Emotions ran high Wednesday evening at the Palm Springs Convention Center as community members gathered to express concerns over Trump’s election.
For our allies and those who supported the new regime, it may seem odd or even an over-reaction that such concerns would be top of mind. But the fears are real. Our Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills led the forum and gave us assurance that Palm Springs will remain a safe and welcoming refuge.
Or at least as safe as he and the police can make it.
We learned that PSPD is one of the few departments trolling through the dark web for signs of threats. Our city also invested in drone technology. And hiring is up in the department. All good signs.
Topics from immigration to transgender rights, abortion and the conflict in Gaza were brought up by community members. Overall, I came away with a better sense of security knowing that we’re in good hands, and there are many layers of protection that are not seen or publicized.
“We have a choice, and the choice is we can stand strong or we can be filled with anxiety. I say we do so together, shoulder to shoulder and hip to hip, let’s stand strong.”
Police Chief Andy Mills
We shared The Palm Springs Post article on our site , and have been talking about it on KGAY Palm Springs. Of note are the email addresses to report suspicious activity and to connect with Chief Mills that were shared.
I, for one, am grateful for having chosen Palm Springs to live and work. A thorough reading of the article and even viewing the hour-long session should allay many fears that you may be feeling. I chose not to live in fear or trepidation, but rather to “keep on keepin’ on” as we live our lives in #ILoveGayPalmSprings through the challenges that may confront us in the years ahead.
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! P.S. Our KMEE 103.1 MeTV FM has gone “all holiday music”! Tune in!
#ILoveGayPalmSprings #ILoveGayCatCity #ILoveGayTravel #ILoveGay #SayKGAY #FindYourOasis
Festival of Lights Parade
The 2024 Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade is set to dazzle and delight on Saturday, December 7. This beloved holiday tradition will transform Palm Canyon Drive into a magical wonderland, featuring enormous Macy’s-style balloons, beautifully decorated floats, dance performances, marching bands, and equestrians. The parade kicks off at 5:45 pm, offering a spectacular display of holiday cheer which promises to be a highlight of the holiday season in Palm Springs. Can’t make it in person? You can also watch on NBC Palm Springs. The parade includes celebrity grand marshals Matt Sorum of Guns N’ Roses and Dave Karger of Turner Classic Movies, plus Palm Springs royalty Nancy Sinatra as “Special Guest Star.” More info
Before that: on Friday, December 6 from 4–5:30 pm, kick things off with the Holiday Tree Lighting and Holiday Banner Awards Celebration at Frances Steven Park!
Tramway Celebrity Tree Lighting with Abi Carter
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway presents their annual Celebrity Tree Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, December 8 at 5:30 pm. Join host Patrick Evans of KESQ (also recently awarded as top Radio Personality by the readers of Coachella Valley Independent for his hosting on 103.1 MeTV FM), welcoming the sensational 2024 American Idol Winner, Abi Carter, in doing the honors! More info – And remember, 103.1 MeTV FM is playing your “Timeless & Classic” holiday favorites around the clock all the way to Christmas Day!
