As the first international gay hockey tournament begins in Greater Palm Springs, there’s word of the Chicago Blackhawks caving to Russian anti-LGBTQ laws.
Thursday night was the kickoff for the Palm Springs LGBT Hockey Tournament at Hunters, where teams from the US and Canada gathered ahead of competition this weekend at Acrisure Arena. The CV Firebirds have been nothing but supportive of our rich and diverse LGBTQ+ valley in their first year. They are affiliated with the NHL team The Seattle Kraken.
News comes today that another NHL team will not wear Pride jerseys due to fears that it could endanger Russian athletes who play for the team.
On the positive side, other LGBT-related events will take place along side Sunday’s game. The Firebirds donated a Pride jersey signed by all members of the team. It’s on auction right now and could be a piece of LGBTQ history. You can learn more and bid here. And by all means, check out the free games this weekend at Acrisure Arena!
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Palm Springs International LGBT Hockey Tournament
The Palm Springs International LGBT Hockey Tournament takes place Thursday–Sunday, March 23–26, welcoming ten teams from across North America to our community to celebrate LGBT Hockey. Independent players from across North America, those players who do not have a local LGBT team will also be joining, along with a national Trans Team participating in the tournament.
The Coachella Valley Roadrunners team will also make its debut, comprised of LGBT players and supporters from the Coachella Valley and other areas to represent our community in all local and international LGBT hockey tournaments! More info
On Saturday, March 25 from 9 pm–2 am, The Barracks presents BUMP, the hockey tournament’s official after party, with music by DJ Aaron Elvis playing dance music from 1990–2010. Free admission with tournament wristband, $10 otherwise. More info
The Chase
The 29th Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards (AKA The Chase) returns as a SOLD OUT event at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Saturday, March 25, from 5–10 pm. This glittery gala is a golden star on the desert’s social calendar! The show will feature Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning actor and musician Darren Criss as its headline performer. The DAP Health Equity Award will be presented to fashion icon and philanthropist Donna Karan. Desert Healthcare District & Foundation CEO Dr. Conrado E. Bárzaga and the organization’s board of directors will be honored with the DAP Health Humanitarian Award. More info
Trans Pride 2023 – Empower and Employ
The 2nd Annual Trans Pride 2023 takes place on Sunday, March 26 from 11 am–5 pm at Frances Stevens Park, presented by the Transgender Health & Wellness Center and featuring performances by Ryan Cassata, Kalista Stage, Flagging in the Desert, Hula Palm Springs, DJ Bos, DJ Baby Yoda and more. Focusing on celebrating transgender, gender diverse and intersex equality and equity, organizations and businesses that believe in this will come together to show their support for marginalized communities that have been systematically oppressed. Trans Pride 2023 will feature its first-ever career fair to “Empower and Employ” transgender, gender diverse and intersex job seekers. More info
The Sky’s the Limit
The Desert Winds Freedom Band present their spring concert, The Sky’s the Limit on Saturday and Sunday, March 25 & 26 at the Jewish Community Center. The Concert Band will perform two very exciting selections by guest composer Richard Saucedo: “Into the Clouds” and “Shooting Stars.” There’s also popular arrangements from “Star Trek,” and “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” to mention just a few of the selections. The Jazz Band will also perform “Orange Colored Sky” and “Blue Moon” among others. Get tickets
Rainbow Challenge Golf Tournament
The Stonewall Golfers Rainbow Challenge returns on Saturday, March 25 & Sunday, March 26 at Mission Hills Country Club. Leading up to the tournament is a full a week of events, with individual stroke play, an Opening Party, Twilight Golf, practice rounds, Pairing Party, a silent auction and putting contest for charity. It all wraps up on Sunday with an awards banquet. More info
