Memorial Day weekend is early this year, so making summer plans takes on a little more urgency. From all of my years in school, it’s ingrained in me to think of the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day as “vacation”. And while that’s not practical when you own two businesses, it does allow for time away and a recharging of the proverbial batteries.
Moving to Palm Springs was the perfect place to put summertime into practice as we do slow down as the thermometer goes up. Not to fear: There’s so many events on the calendar for the next 108 days (count ‘em!), you won’t have any problem with being bored if you’re staying put.
My summer vacation starts a bit early with a trip to IML (International Mr. Leather) competition in Chicago next weekend. I’m cheering on Oscar Uvillus, Mr. Palm Springs Leather. He’s the husband of KGAY Program Director Chris Shebel. We both lived in Chicago around the turn of the century (this one!). So I’ll have my first official weekend of summer in the city I loved so much.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Hidden Master: The Legacy of George Platt Lynes
The inaugural season of Q+ Art continues as the Palm Springs Art Museum presents a special screening of Hidden Master: The Legacy of George Platt Lynes on Friday, May 17, beginning with a cocktail hour at 4:30 pm and program at 5:30 pm at the Annenberg Theater. The film showcases the legacy of George Platt Lynes who—while best remembered for his career photographing celebrities and extravagant fashion—is recently being fully discovered and appreciated for work with the male nude. This work—which was sensuous and radically explicit for its time—showcases a man capturing his fantasies as a gift, a window to a future his camera saw coming before anyone else. Get tickets
DJ Galaxy’s 1st Annual Car Wash
KGAY’s own DJ Galaxy is heading up a Car Wash and BBQ in the Arenas District this Saturday, May 18 from 11 am–4 pm in the parking lot between Dick’s and Chill Bar. Enjoy music by DJ Galaxy with hot go-go boys, hot dogs, hamburgers, and pop-up drag performances! Proceeds will benefit DJ Galaxy’s ride with the AIDS LifeCycle, DAP Health, and AAP-Food Samaritans. More info
HARNESS: IML Send-Off Party
The Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert presents HARNESS, the official IML (International Mr. Leather) send-off party for Mr. Palm Springs Leather, Oscar Uvillus, on Saturday, May 18 from 7:30–11 pm at Tool Shed. There will be BDSM demonstrations, a raffle and silent auction and more. Oscar will go on to represent Palm Springs at IML in Chicago, May 23–27. More info
The Psychedelic Furs
The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage presents The Psychedelic Furs on Friday, May 17 at 8 pm. Born out of the UK post-punk scene and led by vocalist and songwriter Richard Butler and his bass-wielding brother Tim, the Furs quickly developed as one of the premier bands at college and alternative radio, scoring a flurry of major hits with “Love My Way,” “Pretty In Pink,” “Heaven,” “The Ghost In You,” and “Heartbreak Beat,” in all releasing eight studio albums, spawning several compilations, a boxed set, a live concert DVD and inspiring one of the most iconic motion picture soundtracks of all time. Get tickets
Firebirds in Round 3 Playoffs
The Coachella Valley Firebirds are in the midst of Round 3 of the Calder Cup Playoffs, taking on the Ontario Reign. After kicking off the round with a win in Game 1 this past Wednesday, they face off again for Game 2 of the series on Friday, May 17 at 7 pm at Acrisure Arena, and then Game 3 on Sunday, May 19 at 7 pm in Ontario. Game 4 (if needed) would be played in Ontario and Game 5 (if needed) would be back at Acrisure on Sunday, May 26. Get tickets
Communities’ Finest Dance Showcase
The Palm Springs Dance Project and the Palm Springs Cultural Center present Communities’ Finest Dance Showcase on Saturday, May 18 at 5:30 pm. This vibrant and diverse community dance showcase is filled with fascinating cultural, contemporary, and street styles of dancing, featuring more than 10 groups and 70 dancers from the Coachella Valley and surrounding regions. It’s a Local Explosion of Global Dance! Get tickets
Long Beach Pride
The Long Beach Pride Parade and Festival is this weekend, Saturday & Sunday May 18 & 19 at Marina Green Park. Headliners include Ivy Queen, Saucy Santana, and Valentina, with three stages featuring local favorites, plus food and drink, 150+ arts/crafts vendors, DJs and dancing, drag shows, games, giveaways and more, celebrating this year’s theme: Rhythm of the Rainbow. The parade, along the scenic stretches of Ocean Boulevard, is on Sunday morning at 10 am. Get tickets