Joint Outreach Holiday Preview Concert
Join the festive cheer at a Joint Holiday Preview Concert with Modern Men – Coachella Valley Men’s Chorus and Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus on Sunday, December 8, from 3-4:30 pm at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church. Delight in a special preview of their holiday concerts, featuring a fantastic lineup of seasonal selections performed in the East Valley. Celebrate the season with these talented choruses as they bring the joy of holiday music to life! Get tickets
Meet Actress Sarah Karloff: ‘The Making of the Grinch’
Get into the festive spirit and Meet Actress Sarah Karloff: ‘The Making of the Grinch’ on Friday, December 6 from 4–7 pm at the Chuck Jones Gallery Pop-Up in The Gardens at El Paseo. This unique event will feature exclusive Grinch artwork and a special appearance by Sarah Karloff, the daughter of Boris Karloff, the iconic voice of the Grinch. Attendees will enjoy a performance by Sarah Karloff’s 6-foot Grinch, festive refreshments, and chances to win door prizes. Plus, hear insider stories about the beloved holiday classic, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. More info
Indio International Tamale Festival
Get ready for a delightful culinary adventure at the Indio International Tamale Festival, happening on December 7 & 8 from 10 am–7 pm at Miles Avenue Park. This festive event invites you to explore the famous Tamale Trail, where you’ll find an array of tamales ranging from traditional recipes to inventive new flavors. Enjoy live music, dancing, and family-friendly entertainment with vibrant cultural showcases and energetic musical performances, plus a Luchador Throwdown and FREE ice skating rink. More info
The Laurel Foundation 36th Annual Toy Drive and Fundraiser
The Leslies are hosting their 36th Annual Toy Drive and Fundraiser at the legendary Dinah Shore Estate in Palm Springs on Saturday, December 7 from 5:30–9:30 pm. The VIP holiday party will feature a gourmet dinner, hosted bar, silent auction, and more. All proceeds will benefit The Laurel Foundation, which provides free mental health and social support programs for transgender and gender-diverse youth and youth affected by HIV/AIDS. Guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to donate. Get tickets
Paws & Clause
Bring your furry friend to Paws & Clause at the Rio Del Sol sales office on Saturday, December 7 from 11 am–2 pm for a special holiday photo opportunity with Santa Claus. Capture the perfect Christmas card moment with your beloved pet amidst the festive atmosphere of Rio Del Sol, a private gated community designed for both you and your furry companion. More info
The Marvelous Marilyn Maye
The Purple Room Supper Club presents The Marvelous Marilyn Maye on Friday & Saturday, December 6 & 7. The toast of New York’s jazz and cabaret scene, Marilyn’s riding high from rave reviews of her sold-out Carnegie Hall performance with the New York Pops! (Dinner at 6, Show at 8 pm). Get tickets
Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical
Desert Theatreworks’ annual Christmas production is back, and this time it’s the uproarious Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical, running from December 6–29. Join the zany sisters of Nunsense as they spread holiday cheer, yuletide laughs, and a dash of festive mischief. Broadcasting live from the basement of Mount Saint Helen’s Convent, the sisters take to the airwaves for a cable access Christmas special like no other. Get tickets
Stephen Sondheim’s Company
Revolution Stage Company presents Stephen Sondheim’s Company from December 6–22. Come see the revolutionary musical that redefined Broadway. This sharp, sophisticated show explores the complexities of love, commitment, and friendship through the eyes of Bobby, a charming bachelor navigating modern relationships’ chaotic, often bewildering landscape. The show’s innovative structure weaves together a series of vignettes that are as funny as they are poignant, reflecting the intricate dance of human connection. Get tickets
This Weekend at the McCallum Theatre
On Saturday, December 7, the Midtown Men will bring their “Holiday Hits” show to the McCallum Theatre stage, reuniting stars from the hit Broadway musical Jersey Boys for a night of iconic Yuletide classics and 1960s rock and roll hits. On Sunday, December 8, celebrate the season with “A Mariachi Christmas,” featuring the Latin GRAMMY-nominated band Mariachi Herencia de México, performing a colorful blend of Mexican and American holiday favorites. Get tickets
I’ll Eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers
THE BENT brings to the stage John Logan’s electrifying play, I’ll Eat You Last from December 6–22 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Immerse yourself in the world of Sue Mengers, the formidable 1970s super-agent (portrayed here by Academy Award Nominee Cathy Moriarty). This one-woman show, famously portrayed by Bette Midler in its Broadway premiere, captures the essence of Mengers with her sharp wit, relentless name-dropping, and savvy showbiz advice. As described by The New York Times, Logan’s portrayal of Mengers is a tour de force, filled with disco-era flair and razor-sharp humor. Get tickets
Mary Poppins
Palm Canyon Theatre presents Mary Poppins, playing through December 22. This musical invites us to London, England in 1910 where the magical Mary Poppins flies in on the wind, bringing with her a combination of whimsy and disciplined common sense to the Banks children’s lives. Together, they go on many fantastical and memorable adventures. Mary Poppins teaches all ages that “anything can happen if you let it.” Get tickets
Shann Carr’s New Show: “Bitch Please”
