Brad Fuhr Caricature

Elenor Roosevelt is quoted as saying “Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people”. I’ll add to that by saying “All minds talk about the weather”, and we’ve had our share this winter.

This is certainly not the norm for the destination that boasts over 350 days of sunshine. The low snow levels, high winds and rain have made many an event planner shiver and recoil to an indoor safe haven this week.

We’re monitoring contingency plans for IBC Pool Parties, Modernism events like “Boots On Arenas” and more. Stay up to date by tuning in to KGAYPalmSprings.com or on air at 106.5 FM for updates. Soon, this cold snap will be a distant memory and “all minds” will be focused on the heat. Mother Nature, you just can’t win!

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

For the latest, follow our socials @GayDesertGuide and @KGAY1065 and listen to KGAY Palm Springs wherever you may be!
#ILoveGayPalmSprings #ILoveGayCatCity #ILoveGayTravel #ILoveGay #SayKGAY (and win!)

International Bear Convergence (IBC) 2023

The International Bear Convergence, IBC 2023, is an amazing weekend full of “Fun, Frolic & Fur” at Hotel Zoso. IBC is the premier winter event for the Bear community, welcoming thousands of frisky bears, muscle bears, cubs, chasers, chubs, admirers & their fans to have the time of their lives. 2022 broke all previous attendance records and in 2023 they expect to do it again. With daily pool parties, speed dating, hot DJs, a Bear Heat late-night party with a live performance by CeCe Peniston, Hungry Bear Drag Brunch, and The Dirty Show with Skyler Gentry, the weekend is packed with things to do and we’ve got the run-down on our event page: More info

Boots on Arenas

Modernism Week presents Boots on Arenas, a street party celebration honoring Nancy Sinatra on Saturday, February 25 from 4:30–5:30 pm, ☔️ rain or shine! ☀️ Pull out your miniskirts and go-go boots and set your 60s bombshell hair, then walk on down to Arenas Road for a celebration with Nancy Sinatra and the Modernism Week double decker bus. Bella da Ball will cruise down Arenas Road for the ultimate dance celebration of These Boots are Made for Walkin‘, Modernism Week’s penultimate night street party! More info

The L-Fund Gala

Join the the L-Fund for their 10th Anniversary “Luck Be a Lady” L-Fund Gala on Saturday, February 25, from 5–9 pm at the Margaritaville Resort. This red-carpet event supports cis & trans Lesbians in the Coachella Valley. With dinner, dancing, and gambling (poker, blackjack, craps, roulette), plus a silent auction and raffle prizes for casino winners. Entertainment by Elaine Gibbs and band. 2023 honorees include: Jill Hingston, PhD, LMFT, Rhonda Ceccato, and Kim Kieler. Get tickets

Modernism Week Closing Weekend

Modernism Week’s annual 11-day festival wraps up this weekend, running through Sunday, February 26, with tours of iconic homes in more than 24 neighborhoods and 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

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 throughout the run of Modernism Week.

The 10th Anniversary Modernism Yard Sale takes place on the final day of Modernism Week: Sunday, February 26 from 8 am–Noon. Brought to you by Modern Bear, and hosted by H3K Home, this annual sale has become one of Modernism Week’s most popular FREE events. Carefully curated vendors offer their highly coveted mix of vintage midcentury decorative furnishings, fashion, and collectibles where you may score a deal or a total steal! This event wouldn’t be complete without the complimentary coffee and donuts provided by Chris Bale Homes and Will Paine Homes while supplies last. More info

Peaches & Heklina’s High School Reunion

The Palm Springs Cultural Center presents Peaches and Heklina’s High School Reunion on Saturday, February 25 at 7 pm. Join Peaches Christ and Heklina as they celebrate dubious fashion choices, business women lunch specials, Post-its, and their High School Reunion. Wear your best Prom attire and enter the Prom King and Queen contest! The show also stars Mario Diaz, Clammy Faye/Nancy French, Mutha Chucka and more, while glamourous award-winning musical duo Deven Green & Handsome Ned play your favorite hits from the movie before the main event. After the pre-show, stick around for the free interactive screening of the iconic film, Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion. Get tickets

Black History Month Parade and Town Fair

**Note: Originally scheduled for Saturday, this event has been moved to Sunday to avoid a rainy forecast** In celebration of Black History Month, The Palm Springs Black History Committee and the City of Palm Springs James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center will host the 36th Annual City of Palm Springs Black History Month Parade and Town Fair on Sunday, February 26 from 11 am–6 pm. This year’s 2023 Black History Month theme is “Black Resistance.” The Parade starts on Palm Canyon Drive in Downtown Palm Springs. Immediately following the Parade, the Town Fair is held at the New Downtown Park in Palm Springs across the street from the Palm Springs Art Museum. More info

