Gay Desert Guide Weekend: Jun 19-21, 2026

This day in 1987, George Michael was singing “I Want Your Sex” and Whitney Houston topped the charts with “I Want to Dance with Somebody“. It was also the day of the very first Pride celebration in the valley.

I’m a board member of the LGBTQ+ History & Archives of the Desert and this week we held a fundraiser at what was then The Villa, a men’s clothing optional resort with a celebrated history. In researching the property — now known as The Paloma Resort, I imparted that our Desert Business Association organized the first Pride Picnic and Festival at the resort.

For the next three years, the community gathered there — July 3, 1988 and July 30, 1989, when Eartha Kitt and her beloved dog attended the festival! It grew to a two-day event in 1990 before changes in ownership forced a change in venue.

And that’s how our Pride started – from humble beginnings in a gay resort nearly 40 years ago. And this year, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of what is now Palm Springs Pride in a more temperate time of the year — November.

Our LGBTQ+ history matters and it needs preserving. That’s why a group of us have continued to serve on the board and grow the organization into its own 501(c)3. This Pride month, we’re exhibiting at the Welwood Murray Memorial Library in downtown Palm Springs. The display showcases several items recently added to our permanent collection, as well as items celebrating Greater Palm Springs Pride’s 40th Anniversary. You can donate to the organization by visiting the website here.

Starting Monday, it’s #SupportYourStation week on KGAY. While we are not a non-profit, we are chartered as a public benefit corporation and are working to offset our streaming costs with your financial help. I hope you’ll tune in and make a contribution — or just attend the Big Splash Pool Party at the Palm Springs Surf Club next Friday. Details below.

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

---

Juneteenth Celebrations

Palm Springs honors history, heritage, and freedom with Juneteenth Freedom Weekend, a free celebration happening Friday–Saturday, June 19–20. On Friday, Downtown Park hosts the Juneteenth Unity Picnic at 5 pm, followed by a 7 pm concert featuring Debby Holiday’s electrifying Tina Turner Tribute Show. The celebration continues Saturday at 5:30 pm at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center with the Juneteenth Youth Pageant, spotlighting the achievements and talents of local youth. It’s a powerful weekend of culture, connection, and community pride. More info

Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom Through History and Culture comes to Revolution Stage Company on Saturday, June 20 from 2–4 pm, presented by the Sunset Music and Education Foundation as part of the XOXO Festival Weekend. Hosted by Sweet Baby J’ai, the event features storytelling, poetry, live music, cultural presentations, and performances by SMARTS Initiative students. Open to all backgrounds, this gathering honors resilience, creativity, and shared humanity. More info

---

Tidal Wave 18: Space!

Tidal Wave 18: Space! lands at the Hilton Palm Springs running all weekend, presenting a vibrant galaxy of parties, entertainment, and community. With Delighted Tobehere as Flight Commander, guests can enjoy world‑class DJs, daily Sea of Tranquility pool parties, Galactic Bingo, a Space Bazaar vendor hall, Zero‑Gravity Karaoke, and a fierce Drag Brunch. Designed as a fully immersive weekend, the event invites attendees to orbit new friendships and make cosmic memories across four stellar days. More info

---

XOXO Palm Springs

XOXO Palm Springs: Citywide Arts & Culture Festival continues this weekend with a mix of theatre, film, drag, art, and live music across downtown and beyond. This weekend’s highlights include Billy L’Amour & The Love Notes on Friday at Spirit Animal, plus Psychic Standup starring Karen Rontowski the same night at Revolution Stage Company. Film lovers can dive into the AmDocs Showcase on Friday with Something To Entertain You, along with screenings Life is Life on Saturday and His Girl Friday on Sunday. Art fans can explore the Summer Small Wonder opening at Janssen Artspace on Friday while drag brunches at Hyatt, Oscar’s, and The Saguaro keep the celebration going all weekend. More info

