And so it begins! “Season” as we call it. And the Gay Desert Guide events calendar is chocked full of things to do from now until the cows come home.
I’m part of the #ILoveGayPalmSprings contingent in Osaka, Japan, for the IGLTA (International LGBTQ Travel Association) conference this week. Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein is attending because the conference comes to Greater Palm Springs next October. Our destination is going to be in the spotlight with LGBTQ+ travel and tourism professionals, showing off our wonderful Coachella Valley to the world!
This weekend there’s a confluence of Tiki Modernists and Tom of Finland men. Not to mention PSLOD’s Leather Pride, and Halloween on Arenas. There’s no shortage of things to keep your mind off the election at hand. Of course, it’s vital that everyone vote. But I’ll be glad when it’s over so we can hopefully count on a peaceful transition of power.
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!
#ILoveGayPalmSprings #ILoveGayCatCity #ILoveGayTravel #ILoveGay #SayKGAY #FindYourOasis
Desert Hand Car Wash Fundraiser for PSPOA
Join the Palm Springs Police Officers Association (PSPOA) for a Desert Hand Car Wash Fundraiser on Tuesday, October 22 from 7 am–5 pm. Enjoy a day of fun, food, music, and drinks while supporting a great cause. KGAY’s John Taylor will be Out and About on-site from 10 am–Noon, drop by and say hi! 50% of all proceeds will be donated to the PSPOA to support fallen first responders and citizens in need. Come show your support and have a blast! More info
Made at TOM House at Artworks Gallery
Discover emerging LGBTQ+ artists at the Tom of Finland Foundation’s pop-up exhibition, Made at TOM House. This showcase features new and recent artworks by fourteen international young artists from the Foundation’s Artist-in-Residence Program. Come for the opening reception on Wednesday, October 23 from 4–8 pm, featuring a special Out and About appearance by John Taylor from 4–6 pm. More info
At both of the above KGAY Out and About events, stop by and Enter to WIN your choice of European cruises, either this winter or next summer, from BearCruise.com! You can also enter to win at the KGAY Desert Guide booth at Palm Springs Pride, near the Main Stage at the festival, Fri–Sun, Nov 1–3!
DBA Networking Mixer at Coachella Valley Volkswagen
The Desert Business Association’s Networking Mixer will take place on Monday, October 21 at 5:30 pm, hosted by Coachella Valley Volkswagen in Cathedral City. As a certified Volkswagen dealer, they offer a solid selection of new and pre-owned vehicles, and their commitment to customer satisfaction extends beyond sales with a professional team of technicians equipped to handle maintenance, repairs, and provide authentic parts. Join this event for an excellent networking opportunity in a community-oriented atmosphere! More info
Palm Springs Speaks: Donna Brazile
The Friends of the Palm Springs Library’s Palm Springs Speaks series presents Donna Brazile on Tuesday, October 22, at 7 pm at the Richards Center for the Arts. Brazile has devoted her life to working for progressive change, responsible governance, and the advancement of all people in a society that is fair and equitable. She has worked on every major presidential campaign since 1976, and in 2000 Ms. Brazile became the first Black woman to serve as the manager of a major party presidential campaign, running the campaign of former Vice President Al Gore. Brazile has also twice served as the interim Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Get tickets
The Center Social – October
The LGBTQ+ Community Center of the Desert invites you to their monthly Center Social on Wednesday, October 23, from 5:30–7 pm at the Hyatt Palm Springs. Enjoy drinks, conversation, and a chance to connect with other LGBTQ+ individuals in the community. This month’s social is sponsored by the Coachella Valley Independent. More info
Desert Modernism 101
