Philanthropists to be Honored at Center Stage
Two long-time local LGBT philanthropists will be recognized for their decade-plus support of The LGBT Community Center of the Desert at the annual Center Stage Gala on Friday, October 27, 2017 at the Riviera Resort in Palm Springs.
Involved since the early days of The Center, when it was known as the Prime Timers of the Desert Foundation, David Hood & George Sellers have been integral to the evolution and success of Eastern Riverside County’s only LGBT community center. In 2005, when The Center opened its first location, David led fundraising efforts to build community support and raise money to help offsets costs. Since then, the couple has been a constant, stepping up with personal gifts and spearheading fundraisers for the organization’s subsequent relocations, most recently with The Center’s 2016 $3.5 million capital campaign.
“Without David & George’s leadership and generosity, The Center would not exist. We are forever grateful for their commitment,” said The Center’s Board Chair, Brian Rix.
The Center Stage Gala, presented by Eisenhower Medical Center, will feature the multi-talented actor, singer, and songwriter Cheyenne Jackson as the musical headliner and political comedienne Kate Clinton as returning emcee and host. Individual tickets, which are $195, while still available, are selling out fast. More Info
Reel Women's Film Festival
Join Planned Parenthood for the 4th Annual Reel Women's Film Festival. Join us for an inspiring day of films to help raise funds for Planned Parenthood's breast health programs and enjoy diverse films about women. This year's newly expanded two-day event includes a diverse range of films from the Philippines, Netherlands, India, and USA, beginning on Saturday, October 28, for the opening film and Champagne reception, followed by the full-day festival on Sunday, October 29.
In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, please join us for this year's newly expanded two-day event!
The program includes a diverse range of films from the Philippines, Netherlands, India, and USA, beginning on Saturday, October 28, for the opening film and Champagne reception, followed by the full-day festival on Sunday, October 29. More Info
Walking the Walk: Desert AIDS Walk Raises Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars for Desert AIDS Project
As you can tell by this exclusive coverage from #PromoHomoTV from Producer/Host Nicholas Snow, we live in a loving, close-knit, supportive community, as demonstrated by hundreds of people gathering together to help care for people living with HIV/AIDS, and to bring about the end of this epidemic. For more information, visit Desert AIDS Project.
George Zander Candlelight Vigil and March
Join us to reflect, remember, and stand up against hate violence around the world.
We will join in memory of all victims of hate crimes and remember George Zander on the 2nd anniversary of the day he and Chris Zander were attacked in downtown Palm Springs. George died on December 10, 2015.
On the anniversary of the attack we will gather to reflect. Help us carry forward the social justice efforts that defined George Zander’s life and honor his memory so that no other individual falls victim to a crime of hate. We must remain determined to change hate, intolerance, and ignorance into love and acceptance.
The vigil will begin on La Plaza, in front of Grand Central, and features a rally and march through the heart of Palm Springs. We will never forget.
Join us and community sponsors as we speak out against hate. More Info
OUT PSP Kicks Off Greater Palm Springs Pride!
Join Greater Palm Springs Pride and the Gay Desert Guide’s Kick off to Pride weekend at OUT PSP: A Kick Off to Pride. This annual event features tastings from Coachella Valley restaurants and beverage purveyors and is an opportunity to meet Community Grand Marshal Michael Holmes and Celebrity Grand Marshal’s Craig Ramsay and Brandon Liberati.
The event takes place on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on the 4th Floor Outdoor Patio of the El Mirador Plaza. (1180 N. Indian Canyon Rd.) Drop in and sip on a signature cocktail at our open bar while you watch the sun set behind the San Jacinto Mountains! More Info
Outlandish Comedy Series on the Horizon!
Outlandish Palm Springs is a performance series produced by Logo Founder Matt Farber. You'll never guess who's on the bill! GayDesertGuide is a media partner.
Del Shores – Six Characters in Search of a Play – Oct 28th, 8 PM
Sordid Lives creator Del Shores new one-man show directed by Emerson Collins proves once again that he is not a writer, he’s a self-proclaimed thief! In Six Characters In Search Of A Play, Shores is inspired by Pirandello’s classic play to bring you six characters inspired by his real-life encounters that haven’t quite made it into one of Shores’ plays, films or TV shows. In 90 minutes, the audience will hear the truth behind how he collected these eccentrics, then he will portray them in classic Shores’ monologue style.