Comedian Shann Carr debuts her new show “Bitch Please” full of silly, snarky and sultry storytelling on Saturday, December 7 at 3 pm at Revolution Stage Company. Shann has headlined on over 100 gay cruises and thousands of cool gigs worldwide with a warm and easy crossover appeal for truly diverse audiences. She offers a night of laughs you can count on to leave you feeling good about yourself and your community! Get tickets
15th Annual Men of the Desert Fashion Show
It’s “Back to the Future,” celebrating 15 years of the Men of the Desert Fashion Show and Luncheon on Sunday, December 8 from 11 am–2 pm at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Attendees enjoy dudes, dogs and designer fashions at one of the Desert’s most popular charity events. All proceeds benefit Animal Samaritans’ Animal Rescue Program, which has saved more than 15,000 adoptable at-risk dogs and cats. More info
Palm Springs Santa Paws 5K
Get into the holiday spirit with the Palm Springs Santa Paws 5K and Elf Dash, supporting Guide Dogs of the Desert, on Saturday, December 7, from 7:30 am–12 pm. Participants of all ages and their furry friends can run, walk, or stroll the 5K route, with everyone receiving a Santa suit to wear and keep. The event starts at Temple Isaiah and takes you through the scenic Las Palmas neighborhood. It’s a festive morning of fun and cheer for a great cause! More info
2024 Women’s Golf Scramble Tournament
Join a fabulous day of golf and camaraderie on Sunday, December 8, as the Women of Stonewall Golfers team up with The L-Fund for an exciting 4-woman Scramble at Woodhaven Country Club. This fun-filled event kicks off with an 8 am shotgun start and features a continental breakfast, luncheon with gluten-free and vegan options, and a variety of prizes for net and gross scores, accurate drives, closest to the pin, and putting. Additionally, participants can engage in optional buy-in side games, raffles, and silent auctions, with all proceeds supporting lesbians in the Greater Coachella Valley. More info
“Mixed Feelings” at the Palm Springs Art Museum
The Palm Springs Art Museum’s “Mixed Feelings” series explores the intersection of art and science. On Saturday, December 7, two events will take place: “Quantum Weirdness & The Art of Phillip K. Smith III” at 1 pm with Shanna Dobson, Assistant Professor of Mathematics at ArtCenter College of Design, and “Wave-Particle Duality & The Art of Jennifer West” at 3 pm with Dwight Whitaker, Biophysicist and Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Pomona College. Each event includes a reception followed by a thought-provoking program. Get tickets
Wildlights at The Living Desert
WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens is open select nights through December 30! WildLights invites guests to see the Zoo in a whole new light: This year’s event features an enhanced light design with three million lights throughout the park, live nightly entertainment, Instagram-worthy festive photo ops, delectable wintertime treats, and much more. If the delighted squeals of kiddos isn’t your jam, there’s an Adults Only (18+) Night: Thursday, December 19. Enjoy the unique experience of seeing the Zoo at night as you take an enchanting stroll through the African Safari section of the Zoo, where in addition to the lights, you may see some of Africa’s most iconic animals, such as the rhino, giraffe, zebra, and African painted dogs. Get tickets
Magic of Lights
Magic of Lights, a unique and dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience, runs daily through December 29 (Sun–Thurs 5:30–9 pm / Fri–Sat 5:30–10 pm), bigger and brighter than ever with more than a mile of spectacular light displays at the Empire Polo Club. Don’t miss the larger-than-life sparkling Holiday Barbie™ display, the supersized Bigfoot® Monster Truck, and life-sized dinosaurs of Prehistoric Christmas, with favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season depicted with the latest LED technology and digital animations. Get tickets
Best of Modernism – Holiday Edition Auction
Modernism Week’s Best of Modernism – Holiday Edition Auction is currently in full swing, running through Sunday, December 8. This exciting online event features over 100 unique architectural experiences, exclusive VIP event tickets, access to sold-out parties, and rare items, perfect for the holiday season. This auction is their biggest and most exciting yet, offering something for everyone, including exclusive architectural surprises and one-of-a-kind experiences. More info
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Friday, December 6
Palm Springs Walk of the Stars Honors Dr. Charles Supple | 3–4 pm in Downtown PS
Celebrate the Season: Tree Lighting, Concert, Snowfall | 4–7 pm at The Gardens on El Paseo
Winter Wonderland Public Skate | 6:15–7:45 pm at Berger Foundation Iceplex at Acrisure Arena
Country Dance Fridays: All I Want For Xmas Line Dance with Andrew Jimenez | 7 pm at Step by Step
Saturday, December 7
Desert Film Society Screening: The Successor (France) | 10 am at Palm Springs Cultural Center
First-Ever Tour of the Newly Restored Klein Residence | 2–4:30 pm in Rancho Mirage
SNUG by Terrence Payne Art Show Opening | 5–8 pm at Rubine Red Gallery
Broadway’s Best in the West: Hugh Panaro | 7 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center
Sarah Brightman: A Christmas Symphony | 8 pm at Fantasy Springs
Sunday, December 8
Svetlana Smolina (pianist) | 2 pm at Richards Center for the Arts
REO Speedwagon | 8 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage
Living Out Palm Springs Episode 5
Your Gay Desert Guide Brad Fuhr is ’embedded’ at Living Out this year. This week he talks with Jan, a new resident to Living Out who tells us about how welcome she feels as the holidays are upon us. View Episode 5 HERE. – If you’re touring Living Out, be sure to tell them KGAY sent you!
