Gay Desert Guide Weekend Jun 12-14 2026
Brad Fuhr at the RCA

In a little under two weeks, KGAY is embarking on its second #SupportYourStation Week. It’s a time where we ask you, our listeners, to support our efforts with a modest monetary gift. And our Big Splash Pool Party will bring us all together on June 26th for a Pride month celebration where your admission supports the cause!

KGAY PSP is chartered as a public benefit corporation, meaning purpose over profit. For the time I’ve owned the station, I’m proud to point to the many ways in which we have served the LGBTQ+ community — here and far — both on air and online with GayDesertGuide.LGBT.

As the political climate has shifted, we’ve been on the forefront of shining a light on all the good things happening in #ILoveGayPalmSprings and throughout the Coachella Valley. But we’re not afraid to speak truth to power — even at the risk of our FCC licence. We frequently take on the administration’s draconian efforts to put us back in the closet.

Like the big television networks (who own broadcast stations across the country), we are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission. Brendan Carr’s threats against them have a chilling effect on all broadcasters. We don’t like the cold, so we turn up the heat.

Between morning host John Taylor, myself and program director/afternoon host Chris Shebel, we’re not afraid to put the administration’s foilables under a magnifying glass where maybe, just maybe, it puts the heat on our subject “insects”.

That’s why we solicit your support. This year, we’re putting a focus on asking our business community for support with our “Dollar A Day” program. Any business who wants to show their support for our community and our efforts on KGAY will be recognized as a KGAY Supporter on our website for just $365.

It also helps when you want to vet a “gay-friendly” business — something that has sparked a lot on controversy as of late, especially with our local restaurants. So, when you listen to KGAY starting Monday, June 22nd, you’ll hear John, Chris and me making the case for your support. The money we receive goes to help offset our streaming costs worldwide.

Please join us for the #SupportYourStation Big Splash Pool Party June 26th and consider additional support during the campaign.

Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide

For the latest, follow our socials @GayDesertGuide and @KGAYPalmSprings and listen to KGAY Palm Springs wherever you reside!
#ILoveGayPalmSprings #ILoveGayCatCity #ILoveGayTravel #ILoveGay #SayKGAY #FindYourOasis #SupportYourStation #VisitGPS #LGBTQTravel #VisitPalmSprings

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XOXO Palm Springs: Citywide Arts & Culture Festival

XOXO

XOXO Palm Springs: Citywide Arts & Culture Festival has landed, transforming the city into an openโ€‘air celebration of theatre, film, drag, architecture, live music, and culinary experiences from June 11โ€“22. Events unfold across venues including the Plaza Theatre, Spirit Animal at Hotel Zoso, Palm Springs Cultural Center, and more, with offerings ranging from Shakespeare under the stars to drag brunches, whiskey tastings, art walks, and free outdoor concerts. Our online Events Calendar is bursting with XOXO events, check it out! More info


Indio Center Stage Pride Celebration

Indio Center Stage Pride

The Indio Center Stage Pride Celebration lights up Downtown Indio on Saturday, June 13 from 6โ€“9:30 pm, offering a free, allโ€‘ages evening of live music and community pride. Performances include Ju!ian and the Band, Giselle Woo & The Night Owls, and Mariachi Arcoรญris, creating a vibrant gathering for families, friends, and allies. More info


Equality Wine & Food Fest

Equality Wine Food Fest

The Equality Wine & Food Fest returns to the Hyatt Palm Springs on Saturday, June 13, with VIP entry at 12 pm and Grand Tasting from 1โ€“4 pm. Named one of the nationโ€™s top LGBTQ+ food, wine, and spirits festivals, the event features over 100 wines from LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and womenโ€‘owned producers, gourmet food samples, retail popโ€‘ups, and a silent auction. Live entertainment includes sets by MODGIRL, plus appearances by Olivia Sandusky and Mark Mester. Proceeds benefit HRC, the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, and Brothers of the Desert. More info


