Like two freight trains running down parallel tracks, Palm Springs Pride and the 2024 elections are barreling down on us and are just 60-some days away. Labor Day weekend is the typical end of summer and historical start of the election cycle.
And there is one thing that elections and Pride have in common – carpetbaggers. One could peg that title on Rep. Ken Calvert, who has little connection to the Coachella Valley, and has an abysmal record on LGBTQ rights and legislation.
Then there are the promoters who are already selling tickets and advertising their Dance parties and events over Palm Springs Pride® weekend. Notice I use the ‘®’ as both that name and Greater Palm Springs Pride® are registered trademarks of the pride organization. It’s like the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval that those of us of a certain age remember…
Why is that important? As a non-profit, Palm Springs Pride relies on sponsorship dollars from large companies to smaller fellow non-profits. Those dollars fund the extraordinary expenses that are incurred – from security to city services, performers to porta-potties.
When you see that an event is an official Palm Springs Pride activity, it means that group has paid to be a sponsor and supporter of Palm Springs Pride.
So when you see carpetbagging promoters advertising their “Pride” weekend events, it’s worth asking the question: Are they an official Palm Springs Pride® sponsor? And what would you rather support? We’re firmly committed to promote official Pride events on KGAY & Gay Desert Guide.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Positive Life Series: Identity Grief
Join the Positive Life Series for Identity Grief – What if There Was a Cure?, a transformative evening on Tuesday, September 3 at 6 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Renowned therapist Brent Heinze, LPCC, will delve into the profound topic of identity grief, exploring its impact on individuals living with HIV. Whether you’re personally affected by identity grief or simply seeking a deeper understanding, this event offers a valuable opportunity for connection, learning, and community. Don’t miss out on this insightful discussion and enjoy a delicious pizza party afterward! More info
Ask a Gay Doc Ep 12: Male Performance Enhancement Supplements
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 12, John and Dr. Corzano discuss the risks of over-the-counter male performance enhancement supplements. Do they work? Are they safe? 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.
The Purple Room Weekday Entertainment
The Purple Room in Palm Springs has a new live entertainment schedule on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings: Jazz Happy Hour will run from 4–6 pm, followed by dinner and music from 6–9:30 pm. Reservations are recommended for dinner. The lineup includes Rose Mallet, a “Living Jazz Legend,” on Tuesdays; a Rat Pack Era celebration with Darci Daniels, Charles Herrera, and Michael Holmes on Wednesdays; and the versatile performer Sharon Sills on Thursdays. Chris Bennett and Kevin Tokarz will play during Happy Hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Wednesdays, respectively. Also weekend shows each Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Get tickets
Sordid Lives at Palm Springs Cultural Center
Get ready for a hilarious and heartwarming ride with the 2000 film Sordid Lives. This cult classic with an enduring popularity in Palm Springs is showing this Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 6:30 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Celebrate this comedic twist on a story of unconditional love, acceptance and “coming out” in a Texas family. The eccentric cast of characters come together when their intertwining lives prepare for the funeral of the family matriarch. Grab your friends and enjoy a night of laughter! Get tickets
ALSO THIS WEEK
Wednesday, September 4
Volunteer for Will Rollins for Congress | 10–12 pm
First Wednesday Art Walk at Kee Gallery | 5–7 pm in the Backstreet Art District
PALS Circle | 6–7 pm on Zoom
BoneThumpers – blues for your soul | 7 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
Thursday, September 5
Phat Cat Swinger | 7 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
Villagefest | 7–10 pm along Palm Canyon Drive
Friday, September 6
Hitchcock Retrospective: To Catch A Thief | 7 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center
Country Dance Fridays: Codigo Line Dance with Kyle Young | 7 pm at Step by Step
Saturday, September 7
Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market | 8 am–1 pm indoors at the Palm Springs Pavilion
Allyship & Beyond – 3rd Annual Diversity & Racial Equity Conference | 9 am–12:30 pm at the Palm Springs Convention Center
Sunday, September 8
Oscar’s Sunday T-Dance | 3 pm (new start time)
THIS WEEKEND
Chicago + Earth, Wind & Fire
Music legends Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago, two of the most successful and critically-acclaimed bands of all time, bring their renowned co-headlining tour across North America – Heart & Soul Tour 2024 to Acrisure Arena on Saturday, September 7 at 7:30 pm. The timeless music of Chicago and the iconic catalog of Earth, Wind & Fire come together for one unforgettable night of music filled with epic sets from each artist that will culminate in an encore performance with both bands on stage together. Get tickets
Taylor Dayne + Tiffany
The ’80s are back at Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City with a Taylor Dayne and Tiffany concert, photo activations and 80’s inspired cocktails specials on Saturday, September 7 at 8 pm in the gorgeous outdoor Agave Caliente Terraza. Both Taylor Dayne and Tiffany are renowned for their chart-topping hits and energetic live shows. Tiffany, known for her iconic song “I Think We’re Alone Now,” and Taylor Dayne, famous for hits like “Tell It to My Heart” and “Love Will Lead You Back,” are sure to turn up the desert heat with an evening to remember. Be totally tubular and dress to impress. There will be fun prizes and ’80s games throughout the night including Trivia, Slinky Races, and a Big Hair Photo Contest. Get tickets
Greater Joshua Tree Art Expo
The Greater Joshua Tree Art Expo takes place September 6–22 at the Joshua Tree Gallery of Contemporary Art. This juried art exposition and competition opens with a gala on Friday, September 6 from 6–9 pm followed by the public exposition being open daily from 2–6 pm. The Gallery is dedicated to showcasing diverse and thought-provoking exhibitions in a technologically advanced space, making world-class art accessible to all. More info
The Purple Room: Scot Bruce and Debby Holiday
Experience the magic of Elvis Presley’s early years and the soulful voice of Debby Holiday at the Purple Room Supper Club this weekend. On Friday, September 6, immerse yourself in the electrifying energy of Scot Bruce embodying Elvis’ iconic hits and unforgettable performances. Then, on Saturday, September 7, be captivated by Debby Holiday‘s heartfelt renditions of her timeless classics. Both evenings start with dinner at 6 pm, show at 8 pm. Get tickets
Star Wars Saga Wraps Up – Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker
The Palm Springs Cultural Center has been bringing you the full Star Wars Saga in epic big-screen glory, unfolding one film at a time, all summer on Saturdays at 6 pm with a pre-show and cocktails starting at 5 pm. This Saturday, September 7, the series wraps up with Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker. Get tickets
She Did It! Series: Clueless (1995)
The Palm Springs Cultural Center brings you a season of films directed by women: She Did It!, curated by Deserted Films. It begins this Sunday, September 8 at 6 pm with Clueless (1995) directed by Amy Heckerling. This brilliant ’90s take on Emma is so expertly crafted that it will make you wonder how Jane Austen could’ve, like, totally predicted ’90s SoCal class dynamics so perfectly. Get tickets
Visitor Map & Guide
Check out our 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!
