Our 4th of July holiday weekend feels a little like an invasion is coming into our hamlet(s). There’s a general uneasiness with visitors arriving in town, but given our tourist economy we roll out the welcome mat with a dose of hand sanitizer and masks up.
Many businesses had to pivot for the new restrictions put in place by the state and county yesterday. From bars having to close (Arenas Road only has retail open) to movie theaters and restaurants, it’s going to be more of a “stay-cation” weekend for locals and visitors alike.
The only fireworks are those from the Rancho Mirage Spa Resort Casino Spa. Plans for the reopening of the Mary Pickford went on hold, but they’re offering free ice cream Saturday afternoon and popcorn pickup Friday & Saturday. V Wine Lounge remains open as they serve food on their expansive patio. Next door, Koffi reopens this weekend. We’ve seen innovative ways to serve outdoors like Elmer’s, which erected open air tents. While hotel openings are hit and miss, All Worlds Resort is opening its outdoor maze with day and night passes. The indoor maze is closed indefinitely.
So #WearADamnMask and keep yourself and others safe this weekend. We’ll keep you updated on social media @gaydesertguide on your social media app of choice. This is one 4th of July we shall not forget…and hopefully one we will not regret.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide.
I Love Gay Palm Springs Podcast – Episode 52
Hosts John Taylor and comedian Shann Carr are joined by Dr Laura Rush, Brad Fuhr of GayDesertGuide.com …
Hamilton: Free Community Drive-in Theatre
The Palm Springs Cultural Center is previewing their new Drive-In Experience on Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5 with special FREE community screenings of the Tony-Award winning smash musical Hamilton. Choose from socially distanced seating near the screen or various tiers of car spots. Full concessions available, including popcorn, hot dogs, and frozen treats, open for the duration of the film. Space is limited, reservations required. Lot opens at 7:30 p.m., screening around 8:45 p.m. More info
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Fourth of July Fireworks at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage
Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage presents a Fourth of July Celebration on Saturday, July 4. The fireworks begin at 9:00 p.m. with free admission and parking available at limited capacity due to social distancing protocols. Bring chairs, blankets and snacks, with face coverings required while on property. More info
Gay History Virtual Walking Tour
On Sunday, July 5 from 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m., join The Men Event and Gay Desert Guide for a Gay History Virtual Tour of Greenwich Village. Venture into the heart of where the Stonewall riots took place and the first Gay Pride parade started a year later. Professor Andrew Lear has designed this tour to bring New York’s gay *history* out of the closet. The Village has been the center of all of the city’s many countercultures and artistic movements, from the Bohemians of the World War I period to the Beats, the Abstract Expressionists, the New York School, Pop Art, the creators of Off (and Off-Off) Broadway, and of course the gay liberation movement. Discover more about these LGBT greats: Herman Melville and Henry James, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Eleanor Roosevelt, James Baldwin, Allen Ginsberg, and Andy Warhol. Get tickets
“Standing Zoom Only” Cabaret Performance
Join CVRep on Thursday, July 2 at 6:00 p.m. for an intimate evening with husband and wife musical team Diane Vincent and Sam Kriger. Grab a front row sofa as they share stories and songs from their 30 plus years in show business – including memories of working with such legendary performers as Carol Burnett, Mickey Rooney, Donald O’ Connor, Shirley Jones and many others. Registration required. More info
Outfest Pride Project
Outfest, in partnership with AARP, presents The Outfest Pride Project, running through July 5. This digital platform was designed to bring exclusive LGBTQ+ programming to support, amplify, and uplift LGBTQ+ older adults while they shelter in place. The project features a curated selection of feature-length and short film highlights from Outfest’s flagship festivals Outfest Fusion and Outfest Los Angeles, as well as live Q&As, that shine a spotlight on those in our global queer and trans family living out and proud across generations. Watch now
Virtual Cinema at Palm Springs Cultural Center
The Palm Springs Cultural Center is offering some great new films this week in their Virtual Cinema program, including a “lost classic,” Mr. Topaze, starring Peter Sellers in his sole directorial effort. Auguste Topaze, a poor but proud French schoolmaster, loses his job after he refuses to alter the failing grades of one of students. Seizing the opportunity to exploit his honesty, actress Suzy Courtois convinces her lover, the corrupt city council member Castel Benac, to hire Topaze as a managing director for one of his shady businesses. [view trailer] [get your V-ticket]
Genuine Movie Theatre Popcorn Curbside
Though they’ve had to once again stop screening films due to state COVID-19 orders, Mary Pickford Theatre – D’Place Entertainment is offering freshly popped Movie Theater Popcorn and other snacks Friday and Saturday from 4:00–7:30 p.m. with convenient curbside pickup. On July 4 only, as a thank you to the community, they are offering a FREE scoop of their craft ice cream from 1:00–7:00 p.m. More info
Get Inspired by Michael Childers
This week’s At-Home Activity from the Palm Springs Art Museum is about representing identity through portraiture, whether it’s a close likeness or more of a window into one individual’s expression. Michael Childers has made a career out of photographing people and creating portraits, including many iconic film stars, artists, actors, and writers of our time. Learn more about Childers and this week’s activity [here].
LOOKING AHEAD
Jazz in the Pines
Idyllwild Arts Academy has reimagined their popular annual fundraiser, Jazz in the Pines, with a lineup of live and recorded performances and workshops to be streamed online July 5–17. Jazz In The Pines will include public performances, an “In Conversation” series with the artists, open masterclasses, and special events. The festival will be free and open to all, catering to everyone from seasoned Jazz fans to those new to the scene. More info
Virtual Events at The Center
Looking for connection in this time of self-isolation? The LGBT Center of the Desert continues to connect people, using the technology of group-meeting platform Zoom, which you can use on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Here’s just a taste of the programs they are hosting:
Social Caring in the Face of Quarantine with Alexis Ortega – Monday at 11:00 a.m.