Raw Talk: Everything You’ve Wanted to Ask Your Gay Doctor
DAP Health, Rainbow Pride Youth Alliance and Vaccinate All 88 present Raw Talk: Everything You’ve Wanted to Ask Your Gay Doctor on Friday, March 24 from 4–7 pm at VIP Nightclub in Riverside. Miss Rusty Waters will host Queer Sexuality: A Night of Open Discussion, featuring special guest Dr. James Simmons, with free vaccinations, taco truck, HIV self-test kits and more! More info
Freestyle Explosion Throwback Jam
KGAY’s own Retro Lunch and Sunday Brunch DJ Eric Ornelas will be spinning at Acrisure Arena on Friday, March 24 for the Freestyle Throwback Jam concert event taking place that evening at 7:30 pm. Freestyle Explosion is bringing the power of throwbacks with Stevie B, Lisa Lisa, Taylor Dayne, The Cover Girls, Lil Suzy, The Jets, Trinere, Rob Base, Freestyle, and MC Shy D. More info
Palm Springs International Dance Festival: “Launch”
The 7th Annual Palm Springs International Dance Festival celebrates its spring gala with a two week series of professional performances and education programs for high school and college students, from March 24–April 2. This weekend’s highlighted public event is “Launch,” on Saturday, March 25 from 6–7 pm at Nickerson-Rossi’s Dance House. Festival Founder Michael Nickerson-Rossi invites college directors to set premiere works on the professionals of the Nickerson-Rossi Dance Company, while he sets works on their college students. Performances by: Nickerson-Rossi Dance Company, Johns Hopkins University | Peabody Institute, Stockton University, and Palm Springs Dance Academy [Get tickets]. And next weekend: on Saturday, April 1 from 5–7 pm, the festival’s gala event, is a cocktail social and dance concert titled “Our Bodies,” this year benefiting the Eisenhower Lucy Curci Cancer Center. Get tickets
One-PS Annual Picnic & Community Expo
The Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs (One PS) present their 14th Annual Picnic & Community Expo on Saturday, March 25 from 11 am–2 pm at Ruth Hardy Park. The picnic has become a favorite citywide neighborhood event, growing each year: over 1100 residents enjoy the lunch, DJ entertainment, Pooch Parade, and exhibits at more than 50 booths. Exhibitors range from the Desert Water Agency to the Palm Springs Art Museum. Enter your cutie in the dog contest, enjoy live performances by Parks & Recreation performers and meet your neighbors! More info
The Kingdom Choir™ at the McCallum
The McCallum Theatre presents The Kingdom Choir™ on Friday, March 24 at 8 pm. Hailing from London, the choir is best known for their show stopping performance at the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018. The group’s performance of “Stand By Me,” seen by a global audience of over two billion, instantly catapulted the Choir to worldwide fame. Another great musical export from the UK plays the McCallum on Saturday, March 25 at 8 pm: Katherine Jenkins has performed all over the world, for the Pope, for Presidents and is a favorite of the Royal Family, having been invited to sing ‘God Save The Queen’ at Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee, perform at Her Majesty’s Coronation Concerts at Buckingham Palace and by special request at Her Majesty’s 90th birthday celebrations at Windsor Castle. Coming up at the McCallum: Hershey Felder as Monsieur Chopin (3/28 and 3/29). See the full March schedule for the McCallum Theatre with ticket info on our event listing: Get tickets
Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man
Bus Stop Productions presents Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man in the Tropics Lounge at the Margaritaville Resort on Fridays and Saturdays through May 27, with two shows per night at 7 pm & 9:30 pm. This show has been so popular they’ve extended its run by several weeks! The play is set at a local university auditorium where the English department holds its monthly meet the authors event. Robyn is the shy and studious moderator of the event and this month’s featured author is Dan Anderson of Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man. With the help of a hunky stage assistant named Stefan, Dan aims to turn this meet the authors event upside down with a highly theatrical, audience interactive sex tip seminar. Get tickets
Escape to Margaritaville
