Thar she blows! While we have no whales spouting water, we have plenty of dust swirling in the air. It seems like every few days we are greeted with road closures due to blowing dust and sand. Commutes get longer, cars get dirtier.
Our friends at the Palm Springs Post dug deep into the sandy matter, and found that last year’s tropical storm Hillary is the primary culprit. The silt washed into the valley last August is finer and therefore stays airborne longer.
Good news is that the silt levels are returning to normal and we should see fewer closures. But with the good there’s the bad: Bob and the crew at Desert Hand Car Wash may not be quite as busy as they’ve been this past eight months.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Memorial Day Weekend Block Party in Arenas District
Streetbar & Hunters present a Memorial Day Weekend Block Party this Friday, Saturday & Sunday with live music, entertainment and outdoor bars. On Saturday, May 25 at 7 pm it’s Duran Duran Duran, a tribute band to (you guessed it) Duran Duran. On Sunday, May 26 from 1–2 pm the BarbieCue will feature complimentary hot dogs & burgers and live band karaoke by Pulp Vixen, and the party will go all weekend with DJ sets both indoors and outdoors. More info
Memorial Day Flower Drop & Air Fair
The Palm Springs Air Museum’s Memorial Day Flower Drop & Air Fair returns on Monday, May 27, from 10 am–2 pm. Throughout the day there will be music, food vendors, kids’ activities, and airplanes taking off and landing. The Missing Man Formation is being dedicated to Lt. Col. Blaine Mack, USAF, Retired, who recently passed away. Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works prototype Darkstar, seen in the blockbuster Paramount film Top Gun: Maverick, will be on display in the Miles Hangar. The emotional highlight of the day is a vintage B-25 Mitchell Bomber dropping off 3,000 red and white carnations from the aircraft (1:45–2 pm). Get tickets
CCBC Memorial Day Weekend
Spend Memorial Day Weekend at CCBC Resort in Cathedral City, the largest clothing optional Gay men’s resort in Southern California. Located just a few minutes from downtown Palm Springs, their 3.5 acre fantasy playground is perfect for weekend getaways and extended stays. DJ Bobby will be poolside on Saturday, May 25 from Noon to 4 pm. Get tickets
Desertopia Memorial Day Weekend 2024
Desertopia Memorial Day Weekend returns for 2024 this Friday through Sunday, May 24–26 at various locations around Palm Springs. Horse Meat Disco kicks off Friday night at the Palm Springs Surf Club from 9 pm–2 am, and Saturday features a Pool Party with James Axon + Perfect Lovers at Infusion Beach Club from Noon–6 pm, followed by Bears in Space at Barracks Bar from 9 pm–2 am. A Desert Drag Show closes out the weekend hosted by Flabbergast featuring Alana Shaw, Azula, Baexjing, Bettie Bathhouse, Joella, and Posse on Sunday at 8:30 pm at Fuego Nightclub, followed by a Closing Party featuring HUNY XO + Don Esquivel from 9:30 pm–2 am. Get tickets
Sun Vibes Pool Party
Headlining Margaritaville’s massive Sun Vibes Pool Party this year is DJ Lady Bunny, with DJs Jeffrey Hawkins, Modgirl, and Laser Fox heating up the decks on Saturday, May 25 from 12–6 pm. After welcoming over 800 guests last year, they’re gearing up to make this year’s pool party even bigger. Enjoy a day of fantastic music, dancing, and poolside shenanigans, complete with colorful decorations, luxurious cabanas, plush daybeds, and a plethora of drinks. Get tickets
The Desert Pearl Pool Party
Los Angeles’ hottest queer pool party is back in Palm Springs for Memorial Day Weekend: The Desert Pearl is serving an amazing lineup of DJs spinning Disco & House grooves at The V hotel on Saturday, May 25 from 12–7 pm, with Spencer Huff, CLAX10, and Noir D Costas. Bring your poolside lewks: kaftans, heels, speedos, sun hats, and pearls, of course! Feel-good vibes all day long. This is a judgement-free safe space for the entire LGBTQ community, celebrating body positivity, self expressions and identities! This is NOT that cliché gay pool party. Cabanas & VIP lounges available. Get tickets
San Bernardino Symphony – “Revolutionaries”