Managing Emotions During a Pandemic with Jill Hingston, Ph.D – Tuesday at 11:00 a.m.
Coping for Couples with Arlen Keith Leight, LCSW, Ph.D – Tuesday at 11:00 a.m.
LGBTQ+ Youth Virtual Hangout with Miguel Navarro – Wednesday at 3:00 p.m.
Seated Wellness with Lynn Simonson – Thursday at 10:00 a.m.
Women’s Chat with Kim Kieler – Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
Who Cares: Caregiver Support Group with Perry Wiggins – Fridays at 3:00 p.m.
Men’s Chat with Stuart Huggins – Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
Virtual Beginner Tap with Keith Mottola – Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m.
Zumba for Beginners with Shaun Samaro – Mondays at 10:00 a.m.
New groups starting next week from Behavioral Health @The Center:
Bereavement Therapy Group, starting July 6
Gay Men Living with HIV, starting July 8
Write that Memoir
Have you always wanted to write your story, but just didn’t have the time or support? How about having both right now? This four week series starting Thursday, July 9 at 4:00 p.m. may be a good time to finally let your story fly! Ronni Sanlo, Ed.D. will walk you through the process over the course of four easy sessions. Get a good jump-start on your memoir. A portion of your registration fee will be donated to The LGBT Community Center of the Desert. More info
Positive Life Series for July
The Positive Life Series is monthly community HIV/AIDS seminar series presented by HIV + Aging Research Project Palm Springs. On Tuesday, July 7 at 6:00 p.m., Dr. Dave Grelotti & Brook Henry will speak on cannabis research at UCSD’s HIV Neurobehavioral Research Center. Zoom advance registration required. More info
Luminary Match-Up: Millicent Martin and Teri Ralston
CVRep will be matching up two shining stars on Tuesday, July 7 at 6:00 p.m. The dynamic duo of Millicent Martin and Teri Ralston will interview each other and you’ll hear the inside stories of their lives, friendship, and acting careers. Registration required. More info
Drive-In Movie: Andy Samberg’s “Palm Springs”
“Palm Springs,” the new comedy starring Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti, opens Friday, July 10 and continues on Saturday and Sunday nights as well, at the Palm Springs Cultural Center’s new Drive-In Movie Experience. Choose from socially distanced seating near the screen or various tiers of car spots. Full concessions available, including popcorn, hot dogs, and frozen treats, open for the duration of the film. Space is limited, reservations required. Lot opens at 7:30 p.m., screening around 8:45 p.m. More info
Palm Springs Launches Census Action Week
Palm Springs mayor pro tem Christy Holstege, Councilmember Grace Garner and the City’s “Complete Count Census Committee” will launch “Census Action Week,” July 7-11, in several underserved neighborhoods. The 2020 Census is underway now and it is critically important that every household take part in the survey so that our city can receive its fair share of millions of dollars in federal funding for community projects and initiatives that will help shape the future of Palm Springs for generations to come. More info
Big Gay Zoom That Tune – July 13
The Men Event and Gay Desert Guide present the Big Gay Zoom That Tune Interactive Game Show on Monday, July 13 at 4:15 p.m. Join the fun for lots of laughing, socializing and Type A competitiveness as you test your knowledge of music in this fun interactive event. All of your favorite songs are in play including classics, pop, broadway, diva anthems, rock and more. Earn extra points by answering bonus questions. DJ Stevie Beat is famous for his gay Zoom That Tune games and this event promised to get you laughing and interacting with the other players. Get tickets
Virtual Gay Wine Week
Sonoma’s Gay Wine Weekend, produced by Out in the Vineyard, is going virtual this year with interesting, illuminating and fun events in the virtual space. All you have to do is sit back, uncork a bottle or two of Sonoma Wine, and join online! Look for reports from Brad Fuhr live from Sonoma. [More info] – Events include:
- Colors of Wine Country on Friday, July 17 at 6:00 p.m. – A conversation with Black leaders in the wine/hospitality industry.
- Virtual Wine Tour on Saturday, July 18 at 10:00 a.m. – A virtual journey through the Sonoma Valley, exploring the best wines of the region.
- Virtual Twilight T-Dance on Saturday, July 18 at 5:00 p.m. – Featuring past T-Dance DJ’s spinning for your at-home dance party, with special performances from Transcendence Theatre Company and more.
- Drag Queen Bingo, Bubbles & Wine Auction on Sunday, July 19 at 10:00 a.m. – Join hostess Ruby Red Munro for some much needed fun and stay for the annual Wine Auction.
Safer Together, Greater Together
Gay Desert Guide has taken the Safer Together, Greater Together Pledge. By taking this pledge, GayDesertGuide.LGBT is making a commitment to ensure the safety and well-being of our visitors, workforce, and all of our neighbors, families, and friends. The Safer Together, Greater Together Pledge is a unified approach destination-wide among all of the business partners of Visit Greater Palm Springs.
Welcome New Partner!
Fiber-Seal Desert/Inland Empire is the leader in fine fabric, carpet, and rug protection, cleaning and maintenance since 1971. Their customized service allows residential and commercial clients to enjoy fine furnishings they have selected without worrying about spills and soils. The Fiber-Seal Fabric Care System helps make the pretty, practical, and the luxurious, livable–all at a cost-effective price. Learn more
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Pinocchio in the Desert is a favorite among visitors and locals alike, and their air-cooled patio is a great spot for Sunday brunch, breakfast, or lunch. If you haven’t already, pick up our HOT DEAL: Get $25 of food and drink at Pinocchio in the Desert for just $17.50! That’s a savings of 30%!
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