And they’re off! Bars and hotels are now opening in the next phase of our #CovidComeback for Greater Palm Springs. That’s tempered with the cancellation of Coachella and StageCoach music festivals. And it could portend the future of White Party and The Dinah, which we have unofficially heard won’t be happening this Fall. Now the focus shifts to Palm Springs Pride. With the city budget deficit and tight sponsorship dollars, it’s going to take Ron DeHarte’s wise leadership to reimagine our Pride celebration. Virtual events still fill our calendar and our new “After Dark” Nightlife section has the Featured Happy Hours as we know them. Thanks for reading.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide.
I Love Gay Palm Springs Podcast – Episode 49
Join hosts John Taylor and comedian Shann Carr, GayDesertGuide.com creator Brad Fuhr, Dr. Laura Rush, and CVIndependent.com publisher Jimmy Boegle for an informal discussion on recent demonstrations, Covid-19 concerns, bar and hotel openings and the new normal as we head into the summer months in #ILoveGayPalmSprings [Listen] or [Watch]
Hello, Palm Springs – Bars are Reopening
The Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism is rolling out a new ad campaign to welcome visitors back as more businesses are reopening, including hotels and bars. Meanwhile, Arenas Road fixture Streetbar is kicking off the weekend with a Grand Reopening starting Friday, June 12 at 10:00 a.m. Their new hours will be 10:00 a.m.–midnight, 7 days a week. There will be no karaoke to start, but they will be making decisions as they go. Putting safety first, they have added additional patio space to the back of the bar to allow for distancing, and masks will be required at all times. Drink specials remain the same! More info
We will be bringing back the Happy Hour Finder on GayDesertGuide.LGBT as our partners such as Streetbar, Chill, Trunks, The Roost, and Runway reopen. Stay tuned and visit our Gay Desert Guide After Dark channel for more information.
Coachella and Stagecoach Rescheduled for April 2021
Originally rescheduled to the fall from their original April dates, both the Coachella Music & Arts Festival and Stagecoach Festival have been canceled for 2020. The announcement came Wednesday from Riverside County health officials. On Thursday, event producer Goldenvoice announced the new dates will be: Coachella on April 9–11 and April 16–18, 2021 with Stagecoach following on April 23–25, 2021. Current ticket holders can choose to rollover their admission to next year’s events, or receive a refund. Further details will be sent via email directly to current ticket holders.
The Living Desert Reopens
The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens will be re-opening first to members this weekend (June 13 & 14) and to the general public on Monday, June 15. Physical distancing and mask-wearing will be required, with advanced timed entry tickets limiting the number of visitors. Read more
[the_ad_group id=”12644″]
2020 ShortFest Official Selection Announced
2020 ShortFest will be a virtual event this year. The Official Selection has been announced [learn more] with a selection of those films available for screening on their website for free from June 16–22, the original dates of the festival. There will also be virtual classes and panels with industry guests as part of the ShortFest Forum. More info
ShortFest Spotlight
The Palm Springs International Film Society continues to curate short films for your escaping pleasure with their ShortFest Spotlight. New this week: “Joy Joy Nails” directed by Joey Ally. Sarah manages Joy Joy Nails with a cheerful iron fist, but she gets her manicured claws out when Chinese Mia, a manicurist trainee, looks to be stealing the boss’s son’s affections, soon discovering that under the varnish, everyone’s a victim. View here
CVRep Theatre Thursday: CARE-ie-okie
Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre presents another edition of their Broadway show tunes sing-along, CARE-ie-okie, back by popular demand on Thursday, June 11 from 6:00–7:00 p.m. Join host David Schwartz, and performers Erica Hanrahan, Glenn Rosenblum and Robert Yacko to sing along to Broadway’s musical blockbusters. June’s presentation will feature new songs and just as much fun! Registration required for this FREE program. More info
