and MSNBC. That’s where there are rays of hope that this steamroller of an administration is being thwarted.
I do see evidence of calm-after-the-storm. It’s not that things are suddenly getting better. The midterm elections are bearing down and there will be that day of reckoning. Our acts of defiance are shining light on the darkness that has shrouded us. Our fellow Americans paying attention and dissatisfaction with what we are seeing on our streets is making a difference in the court of public opinion.
Our next “No Kings March” is five weeks away. By then, our days will be longer, more sunlight will be shown on year one’s atrocities and hopefully more bad policy decisions will have been overturned. Brighter days are ahead.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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International Bear Convergence (IBC)
International Bear Convergence returns all weekend, February 19–22, bringing thousands of bears, cubs, chasers, and admirers to Palm Springs for five days of poolside revelry, high‑energy nightlife, and community connection. From daytime DJ sets at Hotel Zoso’s sun‑soaked pool parties to themed dance events like Gladiator and Furball, plus brunches, mixers, comedy, and the Mr. IBC Contest, this is the ultimate winter celebration of bear culture. Keep an eye out for the K‑Gay Desert Guide Visitor Map & Guide tucked right into your IBC welcome bags, ready to help you explore all weekend long! Visit our event listing for the full rundown of parties, performances, and registration details: More info
Bear Naked turns up the heat this weekend, February 19–22 at CCBC Resort, a clothing‑optional series of pool parties and late‑night fun running alongside IBC weekend. With poolside DJs, cruising after dark, and the signature energy of a Western Xposure–style gathering, this is where bears and their friends come to let loose in a relaxed, welcoming space just minutes from the host hotel. More info
Bear Wear is the perfect stop this IBC weekend, with locations in both Palm Springs and Cathedral City offering men’s fashion, jewelry, home accessories and gifts curated with the community in mind. Browse hand‑selected pieces that celebrate every body type—big men, small men, all men—creating a welcoming, confidence‑boosting shopping experience.
Modernism Week 2026
Modernism Week wraps up this weekend, running through Sunday, February 22, continuing the celebration of midcentury and contemporary design throughout the Greater Palm Springs area. The festival invites guests to explore iconic architectural homes, join guided neighborhood tours, enjoy talks and films, and experience signature evening parties. Highlights include rare access to legendary estates, popular double‑decker bus tours, and the beloved Vintage Trailer Show. Modernism Week continues to be the definitive destination for architecture and design enthusiasts seeking inspiration, education and experiences. Get tickets
Modernism Art District Tour
The Modernism Art District Tour is on Saturday, February 21 from 11 am–6 pm, offering visitors a rare chance to step inside working studios and explore how midcentury artists continue to inspire today’s creators. This free, self‑guided tour spans five art districts and more than 50 participating artists, with the Back Street Art District—home to Ernesto Ramirez Fine Art—serving as one of the tour hubs. Guests can meet artists, view works in progress, and experience the creative energy that defines the Coachella Valley’s contemporary art scene. More info
Palm Springs Retro Market
The Palm Springs Retro Market shines on Sunday, February 22 from 10 am–3:30 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, bringing a fresh dose of vintage style, mid century flair and Sunday‑afternoon fun. Shoppers can browse curated retro finds, enjoy cocktails and music, and soak up the lively atmosphere that makes this new market an instant favorite for design lovers, collectors and anyone who appreciates a little nostalgia with their weekend. More info
Reduce, Reuse, Redress Pop-Up Resale Event
Reduce, Reuse, Redress is a special pop‑up resale event on Saturday, February 21 from 11 am–4 pm at The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, giving the community a chance to shop previously worn but still fabulous Red Dress Dress Red outfits donated earlier in the month. This curated collection of bold, creative looks offers a fresh way to build an outfit for March’s big night while supporting a beloved community tradition. More info
FRI: Wag & Shag at the SHAG House
Wag & Shag takes place at the iconic SHAG House on Friday, February 20 from 5–8 pm, inviting guests to mix, mingle, and support the Palm Springs Animal Shelter in true midcentury‑modern style. The evening features cocktails, bites, a live auction, and exclusive experiences set against one of the city’s most distinctive backdrops, all benefiting the shelter’s lifesaving work and adoption programs. Get tickets
The Chase
The Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards returns to the Palm Springs Convention Center for a SOLD OUT celebration on Saturday, February 21 from 6–10 pm, bringing together community champions for an evening that blends purpose, celebration, and extraordinary entertainment. Guests will gather for a cocktail reception, dinner, and auctions before The Temptations take the stage, all in support of DAP Health’s mission to expand equitable, compassionate care across the region. This year’s program also honors Lisa Middleton with the Community Service Award, recognizing her steadfast leadership and deep commitment to Palm Springs. Get tickets