Desert Theatreworks presents Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville, playing now through Sunday, April 2. This upbeat and energetic new show features all your favorite Jimmy Buffett classics, including “Volcano”, “Fins”, “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and of course “Margaritaville.” With a tropical island theme, this heartwarming musical is the party you’ve been waiting for! Get tickets
Boozehounds Rock Your Socks Patio Party
Boozehounds is celebrating World Down Syndrome Day all week long with a special “Piece-A-Paper” cocktail in honor of co-owner Jimmy McGill’s beloved brother, Patrick. On Saturday, March 25 from 2–5 pm, join the Rocks Your Socks Patio Party and Happy Hour with DJ Chris De Jesus. Bring your own crazy socks and/or purchase some for a good cause, and enjoy dancing, drinks and snacks. More info
10th Anniversary of Oscar’s Sunday T-Dance
Oscar’s Downtown Palm Springs‘ famous Sunday afternoon T-Dance is turning 10 years old, and this weekend they are having a special anniversary event on Sunday, March 26 from 4–8 pm, featuring a performance by Jai Rodriguez. Your pre-purchased ticket will serve as a line pass. More info
Palm Desert Food & Wine
Palm Desert Food & Wine is a 3-day experience this Friday–Sunday, March 24–26, featuring a diverse selection of mouth-watering eats, premium wines, hands-on cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, and much more. The fête begins with a James Beard Gourmet Four-Course Luncheon prepared by culinary virtuosos and will be followed by two days of grand tastings, where you can delight in delectable offerings from local and regional restaurants and sample more than 60 wines or enjoy unique craft brews, IPAs, and draught ciders. Enjoy some of the most delicious offerings in the Coachella Valley! Get tickets
New York Dog Film Festival + Benefit
The 2023 New York Dog Film Festival + Benefit will take place at the Palm Springs Cultural Center on Saturday, March 25. Following the 5:30 pm VIP cocktail reception, enjoy an evening of short films starting at 7 pm, celebrating the love between dogs, their people, and the animal welfare groups that bring them together. The two-hour program is a medley of animated, documentary and narrative films from around the world. The Festival premieres every year at a theater in New York City and then travels to theaters in cities across the United States and Canada, with a portion of every ticket benefiting a local rescue devoted to canine welfare. Get tickets
This Weekend at The Show: Zeppelin USA, Jay Leno
On Friday, March 24, The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage presents Zeppelin USA at 8 pm. Zeppelin USA wins their audiences over with unrivaled musical prowess, passionate stage performances, and state of the art visual technology in tribute to Led Zeppelin without the costumes and wigs that many tribute bands rely on. On Saturday, March 25, “the hardest working man in show business,” Jay Leno, takes the stage at 8 pm. Get tickets
La Quinta Hot Rod and Custom Car Show
The 16th Annual La Quinta Hot Rod and Custom Car Show, (rained out on its original date of Feb. 25) is taking place this Saturday, March 25 from 9 am–3 pm at La Quinta Community Park. Brought to you by the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of La Quinta, entertainment, food, drinks and a beer garden will be available at this family friendly event. The vehicles will meander through the spacious grounds of the park, allowing viewers to take their time and comfortably enjoy each vehicle on display. See the Best Street Rod, Best Classic, Best Muscle Car, Best Sports Car, and more. More info
Desert Open Studios Tour
Desert Open Studios is offering self-guided art-tours that span the Coachella Valley uniting 150 artists this weekend, March 25–26. The studios are open 10 am–4 pm on Saturday and 12–4 pm on Sunday. The free, self-guided, studio tour, open to the general public, invites art lovers into artists’ workspace, a unique opportunity to meet and talk with individual artists and to buy art directly from them. Discover new artists and start planning your tour now with their handbook. More info
Friends of the Library Annual Book + Media Sale