Wine Tasting at Bouschet
Bouschet invites you to join them on Saturday, June 13 at 2:00 p.m. for a wine tasting from the Mara Wine Group. Charles Mara, Owner/Winemaker & Palm Springs resident will be co-host, featuring: 2006 Mara Reserve Zinfandel, 2012 Mara Pinot Noir, 2013 Mara White Grass Sauvignon Blanc, 2014 Mara Field Blend Red Wine. The wine tasting kit includes a charcuterie sampling, wine samples, tasting notes and 10% off featured wines, which are all in stock. Call ahead with your order for pickup or delivery, or limited seating will be available in PS AIR BAR via reservation only. More info
Reel Women’s Film Festival – Final Days
The Reel Women’s Film Festival, supporting Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest, has taken its fundraising efforts and film festival online this year. Make a donation of any size and then enjoy a series of five inspiring, thought-provoking films during this special springtime event, hosted in partnership with Women Make Movies. Viewable over the course of four weeks, watch–and re-watch–the films at your own timing and leisure, from the comfort of your own home, with all films available for viewing now through June 13. Donations will be designated toward the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund in support of Planned Parenthood’s mission to provide essential health care services throughout San Diego, Riverside, and Imperial counties during this critical time. More info
HUMP! Film Fest Livestream – Final Screening
HUMP! Film Festival has been bringing audiences a new kind of porn since 2005. If you missed this year’s edition when it was in Palm Springs this year on February 29, you can now catch the same lineup of hot, sexy, creative, and kinky short films in an online livestream Hosted by Dan Savage on for one more performance: Friday, June 12 at 7:00 p.m. (Pacific). More info
Next up: HUMP! presents online screenings of their Greatest Hits, Vol. 1
Virtual Cinema: 1 Angry Black Man
The Palm Springs Cultural Center’s Virtual Cinema gives you the ability to view new films that are Palm Springs premieres, along with favorites from film festivals in the comfort of your own home. Added this week: 1 Angry Black Man. Mike Anderson is a senior at the quintessential New-England Liberal Arts School, Frost College and Mike is eight weeks away from graduation. On this particular day he has his African-American literature class with his favorite professor. But today, Mike is feeling sadness. He’s feeling isolated. He’s feeling angry. [View Trailer] Get your V-Ticket
Genuine Movie Theatre Popcorn Curbside Pickup
Mary Pickford Theatre – D’Place Entertainment continues to offer freshly popped Movie Theater Popcorn Saturdays from 4:00–7:30 p.m.. Guests can get their fix of movie theater popcorn and a selection of other movie night snacks (drinks, candy) with convenient curbside pickup. 100% of proceeds go to support staff at D’Place during the COVID-19 shutdown. Email and phone ordering ahead of time with pre-payment is available. More info
COVID-19 survey for PLWHIV
HARP-PS needs your help with a survey to see how people with HIV ≥ 50 currently living in the Coachella Valley are coping during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s an online survey that should take about 20 minutes, asking questions about your health, mental health, and day-to-day needs. You’ll get a $10 gift card for completing the survey. More info
Out in the Vineyard Survey
Do you enjoy food and wine, and especially the Sonoma Valley wine experience? Out in the Vineyard is looking for new ways to provide opportunities to experience “our” wine country (for the discerning gay traveler), both from home and when you are ready to visit again. Fill out this quick survey and help them shape a new “Insider” Private VIP Members Club! [Take survey]
Gay Wine Week, Out in the Vineyard’s signature annual event, will be virtual this year, with lots of fun events in the works. Plan on keeping the weekend of July 17–19 open to bring the magic of Sonoma into your home. Stay tuned for more details.
