Gay Desert Guide: Week of Dec 16, 2024

Awards season isn’t just for Hollywood! We’re proud to come out on top of many of the “Best of Desert Awards” announced over the weekend by The Desert Sun. I’d forgive you if you missed it what with all the news about drones these days…

We have a bevy of winners again this year: KGAY was once again voted “Top Local Radio Station”. I really do take this honor with pride as a “gay” radio station competing against stations with bigger audiences and bigger marketing budgets.

Our KMEE midday host Patrick Evans won “Top Radio Personality” honors, just behind KGAY’s John Taylor. The two vie for the top spot in the competitions each year and I’m happy to employ them both! Patrick is busy spinning holiday classics on the radio until Christmas Day at 103.1 FM. John has just returned from Germany where we broadcast live from the Christmas markets of Germany.

Modgirl received honors for “DJ – Event/Wedding”, though I know she’s loathe to ever play “Celebration” or “Uptown Funk”. We love her mixes each Sunday from 4-6 pm on KGAY.

Congrats also to Palm Springs Mayor and Pride CEO Ron deHarte (and all of Mitch’s volunteers) for “Best Festival/Fair” honors for Palm Springs Pride. It says a lot about how well our LGBTQ+ community is integrated into the mainstream when these honors come our way year after year.

If only the rest of America were as “woke” as the Coachella Valley.

Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs

For the latest, follow our socials @GayDesertGuide and @KGAY1065 and listen to KGAY Palm Springs wherever you may reside! P.S. Our KMEE 103.1 MeTV FM has gone “all holiday music”! Tune in!
#ILoveGayPalmSprings #ILoveGayCatCity #ILoveGayTravel #ILoveGay #SayKGAY #FindYourOasis

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Skippy ‘n’ Bitsy’s All-Star Christmas TV Extravaganza

THE BENT presents Skippy ‘n’ Bitsy’s All-Star Christmas TV Extravaganza this Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday, Dec 17, 18 & 19 at 7 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Skippy and Bitsy are taping their 1969 TV Christmas Special in front of a live studio audience, which is you! One of the most popular and happily married showbiz couples of their era (except when Skippy’s roving eye spots another man), this duo pulls out all the stops to entertain you with song, dance, fabulous guest stars and the best banter the TV censors will allow. Starring long time “Fruitcake Follies” alumni Terry Ray and Miss Jane Guy. Get tickets

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Fa La La…Fabulous! w/Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus

Get ready to be dazzled at Fa La La…Fabulous! from the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus this Thursday–Sunday at 7 pm (2 pm Sunday) at the Annenberg Theater. This annual December concert has established itself as the ultimate holiday event. This year marks the silver anniversary, and they’re celebrating in grand style! The program is brimming with both classic holiday favorites like “Sure on the Shining Night,” “Silent Night,” and “We are Lights,” along with fresh new arrangements such as “That Christmas Morning Feeling,” “Pink Christmas,” and “A Super Gay Christmas.” Expect the unexpected with some fabulous surprises! The talented Desert Winds Freedom Band will add instrumental magic, while local artists join the stage for unforgettable collaborations. Get tickets

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Holiday Performances at the McCallum Theatre

The McCallum Theatre continues an exciting lineup of holiday events this week: on Tuesday, December 17, join a Capella sensation Voctave at 7 pm for an evening of incredible harmonies and holiday favorites. Jazz Weekly hails them for bringing a cappella music to a new dimension. On Thursday, December 19, experience the magic of Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet at 7 pm, featuring an extraordinary international cast and Ukrainian principal artists. Friday, December 20, welcomes Matteo Bocelli at 8 pm for A Night with Matteo, showcasing his dynamic vocal performances and heartfelt songs. The Irish Tenors will grace the stage on Saturday, December 21, at 8 pm, bringing their beloved Celtic music and standing ovation-worthy performances. Finally, wrap up the festivities on Sunday, December 22, with Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour 2024 at 7 pm, featuring fresh renditions of timeless Christmas classics and a Chanukah medley. Get tickets

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Holiday Sing-A-Long

Join the Sunset Music Series for a Holiday Sing-a-Long on Thursday, December 19 at 5 pm at the Palm Springs Art Museum. Hosted by Sweet Baby J’ai and featuring the Yve Evans Trio, this enchanting evening blends classic holiday tunes with vibrant jazz. Described as a “private party in a public place,” the Yve Evans Trio brings boundless energy, and Sweet Baby J’ai adds a soulful touch to the festive sing-a-long. Enjoy top-notch jazz, holiday cheer, and community spirit at this free event—just bring your smile and join in the fun! More info