---

On Golden Pond

The Big Bear Theatre Project presents On Golden Pond, running through June 28 at the Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center. Ernest Thompson’s award‑winning play follows Norman and Ethel Thayer through a summer at their New England lake cottage, blending humor, memory, and the tenderness of family reconciliation. Directed by Beth Wheat with scenic design by Joel Daavid, this production offers a heartfelt, intimate staging of a beloved theatrical masterwork. More info

---

Body Heat

An Opening Reception for the show Body Heat takes place at Impell Gallery on Friday, June 19 from 4–6 pm, debuting two solo exhibitions curated by Sagi Refael. Dror Yisrael Hemed presents new paintings created during his residency, inspired by Southern California’s LGBT communities and landscapes. Yinon Avior Philipsohn showcases hand‑sewn photographic quilts developed during his Tom of Finland Foundation residency, exploring the endurance of the human body and the layered history of queer imagery. More info

---

Wanderlust Food Truck Festival at Sunrise Park

The Wanderlust Food Truck Festival at Sunrise Park launches on Saturday, June 20 from 5–10 pm, offering a curated lineup of 20+ food trucks and local vendors. Guests can enjoy gourmet street food, comfort classics, global flavors, and sweet treats in a relaxed, community‑driven atmosphere. With lawn games, open seating, and a welcoming outdoor environment, the festival encourages visitors to stay, connect, and savor the evening. More info

---

Bob Dylan – Live on Stage

Bob Dylan returns to the desert for a rare night at Acrisure Arena on Saturday, June 20 at 7:30 pm, joined by Lucinda Williams and The John Doe Folk Trio. With a career spanning nearly sixty years, Dylan remains a restless creative force—never nostalgic, always evolving, and continually pushing his work forward. Enjoy an evening of masterful songwriting, raw musicianship, and the unmistakable presence of a legend still moving boldly ahead. More info

---

Rod Stewart

Sir Rod Stewart performs at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa on Sunday, June 21 at 7 pm, bringing his legendary voice and decades of global hits to the stage. With more than 120 million records sold and a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Stewart continues to captivate audiences with his signature style and unmistakable rasp. More info

---

Heatwave 2026 / CCBC Resort

Heatwave 2026 takes over CCBC Resort all weekend, offering pool parties, after‑dark fun, and clothing‑optional freedom. Hosted by Western Xposure and featuring the DJs and bears of Tidal Wave, this event serves as the official naked parties of the weekend. Guests can book a room or purchase a pass to enjoy amenities open from 9 am–4 am, including pools, hot tubs, trails, and play spaces. Tidal Wave pass holders can add a discounted 4‑day CCBC pass for full access. More info

---

ALSO THIS WEEKEND

• Palm Springs Power Baseball: Summer League 2026
  • The team plays Friday & Saturday at 7 pm at Palm Springs Stadium. Residents of Palm Desert and La Quinta enjoy free entry on Friday and Saturday respectively.
• Where Were You in 1976? A Look Back at Bicentennial Cinema
  • Take a nostalgic trip to America’s Bicentennial era as the Palm Springs Cultural Center/Camelot Theatre teams up with Deserted Films on Saturday at 2 pm for a free all‑ages matinee of Disney’s 1975 favorite Escape to Witch Mountain, also featuring a special pre‑show celebrating the pop culture of the era.
• The Book of Merman
  • Performing Friday–Sunday at Prism Theater through July 26. This new musical comedy follows two missionaries who encounter a legendary Broadway diva. The production is described as a “musical revelation,” and runs as part of the XOXO Palm Springs citywide arts, culture, and music festival.
• The Not-So Newlywed Game
  • The fabulous Patty Cakes hosts this hilarious fundraiser featuring audience games, refreshments, and door prizes at Center for Spiritual Living Palm Springs on Saturday from 5:30–8 pm. Proceeds benefit PSPD K-9 Officer Dwight, Brothers of the Desert, and the CSLPS Rainbow Alliance.
• The Groove Society Presents: Soulful Summer Solstice
  • David Wills and The Groove Society celebrate the longest day of the year at Spirit Animal @ Hotel Zoso on Saturday from 7–9 pm with live funk and blue-eyed soul.
• Agave Caliente Terraza – Free Outdoor Concert Series
  • The tribute band Straight Shooter delivers a sonic replica of Bad Co at Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City on Saturday at 8 pm. Performing radio-favorite album versions and select live tracks, the group provides true 70’s rock with an authentic look and sound for this free series.
• JBKO: The Life. The Legend. The Legacy. (Encore Performance)
  • Yo Younger stars as Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis in this one-woman play by Tom Santopietro at Revolution Stage Company on Sunday at 7 pm.