Black History Swings, Sings & Testifies
Sweet Baby J’ai brings a powerful Black History Month celebration to Palm Springs with Where History Swings, Sings & Testifies, an evening of music, movement, and storytelling that honors the legacy of Black artists who shaped America’s cultural landscape, on Friday, February 20 at 7 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Cascade Lounge. With dynamic performances, live musicians, and a rich blend of jazz, tap, and narrative, the show invites audiences to experience the rhythms, voices, and histories that continue to inspire generations featuring Melba Miller, Rick Taylor, Lynne Jassem, and a band of master musicians. Get tickets
McCormick’s Classic Car Auction
McCormick’s Classic Car Auction returns Friday–Sunday, February 20–22 at the Palm Springs Convention Center, showcasing more than 400 vehicles spanning nearly a century of automotive design. From rare classics to modern exotics, this outdoor event brings together collectors, enthusiasts, and first‑time buyers for a weekend celebrating the craft and excitement of car culture. More info
Palm Springs International Jazz Festival
The Palm Springs International Jazz Festival brings world‑class artistry to the Plaza Theatre, beginning Saturday, February 21 with Eliane Elias in The Soul of Bossa Nova, a warm, elegant tribute to Brazil’s most beloved sound. That same evening, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band fills the theatre with the timeless spirit of New Orleans, blending tradition and irresistible energy. On Sunday, February 22, Lisa Fischer & Grand Baton take the stage with the emotional power and vocal brilliance that have captivated audiences worldwide, followed by the visionary Esperanza Spalding, whose boundary‑defying creativity and deep musical lineage close the festival with a performance rooted in innovation, connection, and pure musical exploration. Get tickets
Smokey Robinson
Smokey Robinson brings his Legacy of Love Tour to The Show on Saturday, February 21 at 8 pm, filling the room with the smooth soul and Motown artistry that shaped generations. From his early days with The Miracles to the iconic songs that defined an era, he delivers a rare evening of timeless music from one of the most influential voices in American pop and R&B. Get tickets
Ben Jones
Ben Jones is at the Purple Room on Friday–Saturday, February 20–21 with Timeless, a sweeping celebration of 100 years of the American Songbook. Joined by acclaimed composer and musical director Ron Abel, Jones brings remarkable vocal range and theatrical nuance to a program that honors the great architects of classic American music while spotlighting contemporary voices who carry the tradition forward. Get tickets
Oscar Wilde About America
Oscar Wilde About America arrives at the Palm Springs Cultural Center on Friday, February 20, inviting audiences into a vivid blend of documentary and magical realism that reimagines Oscar Wilde’s 1882 American tour as a modern‑day road trip. Running through Thursday, March 5, the film from James Andrew Walsh follows Wilde on a contemporary journey toward queer joy, love, and liberation, exploring themes of identity, diversity, and self‑expression. This Cinema Diverse BIG Gay Movie presentation offers a thoughtful and resonant celebration of LGBTQ+ history and imagination. Get tickets
In the Wake
The BENT’s production of Lisa Kron’s In the Wake runs through February 28, bringing audiences into the turbulence of the 2000 presidential election—yes, that one, with parallels that still resonate. Ellen, a political junkie, finds her convictions colliding with those of her partner and friends, exposing personal blind spots and challenging assumptions about the country. Funny, passionate, and sharp, this searing work from Palm Springs’ LGBTQ+ theater company delivers a gripping look at belief, identity, and the cost of certainty. Get tickets
Pippin
Pippin takes the stage at Revolution Stage Company, extended through Monday March 2, inviting audiences into Stephen Schwartz and Roger O. Hirson’s dazzling, meta‑theatrical journey of spectacle, seduction, and self‑discovery. Guided by the enigmatic Leading Player, this vibrant production follows young Prince Pippin through war, pleasure, politics, and illusion, all set to an iconic score and the show’s signature theatrical magic. Our theatre reviewer, Stephen Radosh, says “…this production captures the show’s central message with sincerity: sometimes the extraordinary is found in the beautifully ordinary.” Read his full review and Get tickets
Hair
Hair is on a spirited run through March 1 at Palm Canyon Theatre, channeling the raw energy and cultural revolution of the 1960s. Audiences are invited into a world of peace, love, and youthful rebellion as a tribe of free‑spirited hippies navigates identity, protest, and the power of community. With its electrifying rock score and timeless call for change, this landmark musical continues to resonate with its bold, joyful, and unapologetically revolutionary spirit. Get tickets
Camp Morning Wood