LOOKING AHEAD
COMING SOON: Big Gay Virtual Murder Mystery Team Scavenger Hunt
On Saturday, June 20 from 4:00–6:00 p.m., Gay Desert Guide presents the Big Gay Virtual Murder Mystery Team Scavenger Hunt. This is a fun afternoon of exploring and socializing as you work to unravel the mystery of the untimely death of “Hook-Up Harry.” Poor Harry met a horrific end in NYC and the police need you to help solve his case. No experience or prior knowledge is needed. Work in teams (you will be placed in one) and go over the clues from Harry’s social media posts to track his activity in and round Grand Central. There are points for each clue found and the bonus if you solve the mystery. Prizes will be awarded to the winners! Register to secure your spot today! More info
Use our special Scavenger Hunt registration discount: Save 25% with code GDG25 or [click here]
Next up in this series of events will be: Virtual Gay Speed Dating: 55+ Edition on Wednesday, June 24.
NEW DATE: Voices of Hope – Together, We Thrive
Desert Aids Project (DAP) is proud to deliver the gift of music with their Voices of Hope – Together, We Thrive livestream event on Friday, June 19 at 7:00 p.m. Tune in for free on Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter and enjoy a star-studded, uplifting, joyous hour packed with a mix of your favorite Broadway, TV, and film entertainers, many who are longtime friends and supporters of DAP’s mission, including Kristin Chenoweth, Betty Buckley, Matthew Morrison, Megan Hilty and many more! Those who are able, may consider registering with a ticketing and donation package. Your paid ticket package at all levels benefits DAP’s COVID-19 response. More info
Take out. Dine in. Watch Together. Plan to order dinner from one of the Valley’s Dining out for Life partners who are currently open for take-out or delivery. Let’s lift them up as they have done for all of us for decades. Together, we’ll dine in – tune in – and THRIVE! Visit the DINING OUT FOR LIFE International (DOFLI) list here.
NEXT WEEK: Desert Stonewall Democrats Meeting
The June meeting of the Desert Stonewall Democrats will take place via Zoom on Tuesday, June 16 from 6:00–7:00 p.m. with the topic From Stonewall Inn to City Hall: Riots, Protests, and Revolution for Change. Several video shorts will be shared during the meeting. RSVP required for Zoom link. More info
NEXT WEEK: 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.
Seated Wellness with Lynn Simonson – Thursday at 10:00 a.m.
Managing Emotions During a Pandemic with Jill Hingston, Ph.D – Tuesday at 11:00 a.m.
LGBTQ+ Youth Virtual Hangout with Miguel Navarro – Wednesday at 3:00 p.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.
Welcome New Partners!
Mod Floors is a Modern Floor Store offering a unique shopping experience unlike anywhere else in the market today. High-quality flooring, countertops, and plumbing options in a bright and inviting showroom at the heart of Palm Springs. Learn more
General Air Conditioning & Plumbing makes customers their number one priority every day and focuses solely on residential air conditioning, heating and plumbing services and installations. Their core values are passion, integrity, teamwork, and accountability, and they strive to always exceed customers’ expectations. Learn more
Trevor Wayne Pop Art flagship gallery and store is now open in Palm Springs at 386 N Palm Canyon Drive. Trevor Wayne mines familiar references for his paintings, drawing on totems of consumerism and mainstream entertainment that are well-known to American audiences including horror movies, Barbie dolls, reality television, and classic Hollywood cinema. Learn more
- VIDEO: Billy Porter Releases A Powerful Message to America
- Restaurant Dining: What it’s like in the Desert with COVID-19 Precautions
- Use an App to Discover Palm Springs Attractions Midcentury Architecture
- World Leaders and Grammy Award-Winners Among Lineup for Online Global Pride Event
- L.A. Theatre Works’ ‘Pride Collection’ Offers Rainbow of Five Plays this June
Pinocchio in the Desert is back with the finest American/European food with an extensive breakfast and lunch menu and a large wine and beverage menu too! Get this HOT DEAL: A gift certificate for $25 of food and drink at Pinocchio in the Desert for just $17.50!
Get Your Deal
Grand Central serves seasonally fresh California cuisine with a fun twist, offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a full bar. Take advantage of this HOT DEAL to save 40%: Get a $25 gift card to Grand Central for just $15!
Get Your Deal