5 was the number of the Democratic National Convention:
Five words: “Kamala Harris for the People!”
Exonerated Five: The men who Donald Trump called to be executed for a crime they did not commit.
November 5 – Election Day.
500 + Anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in state legislatures so far this year.
And Project 2025: The radical blueprint for the next administration. As Kamala said, “We are not going back.”
The last night of the Democratic National Convention culminated with our vice president ascending to the official spot as presidential candidate for the 2024 election. She’s riding a wave of momentum even though nearly half of America is still mired in Trumpism.
We’re in for a wild ride between now and Election Day. I talk with many of you who share the fear of outcome and have made contingency plans to leave our country if the worst comes to pass.
Imagine that – especially if you’re an ally reading this blog and not a member of the LGBTQ+ community. We are literally afraid for our lives if Donald Trump is elected.
Gay Desert Guide and our KGAY radio station are meant to uplift, entertain and inform the world about all the great things happening here in the Coachella Valley. However, for the next 70-some days, we have to zoom out of our bubble to bring attention to the future of our country. We’ll be promoting fundraisers, voter registration, volunteer opportunities with our candidates, and talk about some of the issues facing the LGBTQ+ community. In fact, John Taylor and Shann Carr have put together a debate watch party at Hunters.
Please bear with us during this detour. We ‘ll have plenty of airtime and screen time to again make our valley one of the happiest places on earth to visit – after the election.
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 be!
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Squeeze and Boy George
British band Squeeze brings their Summer 2024 North American Tour to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage on Friday, August 23 at 7:30 pm. Culture Club’s legendary lead singer Boy George joins the band on the road this year. Expect a night filled with unforgettable hits like “Tempted,” “Pulling Mussels (From the Shell),” “Karma Chameleon,” and “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me.” Don’t miss this chance to relive the magic of the 80s with these two legendary acts. Get tickets
Summer Sunset Art Walk
Several art galleries and studios in the Perez Art District of Cathedral City will be open on Friday, August 23 from 4–7 pm for a special Summer Sunset Art Walk, an installment of their popular seasonal 4th Friday Art Walk series. An eclectic array of art in many styles and mediums will be on display and for sale; come celebrate the diversity of Coachella Valley art! More info
Quarterly Art Exhibit
The Cathedral City Public Library is hosting its Quarterly Art Exhibit on Saturday & Sunday, August 24 & 25, from 10 am–4 pm, showcasing works by 10 talented local artists selected from the Cathedral City Public Arts Commissions program. This vibrant exhibition will feature a diverse array of artistic mediums and unique perspectives. Visitors can explore the artwork; some art may be available for purchase, supporting the creative talents within the community. More info
Streetbar 33rd Anniversary
Streetbar is celebrating 33 years of serving the Palm Springs community! Join them on Saturday, August 24 for a day of fun, food, drinks, and giveaways. Enjoy $3 well drinks and $5 daily specials all day long. Don’t miss out on this special event! More info
Celebrate DOGust with Animal Samaritans
Animal Samaritans presents the 4th Annual “DOGust Birthday Bash” on Saturday, August 24 from 11 am–2 pm at the Kimpton Rowan in Palm Springs. Enjoy a delicious lunch, wine, and a chance to win incredible prizes, including a Rowan staycation. Your $20 donation supports Animal Samaritans’ vital work. Let’s celebrate our furry friends and make a difference together! More info
Then, also on Saturday, August 24, at 6 pm it’s DOGust Bingo at one eleven bar, again benefiting Animal Samaritans. Bring any pet supplies (dog or cat food, pet toys, kitty litter, towels, blankets, etc) to the event and receive an extra 50/50 game card. Win cash prizes, make new animal loving friends and have a great time with us. $20 to play. More info
Mixie’s End of Summer Beach Bash
Join Dick’s on Arenas for Mixie’s End of Summer Beach Bash on Saturday, August 24 to celebrate DJ Mixie‘s 65th birthday! Get ready to dance to the hottest beats, mingle with sexy lifeguards, and more. Plus, your attendance helps support the Palm Springs Animal Shelter! More info
Club Sirocco – Mantopia
Get ready for a night of fun at Club Sirocco on Friday, August 23 for Mantopia, featuring dance vibes by Nate Cox, go-go dancers, and drink specials. The party kicks off at 4 pm with DJ live from 9 pm–2 am. Located at 150 S Indian Canyon, next to Hotel Zoso (Formerly Pretty Faces Nightclub). More info