Miss Richfield 1981 – 2020 Vision: A Surivival Guide For The New World Nov 4th
Miss Richfield 1981 returns to Palm Springs with her brand new show, “2020 Vision—A Survival Guide For The New World”, an official Palm Springs Pride event. The show features Miss Richfield 1981’s unique take on audience participation along with new songs, new videos, and most importantly, a new message for our new world! During these strange times, Miss R wants to provide a message of hope—or at least survival!
Coco Peru – The Taming of the Tension Nov 11th
Miss Coco Peru has been a little tense lately and one of the things that Coco likes to do when she is tense is invite friends over to her place for tea (and/or cocktails) and a good old-fashioned bullshitting session. Coco is now inviting you to her "place" for some of her favorite stories, songs, and a good dose of bullshitting with the hope that together the tension will melt away! And for the first time ever Coco will be taking questions from her audience! So, think of good ones to ask!!!
Randy Rainbow – BOTH SHOWS SOLD OUT
Doors open at 7 PM for all performances at 8 PM, and a percentage of the proceeds will be donated to SAGE USA and SAGE of the Desert, a program of the LGBT Center. Buy a series pass and save money!
Rancho Mirage Block Party Tuesday, October 24
Please join us for our Inaugural Rancho Mirage Block Party. As we get closer more details will be announced but here is some what you can expect !!
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9 Food Vendors Giving Away Food…
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Beer Garden with beer by…
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Wine Garden with wine by…
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Huge Prize to be given away…
Santiago Men's Resort's 5 Night Get-A-Way Contest
They're sold out Pride Weekend, but don't let that keep you from entering Santiago Men’s Resort is holding a 5 night vacation stay contest, which will last for 60 days beginning November 1, 2017. The winner will be randomly drawn the first week of January 2018. The prize is a 5 Night stay in their King Suite Room. Breakfast and Lunch included. No black out dates, based on availability. $1600 Value.
Santiago Men’s Resort is a luxury gay boutique hotel in Palm Springs, Santiago offers free breakfast, poolside lunch, and all-day refreshments in the Cantina. The wealth of amenities include the largest pool of any gay resort in Palm Springs, beautifully designed, spacious rooms with poolside access and spectacular mountain views. More Info
Pride Run & Walk 5K Takes Place Nov 4, 2017
Kickoff Pride Weekend the Right Way with a 5K! Presented by the Palm Springs Front Runners and Walkers and this year benefiting The LGBT Community Center of the Desert, The Pride Run & Walk 5K in Palm Springs, California hits the streets of Old Las Palmas Saturday, November 4, 2017. (This event is not pet friendly and strollers are not allowed on the course.)
Palm Springs Leather Pride Goes Commando with Black ops
Are you ready, sweaty and excited to GO COMMANDO in Palm Springs? Palm Springs Leather Pride is ready for you and can’t wait!
Their official word is, "First, we want to thank everyone who made last year's Palm Springs Leather Pride Weekend an amazing experience in leather, kink, gear and fetish. In particular, we want to thank the countless volunteers and attendees whose support made for a 35% increase in attendance adding up to a hot and sweaty event and record-setting contributions to our beneficiaries.
This year I’m excited to announce an even greater and sweatier effort on our part to produce the best attended and action-packed weekend yet. As contest chair I can tell you I am putting together a contest like no other that for the very first time in contest history that will include attendee participation in to name Mr. Palm Springs Leather 2018. We welcome back our longtime emcee Lenny Broberg and pair him with Los Angeles’s Jeremy Ronceros for what’s sure to be a weekend of entertainment and surprises. The Palm Springs Air Museum is in the process of constructing a new hangar and plane gallery which will also be the venue for our contest." More Info
Get Ready to Celebrate Halloween on Arenas Road
Enjoy our official GayDesertGuide.com "Mirror Me" photo booth BETWEEN 5 and 7 PM. We'll be set up by Blackbook Bar where you may take photos to share on social media using the #ILoveGayPalmSprings hashtag. We'll give you a copy!
