Conventions in July or August are about as rare as a cool breeze. So when the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) chose the Palm Springs Convention Center for its 2024 International Business & Leadership Conference, we were thrilled!
NGLCC partnered with its local affiliate chamber, the Desert Business Association (led by Dave Powell), and Certified LGBTBE® Gay Desert Guide, to showcase local LGBTQ-and ally-owned businesses for attendees to visit while in Palm Springs.
Our local DBA member businesses stepped up and we thank them. You’ll see nearly 2,000 conference participants in Palm Springs this week Each will be wearing an orange wristband for their discounts and special offers. Please make them feel welcome!
This summer has been particularly challenging for business and tourism. The NGLCC conference will have a huge economic impact on Palm Springs as we work our way back toward Fall. Cooler weather can’t come soon enough, but this conference will help tide us over.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Welcome to the NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference
The world’s largest LGBTQ+ business event, The NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference, is in town this week, from July 30–August 2 at the Renaissance Palm Springs. The NGLCC—National LGBT Chamber of Commerce—is the largest advocacy organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBTQ people, and the exclusive certifying body for LGBTQ-owned businesses. This annual conference is where innovation meets inclusivity, and where global leaders unite for a brighter, more connected future. We are looking forward to welcoming over 1700 attendees from all over the world, and to them we say: We hope you all have a great time in Palm Springs! As you prepare for your visit, please make use of our website for Lodging, complete Events Listings, plus our Bars/Nightlife Channel, Dining Guide, Business Directory and more…
This Weekend: DOGust Drag BINGO Birthday Bash
Animal Samaritans presents their 2nd Annual DOGust Drag BINGO Birthday Bash on Saturday, August 3 from 3–5 pm, hosted by Sister Burna Cross at Barracks Bar. DOGust is the “Official Birthday Month” for shelter dogs! The goal is to raise $10,000 for Animal Samaritans’ no kill shelter by the end of “DOGust!” In addition to participating in Bingo, you can also help by bringing pet food and supplies for the shelter. More info
Thompson Hotel Talent Fair
Opening in September of this year, the much-anticipated Thompson Hotel, located in the Uptown Design District of downtown Palm Springs, is holding a “Talent Fair” on Wednesday, July 31 from 8 am–6 pm in their San Jacinto Ballroom. They are hiring for management in Food & Beverage, Culinary, Sales, and Rooms, as well as hourly positions like servers, greeters, bartenders, housekeeping, front office, cooks, purchasing, finance and more. More info
Meet John Taylor at T-Mobile!
Join us on Friday, August 2 from 3–5 pm for an exclusive Out and About appearance with KGAY Morning Show host John Taylor at your neighborhood T-Mobile store at Ramon and Gene Autry! Get ready for fun, giveaways, and the chance to snap a selfie with your favorite radio host. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the community and explore the latest in wireless technology. More info
Deadline Wednesday for Best of Desert Nominations
The Best of Desert Community’s Choice Awards are back for 2024! Join in celebrating your favorite local businesses and organizations with your nominations, including our two radio stations: KGAY 106.5 and 92.1 FM, as well as 103.1 MeTV FM. Don’t forget our on-air personalities John Taylor (KGAY) and Patrick Evans (MeTV FM) as well as DJ Galaxy, DJ Eric Ornelas, and DJ Modgirl. The categories to look for are:
- Entertainment & Leisure > Radio Station – Local
- Entertainment & Leisure – People > Radio Personality/Show
- Entertainment & Leisure – People > DJ – Event/Wedding
We know we have the best audience in the valley and appreciate your support! Nominations are open through Wednesday, July 31. Nominate Today
Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage Ends Wednesday
The annual Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage, happening now through Wednesday, July 31, is a chance to enjoy your favorite restaurants and enjoy great specials during the slower summer months, while helping out the non-profits selling the program wristbands. Take advantage of deals at Ben & Jerry’s, Brandini Toffee, Enzo’s Bistro & Bar, Las Casuelas Nuevas, Pinzimini, Si Bon, State Fare and The Edge at the Ritz-Carlton, Willie’s Modern Fare, and many more. See our event listing for links to all the details: More info
ALSO THIS WEEK
Tuesday, July 30
Hot Summer Nights at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center | 7:30–10:30 pm
Wednesday, July 31
The Jackpot Club – Upbeat and Swinging Blues | 7 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
Thursday, August 1
Two of a Mind: Jason Fabus | 7 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
Friday, August 2
PALS Death Cafe | 2–3 pm on Zoom
Country Dance Fridays: Backstreet Attitude Line Dance with Andrew Jimenez | 7–9:30 pm at Step by Step
Chase Rice | 8 pm at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
Saturday, August 3
Los Lobos & Los Lonely Boys | 8 pm at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
Sunday, August 4
Summer Concert Film Series: Jazz on a Summer’s Day (1959) | 6 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center
Summer Olympics at Play Lounge
Catch all the excitement of the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics at Play Lounge, all day every day for the run of the games. Play Lounge is your ultimate sports viewing destination in Palm Springs. They have the games playing on our screens with all major ceremonies and events blasting through their loudspeakers. Come cheer on your favorite athletes while enjoying delicious food and drinks. Stay all day, hang with friends, and soak up the Olympic spirit! More info
Ask a Gay Doc: COVID Summer Surge
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 9, John and Dr. Corzano talk about the recent spike in COVID-19 infections. Watch and learn about recent variants, vaccination updates and the best treatments to fight Covid during the summer surge! 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.