Catalina Island Pride

Catalina Island Pride

Catalina Island Pride brings the LGBTQ+ community and allies together on Fridayโ€“Saturday, June 12โ€“13 for a festive weekend on Catalina Island. The main celebration takes place on Saturday, June 13 from 12โ€“5 pm at Wrigley Stage, featuring Opening Ceremonies, a lively Pride Walk to Casino Point, a colorful Dinghy Parade, and live entertainment throughout the afternoon. More info


LA Pride 2026

LA Pride 2026 Web Banner copy

LA Pride 2026 takes over Hollywood on Sunday, June 14, celebrating the theme โ€œRise with Pride.โ€ The worldโ€‘famous LA Pride Parade features over 140 contingents, including floats, dancers, and celebrity appearances led by Jeff Hiller, Mia Yamamoto, and Shirley Raines. After the parade, the free LA Pride Village on Hollywood Boulevard offers vendors, performances, and showcases including the LA Pride Ball and artists such as Bentley Robles, Princess Superstar, and the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles. More info


The SHE Is Womenโ€™s Conference

SHE is Womens Conference

The SHE Is Womenโ€™s Conference takes place at the Mizell Center on Saturday, June 13 from 9 amโ€“3 pm, offering a day of empowerment and community for women living with HIV, those affected by HIV, and caregivers and providers. Presented by HARP and thewellproject, the conference features shared experiences, healingโ€‘centered conversations, and supportive programming designed to uplift participants across the gender spectrum. Registration begins at 9 am, with the conference officially starting at 10 am. More info


McCallum Theatre Jazz Experience

Mccallum Jazz Fest

The McCallum Theatre Jazz Experience unfolds on Saturday, June 13, offering a full day of jazz programming across Palm Desert. The morning begins at the Palm Desert Library with a 9 amโ€“noon Jazz Lab featuring a Matisseโ€‘inspired art workshop and an interactive family concert. From 1โ€“5 pm, the McCallum main stage hosts the Community Jazz Jam, showcasing local musicians. The evening culminates at 7 pm with the Jazz Spotlight performance featuring the Pacific Jazz Orchestra Quartet, David Benoit, and Courtney Fortune. More info


The Book of Merman

Book of Merman crop

The Prism Theater presents The Book of Merman, a new musical comedy opening on Friday, June 12 at Prism Theater. This playful production blends Broadway diva mythology with unexpected visitors, creating a spirited and humorous twist on classic musical tropes. The show runs through July 26, offering audiences a fresh, campโ€‘infused theatrical experience in an intimate setting. More info


ALSO THIS WEEK


ONGOING EVENTS

SATURDAY โ€ข Second Saturday Book Swap from 12โ€“4 pm: Participate in a curated exchange focused on art, design, and architecture while enjoying complimentary drinks and snacks at the Perez Road Art and Design District โ€ข Dance Ranch / Country Dance Saturdays at 7 pm: Enjoy a night of country western dancing including two-step, waltz, and line dances for all levels at Step by Step Dance Studio.

ALL WEEK โ€ข A Queer Arcana: Art, Magic, and Spirit: This exhibition explores how magic and esoteric knowledge have shaped queer culture through an intergenerational group of artists at the Palm Springs Art Museum.


Lets Puck

SAY KGAY to Save on Rivalry Merch

Ride the Heated Rivalry wave with a fresh batch of themed Tโ€‘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 SAYKGAYShop Now


Summer 2026 Visitor Map & Guide – FREE!

Map and Guide Covers Back and Front Summer Edition 2026

Check out the just-published Summer 2026 edition of the Kโ€‘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: Palm Springs Desert Winds โ€“ From Book to Stage

PS Desert Winds from Book to Stage

The Palm Springs Desert Winds, under the direction of Deanโ€ฏMcDowell, present Fromโ€ฏBookโ€ฏtoโ€ฏStage:โ€ฏA Spotlight on Broadway Musical on Monday,โ€ฏJuneโ€ฏ15โ€ฏfromโ€ฏ7:30โ€“9โ€ฏpm at the Plazaโ€ฏTheatre. This free concert celebrates beloved stories that leapt from the page to the stage, featuring selections from Guysโ€ฏandโ€ฏDolls, Jekyllโ€ฏandโ€ฏHyde, Beautyโ€ฏandโ€ฏtheโ€ฏBeast, Maryโ€ฏPoppins, Lesโ€ฏMisรฉrables, Aladdin, Willyโ€ฏWonkaโ€ฏandโ€ฏtheโ€ฏChocolateโ€ฏFactory, Catchโ€ฏMeโ€ฏIfโ€ฏYouโ€ฏCan, and Theโ€ฏKingโ€ฏandโ€ฏI. Join the Desert Winds (formerly Desert Winds Freedom Band) for an inspiring evening of Broadway favorites. Moreโ€ฏinfo