Discover the architectural history of Via Lola, Palm Springs’ most famous street. Join Jade Thomas Nelson for a 45-minute presentation on Wednesday, October 23 at 6 pm at the Palm Springs Library. This audiovisual lecture explores the work of renowned architects and notable residents who have shaped Via Lola’s landscape over the past century. More info
Modernism Week – October
Modernism Week October is a four-day celebration of mid-century modern architecture, design, and culture, Thursday–Sunday, October 24–27. This popular event offers a variety of activities, including architectural tours, lectures, art exhibitions, shopping, and special events, many of them free or low-cost. This year’s edition features new programs like “Escape into the World of Tiki!” and “Tiki Oasis: Desert Lanai 4 Cocktail Party & Home Tour,” offering immersive experiences into tiki culture and mid-century modern architecture. Additionally, visit Astro, the Modernism Week retro trailer, at the Launch Pad for information and snacks. Get tickets
Leather Pride 2024: Deeper than Ever
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of leather, kink, and community at Palm Springs Leather Pride 2024: Deeper than Ever. This year’s event, taking place Thursday–Sunday, October 24–27, features a diverse lineup of events designed to cater to a wide range of interests. From panel discussions and parties to dungeon play and a victory beer bust, there’s something for everyone. Check out our event listing for posters and details on all events: Get tickets
Two Toms: A Panel Discussion and Presentation
“Two Toms” is an intimate conversation with Durk Dehner, Tom of Finland Foundation President & Cofounder, and Tom Bianchi, legendary photographer and Palm Springs resident, moderated by Richard Villani, Foundation Creative Director, on Thursday, October 24 from 4:30–7 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Discover the lasting legacy of Tom of Finland and his influence on LGBTQ+ culture. Enjoy opening remarks from Edward Cella, Foundation Chief Executive Officer, and explore an exhibition of original Tom of Finland artwork. Get tickets
Desert Candlelight Concert: Rebecca Clark Tribute to Barbra Streisand
Rebecca Clark is set to honor the legendary Barbra Streisand in “Hello Gorgeous!,” a stunning tribute concert to kick off the Desert Candlelight Concert series on Wednesday, October 23 at 6 pm at Mary Pickford Theatre. With her powerful voice and heartfelt performance, Clark will bring Streisand’s iconic hits to life, celebrating the songs that turned Streisand into a musical legend. Get tickets
The Pride 2024-2025 Visitor Map & Guide is Here!
Check out the new 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!
Wild Wine Night
Wild Wine Night is a fundraising event benefiting Desert Theatreworks’ Kidsworks Program. This event will take place on Thursday, October 24 from 7–9 pm, and will feature wine vendors, wine flights, charcuterie boards, a silent auction, and a meet-and-greet with characters from The Wild Woman of Winedale. More info
OUTWORDS: History = Hope
Join OUTWORDS for History = Hope, an evening of honoring LGBTQ+ elders and supporting their mission to preserve LGBTQ+ history on Friday, October 25 from 5–7 pm at The Kenaston House. This 2nd annual fundraiser features a reception, honorees, and a special guest host. RSVP is required. More info
ALSO THIS WEEK
Monday, October 21
Oscar’s Family Art Exhibit | Oct. 21 & 22 from 5–8 pm at Oscar’s Downtown Palm Springs
Cabaret Riot Competition Series | 7 pm at Revolution Stage Company
Wednesday, October 23
Volunteer for Will Rollins for Congress | 10 am–12 pm in Palm Springs & Fundraiser at Living Out Palm Springs 5 – 6:30 pm; CONTACT MORGAN BENJAMIN AT MORGAN@VOTEWILLROLLINS.COM
Artmaking from the Tom of Finland Foundation Artist-in-Residence Program | Oct. 23–Nov. 3 at Artworks Gallery
Tom of Finland: Visions of Desire | Oct. 23–Nov. 3 at Palm Springs Cultural Center
Protecting, Preserving and Promoting the Erotic Arts w/Durk Dehner | 5:30 pm at Mizell Center.
