Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide & KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Show Your Pride, Light Up the Night, and Win!
It’s almost time for Palm Springs Pride, and residents and businesses are invited to show their support for the LGBTQ community and decorate their storefront, home or apartment with pink and rainbow lights for the 2nd annual Light Up the Night contest presented by Alaska Airlines. KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs, Gay Desert Guide and VACAYA LGBT+ Vacations are sponsoring the contest using the hashtags #ILoveGayPalmSprings AND #LightUptheNight on social media, through October 31 at midnight. There are separate contests for the best business decoration and best residential decoration with prizes including airfare to anywhere Alaska Airlines flies, and a VACAYA LGBT+ Vacation for two to the Caribbean! More info
Final Days of Voting for Best of Coachella Valley
The voting deadline is Monday, October 25 in the Coachella Valley Independent’s 8th Annual Best of Coachella Valley, and we are thrilled to have four nominations associated with KGAY 106.5! Both DJ Galaxy (Vincent Corrales) and DJ Eric Ornelas, of the KGAY Retro Lunch at Noon, have been nominated for Best Local DJ, and KGAY Morning Host John Taylor is up for Best Local Radio Personality! Last but not least, KGAY 106.5 is itself nominated for Best Radio Station! The final round of voting will run online at CVIndependent.com through Monday, October 25. Vote Today
The Center’s Big Weekend
The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert is celebrating 20 years and honoring their incredible team of volunteers at their SOLD OUT annual gala fundraiser, Center Stage, on Friday, October 22 at 5:30 p.m. at the Palm Springs Air Museum. This year’s event is moving away from the traditional indoor ballroom setting to provide guests a safe and comfortable open-air experience with cocktail hour, dinner and exciting live auction! More info
The Center’s other big (and also SOLD OUT) event this weekend is a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony on Sunday, October 24 at 11:00 a.m., as they near completion of a multi-million dollar remodeling that has dramatically reshaped the McDonald-Wright building at 1301 N. Palm Canyon Drive. Leading the ceremony will be Center executive director and CEO Rob Wheeler, and Peter Daut, a multi-Emmy award-winning journalist and weekday anchor at KESQ-TV. Distinguished guests and speakers will include Palm Springs Mayor Christy Holstege and Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Middleton. More info
If you weren’t able to score tickets to this limited-capacity event, you can still watch the ribbon-cutting live on PromoHomo.TV. Learn more and see an advance tour of The Center’s renovated and expanded space [here]
“Pride Under the Pines” Comes to Idyllwild
Palm Springs’ LGBTQ Community is invited to join Pride Under the Pines at the mile-high town of Idyllwild overlooking the Coachella Valley on Saturday, October 23 from 12:00–9:00 p.m. PS HomeBoys is bringing desert heat to the cool gay heights for a day of out-and-proud food, fun and fabulous entertainment, including an interactive screening of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert hosted by Rosemary Galore. Proof of full vaccination and masks are required for indoor spaces. Get tickets
Tacos, Tequilas, & Chavelas Festival
The City of Coachella, in partnership with the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce, presents their 4th Annual Tacos, Tequila, & Chavelas Festival on Saturday, October 23 from 4:00–8:00 p.m., at Veterans Memorial Park. The event features a live band and DJ, mechanical bull rides, roping and corn hole games, food booths and aguas frescas. Attendees can sample all participating restaurants’ tacos for only $20 or combine taco tasting with a signature handcrafted Chavela for $25! This event has sold out in the past. Get tickets
Mount: Mens Bonding Pop-Up Event
Mount is a 2-day festival, bringing like-minded guys together for a drug-free, shame-free, sex-positive private event on Friday and Saturday, October 22 & 23 at CCBC Resort. Broncs of the western United States have been ‘gathered’ into capture corrals for decades, and Guys 2 Mount continues the tradition, seeking riders with stamina to mount and break the spirited Broncs in the capture corral. There will be plenty of opportunities for social bonding time outside the corral, too. More info
Shrek the Musical Opens
Palm Canyon Theatre presents Shrek The Musical opening this weekend on Friday, October 22 and running through Sunday, November 7. “Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek….” And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Get tickets
The Producers at Desert Theatreworks
Desert Theatreworks’ production of Mel Brooks’ Broadway hit The Producers runs through Sunday, October 31. The Producers features a famous Broadway producer and an accountant with big dreams scheming to get rich by producing a flop, until it all goes wrong when the show is a hit. Get tickets
Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival
The Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival continues with multiple screenings and other events through Sunday, October 24. Founded in 2000 by the late mystery author, Arthur Lyons, this unique festival features an eclectic mixture of landmark and vintage movies from the classic film noir era. Each year, the festival showcases the best of film noir accentuated by an array of movie stars or their family members who appear on stage for post screening Q&A discussions. Get tickets
Kevin Costner and Modern West at The Show
Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage presents Kevin Costner & Modern West at The Show on Friday, October 22 at 8:00 p.m. Kevin Costner & Modern West is a rock/country band which Costner founded with the encouragement of his wife Christine. The band released their debut country album, Untold Truths, on November 11, 2008 on Universal South Records. The album peaked at #61 on the Billboard Top Country Albums and #35 on the Top Heatseekers chart. Videos have been made for the songs “Superman 14”, “Backyard” and “Hey Man What About You.” Get tickets
Coachella Valley Improv and Comedy Festival
CVRep presents the Coachella Valley Improv and Comedy Festival on Saturday and Sunday, October 23 & 24. Starting with improv and show business workshops with redDoor and Jason Stuart, respectively, the weekend continues with an Improv & Sketch Showcase Competition and Saturday Night Headliner Comedy with Tom Dreesen and Mary Gallagher and Improv with redDoor. Gallagher hosts a Stand-Up Comedy Workshop on Sunday, followed by a Comedy Showcase Competition and a Sunday Night Headliners with “Contributions to Comedy” awards featuring Joyce Bulifant and Steve Bluestein, “Pure & Weary” sketch comedy, and closing out with a stand-up set from Jason Stuart. Get tickets
8th Annual Reel Women’s Film Festival
Now in its eighth year, the Reel Women’s Film Festival is available to watch at your leisure anytime between October 11–23, streaming online. The festival is championed by a committee that works to bring diverse and inspiring films about women to the screen. This year’s virtual film festival includes headliner film Sisters, #metoo film Working Woman, and international choice film Blanka. All proceeds benefit Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest, serving Riverside, San Diego, and Imperial counties. More info
Palm Springs International Dance Festival Fall Series
Nickerson Rossi Dance presents the Palm Springs International Dance Festival Fall Series through Sunday, October 24. The festival features a student showcase, “Caliber” professional dance performance, dance film series and competition, plus 18 master dance classes from world-renowned dance educators, college professors, artistic directors, and the producers of the Palm Springs International Dance Festival. Get tickets
All Male Revue at Rubine Red Gallery
Rubine Red Gallery presents its Palm Springs Pride Show: All Male Revue on Saturday, October 23 from 5:00–9:00 p.m. This group art show of 12 artists presents the many renditions of the male form in art. Special works include vintage Bob Mizer works and Australian Photographer Troy Schooneman. Enjoy a beverage in their outdoor space after viewing the art. More info
Borrego Days Desert Festival
The Borrego Festivals Foundation in partnership with the Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce presents the 55th Annual Borrego Days Desert Festival themed “Welcome Back!” on Saturday and Sunday, October 23 and 24. Friday evening kicks off the weekend with local events around town leading into the festival weekend at Christmas Circle that includes a flyover, live entertainment, dance floor, art exhibits, kid’s zone, food vendors, adult beer garden, car show, 1st Annual Amateur Talent Show and more. More info
“Auntie,” a Play by Marty Martin
Script2Stage2Screen presents a staged reading of “Auntie,” a comedy by Marty Martin, on Friday and Saturday, October 22 & 23 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Desert. The play turns on two questions: Who was Auntie Mame? Could it be Marion, a lovable kook with a heart of gold? S2S2S is requiring all attendees to be fully vaccinated and, provide advance proof and ID through joining its “Audience Bubble,” a contact tracing list. Get tickets
Desert Ensemble Theatre Season Opening Benefit
Desert Ensemble Theatre’s Season 11 opening weekend benefit concert, Reunited and It Feels So Good, runs October 22, 23, & 24 with showtime at 7:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. Conceived and directed by Jerome Elliott, this popular season opener will feature singers Charles Herrera and Darci Daniels, along with Elliott, in a fast-paced, cabaret-style revue. Proceeds benefit DET’s theatre internship and scholarship program. More info
Gay Desert Guide Fall Pride 2021 Map & Guide is Out Now!
Our latest Fall Pride 2021 edition of the Gay Desert Guide Map & Guide is hot off the presses and available where you’ll find brochures at hot spots all over town! Pick up your hard copy today or check out our online version to find all the top places for Food & Drink, Nightlife, Shopping, Attractions, Gay Resorts with passes, Dispensaries and other services. Check it out
LOOKING AHEAD
Girlfriend: Dezart Performs Under the Stars!