Visitor Map & Guide Summer 2024 Edition
Check out our 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
Summer Sundays at Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
Bring your family and friends to the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum for the final installment of the Summer Sundays series for this season on Sunday, August 4 from 11 am–3 pm. The Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza was recently named one of Time Magazines’ World’s Greatest Places! This Sunday: learn, create, and explore Weaving Patterns: Come discover basket techniques in the classroom and galleries and complete a step-by-step round reed basket project with cultural educator Lorene Sisquoc (Fort Sill Apache/Cahuilla) and view coiled Cahuilla baskets on display. More info
Nickerson-Rossi Dance: “Integrated”
Nickerson-Rossi Dance highlights the Apprenticeship Students & the pre-professional teens of Direct/Link alongside the professional dancers of the Nickerson-Rossi Dance Company with a performance titled “Integrated” this Saturday, August 3 from 3–4:45 pm. Get tickets
Nikki Glaser – Alive and Unwell
The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage presents Nikki Glaser: Alive and Unwell Tour on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 8 pm. This no-holds-barred comedian is dishing the dirt on life’s hilariously awkward moments – from dating disasters to the struggles of, well, being alive and unwell! Catch Nikki as she roasts everything in sight with her signature wit and brutal honesty. Don’t miss your chance to see one of the funniest voices in comedy today. Get tickets
Star Wars Saga – Star Wars Episode IV (A New Hope)
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, August 3, the series continues with Star Wars Episode IV (A New Hope). Get tickets
“Summer School” Wine Tasting
Calling all wine lovers! Sharpen your palate with Summer School Wine Classes at the Palm Springs Bottle Shop. Sommelier Adam Leemon has been hosting these fun, informative Sunday sessions from 2–3:30 pm for the past month. This week’s theme (Sunday, August 4) is “Natural Wines” as the series wraps up. Bonus: Palm Springs Bottle Shop champions BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and women-owned wineries! Get tickets
LOOKING AHEAD
Alanis Morissette – The Triple Moon Tour
Alanis Morissette brings The Triple Moon Tour with special guests Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and Morgan Wade to Acrisure Arena on Thursday, August 8 at 7 pm. The iconic singer-songwriter redefined female empowerment in the ’90s with her raw vocals and anthemic songs like “You Oughta Know” and “Ironic.” Expect a potent mix of ’90s nostalgia, rock royalty anthems, and fresh country tunes. Get tickets
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. Pick a color and place our SAY KGAY slogan on the front or back! Shop Now
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!
KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 FM
Thrill seekers: Get ready to shout with Pride at Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Out on the Mountain on Friday, August 16, and you can WIN TICKETS from KGAY 106.5 and 92.1 and Gay Desert Guide to attend this night of electrifying rides, heart-pumping music, and dazzling performances – all in a safe and inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community. Learn more about Out on the Mountain and Enter to Win on the KGAY Contest Page!
KGAY 106.5 and 92.1 and Gay Desert Guide want you to WIN VIP GOLD TICKETS to Gay Days Anaheim, September 13–15 at Disneyland Resort. Join the handsome princes and the evil queens for a three-day weekend of parties and shows featuring Cheyenne Jackson, Raven, Chad Michaels, Varla Jean Merman and more! Find discounted hotels and park tickets along with a full schedule on our Gay Days Anaheim listing on Gay Desert Guide, and 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
On Wednesday, July 31, 103.1 Me TV FM will celebrate Gary Lewis, leader of Gary Lewis & the Playboys, turning 79. 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
- Thompson Hotel Talent Fair
Wed. Jul 31 from 8 am–6 pm - KGAY 106.5 John Taylor Out & About (with Prizes!)
Fri. Aug 2 from 3–5 pm at T-Mobile Experience Store - The Full Star Wars Saga in Epic Big-Screen Glory
Every Saturday through Sep 7 at 6 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center - An Evening of Comedy, Stories & Song with Del Shores and More
Wed. Aug 7 from 7–9 pm at Revolution Stage Company - Living Out Art Walk
Wed. Aug 14 from 5–7 pm at Living Out Palm Springs - Out on the Mountain
Fri. Aug 16 from 6 pm–12 am at Six Flags Magic Mountain - Rock the City: Bruno Mars Tribute Band
Wed. Sep 28 at 7 pm at Indian Canyons Golf Resort - Palm Springs Leather Pride 2024: Deeper Than Ever
Oct 24–27 - Palm Springs Pride 5K Run & Walk
Sat. Nov 2 at 8 am in downtown Palm Springs - CVRep 2024–2025 Season on Sale Now
Nov 6–May 4
- Dine and Save with Summer Eats Pass
- Paris Prepares for the Gayest Games Since Tokyo
- Know Your Neighbors: Palm Springs Cultural Center Executive Director Michael Green Is Raising the Bar for Arts in the Coachella Valley
- The Mitch Gershenfeld Exit Interview: The Retiring McCallum Theatre Leader Talks About Nearly a Quarter Century of Memories, Changes and Acts Who Got Away
- Restaurant News Bites: The Ace Brings in Guest Chefs; Perry’s Opens in Palm Springs; and More!
Luchador Brewing Company in Cathedral City has 20 rotating taps featuring a wide selection of ice-cold beers & seltzers, and their in-house food truck serves up delicious Mexican tapas-style street food; now serving brunch Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 am–12:30 pm! Indulge in their craft beer cocktails and a special menu featuring huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, and the mouthwatering Yucatan French Toast, stuffed with mascarpone cheese, coconut & pineapple. Save big with our HOT DEAL and Get a $50 gift card to Luchador Brewing Company for only $30! Get Your Deal
We also have Hot Deals at Palm Springs Fine Men’s Salon, Monster Shakes, 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.