As my summer vacation with Brandg draws to a close, this week’s Top 3 has a special meaning from the trip.
As a teen, the song “Vincent” by Don McLean told the story of a tortured artist who took his life at a particularly prolific time in his short career. When the “Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience” came to Indio in September, 2022, I had to visit. It was incredible.
And during my vacation this week, I’ve had two opportunities to see Van Gogh’s work up close. Though “Starry, Starry Night” was on loan, the other works more than made up for it.
The heavens have always been of great wonder to me. I have a “Moon and Stars” playlist that I love to listen to on each vacation. This year’s trip coincides with the Perseid meteor showers and I hope to catch a glimpse before my return. While Joshua Tree and other dark sky areas will be overrun, I hope you’ll have a chance to look skyward this weekend.
Just a few streaks of cosmic dust and the way in which Van Gogh captured the night sky are reminders of our short time on this Earth, and the beauty that surrounds us.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Splash House Weekend 1
Splash House returns to Palm Springs with two unforgettable weekends of poolside house, disco, and electronic music, August 9–11 and August 16–18. Dance the days away at pool parties across three iconic resorts—the Renaissance, the Saguaro and Margaritaville—then groove under the stars at the legendary After Hours event at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Splash House 2024’s first weekend features Gorgon City b2b Green Velvet, HUGEL, Joshwa, HYPERBEAM, Alesso and many more for a poolside dance party extravaganza. Get tickets
Starry, Starry Nights
The Perseid meteor shower is peaking this weekend, and while you might be tempted to head to Joshua Tree for viewing, you are certain to be frustrated by traffic and Joshua Tree National Park is actively urging people to view from home. Try the Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory, presenting a Public Exploration Night on Saturday, August 10 from 9–10:30 pm. Glimpse beyond our world through their power telescope with the opportunity to ask questions and learn fun facts from astronomers and volunteer docents [More info]. Meanwhile, the Wildlands Conservancy is having a (sold out) Whitewater Preserve Star Party. Heading in the direction of Borrego Springs for viewing is likely to be less crowded. More info
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 [More info], or choose to explore the mountain’s trails at your own pace. But hurry – the tramway closes for annual maintenance on September 9. Enter our 4-pack ticket giveaway for a chance to experience this breathtaking journey before it’s too late! Visit the contest pages for KGAY 106.5 and 103.1 MeTV FM
80’s Station
Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City presents 80’s Station in a FREE concert on Saturday, August 10 at 8 pm. 80’s Station is Las Vegas’ finest 1980s tribute band, featuring the two lead singers from long running ’80s band Loveshack; Matt Gucu (Devo) and Tiffany Fredianelli (Kate) have joined forces to do what they do best… the ’80s! The band consists of musicians whose costumes emulate different musical celebrities from the 1980s. On any given night you might see a member representing “Run DMC” on the drums, “Slash” on the guitar, or “Rick James” on the bass. Come enjoy uncanny renditions of tunes from the MTV generation! More info
Lance Burton
The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage presents magician Lance Burton on Saturday, August 10 at 8 pm. Hailed as the greatest stage magician of the 20th century, Burton captivated audiences for 30 years in Las Vegas before retiring. Now, he tours with a new show featuring illusions, audience participation, and special guests. Get tickets
Cocktails and Culinary Series: Chocolate and Confections
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa’s Cocktails & Culinary Series presents Chocolate and Confections on Saturday, August 10 from 5–7 pm. The brainchild of the property’s Executive Chef Eric Theiss, the culinary workshop series is at the hotel’s renowned T&T Innovation Kitchen, which has long been known for its creative and locally sourced organic fare. Up next: Japanese Night (August 17), and Noche Espanola (August 24). More info
Star Wars Saga – Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
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 10, the series continues with Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. Get tickets
Out at the Fair – Orange County
Out at the Fair® returns to the Orange County Fair for their 5th year on Sunday, August 11 from 11 am–5 pm. Get ready for a day of fun, food, and fabulousness and join the LGBTQ+ community for a day of celebration at the Orange County Fair. Enjoy thrilling rides, delicious food, and live entertainment. Show your Pride colors at Mom’s Bakeshoppe for a FREE chocolate chip cookie and at Timbo’s Licorice Ropes for a free half of rainbow licorice rope! More info
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Friday, August 9
Dive-In Movie Series: The Emperor’s New Groove | 7:30 pm at Palm Desert Aquatic Center
Friday Night Vibes Pool Party | 6–9 pm at Hotel Zoso
Comedy Night at Hotel Zoso | 9 pm
Saturday, August 10
Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market | 8 am–1 pm at the Palm Springs Pavilion
I’m “Living Out” for the next year at the 55+ LGBTQ+ community that you’ve been hearing about on KGAY Palm Springs!
See my first Vlog with CEO Loren Ostrow as we introduce you to Living Out HERE!
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, through the closing ceremony on Sunday, August 11. Play Lounge is your ultimate sports viewing destination in Palm Springs. They have all major 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
The Coachella Valley Independent‘s annual Best of Coachella Valley reader’s poll is now accepting nominations, 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 finally, 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
Monday: DBA Mixer at Silvercrest
Join the Desert Business Association (DBA) for their Networking Mixer on Monday, August 12 at 5:30 pm at the headquarters of Silvercrest, a full service marketing and advertising company that works with businesses to help them grow their business and reach their customers. Demonstrating a strong commitment to the community, they actively support local nonprofits while providing opportunities for businesses to network and collaborate. More info
The Purple Room Fall 2024 Season Tickets on Sale
Michael Holmes’ Purple Room Supper Club is excited to announce that tickets are on sale for the Fall 2024 season, with a sizzling lineup of stars! The valley’s coolest performance space has a roster of stars certain to sell out quickly. 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
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
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
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
Soar above the desert heat and into a mountain wonderland! The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers a thrilling ride to the pristine wilderness of Mt. San Jacinto State Park. Enjoy breathtaking views, explore hiking trails, and savor delicious meals at the Mountain Station. Enter to win a 4-pack of tickets and experience this iconic attraction before its annual maintenance closure on September 9. Visit the contest pages for KGAY 106.5 and 103.1 MeTV 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
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 Full Star Wars Saga in Epic Big-Screen Glory
Every Saturday through Sep 7 at 6 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center - 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. & Sun Aug 17 & 18 from 10 am–5 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 - Mariah Carey’s Christmas Time
Wed. Nov 13 at 7:30 pm at Acrisure Arena – Tix On Sale Fri. Aug 9 - 36th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival and Awards
Jan 2–13, 2025
- Greater Palm Springs Pride Announces 2024 Pride Honors Awards Presented by Silvercrest
- City of Palm Springs Announces Limited-Time Local Shopping Gift Card Program
- Disney is Building a Midcentury Fantasyland Near Palm Springs
- The Best Burgers in Greater Palm Springs, According to Locals
- Splash House Festival Essentials & More!
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.