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Paws n’ Claus Pet Food Drive & Winter Social

Join the Paws n’ Claus Pet Food Drive and Winter Social at Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge on Wednesday, December 18 from 5:30–7 pm. This heartwarming event ensures that hungry pets are not forgotten while caring for hungry families. Participants help stock the pet food pantry at the Community Food Bank at The Center. Plus, attendees can bring their furry friends along for a delightful holiday picture with the friendly Claus! More info

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Sounds of the Season Holiday Concert, Toy & Food Drive

Palm Canyon Theatre presents the Sounds of the Season Holiday Concert and Toy & Food Drive on Wednesday, December 18 from 7–9 pm. Enjoy an evening of holiday music performed by PCT favorites including Se Layne, Paul Grant, Christian Quevedo, Jenne Carey, Olga Morales, Scott Clinkscales, Georgia Smith, Eric Stein-Steele, Ben Reece, Francesca Amari, Ron Coronado, Rebecca McWilliams, Jonathan Brett, and Michael Pacas. Additionally, the theatre is hosting a food and toy drive for the Community Food Bank at The Center. Please bring donations of non-perishable food and unwrapped toys to the theatre or drop them off at the theatre lobby until December 22. Get tickets

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Wildlights at The Living Desert: Adults-Only Night Thursday

WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens is open select nights through December 30, inviting guests to see the Zoo in a whole new light: This year’s event features an enhanced light design with three million lights throughout the park, live nightly entertainment, Instagram-worthy festive photo ops, delectable wintertime treats, and much more. If the delighted squeals of kiddos isn’t your jam, there’s an Adults Only (18+) Night: Thursday, December 19. In addition to the lights, you may see some of Africa’s most iconic animals, such as the rhino, giraffe, zebra, and African painted dogs at night. Get tickets

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Magic of Lights

Magic of Lights, a unique and dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience, runs daily through December 29 (Sun–Thurs 5:30–9 pm / Fri–Sat 5:30–10 pm), bigger and brighter than ever with more than a mile of spectacular light displays at the Empire Polo Club. Don’t miss the larger-than-life sparkling Holiday Barbie™ display, the supersized Bigfoot® Monster Truck, and life-sized dinosaurs of Prehistoric Christmas, with favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season depicted with the latest LED technology and digital animations. Get tickets

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Christmas at the Grande Ole Dame

Musical Theatre University presents the world premiere of a brand new holiday musical, Christmas at the Grande Ole Dame this Thursday–Saturday, December 19, 20 & 21 at 7:30 pm at the Richards Center for the Arts. This heartwarming show features a cast of talented students and alumni, as well as Broadway veterans Douglas Graham, Tim Ewing, and Leslie Tinnaro; written by celebrated stage, television and film actors Joyce Bulifant and Roger Perry. Come for a poignant holiday love story about a first love that lasted a lifetime and a man’s journey back in time to un unforgettable Christmas at the historic Hotel Colorado — the “Grand Ole Dame.” Get tickets

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Deserted Films: The Judy Garland Christmas Show (1963)

Celebrate the holiday season with Deserted Films as they present a special free screening of The Judy Garland Christmas Show from 1963. Join the event on Wednesday, December 18 from 6–7:30 pm at the Palm Springs Public Library’s Learning Center. This rarely seen and intimate midcentury TV special, originally aired on CBS, features performances by Judy Garland, Mel Torme, Jack Jones, Liza Minnelli, Lorna Luft, and more. Deserted Films will enhance the experience with historical context and special treats from their collections. More info

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Broadway Barbara’s Holiday Spectacular

Broadway Barbara, the stage legend, social media sensation, and subtly understated international entertainment titan, makes her triumphant return to Palm Springs on Friday & Saturday, December 20 & 21, at The Purple Room. This time she’s sliding down your chimney with a sackful of holiday tunes and unbelievable showbiz tales – for a one-of-a-kind holiday extravaganza packed with yuletide cheer. Get tickets

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Ugly Sweater Theme Night at Acrisure Arena

The Coachella Valley Firebirds are heating up the holidays with the Annual Ugly Sweater Theme Night on Friday, December 20 at 7 pm as the Coachella Valley Firebirds go against the Ontario Reign. Show your holiday spirit with your best “ugly” holiday attire, enjoy photos with Santa, festive food and beverage specials, and bid on Ugly Sweater warm-up jerseys along with a variety of holiday and limited-edition themed merchandise. The first 6,000 fans can score a free Firebirds Holiday Stocking. Get tickets