The Friends of the Palm Springs Public Library present their annual Book + Media Sale from Friday through Sunday, March 24–26 from 9 am–1 pm each day in the Frey Building (across the library’s parking lot). It is members-only day on Friday, then it’s open to the public on Saturday, and finally on Sunday it’s the Fill a Bag Sale. More info
Comic Robin Tyler
The L-Fund presents Comic Robin Tyler on Sunday, March 26 at 4 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. In 1980, Robin Tyler made history by becoming the first out of the closet lesbian or gay comic on national television. This Palm Springs performance is a multi-media trip down memory lane, from Robin’s growing up in Canada, to falling in love, to Stonewall, to falling in love, to her producing the main stages of 3 national LGBT marches on Washington, 25 women’s music & comedy festivals, to falling in love and filing the first successful lawsuit that brought marriage equality to California. Get tickets
Moody Blues’ John Lodge Performs “Days of Future Passed”
John Lodge, legendary bass player, songwriter and vocalist of The Moody Blues and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, together with his band, and the Coachella Valley Symphony, will perform ‘Days of Future Passed‘ in its entirety on Sunday, March 26 at 7 pm at the Rancho Mirage Amphitheatre. Experience ‘Nights in White Satin,’ ’Tuesday Afternoon,’ ‘Peak Hour,’ and all the wonderful songs that made this the groundbreaking album that it was, and yet still sounding so relevant today. Get tickets
Willie’s Big Fat Broadway Bash
Willie’s Modern Fare presents the unique dinner show experience, Willie’s Big Fat Broadway Bash, every Sunday in March, wrapping up this Sunday, March 26 at 4 pm. The talented students of Musical Theatre University are your singing servers, delivering a three course dinner with a slice of Broadway on the side, with a special Broadway guest star at each performance. Guest stars include: March 5 – Keven McMahon (City of Angels), March 12 – Erik Altemus (Pippin), March 19 – Leslie Tinnaro (Evita), and March 26 – Kim Huber (Beauty and the Beast). Make reservations
Architecture Tours by Modernism Week
Architecture Tours by Modernism Week is a season-long series of high-quality, in-depth, small group tours, running now through May. In March the tours run on Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, with most tours beginning at 9:30 am, departing from the Palm Springs Visitor Center. Modernism Week has partnered with PS Architecture Tours to enable participants to learn about the exciting architectural history of the Palm Springs area and experience midcentury modern culture and lifestyle. Together, this partnership offers an affordable series of engaging mini-motor coach tours aimed at a growing audience of Palm Springs visitors and modernism fans. Get tickets
Glow in the Park
The wildly popular nighttime event, Glow in the Park, returns to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens nightly now through April 30, from 6:30–10 pm, with last admission at 9 pm. This spring spectacular new lineup of hand-crafted lanterns represent wildlife from around the world—and even under the sea. These larger-than-life displays, which feature breathtaking artistry, interactive elements, and a never-ending number of photo-ops, will create a truly unforgettable night for guests of all ages. Get tickets
Desert X
After welcoming a total of more than 1.25 million to all three previous iterations in the Coachella Valley, Desert X is back for their fourth biennial exhibition, running now through Sunday, May 7. The exhibition of site-specific installations by acclaimed international artists examines social and environmental themes with a focus on the changes that give form to a world increasingly shaped by climate crisis, globalism, and the political and economic migrations that follow in their wake. Free and open to the public, stop in at the Desert X hub at the Ace Hotel or download the app for information on artists, a map to find the installations, and interactive content. More info
Visitor Map & Guide Spring Edition
The Spring 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, Attraction, Gay Resorts with passes, Dispensaries and other services. You can also view it online, and download the PDF [here].
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!