MON: DBA Networking Mixer at Palm Springs Animal Shelter

Exterior view of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, showcasing a modern building design surrounded by desert landscaping.

The Desert Business Association hosts its June mixer on Monday, Juneโ€ฏ15 fromโ€ฏ5:30โ€“7โ€ฏpm at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, bringing local professionals together in a warm, communityโ€‘focused setting. Attendees can connect with fellow business leaders, support LGBTQ+ youth through the Safe Schools Desert Cities scholarship raffle, and enjoy the popular businessโ€‘card scanning perk that delivers a digital contact sheet after the event. More info


Reserve Your Spot Now: KGAY Big Splash Pool Party

KGAY Big Splash Pool Party 2026

Make a splash with KGAYโ€ฏ103.1 at the Bigโ€ฏSplash Pool Party on Friday,โ€ฏJuneโ€ฏ26 fromโ€ฏ7โ€“10โ€ฏpm at the Palmโ€ฏSpringsโ€ฏSurfโ€ฏClub! This adultsโ€‘only (21+) evening is your chance to #SupportYourStation while enjoying Riverโ€ฏIsland and Lazyโ€ฏRiver access, music, and summer vibes. Earlyโ€‘bird tickets are justโ€ฏ$25โ€ฏfor the firstโ€ฏ250โ€ฏguests, withโ€ฏ$200โ€ฏDayโ€ฏBeds andโ€ฏ$500โ€ฏBigโ€ฏWaveโ€ฏSponsorships available. Help keep our communityโ€™s radio station vibrant and streaming worldwideโ€”reserve your spot now and join the fun! Moreโ€ฏinfo


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!


Featured Events
Welcome New Partners
Holliday cpa logo

Holliday CPA offers clients a warm, personalized approach to accounting shaped by his 17 years with a respected firm. As a Certified Public Accountant and QuickBooks ProAdvisor, George Holliday provides tailored services including tax preparation, payroll, salesโ€‘tax reporting, bookkeeping, nonprofit financial management, and audit readiness. His background as an Audit Manager gives him a sharp eye for accuracy and compliance, while his passion for the profession drives longโ€‘term relationships built on trust, clarity, and genuine care for each clientโ€™s financial success. Read more

On the Air

KGAY 103.1 FM

Promotional image featuring the KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs logo and three radio hosts: Modgirl, John Taylor, and DJ Galaxy.

The KGAY 103.1 Retro Lunch airs Monday through Friday from noonโ€“1 pm, with DJ Galaxy (Vincent Corrales) and DJ Eric Ornelas playing an hour of their nonstop throwback mixes. On Sundays, we put all five hours together for the Retro Sunday Brunch from 11 amโ€“4 pm. Perfect party music! The KGAY Sunday Tea Dance with MODGIRL airs every Sunday from 4โ€“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: Friend of KGAY DJ Ray Rhodes takes over Hunters Nightclub for a Glitter & Glow Party on Saturday, June 13 from 9 pmโ€“2 am for a night of high-energy dancing and party fun.