One of the most prolific dance artists of our time and Billboard® Dance Chart Topper Robin S known for her mega hits "Show Me Love" and "Luv 4 Luv" will headline Halloween Palm Springs on Arenas Road. Identical twin brothers – The Perry Twins notorious for spinning at festivals around-the-world (Burning Man, Ascension Fire Island, White Party Bangkok and Madrid's Infinita Pride) will also take-to-the-stage along with the ever vivacious Pepper MaShay known for her international hits "Dive in the Pool" and "Does Your Mother Know."
Halloween Palm Springs is FREE with a suggestion donation of $5 being accepted at each of the entrances benefiting Desert AIDS Project, Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus, Greater Palm Springs Pride (An Official Pride Event) and LGBT Community Center of the Desert.
NEW THIS YEAR…TWO VIP AREAS: Ketel One Lounge for only $50 and VIP All Access/Meet and Greet for only $75. To purchase tickets online for a limited time click here.
Performances will include: KEISHA D, DJ COREY D, CHI ENERGY AS EDWARD SCISSOHANDS and the effervescent Bella da Ball as Master of Ceremonies.
Registration for the Costume Contest begins at 6:00 PM at the Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus booth on Arenas Road and will end promptly at 7:45 PM. Registered participants must be in line with their wristband on at the main stage no later that 8:00 PM. Over $1,000 will be given away in prizes.
"Visitors will be attending the Arenas Road Halloween Party from all over the world as we have been receiving e-mails from as far away as Berlin, Cape Town and Sydney…It will truly be an international experience. Our team of professionals including associate producer, Toby Willaby is prepared to excite, entertain and showcase to the world, that Palm Springs is THE party destination," said Jeff Hocker, Executive Producer, Halloween Palm Springs.
Halloween Carnivale 2017 with Halloween on Arenas Road More Info
Excitement Builds for 1st Palm Springs International Animation Festival
The 1st Annual Palm Springs International Animation Festival will take place November 9-11, 2017.
Explain organizers, "This inaugural season we have received over 2700 unique film entries from 103 countries. Each year our team of jurors work to select 250+ titles from shorts to features that showcase the breadth of the art form. We hold our judging to nine cinematic virtues: storytelling, humor, heart, ideas, originality, visual interest, craftsmanship, diversity, and gut-level viewing pleasure.
We're proud to be featuring award winning films from Cannes, Annecy, Tribeca and Sundance with Oscar and Grammy artists and producers in a variety of styles from 2D, 3D, Hand Drawn, Water Color, Oil Painted, VFX & Rotoscoping, Experimental, Sand, Paper, Anime, and Stop-Motion. We will be featuring film for All Ages in a variety of genres from Drama, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror and Abstract.
The festival experience is about more than just watching film after film. During intermissions, or at the after-parties, strike up a conversation about what you’ve just seen. Review the show with your date, pointing out personal favorites in the program. Ask one of the animators about what went into creating their project. Join the animation tribe, trading tips about local job opportunities. At its heart, the festival is a family reunion for animation-lovers.
Whether you’ve been attending since year one, or whether you’re discovering indie animation for the first time… The magic ingredient that turns films into a festival is you. We’re here together to celebrate creativity of these artists who have worked so hard to transform their daydreams into a fantasy reality and appreciate how much love has been poured into these projects. More Info
Happy Hour Finder
If you’re looking for a touch of class then Stacy’s is the place! Stacy's Palm Springs is now open and they’ve got a nightly line-up you'll love. Thursday-Sunday from 6pm-11pm you can indulge in the sweet sounds of their piano while enjoying your favorite cocktail! Stacy’s is the perfect combination of taste, class and beauty! And if you’re looking to venture outside of Arenas,
The RetroRoom in Palm Springs harkens back to the days when cool was created. They feature karaoke nightly in an intimate and retro atmosphere and they have a full bar with featured specialty cocktails featured nightly. Diva and Friends, a fun-filled Drag Show, takes the stage every Saturday night and is a show not to be missed!