Don’t Worry Darling – Palm Springs Retro Style

Modernism Week Palm Springs presents Don’t Worry Darling – Palm Springs Retro Style on Saturday, February 25 at 2 pm. Palm Springs sets the stylish scene of the Warner Brothers psychological thriller Don’t Worry Darling, starring Harry Styles, Chris Pine, Florence Pugh, and director Olivia Wilde. Join three-time Oscar-nominated costume designer Arianne Phillips and location manager Chris Baugh as they offer a behind-the-scenes look on the essential parts of Hollywood filmmaking, costume design, set décor and the art of selecting the right location. Moderated by film and design journalist, and author, Cathy Whitlock (Designs on Film: A Century of Hollywood Art Direction), the panel will detail their creative process on everything from creating retro eye-candy costumes to sleek midcentury modern interiors and exteriors. Get tickets

Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man

Bus Stop Productions presents Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man in the Tropics Lounge at the Margaritaville Resort on Fridays and Saturdays from February 24–March 18, with two shows per night at 7 pm & 9:30 pm. This show has been sharing its upbeat brand of humor with theater audiences all across America for over five years! The play is set at a local university auditorium where the English department holds its monthly meet the authors event. Robyn is the shy and studious moderator of the event and this month’s featured author is Dan Anderson of Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man. With the help of a hunky stage assistant named Stefan, Dan aims to turn this meet the authors event upside down with a highly theatrical, audience interactive sex tip seminar. Get tickets

Once

CVRep presents Once, playing now through Sunday, March 11. 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. Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh says Once is “a total joy from the moment you enter the theatre until it lovingly sends you on your way home.” Read his full review [here] and 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

McCormick’s Exotic Car Auction

McCormick’s 74th Palm Springs Exotic Car Auction takes place Friday, Saturday & Sunday, February 24–26. This is a live, in person auction of classic, vintage, & muscle cars in the usual outdoor location on the grounds of The Palm Springs Convention Center. Prices range from just $3000 to over $250,000 and the general public as well as dealers are welcome. Friday is FREE admission with an expanded lot of 180 crossing the block. On Saturday and Sunday, admission is $15 (or $25 for both) and another 220 and 175 cars will be auctioned off, respectively. More info

The Red Sale at Revivals

The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert presents The Red Sale on Friday, February 24 from 6:30–8 pm at Revivals Palm Springs. Pick up the red-hot items you’ll need for the Red Dress/Dress Red party, and benefit the good work of Revivals while you’re doing it! More info

Get On Your Feet! at the McCallum

The McCallum Theatre presents the story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan told through music in On Your Feet! from Friday, February 24–Sunday, February 26. The show features some of the most iconic songs of the past quarter-century, including “Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” “Conga,” “Get On Your Feet,” “Don’t Want To Lose You Now,” “1-2-3” and “Coming Out of the Dark.” Next week: MNOZIL Brass on Monday, February 27, and Our Planet Live in Concert on Tueaday, February 28. Get tickets

Bear Naked

Western Xposure presents Bear Naked 2023 at CCBC Resort in Cathedral City from Friday, February 24–Sunday, February 26. This is an alternative party to IBC for guys looking to get naked. It is a complementary event to IBC, but not part of their event or run pass. They simply offer a clothing-optional place for pool parties (featuring DJ Big Top on Saturday and Sunday) and late night cruising during one of Southern California’s largest bear gatherings. Get tickets

ARRIVAL: The Music of ABBA

The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Rancho Mirage presents ARRIVAL: The Music of ABBA on Friday, February 24 at 8 pm. This tribute band was founded by Vicky Zetterberg in 1995 in Gothenburg, Sweden and very soon became one of the world’s most popular and best selling ABBA show bands. Since the start in 1995 the band has toured in 70 countries and has appeared in several TV and radio shows all over the world. Since 2005 ARRIVAL from Sweden has made 80 successful tours in the USA. Get tickets

On Saturday, February 25 at 8 pm, The Show presents Yuridia (SOLD OUT). This Mexican singer came in second place in the fourth season of the reality show La Academia, which launched her career. In 2005, Yuridia released her debut album La Voz de un Ángel. It became the second best-selling album in 2006 and one of the fastest-selling albums of all time in Mexico.

Jazzville: Lizzy & The Triggermen Modernism Week Performance

Jazzville invites you to experience the hottest acts in jazz and step back in time to when all the cool cats came to play and put Palm Springs on the map! On Saturday, February 25 from 7–8:30 pm, it’s Lizzy And The Triggermen live at the Annenberg Theater in Palm Springs – Presented by Modernism Week and Jazzville. With wailing horns, killer vocals, and a lethal rhythm section, the band channels the electrifying swagger of the big band sound and makes it feel new and modern through a mixture of originals and re-imagined vintage gems. Showgirls and dancers add an entertaining element of vintage nightclub glamour. Get tickets

Coachella Valley Wildflower 5K

Friends of the Desert Mountains present the Coachella Valley Wildflower 5K Trail Fun Run/Walk on Saturday, February 25 from 7:30–11 am on the Randall Henderson Trail. All ages are welcome; this family fun event is about experiencing nature at its best, with beautiful spring wildflowers and breathtaking views of the Santa Rosa mountains. Friends of the Desert Mountains is celebrating 35 years of conservation in the Coachella Valley. More info

Eevan Tré and The Show at The Gardens

Agua Caliente Casinos present The Gardens 25th Annual Concert Series on Saturday, February 25 from 4:30–7:30 pm with a concert by R&B singer/songwriter Eevan Tré and The Show, benefiting the Bianca Rae Foundation. 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: Slim Man (3/4), and John Stanley King Band (3/11). Get tickets

Brien O’Brien Salon Anniversary Party

Brien O’Brien Salon celebrates 15 years with an Anniversary Party on Friday, February 24 from 6–8 pm. Hosted by the lovely Ethylina Canne, sounds by the one and only DJ ModGirl, and open bar and nibbles by Lynn Hammond Catering. Featuring a huge raffle with prizes including a YEAR WORTH OF FREE HAIRCUTS* with all proceeds benefitting Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. More info

La Quinta Hot Rod & Custom Car Show

RESCHEDULED: Due to the rain forecast this weekend, the La Quinta Car Show has been rescheduled for next month on Saturday, March 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The 16th Annual La Quinta Hot Rod and Custom Car Show at at La Quinta Community Park features entertainment, food, drinks and a beer garden will be available at this FREE family friendly event. The vehicles will meander through the spacious grounds of the park, allowing viewers to take their time and comfortably enjoy each vehicle on display. This year the show will be recognizing several prize-winning categories, including Best Street Rod, Best Classic, Best Muscle Car, Best Sports Car, and more. More info

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

Riverside County Fair

The Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival continues for its final weekend, through Sunday, February 26, at the Riverside County Fairgrounds in Indio. 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. Get tickets

The Sounds of Frank & Ella

The Desert Wind Freedom Band presents the SOLD OUT “The Sounds of Frank & Ella” Jazz Band Concert & Gala Fundraiser on Sunday, February 26 at 4 pm. This audience favorite includes an Italian buffet with beer and wine, as well as a silent auction. Music provided by our community’s own Jazz Band and popular guest vocalists Hope Diamond and Patrick Barnitt. More info

Visitor Map & Guide Spring Edition is Here!

The Spring 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, Attraction, Gay Resorts with passes, Dispensaries and other services. You can also view it online, and download the PDF [here].

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!

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LOOKING AHEAD

DBA Networking Mixer at Grand Central

The Desert Business Association presents their next Networking Mixer on Monday, February 27 at 5:30 pm at Grand Central Palm Springs. Join hosts John and Rita in the center of downtown at the iconic La Plaza de California located between S. Palm Canyon Drive and Indian Canyon Drive. Come enjoy this funky-chic cafe serving California fare featuring unique coffee, tea, cocktails, and fantastic bar snacks. There will also be a raffle supporting LGBTQ Educational Youth Scholarships through Safe Schools Desert Cities. Bring a raffle item to donate and get a “shout out” for your effort, and bring some cash for tickets! More info

Palm Springs Chamber February Mixer

Everyone is invited to attend the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce‘s February Mixer at Palm Springs newest bar, restaurant and nightclub, Reforma, on Tuesday, February 28 from 5–6:30 pm. Come see what all the buzz is about! Free for members and $15 for guests. More info

Gunhild Carling – Jazzville 5th Anniversary

Jazzville invites you to experience the hottest acts in jazz and step back in time to when all the cool cats came to play and put Palm Springs on the map! On Thursday, March 2 from 7–8:30 pm, it’s Jazzville’s 5th Anniversary Show with Gunhild Carling, the Swedish star of Postmodern Jukebox. Gunhild is a world famous multi-instrumentalist and singer known as Sweden’s “Queen of Swing”, appearing at Jazzville to celebrate their big night with gypsy-swing guitarist Luca Pino and a killer band. Jazzville Anniversary shows always sell out, so grab your seats! Get tickets

Voice Overs…Now is Your Time!

