Gay Desert Guide Weekend: May 15-17, 2026

I awoke from a nightmare this morning where I took a stand with my family and decided to become estranged.  I announced that I would no longer come home to visit – only when necessary like a death in the family.  I gathered things I wanted to keep and was getting ready to say my last goodbye. It was my choice not to see them anymore.  

Brandon Wolf and Dennis and Judy Shepard never had that choice.  Their loved ones were ripped from them in unspeakable tragedies. Each were honored at Thursday’s Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast and told stories of resiliency.

In 1998, Matthew Shepard, became the victim of a brutal hate crime that shocked the nation and ignited a movement. In the face of unimaginable loss, his parents chose not to be defined by grief alone—but by purpose.

They founded the Matthew Shepard Foundation, transforming pain into progress. Through their work, they have championed dignity, inclusion, and safety for LGBTQ+ people across the country and around the world.

On June 12, 2016, Brandon Wolf survived the mass shooting at Pulse nightclub—a night that took 49 lives, including two of his closest friends. In the wake of that devastating loss, Brandon made a choice: not to be silenced by grief, but to speak louder, to fight harder, and to ensure that those lives—and that moment—would never be forgotten.

There is a natural passing of the torch from one generation to the next that occurs across tribes, nations and families.  That includes the traditions passed down from generation to generation, the stories, the skills and of course the cautionary tales that help them preserve history and survive.

And so it was with this week’s Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast where these three told their stories of turning loss into activism.  The next generation was over 200 students from GSA’s across the Coachella Valley.  They listened with intent to these stories, and were called to action and activism, just like Harvey Milk implored us to do so many years ago.

Next Friday is the official state holiday honoring Milk.  Harvey’s death, like that of Matthew Shepard, those at the Pulse Nightclub and countless others, give us resolve.  

No matter what your age, what might you do to keep our stories alive?  What actions might you take?  Harvey’s message was simple: Get out the vote. Voting is certainly one simple act.  So is volunteering, running for office, speaking out and countless other acts.  Your words and deeds will contribute to how the next generation will view us — not as “other” but as just a different color of the rainbow.

Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide

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Joshua Tree Music Festival

The 24th Spring Joshua Tree Music Festival fills the desert with music, movement, and creative energy from all weekend at Joshua Tree Lake Campground, offering a blend of live performances, mindfulness workshops, and hands‑on artistic experiences. This intimate gathering draws about 3,000 attendees each edition and features more than 55 workshops, live muralists, local vendors, and a community‑centered atmosphere where shared discovery takes precedence over large‑scale spectacle, with local bands performing alongside global music acts. More info

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Agua Caliente Indian Reservation 150th Anniversary

Honor a historic milestone as the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum hosts a free community celebration on Friday, May 15, 2026 from 4–9 pm, marking the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation. Throughout the day, you can explore a vibrant Native American Market, enjoy cultural demonstrations, savor local food vendors, and experience traditional bird singing and dancing. Complimentary museum admission will be offered on a first‑come, first‑served basis, giving you a special opportunity to engage with the Tribe’s rich history and living culture. More info

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Firebirds in Round Three

The Coachella Valley Firebirds have battled their way into Round Three of the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs after a hard‑fought weekend win over the Ontario Reign, but the Pacific Division Finals opened with a setback as the Firebirds dropped Game 1 to the Colorado Eagles. The best‑of‑five series now turns to Game 2 on Friday, May 15 at 7 pm at Acrisure Arena, the final chance for home‑ice momentum before the matchup shifts to Colorado for Game 3 and potential Games 4 and 5. Get tickets

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Long Beach Pride

Long Beach Pride returns May 16–17 for its 42nd annual celebration, bringing three days of community, entertainment, and LGBTQ+ visibility to Marina Green Park. Sunday at 10 am it’s the famous Long Beach Pride™ parade, and the festival features multiple live‑music stages, drag performances, DJs, food and drink vendors, and more than 150 arts and crafts booths. More info

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Marvelous Marilyn Maye! at The Purple Room