Bedside Reading Book Signing Reception | 5:30–7:30 pm at The Rowan Palm Springs
The Dirty Show 3.0 w/Skyler Gentry | 7 pm at Dietlart Gallery
Thursday, October 24
VillageFest Street Fair | 6–10 pm in downtown Palm Springs
S.I.R. (Sex, Intimacy, Relationship) Festival San Diego | Oct. 24–27 at Good Life Resorts
Elena Gilliam – Living Legend of Jazz | 7 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
Idyllwild Arts Presents Jazz Combos at the Merc | 7:30–10 pm in Temecula
Friday, October 25
LifeStream Blood Drive | 10 am–3 pm at Miralon
Perez Art District 4th Friday At Walk | 4–7 pm
Country Dance Fridays: Beginner Waltz with Jan Alden | 7 pm at Step by Step
Croce Plays Croce 50th Anniversary Tour | 8 pm at The Show
BearUnion | 8 pm–4 am at Club 541
Saturday, October 26
Walk to End Alzheimer’s | 9 am at Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Friends of the PS Library Art, Architectural & Design Book Sale | 10 am–1 pm
Candle-Making Class by Mijo Co | 12–2 pm
“Endurance of the Damned” Art Show Opening Reception | 4–6 pm at Brian Marki Fine Art & Framing
“Area 111” Modernism Art Show Opening Reception | 5–8 pm at Janssen Artspace
Sunday, October 27
Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade | 8 am–2 pm at El Paseo Shopping District
Closing Reception of “Modville” | 2–4 pm at Kee Gallery
Día de los Muertos Celebration | 10 am–5 pm at the Palm Springs Art Museum
Looking Ahead: Monday, October 28
Greater Coachella Valley Chamber Lunch Club | 12 pm at Eight4Nine
THIS WEEKEND
Modernism Show & Sale Fall Edition
The Palm Springs Modernism Show and Sale Fall Edition returns to the Palm Springs Convention Center Friday–Sunday, October 25–27. Kick things off with the Opening Night Party benefiting Modernism Week on Friday, October 25 from 6–8 pm, for exclusive previews and design enthusiast mingling. The weekend unfolds with a curated selection of exhibitors showcasing and selling the best in mid-century and modern design, Saturday 10 am–6 pm and Sunday 10 am–5 pm. Get tickets
Halloween Palm Springs in the Arenas District
It’s a spooky and star-studded Halloween celebration at Halloween Palm Springs in the Arenas District on Sunday, October 27 from 4–10 pm. This free event features live music from Motown legend Thelma Houston and pop diva Thea Austin (formerly of SNAP!). There will also be a costume contest, Andrew Christian fashion show, performance from Jesika Von Rabbit and KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 DJs Galaxy and Modgirl spinning tunes throughout the evening. Masters of ceremony will be KGAY Morning Show Host John Taylor, alongside Bella da Ball. While admission is free, donations to local LGBTQ+ charities are encouraged. VIP passes are available for purchase online and offer exclusive perks like meet-and-greets, side-stage viewing, and a private bar. More info
Be sure also to visit Gameday Men’s Health at Halloween Palm Springs, right next to the KGAY Costume Contest Stage. Get your photo with the Men of Gameday, grab a funny symptom sticker, and learn about their new clinic with a unique vibe. They specialize in men’s health issues like low testosterone and offer solutions like Testosterone Replacement Therapy. More info
EQCA Equality Awards Palm Springs
Join Equality California for the 25th Annual Palm Springs Equality Awards on Saturday, October 26 from 3–6 pm at the Riviera (formerly Margaritaville) Resort. This prestigious event recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the LGBTQ+ community. Honorees and special guests include Barbara Boxer, Will Rollins, and other influential figures. The event will feature a cocktail reception, awards ceremony, and live entertainment. Proceeds from the event support Equality California’s ongoing work to advance LGBTQ+ equality. More info
Palm Springs Leather Pride Formal Dinner
Hotel ZOSO is hosting the formal leather event of the year, the Palm Springs Leather Pride Dinner, on Friday, October 25 from 6–9 pm. This indoor/outdoor event features a cocktail reception, buffet dinner, silent auction, and a rooftop cigar space. Come dressed in your best leather gear and meet fellow leather enthusiasts from around the world. Enjoy reduced cash bar options and participate in the live auction. Get tickets
Tom’s Annual Cigar and Pipe Social