Camp Morning Wood is making its west coast premiere, presented by the new PRISM Theater at The 4707 for a run that continues through Sunday, March 22. Fresh from its Off‑Broadway success, this bold and irreverent musical follows a newly engaged couple who unexpectedly land at a gay nudist camp, setting the stage for cheeky comedy, lively songs and outrageous choreography. Get tickets
The Art of Science
The Art of Science offers an intimate one‑man performance that blends live music, immersive visuals, and thought‑provoking scientific storytelling. Created by local artist Patrick Olson and refined after a successful Off‑Broadway chapter, the show invites audiences to explore connection, consciousness, and the universe in a uniquely moving way. Complimentary 45‑minute preview performances take place Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, with Saturday 2 pm matinees newly added due to popular demand! More info
This Weekend at the McCallum Theatre
The McCallum Theatre continues its dynamic lineup on Friday, February 20 at 8 pm, when Teatro Lirico d’Europa presents Rigoletto, Verdi’s towering masterpiece of passion and tragedy. The weekend features Count Basie Orchestra on Saturday, February 21 at 8 pm, followed by Life on the Move on Sunday, February 22 at 3 pm, an inspiring exploration of global animal migrations led by ecologist Lucy Hawkes.. Get tickets
Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival
The Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival runs Thursdays–Sundays in Indio through March 1 with food, entertainment, and classic fair fun, celebrating our region’s rich date‑growing heritage. Visitors can explore agricultural exhibits, live music, carnival rides, cooking demonstrations, and cultural performances, all set within one of the desert’s most beloved annual traditions. More info
Cocktails for a Cause: Home for a Home
Cocktails for a Cause brings the community together on Saturday, February 21 from 5–8 pm at Saguaro Palm Springs for an uplifting evening supporting Home for a Home’s mission to build brighter futures. Guests can enjoy drinks, tasty bites, and a silent auction while connecting with others who believe in creating meaningful change, one home at a time. More info
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
- Friday, February 20
- Food Truck Fridays | 5–10 pm in Downtown Indio
- Drag Bingo | 4:30–7 pm at Arrive Hotel
- Razzle Dazzle Tribute to Lerner and Loewe | 7 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center
- Saturday, February 21
- Sober & Strong | 8–9 am at Atlas Training Club
- Desert Modern Grand Opening | 11 am–6 pm in Perez Art District
- The Juilliard String Quartet | 3 pm at Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church
- Creedenced (CCR Tribute) 4:30 pm at The Gardens on El Paseo
- Dance Ranch: Beginner Waltz with Alicia Hennick | 7 pm at Step by Step
- Secret Improv VICE Palm Springs | 7 pm at Mizell Center
- Sunday, February 22
- A.M. Stream with Modgirl | 10 am–1 pm at Café la Jefa
- PS Concerts: The New Hollywood String Quartet | 2–4 pm at Richards Center for the Arts
- DHS Classical Concerts: Clare Longendyke (piano) | 4–5 pm at Grace Church
- The Judy Show! (SOLD OUT) | 5–8:30 pm at The Purple Room
SAYKGAY to Save on Rivalry Merch
Ride the Heated Rivalry wave with a fresh batch of themed T‑shirts now available through the Pride Store. Some designs rep your favorite fictional teams from the show, while others turn up the temperature with bolder, more provocative takes. Pick your style, show your fandom, and save 10% storewide at checkout with promo code SAYKGAY – Shop Now
NEW Spring 2026 Visitor Map & Guide – FREE!
Check out the latest Spring 2026 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, all curated to make exploring the valley even easier. Look for the latest edition at businesses and newsstands around town, as well as at hotels, visitor centers, and participating sponsors, or view it online.
LOOKING AHEAD
MON: Petula Clark and the Women Who Changed Pop
Maxine Linehan brings her acclaimed cabaret artistry to Palm Springs on Monday, February 23 at 8 pm with Modern Muse: Petula Clark and the Women Who Changed Pop at Studio 4707. This intimate evening highlights the groundbreaking voices of mid‑century pop—Petula Clark, Shirley Bassey, Lesley Gore, Dusty Springfield, and Cilla Black—reimagined through Linehan’s cinematic vocals and insightful storytelling. The program offers a close‑up experience that blends sophistication, nostalgia, and fresh perspective on the women who shaped a generation of music. Get tickets
MON: Fire Department Open House
The Palm Springs Fire Department invites the community to an Open House on Monday, February 23 from 4–6 pm at Fire Station 1, offering a rare chance to explore the historic 1955 facility designed by Albert Frey and Robson C. Chambers. Guests can join Chief Paul Alvarado and PSFD personnel for guided tours, learn about the station’s architectural significance, and hear updates on plans for a new, expanded facility that will enhance service to the community. 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!
- International Bear Convergence 2026
Feb 19–22 at Hotel Zoso - Modernism Week 2026
Feb 12–22 - Wag & Shag at the SHAG House
Fri. Feb 20 from 5–8 pm at The SHAG House - Reduce, Reuse, Redress: Resale Event
Sat. Feb 21 from 11 am–4 pm at The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert - The Chase 2026
Sat. Feb 21 from 6–10 pm at the Palm Springs Convention Center - Pippin – presented by Revolution Stage Co.
