it was the summer of 1978 and I was a 19-year-old kid whose parents let him go to Europe for the summer. I was traveling with my “fag-hag” friend, Cheryl, whose parents were so strict we couldn’t even ride the same plane.
Once we got to London, we spent much time together, platonically, of course. On BBC Radio One, Gerry Rafferty’s Baker Street was the hit of the summer. I bought the 45 and still have it to this day.
We made our way to Amsterdam, connecting with other fellow Michigan college backpackers (one of which I had a huge crush on!). Even though I did not partake in the legal weed of the day, I do remember a trip to the Heineken brewery which ended in all of us passed out in a nearby park. I still have the ill-gotten Heineken glass that I snuck out, as well as a photo of all of us at a local pub.
So I’m back in the Netherlands at this writing for Amsterdam Pride and Brandg Vacations’ Dutch and Belgian Delights tour. No slumming it this time around! Our KGAY Song of the Day winner, David, will be joining me shortly. I’ve spent a lot of time in this city by happenstance over the years. It’s one of my favorite European cities, even though it shows a little grit and a lot of graffiti.
Summers are meant to be nostalgic reminders of our younger, more carefree days. I’m going to take it all in with memories of my first adventure to Europe all those years ago.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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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 on this, their final weekend before closing their doors. DOGust is the “Official Birthday Month” for shelter dogs, and 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
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
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
Palm Springs Film Festival Passes on Sale
The 2025 Palm Springs International Film Festival is set to illuminate the desert from January 2–13. This prestigious event will showcase a dazzling array of international films, captivating audiences with diverse stories and groundbreaking talent. The highly anticipated and glitzy Film Awards Ceremony is Friday, January 3, where Hollywood’s brightest stars will gather to celebrate the year’s most outstanding cinematic achievements. Secure your spot now for this unforgettable experience, as Festival passes and Film Awards tickets are available as of August 1. Immerse yourself in the world of cinema and discover the next big thing! More info
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 – Natural Wines
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
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
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 their 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
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!
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
Modernism Week – October: Tickets on Sale Now
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. While smaller in scope than the 11-day festival held annually each February, the October event will offer nearly 50 events over four days, including many free and low-cost programs. Tickets went on sale just this week, get yours now! 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
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KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 FM
Want to experience the magic of Mariah Carey’s Christmas concert with a chance to WIN TICKETS before you can buy them? You could be one of the lucky winners of tickets to see the Queen of Christmas live in concert at Acrisure Arena on Wednesday, November 13, courtesy of KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 as well as 103.1 MeTV FM. Enter for your chance to win before tickets go on sale to the public on Friday, August 9. Get ready to deck the halls with Mariah Carey! Enter to Win on the KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 and 103.1 MeTV FM Contest Pages!
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
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
- KGAY 106.5 John Taylor Out & About (with Prizes!)
Fri. Aug 2 from 3–5 pm at T-Mobile Experience Store - 2nd Annual DOGust Drag Bingo Birthday Bash
Sat. Aug 3 from 3–5 pm at Barracks Bar - 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 - Clear the Shelter Adoption Event
Sat. Aug 17 from 10 am–12 pm at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter - Rock the City: Bruno Mars Tribute Band
Wed. Sep 28 at 7 pm at Indian Canyons Golf Resort - Modernism Week – October
Oct. 24–27 - Palm Springs Leather Pride 2024: Deeper Than Ever
Thu.–Sun. 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 - 36th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival and Awards
Jan 2–13, 2025
- Palm Springs Animal Shelter: More Than Finding “Furever” Homes
- Palm Springs Mayor Discusses City’s Decision to Relocate ‘Forever Marilyn’
- A Sneak Peek of the Luxurious Thompson Hotel, Slated to Open September in Downtown Palm Springs
- TIME Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places: Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza
- Hiking With T: Just a 90-Minute Drive Away, Wrightwood Offers Gorgeous Mountain Views on Cooler Trails
Thai Smile has been offering healthy, high quality, and flavorful food to residents and visitors of Palm Springs since 1993. Enjoy the freshest handcrafted Thai Cuisine possible with fresh, crisp, young vegetables delivered daily, premium fresh meats and seafood with authentic Thai spices and herbs. Save 50% when you pick up this HOT DEAL: a $25 Gift Card from Thai Smile for just $12.50! 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.