Experience the legendary Marilyn Maye in an intimate, cabaret‑style showcase at The Purple Room from Thursday–Saturday, May 14–16, where her extraordinary artistry takes center stage. A Grammy‑nominated singer, actress, director, arranger, and educator, Ms. Maye has devoted her life to the craft of song and performance. She holds the record for a singer with 76 appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, who famously told his millions of viewers, “And that, young singers, is the way it’s done.” More info

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Duran, Duran, Duran

Agave Caliente Terraza continues its free outdoor concert series with Duran, Duran, Duran: A Tribute to Duran Duran on Saturday, May 16 at 8 pm. Dance in a neon‑bright night of ’80s new‑wave nostalgia, complete with shimmering synths, sleek vocals, and the iconic sound that defined MTV’s early era. This high‑energy tribute brings the band’s biggest hits to life on the open‑air stage at Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City. More info

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International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia

Observed globally on Sunday, May 17, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) highlights the 2026 theme, “At the heart of democracy,” reflecting on how equity, justice, and inclusion form the foundation of thriving democratic communities. First celebrated in 2005, IDAHOBIT commemorates the World Health Organization’s 1990 decision to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. More info

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The Westminster Chorus

The award‑winning Westminster Chorus performs at The Plaza Theatre on Sunday, May 17 from 3–5 pm as part of the Desert Classical Series. Under the direction of Dr. Dan Wessler, this internationally acclaimed ensemble—winners of the Choir of the World Pavarotti Trophy and multiple Barbershop Harmony Society gold medals—brings signature precision, warmth, and youthful energy to the stage. More info

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A Man of No Importance

The BENT presents A Man of No Importance, running May 8–24, a tender musical exploring identity, acceptance, and the courage to live authentically. Set in Dublin, the story follows Alfie Byrne, a gentle bus conductor determined to stage an amateur production of Wilde’s Salome at his local church. As he confronts prejudice and the quiet ache of a love “that dare not speak its name,” Alfie discovers the transformative power of friendship and community. Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh says the play “is a reminder that theatre doesn’t need spectacle to move us. It needs truth, compassion, and a story told with care — and this production delivers all three.” Read his full review and get tickets: More info

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The Ritz

Palm Canyon Theatre brings big laughs to the stage with The Ritz, running May 8–17, a riotous farce set inside a 1970s Manhattan gay bathhouse. When a straight man on the run from the mob hides in what he assumes is the last place anyone would look, he’s swept into a whirlwind of flamboyant personalities, mistaken identities, and escalating comedic chaos. With its campy humor, bold characters, and rapid‑fire pacing, the production embraces the era’s theatrical flair while delivering a fresh, high‑energy experience for modern audiences. More info

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Kiss Me, Kate

College of the Desert presents the classic musical Kiss Me, Kate at the McCallum Theatre, running May 15–17. This spirited production follows feuding ex‑spouses Lilli Vanessi and Fred Graham as they clash onstage and off in a musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew. With romance, comedy, backstage antics, and iconic Cole Porter songs like “So in Love” and “Too Darn Hot,” the show blends wit, sophistication, and show‑stopping numbers. More info

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Princesses: Crowned & Dangerous

Musical Theatre University presents the Southern California premiere of Princesses: Crowned & Dangerous, an all‑new musical comedy created by David Zippel, Cheri and Bill Steinkellner, and Matthew Wilder. This reimagined production features MTU students performing alongside Broadway veterans in a rare opportunity to see original material before it reaches the national stage. Performances run May 15–17. More info

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ALSO THIS WEEK

• Sunnylands Tour Tickets
  • Monthly blocks of tickets for June visits to the historic house go on sale Friday from 9–10 am at Sunnylands Center & Gardens. These tickets are only available online and sell out fast, though visiting the gardens and center is always free.
• Mikael Healey’s Baby Grand: Bella Voce
  • Pianist Mikael Healey and vocalist Anna Magno perform on Friday from 7–9 pm at Spirit Animal @ Hotel Zoso. This intimate, in-the-round concert experience features a white baby grand piano at center stage.
• Films in the Gardens: The NeverEnding Story
  • Sunnylands Center & Gardens concludes its outdoor movie series on Friday from 8–10 pm with a screening of The NeverEnding Story. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for this free event.
• Reefer Madness Live: The Sloshed Dinner Show Series
  • This immersive production of Reefer Madness occurs Saturday–Sunday at Spirit Animal at Hotel Zoso. The 21+ show features dinner and a partially intoxicated cast performing cult-classic storytelling with live musical numbers and improv.
• Finding Balance in Your Life
  • This four-week meditation course explores practical ways to develop a calm mind on Sunday from 10–11:30 am at the Dharmachakra Kadampa Buddhist Center. Through guided meditations, participants learn to respond to life’s challenges with equanimity and peace while cultivating inner balance.