Join GarCzar, Ken Avedisian, and Jesse Rosenberg for a memorable afternoon at Tom’s Annual Cigar and Pipe Social on Saturday, October 26 from 2–5 pm at Tool Shed, featuring a relaxed atmosphere, delicious food and drinks, and a variety of cigars and pipes. Indulge in GarCzar’s five distinct specialty tobaccos, available for a donation, or watch a skilled cigar-rolling expert demonstrate their craft. Enjoy the outdoor patio while socializing with fellow enthusiasts. More info
DAP Health Equity Walk
The DAP Health Equity Walk 2024 takes place on Saturday, October 26 from 7:30 am–1 pm at Ruth Hardy Park. The Walk is an affirmation of DAP Health’s mission to remove barriers to care and secure health equity for everyone. There will also be a Health & Wellness Village and the Dunk Tank is back with your opportunity to dunk your favorite community leaders, including DAP Health CEO David Brinkman, Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills, and NBC Palm Springs News Anchor Mark Mester. KGAY’s Modgirl will be spinning the jams throughout! More info
This Weekend at The McCallum Theatre
The McCallum Theatre presents two exciting shows this weekend: On Saturday, October 26 at 8 pm, country music star Terri Clark takes the stage with her blend of classic honky-tonk, acoustic ballads, and energetic rock songs. Then, on Sunday, October 27 at 7 pm, the Capitol Fools deliver their hilarious political satire through song parodies and witty commentary. Get tickets
La Cage Aux Folles
Palm Canyon Theatre will whisk you away to Paris and a night of glamorous drag and storytelling as you enjoy the incomparable La Cage Aux Folles, running October 25–November 10. Based on the 1973 French play, this glitzy musical is set in a Saint-Tropez drag nightclub, following the hilarious antics of Albin, the star drag queen, and Georges, the club’s manager, as they navigate family drama and societal expectations. Get tickets
The Wild Women of Winedale
Desert Theatreworks presents The Wild Women of Winedale from October 18–November 3 at the Blackbox theater. Meet the spirited sisters, Fanny and Willa, along with their delightfully eccentric sister-in-law, Johnnie Faye. Through laughter and tears, they’ve weathered life’s storms, from losing spouses to the unexpected sinkhole swallowing their home in Florida. Join these remarkable women as they tackle life’s clutter with wit and ingenuity, promising an uproarious journey filled with laughter and heart. Get tickets
F**king Men
The Bent presents F**king Men, playing Thursday–Sunday, from October 11–27 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. This fascinating, funny and provocative story of sex, love and connection follows ten men through a series of erotic encounters that change their lives in small but significant ways. A smash hit in London, F**cking Men takes a sharp and insightful look at the experiences of modern gay men as they navigate their conflicting desires for the comfort of monogamous love and the thrill of sexual freedom. Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh says “The message is basically an optimistic one even if it does have traces of extreme cynicism sprinkled throughout.” Read his full review and Get tickets
Ask a Gay Doc Ep 15: Anal Fissures
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 15, John and Dr. Corzano discuss the ins and outs of anal fissures. 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.
“Say KGAY” Apparel
With Palm Springs Pride right around the corner, it’s time to “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. Get yours in time for Palm Springs Pride! 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!
- Fundraiser for Palm Springs Police Officer’s Association
Tue. Oct 22 from 7 am–5 pm at Desert Hand Car Wash - Palm Springs Speaks: Donna Brazile
Tue. Oct 22 at 7 pm at Richards Center for the Arts - Made at TOM House – Opening Reception
Wed. Oct 23 from 4–8 pm at Artworks Gallery - Two Toms: A Panel Discussion and Presentation
Thu. Oct 24 from 4:30–7 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center - Palm Springs Leather Pride 2024: Deeper Than Ever
Thu.–Sun. Oct 24–27 - Modernism Week – October
Oct. 24–27 - Modernism Show & Sale Fall Edition
Oct. 25–27 at Palm Springs Convention Center - Halloween Palm Springs in the Arenas District
Sun. Oct 27 from 4–10 pm - Gameday Men’s Health at Halloween Palm Springs
Sun. Oct 27 from 4–10 pm in the Arenas District - Tom’s Annual Cigar and Pipe Social
Sat. Oct 26 from 2–5 pm - 2024 EQCA Equality Awards Palm Springs
Sat. Oct 26 from 3–6 pm at Margaritaville Resort - DAP Health Equity Walk
Sat. Oct 26 from 7:30 am–1 pm - La Cage aux Folles, presented by Palm Canyon Theatre
Oct 25–Nov 11 - F**king Men, presented by The Bent Theatre Co.