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ALSO THIS WEEK

Tuesday, December 17
Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce Holiday Mixer | 5–6:30 pm at Hall Winery Tasting Room and Wine Lounge at the Thompson Hotel

Wednesday, December 18
The Dreamboats Holiday Hits | 7 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs

Thursday, December 19
Holiday Happy Hour at Kee Gallery | 5 pm at Backstreet Art District
The Azar Lawrence Experience | 7 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
A Very Dirty Christmas w/Skyler Gentry, Deven Green & Handsome Ned | 7 pm at Dietlart Gallery

Friday, December 20
Animal Samaritans’ Palm Springs Yappy Hour | 4–6 pm at Boozehounds
Holiday Dance Party w/Keisha D | 6–9 pm at Spiritual Center of the Desert
Santa Drew’s Naughty & Nice Cabaret | 7 pm at Toucans Tiki Lounge
Country Dance Fridays: Beginner Waltz with Jan Alden | 7 pm at Step by Step

Saturday, December 21
Desert Film Society Screening: Marcella | 10 am at Palm Springs Cultural Center

Sunday, December 22
Free Screening: The Muppet Christmas Carol | 3 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center

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DUI Checkpoint Friday

The Palm Springs Police Department will hold a DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint on Friday, December 20 from 6 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.

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THIS WEEKEND

Western X-Mas Holiday Bear Retreat

Get ready to celebrate the holidays in a truly unique way at the Western X-Mas Holiday Bear Retreat, happening Friday–Sunday, December 20–22, at CCBC Resort. This event is perfect for those looking to spend the season with their chosen family, offering a home-cooked meal, a lively gift exchange, and plenty of festive cheer. Enjoy the unstructured, free-flowing atmosphere of Western Xposure events, where you can relax in the pool, hot tubs, and steam room, or explore the trails and back rooms. With a body and sex-positive environment, this retreat promises a cozy, friendly, and fun experience for all attendees. Everyone on the naughty list is welcome! Get tickets

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Dry Heat XXXMAS Party

The Dry Heat XXXMAS Party at Club Sirocco is Saturday, December 21, from 9 pm–2 am, featuring AA, E.Feld, Dr. Time, and special guest DJ BRD. Whether you’re coming solo, with your chosen fam, or that new beefcake tourist, this event promises a judgment-free dance floor and a night of unforgettable fun. Rock your best holiday attire—be it cheesy reindeer antlers, a sequined Santa suit, or leather goblin realness—and get ready to slay. Dry Heat is inclusive, underground, and undeniably weird. More info

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Deserted Films’ Holiday Oddities 3!

Looking for a holiday boost or running low on cheer? Head to the Palm Springs Cultural Center on Sunday, December 22 at 7 pm for Holiday Oddities 3 (Now with more oddity!). Join local film archivists Melissa Dollman and Devin Orgeron from Deserted Films for a delightful evening of holiday-themed film artifacts, including home movies, shorts, and animations from decades past. Enjoy one-of-a-kind films from the Deserted Films vaults, featuring vintage Palm Springs and regional footage. Sip on a drink as you embark on an engaging holiday tour of other people’s cherished memories. Get tickets

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The 39 Steps

CVRep presents The 39 Steps from December 11–22. Mix a Hitchcock movie masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python comedic flair and you have this fast-paced whodunit for anyone who loves the magic of theatre! This two-time Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning treat is packed with nonstop laughs, over 150 madcap characters (played by an absurdly talented cast of four), an onstage plane crash, handcuffs, missing fingers, and some good old-fashioned romance. Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh says “Everything about this production is spot on. The entire cast has impeccable comic timing.” Read his full review and Get tickets

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Christmas with the Crawfords

Desert Theatreworks presents Christmas with the Crawfords from December 13–29 at the Riviera Resort Palm Springs, a wild holiday bash hosted by Joan Crawford (Ethylina Canne) that spirals into Hollywood mayhem! Featuring Vanity Halston as Judy Garland, Sister Burna Cross as Carmen Miranda, and RuPaul’s Drag Race star Kornbread Jete’, this glam-packed show is full of surprise guests and spot-on impersonations. With Paul Crane as Christina Crawford, James Flaherty as Hedda Hopper, and Stan Jenson switching between Mae West and Ethel Merman, this zany holiday spectacle is a Tinseltown toast you won’t want to miss. Get tickets

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Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical

Desert Theatreworks’ annual Christmas production is back, and this time it’s the uproarious Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical, running from December 6–29 at the Indio Performing Arts Center. Join the zany sisters of Nunsense as they spread holiday cheer, yuletide laughs, and a dash of festive mischief. Broadcasting live from the basement of Mount Saint Helen’s Convent, the sisters take to the airwaves for a cable access Christmas special like no other. Get tickets

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Stephen Sondheim’s Company

Revolution Stage Company presents Stephen Sondheim’s Company from December 6–22. Come see the revolutionary musical that redefined Broadway. This sharp, sophisticated show explores the complexities of love, commitment, and friendship through the eyes of Bobby, a charming bachelor navigating modern relationships’ chaotic, often bewildering landscape. The show’s innovative structure weaves together a series of vignettes that are as funny as they are poignant. Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh says “the sharpness of Furth’s book and Sondheim’s score shine as brightly today as they did at COMPANY’s premiere, 54 years ago!!!” Read his review and Get tickets

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I’ll Eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers

THE BENT brings to the stage John Logan’s electrifying play, I’ll Eat You Last from December 6–22 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Immerse yourself in the world of Sue Mengers, the formidable 1970s super-agent (portrayed here by Academy Award Nominee Cathy Moriarty). This one-woman show, famously portrayed by Bette Midler in its Broadway premiere, captures the essence of Mengers with her sharp wit, relentless name-dropping, and savvy showbiz advice. As described by The New York Times, Logan’s portrayal of Mengers is a tour de force, filled with disco-era flair and razor-sharp humor. Get tickets

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Mary Poppins

Palm Canyon Theatre presents Mary Poppins, playing through December 22. This musical invites us to London, England in 1910 where the magical Mary Poppins flies in on the wind, bringing with her a combination of whimsy and disciplined common sense to the Banks children’s lives. Together, they go on many fantastical and memorable adventures. Mary Poppins teaches all ages that “anything can happen if you let it.” Get tickets

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Thriving and Creating: Meet the Artists

The HIV+ Aging Research Project presents “Thriving & Creating,” a month-long gallery show celebrating artists living with HIV. The event runs from December 2–28, with special meet-the-artist events on Saturdays. On Saturday, December 21 from 11 am–3 pm, you can meet Robert Seabrook, Roger Leiton, Demarco Johnson, and Jamie Galluci. More info

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Get our Free 2024-2025 Visitor Map & Guide

Check out the latest edition of the K-Gay 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 at businesses and newsstands around town, or browse it online right here!

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• Skippy ‘n’ Bitsy’s All-Star Christmas TV Extravaganza
  Tue., Wed. & Thu., Dec 17, 18 & 19 at 7pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center
• Fa La La…Fabulous Holiday Concert by the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus
  Dec 19–22 at 7 pm at the Annenberg Theater
• Holiday Sing-A-Long presented by Sunset Music
  Thu. Dec 19 at 5 pm at the Palm Springs Art Museum
• The 39 Steps, presented by CVRep
  Dec 11–22
• Christmas with the Crawfords, presented by Desert Theatreworks
  Dec 13–29 at The Riviera Resort Palm Springs
• Nuncrackers, presented by Desert Theatreworks
  Dec 6–29 at the Indio Performing Arts Center
• Stephen Sondheim’s Company, presented by Revolution Stage Company
  Dec 6–22
• I’ll Eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers, presented by THE BENT
  Dec 6–22 at The Palm Springs Cultural Center
• Magic of Lights Drive-Through Holiday Experience
  Nov 19–Dec 29 at Empire Polo Club
• Mary Poppins, presented by Palm Canyon Theatre
  Nov 29–Dec 22
• Christmas Eve Service with Keisha D
  Tue. Dec 24 at 6:30 pm at Desert Oasis Chapel
• New Year’s Pregame Shabang with music by Daytime Moon
  Tue. Dec 31 from 8–10 pm at Double Eye Dispensary & Lounge
• New Year’s Eve at The Purple Room
  Tue. Dec 31 at 5 pm, 7:30 pm, and 10 pm (three seatings)
• Art in the Park in the Dark New Year’s Eve
  Tue. Dec 31 from 5–9 pm at Demuth Park
• 36th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival and Awards
  Jan 2–13, 2025
• Aaron Tveit
  Sat. Jan 4, 2025 at 8 pm at the McCallum Theatre
• From Resilience to Action
  Mon. Jan 13, 2025 from 5–6:30 pm, Location TBD
• Justin Timberlake – The Forget Tomorrow World Tour
  Mon. Jan 20, 2025 at 7:30 pm at Acrisure Arena