The award-winning Dezart Performs of Palm Springs opens its 14th Season with the critically-acclaimed Todd Almond / Matthew Sweet musical GIRLFRIEND (October 27 – 30) taking place outside at the Rancho Mirage Amphitheater. Set in Nebraska in the ’90s, Will, a bit of a social outcast, and Mike, the popular football player, figure out that there is more to life than what high school has taught them. Days after graduation they explore their relationship and begin to ask themselves where their lives begin. More info
Jazzville Palm Springs: Lalo Guerrero Tribute
Jazzville, the live jazz scene presented by Barry Martin/DJ Baz and Take Five Entertainment, presents a Tribute to Lalo Guerrero on Thursday, October 28 at 7:00 p.m. at the vibrant Cascade Lounge inside Agua Caliente Casino in Palm Springs. Lalo was a Mexican-American guitarist, singer and farm labor activist best known for his strong influence on today’s Latin musical artists. This incredible evening will feature an 8-piece band playing music from Lalo’s early Cha Cha and Mambo days to some of his biggest Latin hits in both Spanish and English. His son, Mark Guerrero, will be the vocalist. Cocktails, wine and delicious small bites available. More info
Palm Desert Concerts in the Park
Palm Desert’s free Concerts in the Park series is held every Thursday in October from 6:00–7:30 p.m. at the Palm Desert Civic Center Park amphitheater. The concerts offer a delightful evening of music by some of the top acts from across the region. On Thursday, October 28, New Sensations performs, wrapping up the month. New Sensations is a fun and high energy, party dance band that plays the best Rock, Pop, Funk, Disco, Soul, Motown, Swing, and more, spanning 6+ decades of the most popular dance music ever recorded by your favorite artists. Food and beverage trucks will be available each week offering a variety of culinary offerings. Concertgoers may also bring picnic baskets along with blankets or lawn chairs to enjoy the shows. Alcohol and smoking prohibited. More info
- Light Up the Night Contest for Palm Springs Pride
Oct. 20–Nov. 4 - Center Stage Celebrates 20 Years of The Center
Fri. Oct. 22 at 5:30 p.m. at the Palm Springs Air Museum - The Producers by Desert Theatreworks
October 8–31 - Mount: Men’s Bonding Pop-Up Event
Oct. 22–23 at CCBC Resort - Pride Under the Pines
Sat. Oct. 23 from 12:00–9:00 p.m. in Idyllwild - Shrek The Musical, presented by Palm Canyon Theatre
October 22–November 7 - Jazzville Palm Springs: Lalo Guerrero Tribute
Thu. Oct. 28 at 7:00 p.m - Girlfriend, The Smash Hit Rock Musical, presented by Dezart Performs
October 27–30 Outside at the Rancho Mirage Amphitheater - Palm Springs Leather Pride 2021
October 28–31 at Various Locations throughout Palm Springs - DAP Health Desert AIDS Walk 2021
Sat. Oct. 30 from 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. at Ruth Hardy Park - Boozehounds’ Halloween Soirée Under the Stars
Sat. Oct 30 at 7:00 p.m. - Palm Springs Halloween on Arenas Road
Sun. Oct. 31 from 4:00–10:00 p.m. - Palm Springs Pride Festival 2021 – Downtown Palm Springs
Sat. Nov. 6 from 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. & Sun. Nov. 7 from 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. - Desertopia Pride Weekend
Sat. Nov. 6 at Infusion Beach Club and Asia SF, Sun. Nov. 7 at The Sonoran - Front Runners Pride 5K Run & Walk 2021
Sat. Nov. 6 at 8:00 a.m. In-Person at Old Las Palmas Neighborhood and Virtually
- The Desert Gets Dark: Film Noir Festival Returns to Palm Springs With ‘Big Sleep,’ 35mm Rarities and More
- Collecting History: The LGBTQ+ History and Archives of the Desert Holds an Inaugural Exhibition During Pride Weekend
- Hiking With T: The Canyons Around Desert Hot Springs Offer Amazing Adventures
- Historic Plaza Theatre in Downtown Palm Springs Receives Significant Donation in Support of Preservation and the Arts
- Modernism Week Announces February 2022 Schedule
Breakout – Full Release is the Palm Springs Leather Pride 2021 Dance Party on Saturday, October 30 from 9:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m., produced by Hocker Productions and featuring Colton Ford, singer, actor, and adult film star; international house DJ Hector Fonseca and the hottest go-go boys from coast to coast. Takes place at the Desert Rose Playhouse, with hosted bar. Save big on your admission with our HOT DEAL: Get one admission ($75 value) for just $50! Get Your Deal
We also have Hot Deals at Jolene’s Bar & Grill, One Eleven Bar, Destination PSP, Grand Central, Lulu California Bistro, Runway, Monster Shakes, Mary Pickford Theatre, Roost Lounge, Johannes and more! See All Deals