Gay Desert Guide Weekend: May 8-10, 2026

The Late Show has been an institution since Stephen Colbert took the reins from David Letterman in 2015.

In July 2025, CBS announced it would be retiring the Late Show franchise entirely. Stephen Colbert’s final episode is scheduled to air on May 21, 2026, bringing a close to the 33-year history of the brand.

It’s no secret that CBS has been accused of dumping the show in response to political pressure from the Trump administration. And it’s hard not to jump to that conclusion based on his comments like, “I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings.” In a Christmas Eve post, Trump wrote that CBS should “put him to sleep, NOW, it is the humanitarian thing to do.”

Colbert has taken a “the gloves are off” stance as he winds down the show with renewed criticism of the administration. His predecessor, David Letterman, will appear next week. Letterman has been vocal in his support of Colbert, recently criticizing CBS executives as “lying weasels” for their decision to end the franchise. His appearance is expected to be a meta-commentary on the history of the Late Show brand, which he launched in 1993.

Whether it was the Paramount merger with Skydance or caving to potential FCC license challenges, Stephen Colbert ruffled feathers in a world where speaking truth to power is often viewed by parent companies as a liability rather than a civic duty.

Who will be the final guest on the last episode on May 21st? It’s a closely guarded secret with many rumors swirling. His brand of political humor will be sorely missed, and others who are left standing now see a bigger target on their backs.

Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide

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The Official IML Send‑Off Party

The Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert hosts its Official IML Send‑Off Party on Saturday, May 9 from 8 pm–12 am. The event honors Mr. Palm Springs Leather, Honey Davenport, as they prepare to compete at International Mr. Leather. Held at Dick’s on Arenas, the gathering brings together the local leather community and supporters for an evening of camaraderie and Pride‑centered energy. More info

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Mother’s Day Celebrations

Celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 10 with a variety of festive experiences across Greater Palm Springs. At one eleven bar, Not Your Mama’s Bingo brings lively games and spirited entertainment from 4–6 pm, hosted by Vanity Halston, with all proceeds supporting the HIV+Aging Research Project. For a delicious holiday meal, Lulu California Bistro offers a special three‑course brunch from 9 am–3 pm. Additional favorites include Eight4Nine and Jake’s with popular weekend brunch, and Willie’s Modern Fare, offering brunch, afternoon tea, and dinner service. Look for more on our Dine & Sip Page. Additionally, Agua Caliente Casinos celebrates Mother’s Day Weekend with gift giveaways, slot and table game promotions, specialty dining and brunch experiences, signature drinks, live entertainment, and spa pampering! More info

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The Purple Room Supper Club

It’s one of the final weekends of The Purple Room season as Ann Hampton Callaway brings Here’s to Life on Friday–Saturday, May 8–9. With only a few tickets left, this is your chance to experience her warm, soulful interpretations of classics and contemporary gems before the season wraps. And with the season winding down, just two weekends remain: the iconic Marilyn Maye takes the stage May 14–16, followed by the electrifying Sam Harris on May 22–23. Each brings a distinctive brilliance to close out an extraordinary year of music at The Purple Room. More info

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Steel Magnolias at Theatre 29

Theatre 29 in Twentynine Palms brings Robert Harling’s beloved Steel Magnolias to life in a heartfelt and humorous production running May 8–24. You are invited to step inside a Louisiana beauty parlor where six unforgettable women share laughter, resilience, and deep friendship through life’s joys and sorrows. More info

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Convergence at Rubine Red Gallery

Rubine Red Gallery invites you to Convergence, a striking exhibition by Marcus Doyle that reimagines the nocturnal desert as an otherworldly realm. The series features single‑frame, in‑camera images created without retouching or AI, each capturing the feeling of an alien presence merging with the landscape. The run spans May 9–June 4, with an Opening Night reception on Saturday, May 9 from 5–8 pm, offering your first chance to experience the work in an immersive gallery setting. More info

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Becky Robinson – The Beasts in Me Tour

A comic whirlwind hits the desert as Becky Robinson unleashes her wild characters, razor‑sharp wit, and high‑energy chaos at The Show. You are invited to experience the viral personas and bold stand‑up that have made her one of comedy’s breakout forces. Catch her live on Friday, May 8 at 8 pm, where every beast in her comedic arsenal takes the stage for a night of unpredictable fun. 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. 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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Ernest Shackleton Loves Me

Ernest Shackleton Loves Me is a wildly inventive new musical comedy performing Wednesday–Sunday at CV Rep from April 22–May 10. The story follows a sleep-deprived single mom who connects through space and time with the famous polar explorer Ernest Shackleton. Together they overcome the odds in a timeless and very funny musical romance. Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh says “the pace never slackens, the surprises keep coming and the performances shine.” Read his full review and Get tickets

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ALSO THIS WEEKEND

• Films in the Gardens: Where the Wild Things Are
  • The outdoor movie series continues with a screening of the 2009 film on Friday from 8–10 pm at Sunnylands Center & Gardens. This free event, presented with the Palm Springs International Film Festival, follows a young boy’s adventure to an island filled with mysterious creatures.
• Palm Springs Symphony
  • The symphony presents “May Musical Mischief: A Symphony of Surprises” on Saturday at 7:30 pm at The Plaza Theatre. The Mother’s Day celebration features guest pianist John Novacek performing works by Gershwin in a program filled with musical humor and unexpected twists.
• What’s New Pussycat? A Tom Jones Legacy Tribute
  • This free outdoor concert celebrates the timeless charisma of Tom Jones on Saturday at 8 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City.
• Unbuttoned: A Boylesque Social Experience
  • Dancer Michael Silas, known for his work with Lady Gaga, performs an intimate evening of dance and storytelling on Saturday from 6–8:30 pm at The Social Cafe and Play Lounge.
• The Judy Show!
  • Michael Holmes parodies Judy Garland and various Golden Age icons in this high-camp blend of comedy and music on Sunday from 5–8 pm at the Purple Room Supper Club.

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ONGOING EVENTS

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

SATURDAY • Second Saturday Book Swap from 12–4 pm: Participate in a curated book swap at the Perez Road Art and Design District focused on art, design, and architecture with complimentary drinks and snacks. • Indio Second Saturdays at 7 pm: This free community event in Downtown Indio on Miles Avenue and Smurr Street features live music, food vendors, family entertainment, and non-stop fun. • Dance Ranch / Country Dance Saturdays from 7–9:30 pm: Join a night of dancing at Step by Step Dance Studio including two-step, waltz, shadow, swing, and line dances.

ALL WEEK • A Queer Arcana: Art, Magic, and Spirit: This exhibition at the Palm Springs Art Museum explores how magic, spirituality, and esoteric knowledge have shaped queer art and culture.

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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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• 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
• Ernest Shackleton Loves Me – presented by CVRep
  Apr 22–May 10
• “Cathedral City Takes Flight” – State of the City
  Tue. May 12 from 10:30 am–12:30 pm at the Doubletree Golf Resort
• Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast
  Thu. May 14 from 8:30–10:30 am at The Palm Springs Convention Center
• Joshua Tree Music Festival
  May 14–17 at Joshua Tree Lake Campground
• 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
• 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
• 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 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.