“Music Ocean Odyssey” Immersive Big Screen Concert Experience
Embark on a musical undersea journey with Leanna and The Free Agents on Friday, May 17 at 6 pm for a Musical Ocean Odyssey at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. If you’ve ever wanted to experience the Vegas Sphere, this is a similar concert experience, with the band set directly in front of the largest screen in the entire Coachella Valley. The visuals are stunning, the sounds of the live band and vocals of Leanna will take you to another place. A truly immersive experience not to be missed! Get tickets
Sunnylands Films in the Garden: Chicago
The popular outdoor movie series Films in the Gardens graces Sunnylands Center & Gardens in May, highlighting films with unique and imaginative set designs. On Friday, May 17, at 7:30 pm, the film will be Chicago (2002), the big-screen adaptation of the popular Broadway musical. Admission is free, carpooling is strongly encouraged. Filmgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and small picnics. More info
Tag Team: A Western Xposure Special Event
CCBC Resort presents Tag Team: A Western Xposure Special Event this Friday–Sunday, May 17–19. This special event is aimed at attracting content creators, in partnership with BearUnion and CumUnion, to use the resort to film freely in specific areas for content destined for Twitter, OnlyFans, JustForFans, etc. Filming spaces will be available all weekend around the resort. Meet other creators and film together. Get tickets
Ask a Gay Doc: Doxy-PrEP vs. Doxy-PEP
Dr. Renzo Corzano and KGAY’s John Taylor are answering your health-related questions in the Ask A Gay Doc series, sponsored by Desert Oasis Healthcare. In Episode 5, Dr. Corzano and John discuss Doxy-PrEP vs. Doxy-PEP and how to treat the runny nose cough and congestion caused by pollen and dust here in the valley this spring. Watch the Ask a Gay Doc series, and find out how you can submit your own questions, on the Ask a Gay Doc page at kgaypalmsprings.com.
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Friday, May 17
Rancho Mirage Certified Farmers’ Market | 8 am–1 pm at RM Community Park (through May)
Saturday, May 18
Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market | 8 am–1 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center
Meditation Workshop with Sarah Vie | 10 am–12 pm at Kimpton Rowan
Sunday, May 19
Meditation Workshop with Sarah Vie | 10 am–12 pm at Kimpton Rowan
Salon at the Salon with Michael Hinkle | 10 am–12 pm at Brien O’Brien Salon
Screwball Sundays: Twentieth Century | 3 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center
The Light in the Piazza
Palm Canyon Theatre presents The Light in the Piazza running through Sunday, May 19. Based on the 1960 novella by Elizabeth Spencer, the show is set in the 1950s in Florence, Italy, where wealthy Southern woman Margaret Johnson and her developmentally disabled daughter, Clara, are visiting. When Clara falls in love with a young Italian man, Margaret is forced to reconsider not only Clara’s future, but her own deep-seated hopes and regrets as well. Get tickets
DUI Checkpoint Friday
The Palm Springs Police Department will hold a DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint on Friday, May 17 from 7 pm–1 am at an undisclosed location within the city limits of Palm Springs. Palm Springs Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal. Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.
LOOKING AHEAD
DBA Mixer at KESQ
The Desert Business Association (DBA) is holding a Networking Mixer at KESQ-TV in Thousand Palms on Monday, May 20 from 5:30–7 pm. KESQ has been an ABC Television station for the Coachella Valley since 1968. It originally went on air as KPLM-TV named for “Palm” as in “Palm Springs.” The station was renamed late in 1979 to the current call letters of KESQ-TV when the station was purchased by Esquire Communications, the owner of Esquire Magazine. KESQ along with KPSP and KDFX are currently owned by New-Press Gazette and Gulf California Broadcasting and serves Coachella Valley and the high desert. Come check out this interesting venue for some fun and networking! More info
Coming Up at The McCallum Theatre
- Tribute to Taylor Swift | Sat. Jun 1
- Wanda Sykes | Wed. & Thu. Jun 5 & 6
- Benzaiten – TAIKOPROJECT | Mon. Jun 10
- Let Love Be Your Guide | Wed. Jun 12
- The Boy Who Could Sing Pictures | Fri. Jun 14
- Samara Joy | Sat. Jun 15
- Randy Rainbow | Fri. & Sat. Oct 11 & 12
- Tickets now on sale for the McCallum Theatre’s 2024-2025 Season
Click below to sign up for our Gay Desert Guide Oasis Insiders Newsletter to get our Weekly Blog, Top 3 Events for the weekend, Hot Deals and Cool Events all delivered to your inbox every Friday!