The San Bernardino Symphony presents “Revolutionaries” on Saturday, May 25 at 3 pm at California Theatre of the Performing Arts in San Bernardino. The Symphony welcomes Venezuelan violin soloist Samuel Vargas as he performs the world premiere of Andres Martin’s Violin Concerto entitled Morgante dedicated to the trailblazing Black conductor, Michael Morgan (1957-2021). They will also present the first movement of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, Danzon no. 2 by Mexican composer Arturo Marquez, and a world premiere by SBSO’s new Composer-in-Residence, Fernando Arroyo. Get tickets
Book Signing: With Love, Mommie Dearest
Join Just Fabulous for a book signing of With Love, Mommie Dearest: The Making of an Unintentional Camp Classic on Saturday, May 25 from 1–3 pm. Author and Hollywood historian A. Ashley Hoff will be signing copies with a special appearance by LGBTQ icon Bruce Vilanch. Rarely have such good intentions been met with such ridicule. Go behind the scenes of one of the campiest, most popular, critical bombs in film history. More info
MaDonna Summer Dance Event
MaDonna Summer, the legendary dance party tribute to Madonna and Donna Summer, returns to Oscar’s Downtown Palm Springs courtyard on Saturday, May 25 at 8 pm! Dance through the decades as ShyBoy and Nubar spin all the original Madge and La Summer hits, b-sides, rarities, remixes, and more. Enjoy a dazzling drag show featuring Cee Cee Russell and Anya Body, video visuals, and a poster gallery paying tribute to the Queen of Pop and the Queen of Disco. Get tickets
Daddy Pop
Reforma Palm Springs presents the Grand Opening of DaddyPop, an afternoon tea dance on Saturday, May 25 from 3–7 pm. Matt Consola and Mark Tarbox will be bringing the gay anthems, remixed disco, and today’s biggest hits with happy hour drink specials all party long. More info
Memorial Day Peace Pole Dedication Ceremony
A Memorial Day event will be held on Monday, May 27 from 9–10 am at Palm Desert Civic Center Park, presented by American Veterans Post 66 and Veterans For Peace. It includes an invocation and benediction by Knights of Columbus Sacred Heart Council, emcee Tom Swann Hernandez, guest speaker Ronald Feath, and performances by Corbett Brattin, James Tennesson, and Byron Wirth. The highlight is the dedication of a Peace Pole with the inscription “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in multiple languages. More info
High School Student Art Show
The Desert Art Center, in partnership with the Palm Springs Unified School District, presents the High School Student Art Show this Friday–Sunday, May 24–26, open from 10 am–4 pm, with a reception on Friday, May 24 from 5–7 pm, to celebrate student art. Students will be awarded first, second, third, and honorable mention in several categories, and grants will go to high school art departments based on the portfolio of students’ art work. More info
Dive-In Movie: Lilo & Stitch
Get ready to dive into magical evenings at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center for the annual Summer Dive-In Movie Series, starting Friday, May 24 at 7:30 pm with a screening of Disney’s enchanting film Lilo & Stitch, a heartwarming story about a young girl’s close encounter with the galaxy’s most wanted extraterrestrial. Grab your kids, towels, blankets, and swimsuits for a fun-filled, interactive experience that creates unforgettable family memories under the stars. More info
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Friday, May 24
Bert Spivak Walk of the Stars Dedication Ceremony | 9 am at 140 N. Palm Canyon Drive
Perez Art District 4th Fridays Art Walk | 4–7 pm at Perez Road Art & Design District
Country Dance Fridays: Beginner Two-Step with Rob Ollander-Krane | 7 pm at Step by Step
Sunday, May 26
Screwballs Sundays: Trouble in Paradise | 3 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center
Baby The Musical
Revolution Stage Company presents Baby The Musical, playing now through Sunday, June 9. Is there anything more exciting, frightening and utterly transformational than impending parenthood? Baby, the musical from acclaimed duo, Richard Maltby, Jr., and David Shire, examines how parents-to-be experience the emotional stresses and triumphs, as well as the desperate lows and the comic highs that accompany the anticipation and arrival of a baby. Get tickets
