July couldn’t come soon enough! It was a busy Pride Month, what with all the uplifting press coverage that we received at K-Gay Desert Guide and KGAY 106.5/92.1. Yes, I’m bragging a bit, but our team works hard to inform and entertain. So, when we received the two HGTV segments and a LAist public radio story, it was big for us.
We’re already making plans for our November Pride celebration as the 2024 Pride Week theme ‘Be You‘ was announced last week. According to Pride CEO Ron deHarte, “The theme embraces the power of self-expression, inclusiveness, and love. The theme also reinforces the city’s reputation of cherishing the value and dignity of all people.”
This month starts with a mid-week July 4th celebration, which means a loooong weekend for many of us. I hope you’ll take time to end your holiday weekend for the One-PS Neighborhoods Lip-Sync Battle on Sunday. Over 140 people are coming together to “sync our lips off”. Producer Shann Carr hosted us for a pool party preview, and I know you’ll love the variety of acts and the absolute silliness the show will invoke. See you there – look for me in drag and Police Chief Andy Mills as the cop in “YMCA”.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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KGAY on “American Dream”
JUST RELEASED! Segment 2 of HGTV’s “American Dream” episode featuring KGAY’s Brad Fuhr and host Scott Griffin celebrating Trixie Motel, The Velvet Rope, Acrisure Arena, and all that is fun, fabulous, and inclusive in Palm Springs!
[View Segment 1 here] [View Segment 2 here]
Independence Day Celebrations
There’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the 4th of July–both on and around the day itself— this year in the Coachella Valley. Check our Events Channel for the fireworks, concerts, pool parties and more! Here’s a roundup of Coachella Valley celebrations.
All-American Fourth of July Celebration Week
Palm Springs Parks and Recreation presents a series of free, fun, and patriotic events for its wildly popular “All American Fourth of July Celebration Week” of family-friendly festivities, July 3–7. It all starts with a FREE KidsFest and celebration of newly installed playground equipment on Wednesday, July 3 in Victoria Park, and as the week continues enjoy a series of free movies and concerts, a cool pool party — and of course, Power baseball and the City’s All American Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular on July 4 at Palm Springs Stadium. Fireworks start at 9:15 pm sharp! Our event listing has all the details on times and places: More info
There are two “Rock the City” concerts in the park included in the holiday weekend celebration: On Thursday, July 4 at 7 pm, Credence Clearwater Revival tribute band Fortunate Son takes the stage in Sunrise Park. Then at the Downtown Park on Saturday, July 6 at 7 pm, the totally groovy K-Tel All-Stars take you on a journey back in time to the 1970s including number-one hits, one-hit wonders, AM Radio Gold, and iconic Rock hits from 1970 to 1979. More info
Finally, the city presents Movie Night in the Park, featuring Ferris Bueller’s Day Off on Sunday, July 7 at 7:30 pm at Ruth Hardy Park, with food vendors and activities starting at 6 pm.
Agua Caliente Casinos 10th Annual Fourth of July “Drive-In” Fireworks Show
Agua Caliente Casinos will illuminate the night sky in Rancho Mirage for their tenth annual Fireworks Spectacular on Thursday, July 4 at 9 pm. All through the holiday weekend, guests can look forward to entertainment, drink specials, and slot promotions in addition to the breathtaking fireworks display. For the fireworks show on the 4th, parking and admission are free and it opens at 3 pm with only 700 first-come, first-served parking spaces available. More info
Party in the USA Skate
Kick off the holiday with an extended 4-hour public skate on Thursday, July 4 from 11 am–3 pm at the Berger Foundation Iceplex at Acrisure Arena, featuring a $7 “Sparkler Special” with your choice of beer, cocktail, or mocktail plus an All-American hot dog. On Friday, July 5 from 6:30–8:30 pm, bring the entire family to the Independence Day celebration, featuring 2 hours of family fun, including games, costume contest, giveaways, and more. Receive a free skate rental when you wear red, white and blue and enjoy treats like a Firecracker Slushie or Frozen Cherry Slushie. More info
Robert Parker Jr Trio
Come hear Robert Parker Jr and his Trio on Wednesday, July 3 at 7 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs. So passionate for blues, this devoted Strat-Slinger honed his craft starting at the age of 15 and has carved his way through the blues scene ever since. Get tickets
ALSO THIS WEEK
Monday, July 1
Art Exhibit with Atelier Winston Tragico | July 1–7 at Saks Fifth Ave on El Paseo
Tuesday, July 2
Hot Summer Nights at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center | 7:30–10:30 pm
Saturday, July 6
Sandii Castleberry & John Malcom Penn Acoustic Americana & Open Mic | 5:30–7:30 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center
Cocktails and Culinary Series: Country Night | 5–7 pm at JW Marriott Spa & Resort
Sunday, July 7
Encore Summer Concert Film Series: Stop Making Sense (1984) | 6 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center
Jazz in the Pines Final Year
Idyllwild Arts Academy’s Jazz In The Pines, a beloved annual fundraiser, makes its triumphant return for its 30th and final year from June 30–July 13. This year’s festival will feature live performances by renowned artists and talented students, curated with passion and dedication by festival co-founders Dr. Marshall Hawkins and Rose Colella. This final iteration will be dedicated to the memory of jazz guitar giant, Bob Boss. As the curtain falls on Jazz In The Pines, this special edition promises to leave a lasting impression on audiences. Get tickets
NEW! Visitor Map & Guide Summer 2024 Edition
Check out our NEW Summer 2024 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!