Visitor Map & Guide
Check out our Spring 2024 edition of the KGAY 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. Look for the latest edition of our printed version around town if you’re here, or if planning a visit, you can download it right here, right now!
KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 FM
KGAY wants to send you on a Brand g Vacations luxury all-LGBT+ cruise to Venice, Croatia, and Sicily this summer! Listen to KGAY weekdays at 8 am, 1 pm and 5 pm for the Brand g/KGAY Cruise Song of the Day, then go to the KGAY Contest Page, enter the song name, and you’re registered to win! Brand g Vacations is the #1 operator of luxury, all-LGBT+ cruises and land tours. The contest winner will also receive roundtrip airfare provided by Palm Springs International Airport! Explore the world on your terms.
The KGAY 106.5 Retro Lunch airs Monday through Friday from noon–1 pm, with DJ Galaxy (Vincent Corrales) and DJ Eric Ornelas playing an hour of their high-energy throwback mixes. On Sundays, we put all five hours together for the Retro Sunday Brunch from 11 am–4 pm. Perfect party music! The KGAY 106.5 Sunday Tea Dance with DJ Modgirl airs every Sunday from 4–6 pm (right after the Retro Brunch). DJ Modgirl (AKA Kellee McQuinn) is all about “Music! Dancing! Fashion! Fun!” and she throws down the most irresistible, uplifting beats each week. Listen to KGAY 106.5 online
103.1 MeTV FM
Patrick Evans, CV Independent’s Best Local Radio Personality 2023-24, hosts MeTV FM 103.1 weekdays from 10–3 pm. 103.1 MeTV FM is KGAY’s sister station, featuring timeless and memorable music including the ‘60s and ‘70s with a touch of the ‘50s and ‘80s. Listen online
- Q+ Art: Hidden Master: The Legacy of George Platt Lynes
Fri. May 17 from 5:30–7:30 pm at the Annenberg Theater - Communities’ Finest Dance Showcase
Sat. May 18 at 5:30 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center - The Judy Show!
Sun. May 19 at 7 pm at The Purple Room Supper Club - Ann Hampton Callaway – Finding Beauty: Inspired Classics and Originals
Fri. & Sat. May 24 & 25 at 8 pm at The Purple Room Supper Club - San Bernardino Symphony: “Revolutionaries”
Sat. May 25 at 3 pm at California Theatre of the Performing Arts - Wanda Sykes – Please and Thank You Tour
Wed. & Thu. Jun 5 & 6 at 7:30 at the McCallum Theatre - Caro Pierotto Brazilian Jazz
Thu. Jun 6 at 7 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs - Big Gay BBQ
Fri. & Sat. Jun 7 & 8 from 5–11 pm in the Arenas District
- Left of Str8 Podcasts Embarks on Big Gay Roadtrip for Charity
- Chill Out in Style: Your Summer Vacation Itinerary in Greater Palm Springs
- City’s Newest Little Library, Unveiled Tuesday, Fits Flawlessly Into Its Surrounding Neighborhood
- Unique Spa Treatments in Greater Palm Springs
- A Sizzling Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week Returns on Friday, May 31 through Sunday, June 9, 2024
1501 Uptown Gastropub occupies the handsome pub designed by architect Chris Pardo. Your hosts Willie Rhine of Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge and Chad Gardner of 533 Viet Fusion bring their combined hospitality and culinary experience to offer a range of seasonal freshly prepared food and a comprehensive drinks selection along with first-class service. You can save 30% at 1501 Uptown Gastropub with our HOT DEAL and get a $50 gift card for just $35! Get Your Deal
We also have Hot Deals at Q Trading Company, Monster Shakes, Coachella Valley Coffee Co., Desert Zen Day Spa, Men’s Grooming Spot, Rick’s Desert Grill, PS Homeboys, Zin American Bistro, Destination PSP and more! See All Deals
Find out what’s happening on any given day by browsing our Gay Desert Guide Online Event Listing Calendar, and for the big picture, take a look at major upcoming events in our 2024 Coachella Valley Calendar of Events.
Listen to KGAY 106.5 and 92.1 over the air, stream it [here], or listen on TuneIn Radio with Alexa or Siri by saying “Play K-GAY 1065 from Tune In Radio.” John Taylor is on mornings 6–10 am and program director Chris Shebel is on afternoons. Our Retro Lunch with DJ Galaxy and DJ Eric Ornelas is now heard on Sundays as the Retro Lunch & Sunday Brunch from 11 am–4 pm, followed by DJ Modgirl spinning the KGAY Sunday Tea Dance from 4–6 pm.