The 2024-2025 Visitor Map & Guide is Here!
Check out the latest 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!
LOOKING AHEAD
Tickets on Sale: An Evening With David Sedaris
Tickets go on sale to the general public at 10 am on Friday, December 6 for An Evening with David Sedaris, taking place on Saturday, May 3 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. The best-selling author and humorist, known for his books like Calypso, Naked, and Me Talk Pretty One Day, as well as his contributions to This American Life, will be sharing all-new readings and recollections. Following the release of his latest books, Happy Go Lucky and Pretty Ugly, Sedaris will also engage in a Q&A session and book signing. Books will be available for purchase at the event, courtesy of Just Fabulous. Get tickets
Building Resilience in Coachella
Join The Center and our community for Building Resilience on Monday, December 9, from 5:30–7 pm at the Coachella Library. This free 90-minute session is dedicated to enhancing our community’s strength in facing challenges together. Bringing together LGBTQ+ individuals and allies, the event will explore the concept of resilience at both personal and community levels through community-building circles and hands-on activities. The goal is to empower and inspire everyone to rise above adversity. Spanish translation is available upon request. More info
DBA Networking Mixer & Holiday Food Drive
Join the DBA Networking Mixer & Holiday Food Drive hosted by Blevins Associates Consulting on Monday, December 9, from 5:30–7 pm at The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert’s NEW Food Bank, located at 2901 E Alejo Road. Explore the new, much larger location, which allows The Center to expand its food distribution program and serve more community members in need. Participate in the Holiday Food Drive to support The Center’s Food Bank clients this holiday season, donating essential items like 1 lb. bags of pasta, canned pasta sauce, canned soup, 1 lb. bags of rice or beans, and dry dog or cat food. More info
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!
- Holiday Banner Awards & Tree Lighting
Fri. Dec 6 from 4–5:30 pm at Frances Stevens Park - Festival of Lights Parade
Sat. Dec 7 at 5:45 pm in Downtown Palm Springs - Joint Holiday Preview Concert: Modern Men & PSGMC
Sun. Dec 8 at 3 pm at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church - Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Celebrity Tree Lighting with Abi Carter
Sun. Dec 8 at 5:30 pm - Meet Actress Sarah Karloff: ‘The Making of the Grinch’
Fri. Dec 6 from 4–7 pm at Chuck Jones Gallery at The Gardens on El Paseo - The Marvelous Marilyn Maye
Thu.–Sat., Dec 5, 6, 7 at The Purple Room Supper Club - Paws & Clause Photos with Santa
Sat. Dec 7 from 11 am–2 pm at Rio Del Sol - The Laurel Foundation 36th Annual Toy Drive and Fundraiser
Sat. Dec 7 from 5:30–9:30 pm - The Midtown Men Holiday Hits
Sat. Dec 7 at 8 pm at the McCallum Theatre - Nuncrackers, presented by Desert Theatreworks
Dec 6–29 at the Indio Performing Arts Center - Stephen Sondheim’s Company, presented by Revolution Stage Company
Dec 6–22 - I’ll Eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers, presented by THE BENT
Dec 6–22 at The Palm Springs Cultural Center - Indio International Tamale Festival
Sat. & Sun., Dec 7–8 at Miles Avenue Park - Magic of Lights Drive-Through Holiday Experience
Nov 19–Dec 29 at Empire Polo Club - