Future Without Fear is the theme for this year’s Outfest, where I attended opening night Thursday evening. It’s been one of my favorite summertime events since moving to Los Angeles nearly 20 years ago. Over the decades, I’ve gotten to know actors, filmmakers, fellow journalists and a community that celebrates diversity on the silver screen.
So last night was somewhat of a homecoming – seeing many familiar faces. Jason Stuart, who now calls Palm Springs home, was among them. He’s been a part of Outfest for many years. Dylan Mulvaney opened the evening and introduced trans filmmaker Aitch Alberto, director of the opening night film Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. This marks the first time in Outfest’s history that both Opening and Closing night will feature films made by trans artists. Representation matters.
Now for something completely different: I’m off to Gay Wine Weekend in Sonoma, where temps will also be sizzling. No matter whether you are going to Outfest, San Diego Pride, Gay Wine Weekend, or the Mid-Summer Dance Party, we’ve got you covered with all the events for July 2023. Stay hydrated!
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Mid-Summer Dance Party
The Palm Springs Art Museum presents an Artful Event fundraiser: the return of the Mid-Summer Dance Party on Saturday, July 15 from 8–11 pm at Palm Springs Art Museum’s Architecture and Design Center. KGAY 106.5 and Gay Desert Guide are proud media sponsors! This year’s event promises to be a spectacular night of entertainment as DJ Modgirl takes you on a journey back to the ’80s. With a cash bar by Reforma Palm Springs and complimentary BuzzBox tastings including the Coachella Valley Firebirds Paloma (usually only available at Acrisure Arena), this is a unique opportunity for the community to come together to enjoy an evening of fun and nostalgia. After the party, keep your wristband on and head across the street to Reforma, where that wristband gets you in FREE to their Disco Inferno weekly house music party, which goes ’til 2 am! Get tickets
Cars and Paws for a Cause
Exotic Motor Cars is hosting Cars and Paws for a Cause, an adoption event at their Palm Springs showroom this Saturday, July 15 from 10 am–3 pm. This adoption event is the highlight of Exotic Motor Cars’ summer-long fundraising efforts benefiting Palm Springs Animal Shelter, so come on out to meet and greet some of the shelter’s wonderful adoptable pets, and maybe take home a car! More info
San Diego Pride
San Diego Pride is taking place from July 8–16, with the Pride Parade on Saturday, July 15 at 10 am beginning at the Hillcrest Pride Flag and going for 1.5 miles. San Diego’s Pride Parade is the largest single-day civic event in the region and is among the largest Prides in the United States, attracting over 300,000 cheering supporters of the LGBTQ community. This year’s theme is “Thrive.” There are many events throughout the week of San Diego pride [Learn more]. The San Diego Pride Festival goes from 11 am–10 pm on Saturday & Sunday, highlighting the best in LGBTQ entertainment, interactive exhibits, cultural presentations, and community resources. More info
Revolution of Love San Diego Pride Party
Equality California presents Revolution of Love as the theme for Pride parties throughout the state this year, including this weekend in San Diego on Saturday, July 15 at 6 pm at Barrel & Board. EQCA says, “With anti-LGBTQ+ extremists attacking our community and trying to take away our basic civil rights, we have one thing to say — LGBTQ+ people will not be erased! This Pride season we’re igniting a Revolution of LOVE.✊” More info
Gay Wine Weekend
Out In The Vineyard presents “3 Days of Gay” for Gay Wine Weekend, from Friday, July 14–Sunday, July 16. The weekend features winemaker dinners, winery tours and a drag queen brunch & wine auction along with a pool party to wind down the weekend. The signature event of the weekend is the Twilight T-Dance which this year will be held at the iconic La Crema Winery Estate in the Russian River Valley Region, a shift north in locale from previous Sonoma Valley-based Gay Wine Weekends. The weekend benefits Face to Face, the Sonoma County HIV/AIDS Network. More info
Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Film Fest
The 41st Annual Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Film Festival (the biggest LGBTQ+ film festival in the world) is taking place now through Sunday, July 23, in different venues around Los Angeles. Outfest helps LGBTQIA+ storytellers overcome barriers to entry into the entertainment industry by providing critical skills, access and support to both emerging and established filmmakers. There are many events, workshops, masterclasses, and panels for both the community and filmmakers to participate in, plus all the film screenings and even a virtual festival you can enjoy from anywhere. The festival ends with a Closing Night Gala featuring Chasing Chasing Amy, directed by Sav Rodgers. More info
Merman to Premiere at Outfest
Nurse educator Andre Chambers of Palm Springs is profiled in the short film Merman, premiering at Outfest in the film short compilation “Express Yourself” on Thursday, July 20 at 5 pm at the Directors Guild of America, Theater 2. The film features Chambers speaking about his life as an emergency nurse, Mr. Leather titleholder, civil rights advocate, and icon of Palm Springs. Learn about his unconventional life journey as a Black, queer man growing up in the volatile 1970’s and how it has led to his current activism. Also available to stream online starting July 24. More info
Vote for Mitch! – Favorite Chef
Palm Springs’ own Mitchell Battersby is currently in 3rd place in the prestigious Favorite Chef competition, presented by celebrity chef Carla Hall. In this tournament-style competition, competitors go through rounds, and those with the most votes in those rounds move on. To win Favorite Chef, one must leverage the power of social media and word-of-mouth advertising to garner the support of the public to vote. From a humble group of over 100 talented chefs, Mitch has challenged himself to prove time and again that his culinary skills are unrivaled. As he continues to work toward the finals, you can help Mitch win by voting daily, and if he wins the competition, he’s donating $5,000 to Palm Springs Pride to help keep Pride free for everyone. Vote today
RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq the World Tour
The world’s largest drag production, RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq the World Tour, comes to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage on Saturday, July 15 at 8 pm. Asia O’Hara, Bosco, DeJa Skye, Jujubee, Lady Camden, Laganja, Vanessa Vanjie and select finalists from Season 15 are unknowingly trapped in the Netwerq…free your mind with this show that asserts “perception is not reality.” (Line-up subject to change). Get tickets
Mean Girls: The Musical – High School Version
Palm Canyon Theatre and the Palm Springs Unified School District present the regional premiere of Mean Girls: The Musical – High School Version this Thursday–Sunday, July 13–16. This production stars several of your favorite Musical Theatre University (MTU) performers, and it is based on the popular 2004 movie. It’s about Cady Heron, a teenager who moves from Africa to Illinois and enters a new high school. As she tries to fit in and climb the popularity ladder, she learns important lessons about friendship, authenticity, and the consequences of her actions. Get tickets
Boyz Night Out
On Friday, July 14—and every Friday night!— Zoso Fun presents Boyz Night Out at Hotel Zoso from 4–8 pm. This legendary pool party and happy hour is hosted by Snatch and features music from K-Gay’s own multi award-winning deejay Vincente Corrales as DJ Galaxy! Come and enjoy go-go boys, awesome drink specials, pop up drag events, PS Flaggers and more, and kick off the weekend! More info
Wine & Weenies
Wine & Weenies is taking place every Friday in July from 5–7 pm at PSBS (Palm Springs Bottle Shop). Admission gets you two glasses of wine, a hot dog, a bag of chips, and a whole lotta fun! Come cool off on Friday evenings with good people, cold wine, and hot dogs with a chance to shop late at PSBS and Mojave Flea Trading Post. A portion of ticket sales benefits the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. Get tickets
Recap: Season 8 RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, Episode 11
Gay Desert Guide Drag Correspondent Dante Noto has your latest recap for RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 8, Episode 11: The Fame Games Variety Extravaganza, where it’s down to the top two queens of the season, Jimbo and Kandy Muse. Dante explains they “had a pact to make it together to the end and it held up where other alliances failed. After some buffoonery, wig pulling and friendly trash talk, it’s evident: the alliance is ovah! Kandy’s ready to go head to head and tit to tit for the crown.” In addition to their face off, the eliminated queens are back to compete in the Fame Games, where fans cast votes online in support of their unaired runway looks. You can vote Friday–Sunday, July 14–16. Find out how when you read Dante’s full recap of Episode 11 [here].