WIN TICKETS to Shakira

Shakira Contest

KGAY 103.1 is giving you the chance to score tickets to one of the summerโ€™s biggest concerts as Shakira brings her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour 2026 to Acrisure Arena on Wednesday, June 17 at 7:30 pm. Fresh off recordโ€‘breaking milestonesโ€”including a Guinness World Record and a historic 400,000โ€‘person crowd in Mexico Cityโ€”Shakira is set to light up the desert with new music, highโ€‘energy staging, and her unmistakable global star power. Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page


WIN the Ultimate Palm Springs Summer Escape

Ultimate Getaway VPS and KGAY 2026

If you missed your chance to enter at WeHo Pride last weekend, KGAYโ€ฏ103.1โ€”in partnership with Visitโ€ฏPalmโ€ฏSprings, presenting XOXO: The Palmโ€ฏSpringsโ€ฏArtsโ€ฏ&โ€ฏCultureโ€ฏCelebration (Juneโ€ฏ11โ€“22)โ€”is giving you another shot at winning the Ultimate Palmโ€ฏSpringsโ€ฏSummerโ€ฏEscape! Whether youโ€™re a local looking for a staycation or a visitor dreaming of a desert getaway, this prize package delivers a full Palmโ€ฏSprings experience: a oneโ€‘night stay, dining, attractions, shopping, and a spa day pass. Featured partners include Avalonโ€ฏHotelโ€ฏ&โ€ฏBungalows, Palmโ€ฏSpringsโ€ฏAerialโ€ฏTramway, Dragโ€ฏ&โ€ฏFlyโ€ฏTours, Destinationโ€ฏPSP, Huntersโ€ฏNightclub, and more. Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page


Sunny 106.5 FM

Sunny 1065 Logo Ducky

Take the sunshine indoors with the Sunny 106.5 Alexa skill โ€” just tell Alexa to โ€œenable Sunny Palm Springs Radio skillโ€ and the brightest variety will be one voice command away at home or at work. Sunny 106.5 is the Coachella Valleyโ€™s new home for feelโ€‘good hits from the โ€™90s, 2000s, and beyond, blending familiar favorites with local updates and weekday weather from Patrick Evans. Play Sunny 106.5 Online


WIN TICKETS to Alanis Morissette

Alanis Morisette Butterfly Machete

Sunny 106.5 is giving listeners the chance to score tickets to one of the most anticipated theatrical concert experiences of the year: Alanis Morissetteโ€™s โ€œButterfly with a Macheteโ€ at YouTube Theater in Los Angeles. This limitedโ€‘run residencyโ€”November 5, 6, 10, and 11โ€”expands on her soldโ€‘out Las Vegas production, blending her iconic music with storytelling, multimedia staging, and a raw exploration of fame, trauma, and transformation. You can win your way into the November 6 show! Enter to WIN on the Sunny 106.5 Contest Page


WIN TICKETS to ShortFest

ShortFest 2026

Get ready for one of the biggest film events of the yearโ€”because you can WIN passes to the 32nd Palm Springs International ShortFest from Sunny 106.5. With 329 films from 71 countries screening June 23โ€“29, this yearโ€™s lineup is packed with global stories, premieres, and standout programs that showcase the very best in shortโ€‘form filmmaking. Itโ€™s your chance to experience the worldโ€™s top shortโ€‘film festival up close. Enter to WIN on the Sunny 106.5 Contest Page

Bookmarks
  1. Indio Announces First Cityโ€‘Sponsored Pride Celebration After Years of Advocacy
  2. 12 Canโ€™tโ€‘Miss XOXO Palm Springs Events to Experience This Season
  3. Palm Springs Equality Wine and Food Fest Highlights Diversity and Culinary Talent
  4. Rancho Mirage Issues Pride Month Proclamation
  5. Palm Springs ShortFest Announces Full Lineup for 32nd Annual Festival

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.

Colorful logo of KGAY Palm Springs with the text 'KGAY 103.1' displayed prominently in white font over a gradient background.

Listen to KGAY over the air, stream it [here], or listen on iHeart Radio with Alexa or Siri by saying โ€œPlay K-G-A-Yโ€ John Taylor is on mornings 6โ€“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 amโ€“4 pm, followed by MODGIRL spinning the KGAY Sunday Tea Dance from 4โ€“6 pm.

This Way Out Logo

This Way Out, the awardโ€‘winning weekly LGBTQ radio program, airs every Sunday at 6:30 a.m. on KGAY 103.1 and is also available onโ€‘demand via our streaming player under Menu>Streams>Podcasts. As the only internationally distributed LGBTQ radio show, it airs on about 200 community stations worldwide and delivers global queer news, reporting, interviews, and cultural features.