MAD.KAT’s First Anniversary Party
MAD.KAT Gallery is turning one (year old) and it’s time for some fun! Help them celebrate at Some Like it Hot, MAD.KAT’s First Anniversary Party on Saturday, August 24 from 5–8 pm. Come for an unforgettable evening filled with stunning art and raise a toast to MAD.KAT Gallery. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, connect with fellow art enthusiasts, and be part of a milestone event that marks a year of creativity and community! More info
Kings of Leon
Kings Of Leon bring their Can We Please Have Fun Tour to Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert on Friday, August 23 at 8 pm. Formed in 1999, Kings of Leon are an American rock band known for their blend of Southern rock, blues, and alternative influences. They achieved early success in the UK before hitting it big in the US with hits like “Sex on Fire” and “Use Somebody.” Get tickets
Jeff Lynn’s ELO
Jeff Lynne’s ELO kicks off their final tour, dubbed “The Over and Out Tour” at Acrisure Arena on Saturday, August 24 at 8 pm. Known as one of the most iconic forces in music history, in recent years Jeff Lynne’s ELO has delivered a critically acclaimed and chart-topping album along with a sold out run of UK and European shows. The band has always been known for their epic live shows and with a distinct style that seamlessly and innovatively blends rock, pop and classical. Get tickets
Palm Springs Animal Shelter Car Wash Fundraiser
Desert Hand Car Wash in Cathedral City is hosting a special fundraising event to support the Palm Springs Animal Shelter! Get your car washed on Sunday, August 25, from 8 am–2 pm and help make a difference for our furry friends. A portion of all proceeds will go directly to the shelter. Come out, enjoy a clean car, and contribute to a great cause! ??❤️ More info
Namaste Away to Big Bear
Power Yoga Palm Springs presents a Big Bear Mountain Yoga Retreat this Thursday–Sunday, August 22–25. Nestled in the tranquil landscapes of Big Bear Mountain, this retreat offers a rejuvenating experience designed to help you take the well deserved and much needed time to reconnect to yourself, nature, yoga, and community. Leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and equipped with the tools to live a balanced, mindful, and connected life. Get tickets
Star Wars Saga – Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens
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 24, the series continues with Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. Get tickets
Beat the Desert Heat with a Tramway Adventure
Escape the summer sun and ascend to cooler heights with the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, where you can enjoy guided nature walks at 11 am and 1:30 pm every Sunday this month or choose to explore the mountain’s trails at your own pace. But hurry – the tramway closes for annual maintenance on September 9. More info
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Friday, August 23
Friday Night Vibes Pool Party | 6–9 pm at Hotel Zoso
Hot Summer Nights | 7:30–10:30 pm at Palm Desert Aquatic Center
Comedy Night at Hotel Zoso | 9 pm
BearUnion | 8 pm–4 am at Club 541
Saturday, August 24
DTLA Proud Festival | Sat & Sun Aug 24 & 25 in Downtown Los Angeles
Cocktails and Culinary Series: Noche Española | 5–7 pm at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
Kim Jong-Seo & So Chan-Whee | 7 pm at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
Jeff Lynne’s ELO | 8 pm at Acrisure Arena
Sunday, August 25
Bob & Bing: High Society | 3 pm screening at Palm Springs Cultural Center
Ask a Gay Doc Ep 11: MPOX Global Health Emergency
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 11, John and Dr. Corzano discuss the World Health Organization’s MPOX global public health emergency. The MPOX clade 1 variant is spreading. Learn about it and stay 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 Coachella Valley Independent‘s annual Best of Coachella Valley reader’s poll is accepting nominations for one more week, a fill-in-the-blank round that is open through through Friday, Aug. 30. We would love a repeat of our wins last year! Write-in your nominations for Best Local DJ under the “Arts” section: KGAY 106.5 Retro Lunch Djs: DJ Eric Ornelas and DJ Galaxy, and DJ Modgirl of the KGAY Sunday Tea Dance! Then, under the “Life in the Valley” section, for Best Local Radio Personality please consider John Taylor of the KGAY 106.5 Morning Show, and Patrick Evans of 103.1 MeTV FM. Fnally, also under “Life in the Valley,” for Best Radio Station, please nominate KGAY 106.5 of course! Nominate Today
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
DBA Mixer at Revolution Stage Co.