Dive-In Movie: Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Palm Desert Aquatic Center presents their Dive-In Movie Series, sponsored by Family YMCA of the Desert, this Friday, July 14 at 7:30 pm at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center. The film will be Sonic the Hedgehog 2. The many amenities will be open including the slides, rock climbing wall, rope swing and more. Bring the kids, towels, a blanket and your swimsuits! More info
Into the Woods in LA
Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh is back from a visit to the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles to report that “the Los Angeles production of Into the Woods transported the audience on a captivating journey through the dark and whimsical realms of classic fairy tales and newly crafted ones.” He goes on to report that the entire cast was without a weak link and “The complex themes and intricate plot were handled with care, allowing the audience to navigate the intertwining narratives effortlessly…exploring the consequences of wishes and the blurred lines between right and wrong.” It runs until July 30. Read the full review
Broadway to the BIG SCREEN – Evita
Every Saturday this summer, the Palm Springs Cultural Center presents the great musicals that made it from Broadway to the BIG SCREEN (and sometimes back again). On Saturday, July 15 at 4 pm, the featured film is Evita. Eva Duarte Peron (Madonna) rises from poverty to become an Argentinian actress and the wife of powerful President Juan Peron (Jonathan Pryce) in this movie musical based on the award-winning Broadway hit. Through a series of flashbacks, Eva transforms from an impoverished teenager into a woman of influence and power before dying at the tender age of 33. Antonio Banderas serves as the cynical narrator, Che. MeTV 103.1 fm is a proud media sponsor of the Broadway to the BIG SCREEN Film Series! Get tickets
Sing Along With Us – On the Town
The Palm Springs Cultural Center presents classic movie musicals in the Sing Along With Us Film Series all summer long, on the largest screen in the valley at the Historic Camelot Theatre. The Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus will lead the singing. On Sunday, July 16 at 3 pm, come sing along to On the Town. Fun-loving sailors Gabey (Gene Kelly), Chip (Frank Sinatra) and Ozzie (Jules Munshin) have 24 hours of shore leave in New York City, and they want to make every second count. While Chip hooks up with loudmouth cab driver Brunhilde (Betty Garrett) and Ozzie swoons for prim anthropologist Claire (Ann Miller), Gabey falls in love with an actress he sees in an advertisement, Ivy Smith (Vera-Ellen). Leonard Bernstein, with lyricists Betty Comden and Adolph Green, provides the music. Gay Desert Guide and KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs are proud media sponsors of the Sing Along With Us This Summer Film Series! Get tickets
🙌 You can enter to win tickets to Sing Along With Us on the KGAY Contest Page! 🙌
The Dirty Show with Skyler Gentry
Ben Zook from the hit gay web series, “Where the Bears Are” is back with The Dirty Show, playing America’s favorite actor-singer-dancer-psychic, Skyler Gentry. The show will performed Saturday, July 15 at 7 pm, at Dietlart Gallery. This stage show is really dirty, really gay and filled with music, laughs and psychic readings with audience members. Who knows? Maybe Skyler will read YOU! This is your last chance to see this original version of “The Dirty Show with Skyler Gentry” in Palm Springs (An all-new Dirty Show 2.0 is coming in the Fall). Get tickets
Idyllwild Arts Jazz in the Pines
Idyllwild Arts Academy presents the 29th year of its popular annual fundraiser, Jazz In The Pines, from July 3–15 on campus as well as select venues with an exciting lineup of live performances and workshops. This year’s Jazz In The Pines is curated once again by New York Times-featured jazz vocalist Rose Colella, who has performed at the festival for many years. Remaining performances include Marshall Hawkins’ Seahawk MOJO, Women in Jazz: featuring Sherry Williams, Yve Evans & Rose Colella, the Student Culmination Showcase, The Randy Plummer Duo, the Owen Zorn Duo, and Nora Germain. Get tickets
Visitor Map & Guide Summer Edition
The Summer 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, Attractions, Gay Resorts with passes, Dispensaries and other services. You can also view it online, and download the PDF [here].
LOOKING AHEAD
Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage
Wristbands are available now for Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage 2023. For just $10, your event wristband opens up a world of exclusive summer specials at participating Rancho Mirage restaurants so you can savor the best of the Rancho Mirage culinary scene, kicking off Monday, July 17 and going through August 13. See our event listing for a link to participating restaurants and their exclusive Taste of Summer offers. Wristbands can be picked up at a variety of non-profits (see the full list here). 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!
On the Air: KGAY 106.5
Win Big Bear ROMP Passes
You can WIN a pair of Big Bear ROMP 2023 Weekend Passes with KGAY 106.5 and Gay Desert Guide! You’ll find mountains of men and mischief this August 17–20 at The Lodge at Big Bear Lake. Big Bear ROMP is one of southern California’s most unique weekend events for eight years running, featuring 15-plus hours of pool parties, dance parties, glow bowling, bitchy bingo brunch and other great social events in the cool mountain air. This year’s comedy headliner is Taylor Williamson from America’s Got Talent. Enter to win passes on the KGAY Contest Page!
Win Tickets to Out on the Mountain
KGAY 106.5 and Gay Desert Guide have your tickets to Out on the Mountain, taking place Friday August 18 at Six Flags Magic Mountain! Get your gay thrills on with lots of rides, dance music, and entertainment. It’s the annual Six Flags Magic Mountain private party for the LGBTQ community. Enjoy a full park private party of entertainment and inclusive fun for 5,000+ LGBTQ and friends from 6 pm–12 am , as well as with general public from 10:30 am–6 pm. Enter to win on the KGAY Contest Page!
