Gay Desert Guide Weekend: Sept 20–22, 2019

Cinema Diverse Weekend One, Desert Rose Playhouse Garden Party, Dirty Little Secrets Burlesque, Roost Mr. Leather, Brenna Whitaker, Deep Dive DJs at Chill Bar, “Judy” preview screening tickets, plus Happy Hours and HOT DEALS! 

Cinema Diverse Weekend One

Cinema Diverse: The Palm Springs LGBTQ Film Festival celebrates its 12th anniversary at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, starting this week. The festival will run for two weekends: Thursday, September 19 through Sunday, September 22 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center and continues Friday and Saturday, September 27 and 28 at the Mary Pickford Theatre in Cathedral City. New this year, the second weekend will be all original programming. More info

Here’s just a taste of what Cinema Diverse has on the schedule:

• Opening Night: “For They Know Not What They Do” – Thu Sept. 19 @7:30 p.m.  – Telling the stories of families caught up in the conflict between Marriage Equality and the Religious Right and informed by the wisdom of a number of religious and constitutional thinkers it shows the way forward through love, reconciliation, and acceptance. Learn more
• “Steam Room Stories: The Movie” – Sat Sept. 21 @7:30 p.m. – “A laugh-out-loud, ridiculous, fun romp,” according to Traci Lords, who plays a villainous cosmetics mogul in the film. Learn more
• “Cohibernation” – Sun Sept. 22 @3:00 p.m. – Seven gay male bear couples are put in front of a camera and asked about what really goes on in their long-term relationships. Learn more
• Womyn-Centered Societies Highlight This Years Selection Of Womyn’s Films From Cinema Diverse Learn more
• Cinema Diverse “World Of Pride” Films Shed Light On Global Struggle For LGBTQ Equality Learn more

Dirty Little Secrets Burlesque

The showgirls are back! On Saturday, September 21 at 8:00 p.m, Dirty Little Secrets Burlesque brings their brand new burlesque and variety show to Hotel Zoso. For a decade the Dirty Little Secrets Burlesque has been providing world class entertainment from Los Angeles to San Diego, and now you can revel in their shimmy and shake right here in Palm Springs. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. Drinks and full dinner menu available for purchase. Get tickets

Desert Rose Playhouse Garden Party Fundraiser

The Desert Rose Playhouse presents their 2nd Annual Garden Party Fundraiser on Saturday, September 21 from 3:00–7:00 p.m., at the fabulous historic Gloria Swanson Estate where Eva Gabor and Elizabeth Taylor frequently stayed. Enjoy live entertainment, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, raffle, and silent auction items including pieces from past shows, antiques and more. All proceeds from the event will go towards funding facility upgrades of the lighting system and lobby at Desert Rose Playhouse, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving the LGBTQ community and allies. Get tickets

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The Roost Announces Their Mr. Leather 2020

On Saturday, September 21 at 7:00 p.m., The Roost Lounge will kick off the evening with a Leather and Lace drag show hosted by Anita Treadmill, followed by the big announcement of The Roost’s Mr. Leather 2020. Enjoy music by DJ Galaxy, drink specials, Jell-O shots, and a 50/50 raffle too! More info

Brenna Whitaker – An Evening of Classics

The Purple Room Supper Club presents L.A.-based vocalist Brenna Whitaker on Friday, September 20 at 8:00 p.m. Ms. Whitaker brings her signature sound and powerful vocals to the Purple Room stage for an evening of classics from the American Songbook and Jazz Standards including songs made famous by Peggy Lee, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and more. Whitaker will also perform selections from her self-titled album released by Verve Records. Get tickets

Palm Springs City Council Candidate Forums

ONE-PS, The Palm Springs Neighborhood Association, along with leaders and members of local neighborhood organizations, will sponsor a series of four candidate forums for District 1, District 2 and District 3 Palm Springs City Council candidates in September and October. The dates and times for the forums are:
District 1 – south: Sunday, September 22 (click here for details)
District 1 – north: Tuesday, September 24 (click here for details)
District 2: Sunday, October 6 (click here for details)
District 3: Saturday, October 5 (click here for details)
Learn more

Deep Dive at Chill Bar

On Thursday, September 19–and continuing on Thursdays to come–Chill Bar presents Deeper Dive: Desert Underground. The premier sound system in the desert delivers the work of world-class DJs without distraction, with a lineup that varies from week to week. No cover! This week, dive deep with Jeffree Harms, Lee Dagger and DJ Irene. More info

“Hustlers” at Mary Pickford Theatre

This weekend at Mary Pickford Theatre – D’Place Entertainment: Brad Pitt stars in Ad Astra, traveling to the outer edges of the solar system to find his missing father and unravel a mystery that threatens the survival of our planet. His journey will uncover secrets that challenge the nature of human existence and our place in the cosmos.

Pick your luxury recliner seat in the beautiful, air-conditioned Mary Pickford Theatre today! Get tickets

LOOKING AHEAD

Special Preview Screening of the New “Judy” Film

Join Michael Holmes as Judy Garland for a special preview screening of the new movie Judy starring Renee Zellweger on Thursday, September 26 at the Mary Pickford Theatres in Cathedral City. Sponsored by KGAY and Gay Desert Guide with proceeds benefiting Qchella Media, (the non-profit arm of KGAY radio). Reception with no host bar and complimentary hors d’oeuvres at 7:00 p.m., with a performance by Michael Holmes as Judy at 7:45 p.m. Screening begins at 8:00 p.m. Get tickets

Outlandish Performance Series Adds Show Dates

The Palm Springs performance series Outlandish has added additional shows the lineup this fall–October 12 through November 24–which includes evenings with Fran Drescher, Margaret Cho, Coco Peru, Miss Richfield 1981, Leslie Jordan, and Randy Rainbow! Two new nights have been added: Emmy® nominated Randy Rainbow and his live band will now have a third performance on Sunday, November 24 at 5:00 p.m. and the hilarious Leslie Jordan has added a second show of “Overexposed” on Sunday, November 17 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets for the entire Outlandish Palm Springs series have sold fast and there is anticipation that all six of these iconic performers will play to a full house. Get tickets now

Play Gay, Stay Gay Poster & T-Shirt Contest

The Desert Gay Tourism Guild is celebrating fifty years of LGBTQ hospitality in the Greater Palm Springs area with the creation of the annual Greater Palm Springs Play Gay, Stay Gay Poster & T-Shirt Contest. Artists are invited to submit ideas that celebrate California’s LGBTQ Desert playground, and its rich history of welcoming LGBTQ visitors from all over the world. The winning selection that best represents both the destination and fifty years of LGBTQ hospitality will become the official Greater Palm Springs Play Gay, Stay Gay Poster &/or T-Shirt for 2020, the artist will receive $500, and receive an all-expense paid weekend, launch party and signing. Enter here

Wang’s in the Desert offers Daily Happy Hour, with a different theme every day of the week! Mojito Mondays, International Taco and Tequila Tuesdays, Wang’s Wings Wednesdays, Thirsty Thursdays, and of course Friday Boys’ Night Out with the largest Happy Hour patio in Palm Springs. On Weekends the Happy Hours continue with live music by the likes of Keisha D and/or other special guests! Get Happy at Wang’s

Rick’s Desert Grill offers a huge selection of breakfast, lunch and dinner items for all appetites while Rick’s Restaurant specializes in breakfast or a hot and hearty lunch with the best homemade soups in the valley! Rick’s always has great food with a Cuban influence at reasonable prices. With this HOT DEAL, get 30% off with a $50 gift certificate good at either Rick’s Desert Grill or Rick’s Restaurant for $35!  Get Your Deal