LOOKING AHEAD
Aerial Tramway Upcoming Maintenance Closure: Sep 9–Oct 6
You have one more week to enjoy the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway before it is closed for annual maintenance starting Monday, September 9 through Sunday, October 6. “During this year’s shutdown, we will be performing a track rope repositioning, which ensures even wear of the cables,” says Vice President of Tramway Systems Chris Bartsch. “Additionally, we will be conducting annual state-permit testing, and our Switzerland-based technicians will be performing necessary annual service and upgrades.”
Tickets for Center Stage, Modernism Week, PS Film Fest
The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert’s 2024 Center Stage Gala is on Saturday, October 19 at the Palm Springs Air Museum, and tickets are on sale now! Celebrate The Center and our vibrant LGBTQ+ community, honoring John McDonald & Rob Wright with the Legacy Award, With a special musical performance by American Idol Winner Abi Carter! Get tickets
Modernism Week, the annual festival that highlights midcentury modern architecture, art, interior and landscape design, and vintage culture, presents Modernism Week – October from Thursday, October 24–Sunday, October 27. Get tickets
The 2025 Palm Springs International Film Festival is set to illuminate the desert from January 2–13. The highly anticipated and glitzy Film Awards Ceremony is Friday, January 3, where Hollywood’s brightest stars will gather. Secure your spot now for this unforgettable experience! More info
“Say KGAY” Apparel
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. 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!
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 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. She is also the resident DJ at The Sonoran’s new Neon Oasis, Saturdays from 9 pm–2 am starting August 31! 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
- Greater Joshua Tree Art Expo
Sep 6–22 at the Joshua Tree Gallery of Contemporary Art - The Full Star Wars Saga in Epic Big-Screen Glory
Every Saturday through Sep 7 at 6 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center - The Judy Show!
Sun. Sep 8 from 5–8:15 pm at The Purple Room Supper Club - Rock the City Series: Bruno Mars Tribute Band
Wed. Sep 18 from 7–8:30 pm at Indian Canyons Golf Resort - Cinema Diverse: The Palm Springs LGBTQ Film Festival
Sep 19–22 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Positively Aging Project – Legacy: Inspiring Stories of Living with HIV
Sat. Sep 21 from 9 am–3 pm at Mizell Center - Hokus Pokus Live!
Fri.–Sun. Oct 4–6 at Hotel Zoso - Pride Under the Pines 2024
Sat. Oct 5 in Idyllwild - Modernism Week – October
Oct. 24–27 - Palm Springs Leather Pride 2024: Deeper Than Ever
Thu.–Sun. Oct 24–27 - 2024 EQCA Equality Awards Palm Springs
Sat. Oct 26 from 3–6 pm at Margaritaville Resort - 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 - 36th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival and Awards
Jan 2–13, 2025
Vision Turf & Lighting helps you save by switching to artificial grass, eliminating the cost of landscaping, reseeding and water usage. On top of that it is beautiful for 365 days a year and it is better for the environment. Vision Turf and Lighting has 5 star reviews from their customers, revamping various landscapes, from private gardens to corporate event venues. Learn more
We’re working together with BearCruise.com and Dan Howell Travel for an exciting 6-Night Holiday Spectacular! Experience the magic of the holiday season in German cities and towns for the Rhine River “Bear”varian Christmas Markets. This cruise is all LGBTQIA+ clientele, featuring guest entertainer Varla Jean Merman! Special incentives such as free airfare or no single supplement when you book now! Learn more
- Aaron Allen Marner Named Grand Marshal of 2024 Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade
- Spend Your September 2024 in Greater Palm Springs
- New Location for Controversial ‘Forever Marilyn’ Statue Announced. It Isn’t Going Far
- Hiking With T: Cool Events and Cooler Trails Can Be Found Less Than Two Hours Away at Big Bear Lake
- 6 Best Guided Tours in the Coachella Valley
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.