Vacaya Resort Sweepstakes
You can WIN 7 nights at an all-inclusive resort vacation for 2 during VACAYA’s Mexico Resort Takeover! The complimentary room includes: Beautiful accommodations for 7 nights at Hilton Vallarta Riviera, unlimited standard drinks for length of stay, delicious food in 7 restaurants, including a bountiful buffet open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus a fitness center, pool and beach volleyball, kayaking & snorkeling on site, yoga classes, and of course, all the VACAYA signature activities, parties, and entertainment! SIGN UP TO WIN
Win Summer Sing Along Tickets
Musicals are back on the big screen this summer at the Palm Springs Cultural Center and you can WIN tickets from KGAY 106.5 & Gay Desert Guide! Your favorite Broadway musicals that made it on the big screen are on the biggest screen in the valley (with hot buttered popcorn and your favorite beverage) on Sundays at 3 pm, with the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus leading the Sing Along. More information on the series here and you can enter to win tickets on the KGAY Contest Page!
Chill Out On Us at McDonald’s
KGAY 106.5 has your chance to WIN a $25 ARCH Card so you can sip into summer! Now, try McDonald’s refreshing, new Frozen Hawaiian Fruit Punch, or a Frozen Fanta Blue Raspberry. Or stay cool with your favorite Smoothie or Frappé today. Perfect for chilling out. At participating McDonald’s. Enter to win on the KGAY Contest Page!
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! And speaking of pool parties, DJ Galaxy is also spinning Fridays at Boyz Night Out at Hotel Zoso. Listen Online
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 appearing at The Rowan Window Bar each Thursday from 7–10 pm and Friday from 4–7 pm, and spinning at the Mid-Summer Dance Party on Saturday night! Listen online
On the Air: 103.1 MeTV fm
Join MeTV fm for the music and memories of the year 1983 beginning FRIDAY at 7 pm on 103.1 MeTV fm, or listen online. 103.1 MeTV fm is KGAY’s sister station, featuring a unique mix of timeless and memorable music incorporating a wide variety of classic hits, deep tracks and softer sounds spanning several decades of popular music, including the ‘60s and ‘70s with a touch of the ‘50s and ‘80s. Listen online
- Artful Event – Mid-Summer Dance Party
Sat. Jul 15 from 8–11 pm, Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture & Design Center - San Diego Pride
Jul 15 & 16 at Balboa Park - Vote for Mitch – Favorite Chef Mitchell Battersby
Daily voting through Aug 7 - OutFest LA LGBTQ+ Film Fest 2023
Jul 13–23 at various locations around Los Angeles - Gay Wine Weekend
Jul 14–16 in Sonoma Wine Country - Zoso Fun Presents Boyz Night Out
Fri. Jul 14 from 4–8 pm (and every Friday ongoing) at Hotel Zoso - 2023 DBA Impact Awards – Business and Community Awards
Mon. Jul 24 from 5–9 pm at Agua Caliente Casino, Palm Springs - Big Bear Romp 2023
Aug 17–20 at The Lodge at Big Bear Lake - Out on the Mountain 2023
Fri. Aug 18 from 6 pm–12 am at Six Flags Magic Mountain - Odesza -The Last Goodbye Tour
Wed. Sep 20 at 6:30 pm at Acrisure Arena - Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend
Sep 20–24 at Margaritaville Resort - Madonna -The Celebration Tour
Thu. Jan 11 at 8:30 pm at Acrisure Arena
- The Dinah Unveils Its 2023 Lineup: Princess Nokia, Doechii, Phem, G Flip, Xana, Keeana Kee & Black Box
- 25 Charities to Benefit from Barry Manilow’s ‘A Gift of Love’ Concert Series in December
- Desert Business Association Announces Recipients of the 2023 DBA Impact Awards – Business and Community Awards
- Jonathan Bennett Surprises Local Palm Canyon Theatre Production of ‘Mean Girls’
- Palm Springs International Airport Launches New Website
An essential Palm Springs dining experience, Zin American Bistro has been the place to go since 2004 for wine, creative, fresh, locally sourced cuisine and craft cocktails. Their cooled large patio is perfect for champagne brunches, relaxed lunches and late night dining. Save big with our HOT DEAL and get a $50 gift card to Zin American Bistro for just $35! Get Your Deal
We also have Hot Deals at Rick’s Desert Grill, Hunters Nightclub, Trevor Wayne Pop Art, Kitchen 86, Grand Central, AMP Sports Lounge, Coachella Valley Coffee Co., Palm Springs Fine Men’s Salon, Papa Dan’s Pizza and Pasta, Men’s Grooming Spot, Destination PSP, V Wine Lounge & Martini Bar, Desert Mischief, Jolene’s Bar & Lounge, Willie’s Modern Fare, Lulu California Bistro 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.” 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)