Learn about the world of voiceover from a professional in the industry, Bridget Renshaw, on Monday, February 27 from 6:30–8:30 pm at the Palm Springs Leisure Center. In what could be the most enlightening 2 hours you’ve ever spent, this class will show you how you can actually begin using your speaking voice for commercials, films, videos, and more. With thirteen years of experience in the industry, Bridget Renshaw’s voice can be heard in commercials, animations, voice dubbing, corporate videos, eLearning, and video games. Get tickets

Cathedral City LGBT Days

Cathedral City LGBT Days returns NEXT WEEKEND: March 3–5, marking the first Pride celebration of the year! On FRIDAY, attend a free outdoor screening of Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, and the debut of the first-ever Pride–themed drone aerial show, all at the Cathedral City Amphitheater, followed by an official after-party. SATURDAY, enjoy Drag Brunch and a daytime Pool Party at Paloma Resort featuring celebrity DJs and guest hosts, and join famed comedian Del Shores and the cast of Sordid Lives in an all-star tribute to Leslie Jordan at the Mary Pickford Theater. SUNDAY cap it off with the iconic Bed Race in front of City Hall with host Bella da Ball, KGAY Morning Show host John Taylor, live music by The Dreamboats and Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus, and a Post-Race T-Dance hosted by the world-famous Abbey West Hollywood. More info

On the Air at KGAY 106.5

Win Tickets to the La Quinta Arts Celebration

The La Quinta Arts Celebration is ranked the number 1 Fine Art & Craft Event in the nation, and it’s happening Thursday, March 2–Sunday, March 5 at the La Quinta Civic Center. KGAY has your chance to win tickets to the La Quinta Arts Celebration, to see 200 juried, world class artists showcasing their original art. Enjoy gourmet food, Napa Valley wine, Margarita Island and live entertainment too! Enter to win on the KGAY 106.5 Contest Page

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 Partners!

Townie Bagels is located in the Warm Sands neighborhood in Palm Springs, so all you visiting bears in town for IBC this weekend, come on down to Townie and start your day with classic water-boiled bagels! Their old-school methods produce the shiny, malted, chewy crust that only a boiled bagel will have. Also serving coffee & espresso drinks, breakfast and sandwiches. Learn more

Alcazar Palm Springs is a 34-room boutique hotel located in the middle of the bustling Uptown Design District. They offer European style complimentary espresso/coffee, fresh juice and morning pastries, luxurious beds with super soft Italian linens, private patios, fireplaces, mountain views, and more. Enjoy this lush and relaxing modern oasis, and head down a short path to enjoy world-renowned restaurants Cheeky’s, Birba, Mr. Lyons and Seymour’s. Learn more

  1. Win Some Sexy Swimwear or Meet “Mr. Right” at IBC 2023
  2. Full Lineup of 2023 On-Site Activities Announced: New Era of Entertainment To Greet Fans in Tennis Paradise
  3. Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus Community Performances Include ‘Hitting New Heights’ with Mandy Gonzalez and Javier Muñoz at the McCallum
  4. Local PFLAG Chapter Disbands
  5. Restaurant News Bites: Electrical Issue Closes Rio Azul, Rooster and the Pig; Nobu Is Now a Year-Round Local; and More!

The Purple Room Restaurant and Stage is a destination for foodies and music lovers alike. Check out their latest newsletter here to get a heads-up on upcoming appearances by Tommy Tune, Lucie Arnaz, Joe Posa as Joan Rivers, Sam Harris, Scot Bruce as Elvis, The Kinsey Sicks, Lee Squared: The World Tour, and of course The Judy Show! And remember, weekdays swing with complimentary music 6:30–9:30pm. Tuesdays, enjoy jazz legend Rose Mallett, then Darci Daniels, Charles Herrera & Michael Holmes serve up classic Rat Pack Era stylings on Wednesdays, followed by ‘Va Va Voom’ Sharon Sills on Thursdays. Get our HOT DEAL and save 25% by getting a $50 gift card for just $37.50! Get Your Deal

We also have Hot Deals at V Wine Lounge, Il Giardino, Grand Central, Hunters Nightclub, Monster Shakes, Desert Mischief, Jolene’s, Rick’s, Lulu California Bistro, Trevor Wayne Pop Art, Destination PSP, Willie’s Modern Fare 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)