Feb 13–Mar 2 - The Graduate – presented by Desert Theatreworks
Feb 14–Mar 8 - Camp Morning Wood – presented by PRISM Theater
Jan 23–Mar 22 - The Art of Science with Patrick Olson
Sat. at 2 pm and 7:30 pm, Sun. at 2 pm at Studio 1068 - The Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival
Feb 12–Mar 1 in Indio - Modern Muse: Petula Clark and the Women Who Changed Pop
Mon. Feb 23 at 8 pm at Studio 4707 - Palm Springs Speaks: Wade Rouse
Tue. Feb 24 at 7:30 pm at the Plaza Theatre - Guys and Dolls – presented by CVRep
Feb 25–Mar 22 - Destroying David – presented by Dezart Performs
Feb 26–Mar 8 - La Quinta Art Celebration
Feb 26–Mar 1 at La Quinta Civic Center - Legends of Pop Festival: Madonna, Prince & Michael Jackson
Sat. Feb 28 at 6 pm at The Show - Monét X Change: High Heels Bad Knees Tour
Sat. Feb 28 at 7:30 pm at the Plaza Theatre - BNP Paribas Open – 2026 Series Packages Now On Sale
Mar 1–15 at Indian Wells Tennis Garden - A Studio 54 Celebration Benefiting McCallum’s Education Programs
Mon. Mar 2 at 4:30 pm at Renaissance Esmeralda Resort - Rock the Park Concert: Always, Adele
Wed. Mar 4 at 7 pm at Downtown Palm Springs Park - Cathedral City LGBT+ Days
Mar 6–8 at Cathedral City Civic Center Plaza - Fantasy Prom by Desert Sparkles Fund
Sat. Mar 7 from 6–9 pm at The Palm Springs Surf Club - Cocktails on the Page: Lucie Arnaz and Laurence Luckinbill
Sun. Mar 8 from 4–6 pm at a private residence - Premium Whisky Tasting
Mon. Mar 9 at 6 pm at The Purple Room Supper Club - Comedian Michael Blaustein
Wed. Mar 11 at 7 pm at the McCallum Theatre - Solid Gold Soul
Wed. Mar 11 at 7:30 pm at The Plaza Theatre - Fashion Week El Paseo
Fri.–Wed. Mar 13–18 at The Gardens on El Paseo - The L-Fund Presents: Luck Be a Lady
Sat. Mar 14 at 5 pm at Renaissance Palm Springs - The Naked Magicians
Tue. Mar 17 at 7:30 pm at the Plaza Theatre - Palm Desert Food & Wine
Thu.–Sun., Mar 19–22 at The Gardens on El Paseo - Desert Legends Women’s Weekend
Apr 2–5 at Hotel Zoso
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KGAY 103.1 FM
The KGAY 103.1 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 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 103.1 online
This Weekend: DJ Galaxy will be playing International Bear Convergence on Friday February 20 from 4–9 pm and you can also find him at Vista Grande Resort on Wednesdays & Saturdays from 12–3 pm! On Sunday, February 22 at 10 am, Modgirl will bring the funday morning vibes to A.M. Stream at Café La Jefa.
KGAY 103.1 is giving listeners the chance to WIN A PAIR OF VIP TICKETS to Palm Springs Speaks presents Wade Rouse, where the bestselling author joins Steven Rowley for an engaging conversation celebrating the release of his new book, That’s What Friends Are For. The event takes place Tuesday, February 24 at 7:30 pm at The Plaza Theatre, with a book signing to follow. It’s a standout literary evening—and KGAY listeners have the chance to experience it in true VIP style. Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page
Sunny 106.5 FM
Take the sunshine indoors with the Sunny 106.5 Alexa skill — just tell Alexa to “enable Sunny Palm Springs Radio skill” and the brightest variety will be one voice command away at home or at work. Sunny 106.5 is the Coachella Valley’s new home for feel‑good hits from the ’90s, 2000s, and beyond, blending familiar favorites with local updates and weekday weather from Patrick Evans. Play Sunny 106.5 Online
- Inside Modernism Week’s Lecture and Film Series with Curator Mark Davis
- Explore Coachella Valley Trails and Wildflowers: Inside the Latest Hiking With T Adventure
- Why Early Colorectal Cancer Screening Saves Lives: DAP Health Highlights Risks and Prevention
- PIPPIN – Reviewed by Stephen Radosh
- Glisten: Why GLSEN’s New Name Marks a Powerful Shift for LGBTQ+ Youth
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 2026 Coachella Valley Calendar of Events.
Listen to KGAY over the air, stream it [here], or listen on iHeart Radio with Alexa or Siri by saying “Play K-G-A-Y” 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.