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Summer Hours
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway begins its summer season on May 24 and will offer extended hours for seeking higher elevations (and cooler air!) through September 1. Every Friday and Saturday, the last tram up will be at 9 pm and the last tram down will be at 10:30 pm. Peaks Restaurant will extend its last seating to 8:30 pm, and Pines Café will stay open until 9:30 pm. Holiday hours will be observed on May 26 and 27 (first tram up at 8 am). Guided Nature Walks by State Park volunteers will resume on May 26 and continue every Sunday through September 1, featuring easy trails with no advance registration or charge, except for regular Tramway admission. More info
LOOKING AHEAD
LGBTQ+ Candidates Forum
Hear from LGBTQ+ candidates running for local and state representation at the LGBTQ+ Candidates Forum on Wednesday, May 29 from 6–8 pm at the Desert Hot Springs Health and Wellness Center. Christy Holstege, Lisa Middleton, Ron Oden, and Will Rollins will share their visions for California with an opportunity to speak one-on-one and get your questions answered. Brought to you by Diversity DHS, your LGBTQ+ connection in Desert Hot Springs. More info
Firebirds Advance to Western Conference Finals
The Coachella Valley Firebirds swept the Ontario Reign last weekend to become the Pacific Division Champions of the AHL and now advance to Round 4 in the Western Conference Finals and await their opponent match up. Round 4 home games start with Game 1 on Wednesday, May 29 at 7 pm and Game 2 on Friday, May 31 at 7 pm at Acrisure Arena. If necessary, Games 6 and 7 will be also be played at home. Go Firebirds!
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
LAST CHANCE to ENTER! Listen to KGAY this Friday, May 24 at 8 am, 1 pm and 5 pm for the Final 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! Listen to KGAY at 8 am on Tuesday, May 28 for the announcement of the winner! 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.
You can WIN TICKETS to see Sarah McLachlan from KGAY 106.5 and 92.1! McLachlan’s Fumbling Towards Ecstasy 30th Anniversary Tour comes to Acrisure Arena on Saturday, June 1, where she will play the beloved album in its entirety along with some of her most celebrated songs. Hit singles include “Possession,” “Hold On,” “Ice Cream,” and “Good Enough,” among others. Also taking the stage is special guest Canadian and American indie pop singer-songwriter Feist. Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page
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
103.1 MeTV FM will be playing Songs that make you think SUMMER all Memorial Day Weekend long starting at 3 pm Friday! Enjoy the songs that were popular during summers past and songs that sing about summer. And on weekdays: Patrick Evans, CV Independent’s Best Local Radio Personality 2023-24, hosts MeTV FM 103.1 middays 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
- 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 - Q+ Art: Princess – @1minworld
Fri. May 31 from 5:30–7:30 pm at the Annenberg Theater - 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 - Palm Springs International ShortFest 2024
Jun 18–24 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center
- Memorial Day Events Around the Coachella Valley
- Palm Springs Pride Announces Bigger and Bolder BIG Gay BBQ for 2024 – VIP Tix on Sale Now
- United to Launch New Nonstop Flights Between Palm Springs, California, and Washington Dulles
- Rat Pack Haunts You Can Still Visit (Not Just in Vegas)
- The 10 Best LGBTQ-Friendly Towns in the U.S.
Enjoy a cool spa vibe at Men’s Grooming Spot, while experiencing men’s massage, skincare, hair, waxing, and men’s nails. Men’s Grooming Spot was created for men to relax, recoup, renew, and just be; there’s something special about feeling pampered, something powerful about giving yourself attention. Let them send you on your way into life—focused and maybe even just a little spoiled, and save $25 with our HOT DEAL when you get a $100 gift card for just $75! Get Your Deal
We also have Hot Deals at Monster Shakes, Coachella Valley Coffee Co., Desert Zen Day Spa, Rick’s Desert Grill, PS Homeboys, Zin American Bistro, 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.