LOOKING AHEAD
10th Annual Palm Springs Jewish Film Festival
The 10th Anniversary edition of the Palm Springs Jewish Film Festival kicks off on Sunday, March 26 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center with a Svetlana Portnyansky concert at 2 pm, followed by a screening of her film Terezin: The Code to Life, with an audience Q&A. At 7 pm, the film will be Our Almost Completely True Story, followed by a Q&A with stars and writers Mariette Hartley and Jerry Sroka. The festival continues Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, see our event listing for many more films to be screened! Get tickets
On the Air at KGAY 106.5
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 not only the life of the party, she’s also a cover girl on magazines and billboards, a television entertainer, and an award winning producer, director, lyricist and performer. Her moniker is “Music! Dancing! Fashion! Fun!” and she throws down the most irresistible, uplifting beats each week on the KGAY Sunday Tea Dance from 4–6 pm. Listen online
Ross Mathews hosts his popular weekly radio show on KGAY 106.5 airs on Saturdays from 11:00 am–2 pm. That’s 50% more Ross because now it’s a three-hour show! Ross is a part-time Palm Springs resident and currently working on The Drew Barrymore Show, RuPaul’s Drag Race and many other projects. He brings celebrity gossip and news, plus a rundown of what’s happening each weekend in #ILoveGayPalmSprings as he plays some of his favorite dance hits each weekend on KGAY. Listen Online
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! Listen Online
- The Chase: The Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards 2023
Sat. Mar 25 from 5–10 pm at the Palm Springs Convention Center - “The Sky’s the Limit” presented by The Desert Winds Freedom Band
Sat. Mar 25 at 7 pm and Sun. Mar 26 at 2 pm - Jimmy Buffet’s Escape to Margaritaville presented by Desert Theatreworks
Mar 10–Apr 2 - Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man
Feb 24–May 27 at Margaritaville Resort - Hand to God presented by CVRep
Mar 28–Apr 9 - Dinah Legends Weekend
Mar 31–April 2 at various locations around Palm Springs - Drag Bingo benefiting Parkinson’s Research Organization
Sat. Apr 1 from 3–6 pm at The Barracks - Faux Fur Ball benefiting Palm Springs Animal Shelter
Sat. Apr 1 from 6–9 pm at the Palm Springs Air Museum - House Party PS: Pink Saturday
Sat. Apr 1 from 4–7 pm at a private home in Palm Springs - Sand, Stars & Guitars: Levi Kreis
Wed. Apr 5 at 8 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - John Mayer Solo
Thu. Apr 6 at 8 pm at Acrisure Arena - American Documentary and Animation Film Festival (AmDocs)
Apr 7–11 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Sam Harris: Openly Gray!
Apr 7 & 8 at The Purple Room Supper Club - Palm Springs’ 85th Anniversary Party
Sat. Apr 8 from 11:30 am–9 pm in Downtown Palm Springs - 100 Years of Men in Love: The Accidental Collection
Sat. Apr 8 at the Annenberg Theater - Gina Shock: Made in Hollywood Opening Night Party & Book Signing
Sat. & Sun. Apr 8 & 9 at Rubine Red Gallery - The Garbologists presented by Dezart Performs
Apr 14–23 at the Pearl McManus Theater - Notorius! presented by The Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus
Apr 28, 29, & 30 at the Annenberg Theater - Gay Wine Weekend
Jul 14–16 in Sonoma Wine Country
- Meet Kellee McQuinn, aka DJ Modgirl
- Fashion Designer Donna Karan Reacts to DAP Health Honor Ahead of The Chase
- Palm Springs Just Got a Brand-new Hotel — With Panoramic Mountain Views, Hammocks, and an Idyllic Pool
- Desert X 2023 is a Staggering Sculpture Extravaganza Spanning California’s Coachella Valley
- Hiking With T: Springtime Has Brought Wildflowers, Awakening Animals, Desert X and Earth Day
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We also have Hot Deals at Boozehounds, Willie’s Modern Fare, Coachella Valley Coffee Co., Palm Springs Fine Men’s Salon, Hunters Nightclub, Monster Shakes, Desert Mischief, Jolene’s, Rick’s, Trevor Wayne Pop Art, Destination PSP, Zin American Bistro, Kitchen 86 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.” Ross Mathews is on Saturdays from 11 am–2 pm, 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)