Join the Desert Business Association (DBA) for their next Networking Mixer on Monday, August 26 at 5:30 pm, hosted by Revolution Stage Company at their theatre. Discover the exciting lineup for their 2024-25 season while enjoying a great evening of networking and community. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and learn about the upcoming theatrical offerings! More info
Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus Auditions
The Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus is holding auditions on Tuesday, August 27 from 8:45–10 pm, following an open rehearsal that starts at 7 pm at Mizell Center. PSGMC strives to create a comfortable and supportive environment for their auditions, in a private setting with only the artistic director, accompanist, and potentially a small group directors present. Feel free to prepare your own song or let their talented pianist assist you in finding the perfect key. More info
Bark the Vote at Boozehounds
Join in supporting Will Rollins for Congress at Bark the Vote on Wednesday, August 28 from 6–8 pm at Boozehounds. All well-behaved dogs and people are welcome to come enjoy cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres, and music by Dry Heat, with retail partner Tailwaggers Pet Food & Supplies. Rollins is an openly gay former counterterrorism prosecutor running to defeat Ken Calvert and flip CA-41 in 2024. Get tickets
Tickets for Purple Room, Center Stage, Modernism Week, PS Film Fest
The Purple Room in Palm Springs is launching a new live entertainment schedule on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings, starting August 27. 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. Tickets are on sale for the Fall 2024 season: catch acts like Elvis: The Early Years (Sept 6), Debby Holiday (Sept 7), Jackie Beat & Sherry Vine (Sept 13), Jane Monheit (Sept 20-21), and Clint Holmes (Sept 28). Get tickets
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
You can WIN a pair of VIP tickets on the KGAY Party Bus to Pride Under the Pines with John Taylor, courtesy of KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 FM! Get a break from the heat and enjoy the cool mountain air on Saturday, October 5 with music, dancing, food trucks, booths, live performances, special guests, superstar drag divas, a movie and more! 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. 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
The Judy Show! returns to The Purple Room Supper Club on Sunday, September 1 at 5 pm. You can WIN a pair of tickets and dinner! Michael Holmes, the owner and entertainer, will perform as Judy Garland and a variety of iconic female stars from Hollywood’s Golden Age. The show promises an evening of laughs, glamour, and high camp, continuing every Sunday throughout the season. Enter to WIN on the 103.1 MeTV FM Contest Page
- The Full Star Wars Saga in Epic Big-Screen Glory
Every Saturday through Sep 7 at 6 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center - Bark the Vote: A Fundraiser for Will Rollins
Wed. Aug 28 from 6–8 pm at Boozehounds - The Judy Show! – Season Opener
Sun. Sep 1 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 - Rock the City: Bruno Mars Tribute Band
Wed. Sep 28 at 7 pm at Indian Canyons Golf Resort - 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 - 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
The Velvet Rope is a lavish Palm Springs hotel in the Old Las Palmas neighborhood that pays homage to its Hollywood roots. Step back in time and enjoy nine unique suites designed by David Rios, inspired by icons including the Rat Pack, Lucille Ball and Ricky Ricardo, Playmates, and Liberace. Both locals and visitors are welcome at the pool and can experience the old Hollywood vibe at the hotel’s speakeasy-style Bar Valerie in the evenings. Learn more
- Restaurant News Bites: 1501 Has a New Owner; Taste of Palm Springs Returns; and More!
- Pride Under the Pines Announces Headliners for Oct 5 2024 Pride Festival in Idyllwild
- Cinema Diverse: The Palm Springs LGBTQ+ Film Festival Returns; Tickets and Passes Now on Sale
- The Dinah 2024: Celebrate 33 Years of Queer Pride and Music in Palm Springs
- PS Test Clinic Announces Shortened Summer Hours
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.