THIS WEEKEND
ONE-PS Lip Sync Battle
The 2nd Annual ONE-PS Lip Sync Battle is Sunday, July 7 from 3–5 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, an event with good vibes and good fun for the whole community. This year’s theme “Better Together” comes alive as teams and coaches cross-pollinate, collaborate and compete in the name of fun! It was a surprise hit last year and the contestants have stepped it up again. You won’t wanna miss all these stars of our local community, including the chance to see Brad Fuhr, owner of KGAY/KMEE & GayDesertGuide doing choreography, in drag, alongside friends from the LGBTQ+ Archive of the Desert, where he serves on the board. Get tickets
Bye Bye Birdie
Palm Canyon Theatre presents the musical Bye Bye Birdie from July 5–14. Set in the 1950s, this story is reminiscent of the King of Rock. A songwriter finds himself in trouble when the rock-and-roll teen hearthrob he writes for, Conrad Birdie, is drafted into the Army. As a publicity stunt to record and sell one more hit record before he is sent overseas, a televised farewell is planned with Birdie set to kiss a preselected All-American girl. Get tickets
New Kids on the Block Summer Magic Tour
The OG boy band New Kids On The Block is making a stop at Acrisure Arena on Saturday, July 6 at 7 pm. The band, also initialized as NKOTB, consists of brothers Jonathan and Jordan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, and Danny Wood. NKOTB enjoyed global success in the late 1980s and early 1990s and have sold more than 80 million records worldwide, and are often credited for paving the way for future boy bands such as Take That, Backstreet Boys and NSYNC. In case you didn’t know: NKOTB fans are known as “Blockheads” and the “Blockhead Family.” Get tickets
Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
The Palm Springs Cultural Center is bringing you the full Star Wars Saga in epic big-screen glory, unfolding one film at a time, every Summer Saturday at 6 pm with a pre-show and cocktails starting at 5 pm. This Saturday, July 6, the series continues with Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones. Get tickets
Dadfest at CCBC
CCBC Resort presents Western Xposure’s Dadfest all weekend long from Thursday, July 4–Sunday, July 7. This is a celebration of, you guessed it, daddies! Enjoy pool parties, BBQs, and great music featuring DJs from DRY HEAT poolside all weekend and at Barracks’ “Cocksocks and Jocks” party Friday night, bringing their unique sound to all of Dadfest. Saturday night is the BearUnion party. Plus there are CCBC’s trails to explore, grassy areas to relax in, dark rooms and outdoor play spaces, and much more including hot tubs, a steam room, and cold plunge waterfall. More info
Tom Papa
The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage presents comedian Tom Papa on Saturday, July 6 at 8 pm. A renowned stand-up comedian, Papa a successful career in film, TV, radio, and podcasts; with five highly-rated Netflix specials, including “What A Day!”, he has established himself as one of the top comedic voices in the country. In addition to stand-up, Tom has authored three books, including his latest “We’re All In This Together…So Make Some Room,” which addresses our shared human experiences. Get tickets
Palm Springs Animal Shelter Independence Week Adoption Special
In celebration of our country’s 248th birthday, the Palm Springs Animal Shelter is holding an Independence Week Adoption Special, with a special adoption fee of just $2.48 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, July 5, 6 & 7 from 11 am–5 pm. Additionally, all adopters will receive a 50% discount on all purchases in their retail store. Stop by and help their animals find independence in their new forever home! More info
NEW! “Say KGAY” Apparel
This summer, the best response to “Don’t Say Gay” is “SAY KGAY!” – Our popular shirts are back with more options to choose your favorite background color and style of shirt. Whether you prefer the shade of Eggplant, Creme, or Army green (or more than a dozen others) pick a color and place our SAY KGAY slogan on the front or back of your choice of styles: classic T-Shirt, Relaxed Fit, Long Sleeve, Baseball 3/4 Sleeve, Scoop, Fitted, Tank Top, Racerback, V-Neck and more! Shop Now
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KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 FM
You can WIN TICKETS to Bye Bye Birdie, presented by Palm Canyon Theatre from July 5–14, courtesy of KGAY 106.5 and 92.1 FM! This 1950s story is reminiscent of Elvis. A songwriter in trouble as teen idol Conrad Birdie gets drafted plans a televised farewell planned with Birdie kissing a preselected All-American girl for publicity. 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 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
103.1 MeTV FM will be celebrating July 4th with a Red, White & Win Weekend, kicking off Wednesday, July 3 at 3 pm. You can win tickets to see Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire, ELO, Eric Clapton, Cyndi Lauper, or Boy George with Squeeze! The decision is yours…you have the freedom to pick which concert you want to see! Go to the contest page of 103.1 MeTV FM to enter. Brought to you by Low Desert Modern Mexican.
You can also celebrate with 103.1 MeTV FM at the Rock the City Concert Series starring the K-Tel All Stars playing hits of the 70s on Saturday, July 6 at 7 pm at the new Downtown Park in Palm Springs! Admission is Free! We’ll see you before the show, on-site from 5–7 pm [More info].
- All-American Fourth of July Celebration Week in Palm Springs
Jul 3–7 at Sunrise Park, Ruth Hardy Park, Downtown Park - Rock the City Free Concert: Fortunate Son (Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute)
Thu. Jul 4 at 7 pm at Sunrise Park - Bye Bye Birdie – presented by Palm Canyon Theatre
Jul 5–14 - Flashback Friday Pool Party at Hotel ZOSO
Fridays from 6–9 pm - Rock the City Free Concert: K-Tel All-Stars (Hits from the 1970s)
Sat. Jul 6 at 7 pm at Downtown Palm Springs Park - The Full Star Wars Saga in Epic Big-Screen Glory
Saturdays, Jun 29–Sep 7 at Palm Springs Cultural Center - ONE-PS Lip-Sync Battle 2024
Sun. Jul 7 at 3 pm - Cocktail Cinema: Edward Scissorhands
Thu. Jul 11 at 6 pm at the Annenberg Theater at PS Art Museum - Palm Springs Leather Pride 2024: Deeper Than Ever
Oct 24–27
At KC’s 23 ½ Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning, their mission is simple: Do right by their customers. They strive to be the service team you can rely on when it comes to fast, efficient plumbing and HVAC services and outstanding customer care. Learn more
- Shocker! Palm Springs Has The KGAY-est Radio Station In All Of California
- Restaurant News Bites: A Law Banning Restaurant Surcharges Is Up in the Air; Joyce’s Sushi Expands to Palm Springs; and More!
- Hiking With T: During the Summer, Consider Hiking Cooler Trails—Like Those at the Oak Glen Preserve
- Coachella Valley Museums, Theaters, Public Art to See Now
- Mountains of Education: Jazz in the Pines at the Idyllwild Arts Academy Is Taking a Final Bow After 30 Years
Monster Shakes is passionate about creating delightful treats that everyone can enjoy, offering their very own brand of premium flavors to take home or enjoy in-store at their Palm Springs and Cathedral City locations. You can take a mini vacay from the day and get lost in sweet goodness with over-the-top Monster Shakes, 9 Dole Whips, and frozen yogurt with dairy-free, vegan, and sugar-free options available too. With our Monster Shakes BOGO HOT DEAL, you buy one $25 gift card and get a second $25 gift card for free! Get Your Deal
We also have Hot Deals at Destination PSP, Zin American Bistro, Hotel Zoso, Men’s Grooming Spot, Coachella Valley Coffee Co., Desert Zen Day Spa, PS Homeboys, 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.