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ONGOING EVENTS

• FRIDAY–SUNDAY • Steel Magnolias Friday–Saturday at 7 pm and Sunday at 2:30 pm at Theatre 29 in Twentynine Palms.
• FRIDAY • Drag Bingo at Arrive from 4:30–7 pm: Friends are invited for rounds of bingo and happy hour deals at the Arrive Hotel. • Disco Drag Bingofrom 6–8 pm: Hostess Ember Vain leads an interactive night of bingo, disco sing-alongs, and performance numbers at V Wine Lounge & Martini Bar.
• SATURDAY • Dance Ranch / Country Dance Saturdays from 7–9:30 pm: Jan Alden teaches a beginner waltz lesson at 7 pm followed by dancing at Step by Step Dance Studio.
• ALL WEEK • A Queer Arcana: Art, Magic, and Spirit: This exhibition at Palm Springs Art Museum explores how esoteric knowledge and spiritual practices shaped queer art and culture through intergenerational artists. • Convergence – Artist Marcus Doyle creates a feeling of an alien presence connecting with the landscape in this series at Rubine Red Gallery.

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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

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Spring 2026 Visitor Map & Guide – FREE!

Check out the Spring 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.

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LOOKING AHEAD

Join Team KGAY for Marilyn’s 100th (And Get a Free T!)

Palm Springs is going platinum for Marilyn Monroe’s 100th birthday, and you can help set a world record on Saturday, May 30. When you register, be sure to scroll down and select KGAY 103.1 from the team drop‑down menu. KGAY team members will also receive a special “SAY KGAY” T‑shirt. To ensure you’re included, just send a quick email to mile@KGAYPalmSprings.com after registering. Your $75 registration includes the full Icon Kit—the white dress, platinum wig, Visit Palm Springs cat‑eye sunglasses, and a martini glass. Join the celebration, strike a pose in a sea of Marilyns, and represent KGAY 103.1!

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• Joshua Tree Music Festival
  May 14–17 at Joshua Tree Lake Campground
• Agua Caliente Indian Reservation 150th Anniversary
  Fri May 15 from 10 am–5 pm at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
• The Ritz – presented by Palm Canyon Theatre
  May 8–17
• A Man of No Importance – presented by The BENT
  May 8–24 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center
• Desert Classical Series Presents The Westminster Chorus
  Sun. May 17 at 3 pm at The Plaza Theatre
• The Merry Widow – presented by Palm Canyon Theatre
  May 21–24
• Silver Foxes – presented by Revolution Stage Company
  May 12–31
• Pool Party for a Cause
  Fri. May 22 from 6–9 pm at Palm Springs Surf Club
• 3rd Annual Pink Ball
  Sat. May 23 from 6–9 pm at V Wine Lounge & Martini Bar
• Michael Childers Nude Yoga Series Photography Exhibit
  Fri. & Sat. May 29 & 30 at Art @401 N. Palm Springs
• House Party PS: Pink Saturday 4
  Sat Jun 6 from 5–8 pm in Palm Springs
• Catalina Island Pride
  Sat & Sun Jun 12–13
• Tidal Wave Party 18: SPACE!
  Jun 18–21 at Hilton Palm Springs
• Gay Wine Weekend – 15th Anniversary Celebration
  July 17–19 in Sonoma Valley

This Weekend: DJ Galaxy fires up the weekend with his signature fun‑forward energy, taking over Fur Friday at Hunters Nightclub at 4 pm. His vibe rolls into Saturday at Vista Grande Resort from 12–3 pm, bringing sun‑soaked grooves perfect for poolside play.

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.