Oct 11–27 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - The Wild Women of Winedale presented by Desert Theatreworks
Oct 18–Nov 3 at Playhouse Theater - Back to Big Bear Giveaway
Free gift with 2-night reservation Through Oct. 29 - City of Palm Springs: State of the City
Wed. Oct 30 from 5–7 pm at the Annenberg Theater - Film Night: Tom of Finland and Selected Shorts
Wed. Oct 30 at 5 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center - Hugs for Pride 2024 with Free Mom Hugs
Wed. Oct 30 from 5:30–11 pm at Palm Springs Surf Club - Día de la Reina Block Party / Neon Trees
Thu. Oct 31 at 8 pm in the Arenas District - Palm Springs Pride 2024: “Be You”
Oct 31–Nov 3 - Alumination: Palm Springs Art Museum Pride 2024
Fri. Nov 1 from 6–9 pm - Palm Springs Pride Blast-Off with Modgirl
Fri. Nov 2 from 8–10 pm - The Kinsey Sicks: Deep Inside Tonight!
Fri. & Sat. Nov 1 & 2 at The Purple Room Supper Club - Front Runners & Walkers Palm Springs Pride 5K Run & Walk
Sat. Nov 2 from 8–10 am - HRC Palm Springs Garden Party
Sat. Nov 2 from 2–4:30 pm - DADDYPOP! Saturday Afternoon Tea w/Matt Consola
Sat. Nov 2 from 3–7 pm at Reforma - Yvie Oddly Meet & Greet and Book Signing
Sat. Nov 2 from 3–5 pm at Just Fabulous - REAF Pride Party 2024: We Are Family 2
Sat. Nov 2 from 4–8 pm at Tom Ray’s Bella Vista Estate - Palm Springs Pride Parade
Sun. Nov 3 at 10 am along Palm Canyon Drive - KGAY Desert Guide Takeover Pride Tea Dance
Sun. Nov 3 from 12–7 pm on the Arenas District Stage - Palm Springs Pride Brunch with Miss Richfield 1981
Sun. Nov 3 at 1 pm at Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge - Palm Springs Sunset Music & Comedy Festival
Sat. Nov 9 at 7 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Big Bear Comedy Fest
Fri. & Sat. Nov 15 & 16 at Big Bear Lake - 20th Annual Greater Palm Springs Summit
Tue. Nov 19 from 8–11 am at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage - 36th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival and Awards
Jan 2–13, 2025
KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 FM
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 Modgirl airs every Sunday from 4–6 pm (right after the Retro Brunch). Listen to KGAY 106.5 online
THIS WEEKEND: On Saturday, Modgirl will be at the DAP Health Walk, and on Sunday, DJ Galaxy and Modgirl will both be at Halloween Palm Springs in the Arenas District!
103.1 MeTV FM
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. And hear “Goddard’s Gold” show at its new time Sunday mornings 9a–12 noon Listen online
- LGBTQ History Month: Effort Documents US LGBTQ History Projects
- Sex and Connection: The Bent Starts Its New Season With ‘F***ing Men,’ a Thought-Provoking and Enjoyable Show
- CBS News Sunday Morning: The Aluminaire House
- Transgender Health & Wellness Center Opens Healing Rainbows for Housing, Food Assistance
- Frontier Airlines Returns to Palm Springs International Airport with New Routes to Denver and San Francisco
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 Modgirl spinning the KGAY Sunday Tea Dance from 4–6 pm.