---

ONGOING EVENTS

FRIDAY • Drag Bingo at Arrive from 4:30–7 pm: Join friends for multiple rounds of play and happy hour deals at Arrive Hotel.

SATURDAY • Dance Ranch / Country Dance Saturdays from 7–9:30 pm: Learn the beginner waltz with Jan Alden followed by a night of western dancing at Step by Step Dance Studio.

ALL WEEK • A Queer Arcana: Art, Magic, and Spirit: Explore how magic and esoteric knowledge have shaped queer culture through the work of an intergenerational group of artists at Palm Springs Art Museum.

---

SAY KGAY 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

---

Summer 2026 Visitor Map & Guide – FREE!

Check out the just-published Summer 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–TUE: PS/NExT Summit 2026

The PS/NExT Summit 2026 brings two days of innovation, creativity, and emerging tech to the Palm Springs Convention Center on Monday–Tuesday, June 22–23, running Monday from 8 am–7 pm and Tuesday from 8 am–2 pm. Featuring industry‑shaping voices like filmmaker Rob Minkoff, storyteller Baratunde Thurston, engineer Philip Su, and AI artist Kelly McKernan, the summit spans six curated tracks covering community learning, small business tools, education, developers, creativity × AI, and civic leadership. With hands‑on sessions, the Vibe‑a‑thon, GenJam, and cross‑industry conversations, PS/NExT offers a rare chance to explore how AI and emerging tech are reshaping life, work, and creative expression in the Coachella Valley. More info

---

Reserve Your Spot Now: KGAY Big Splash Pool Party

Make a splash with KGAY 103.1 at the Big Splash Pool Party on Friday, June 26 from 7–10 pm at the Palm Springs Surf Club! This adults‑only (21+) evening is your chance to #SupportYourStation while enjoying River Island and Lazy River access, music, and summer vibes. Early‑bird tickets are just $25 for the first 250 guests, with $200 Day Beds available. Help keep our community’s radio station vibrant and streaming worldwide—reserve your spot now and join the fun! 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!

---

• XOXO Palm Springs: Citywide Arts & Culture Festival
  Jun 11–22
• On Golden Pond – presented by Big Bear Theatre Project
  Jun 18–28 at Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center
• PS/NExT Summit
  Mon.–Tue. Jun 22–23 at the Palm Springs Convention Center
• Palm Springs International ShortFest
  Jun 23–29 at Festival Theaters
• Born This Way! ShortFest GAY!LA Party
  Thu. Jun 25 at 10 pm at The Sonoran
• KGAY’s BIG SPLASH – #SupportYourStation Pool Party
  Fri. Jun 26 from 7–9 pm at Palm Springs Surf Club
• Stock the Shelves for Summer Community Food Drive
  Fri. & Sat. Jun 26 & 27 at The Community Food Bank at The Center
• 4th of July in Greater Palm Springs
  July 2–5 in various locations
• Eagle Cathedral City Presents WET & WILD Parties
  WILD on Fri. Jul 3 at 9 pm and WET on Sun. Jul 5 from 4–9 pm
• Gay Wine Weekend – 15th Anniversary Celebration
  July 17–19 in Sonoma Valley

This Way Out, the award‑winning weekly LGBTQ radio program, airs every Sunday at 6:30 a.m. on KGAY 103.1 and is also available on‑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.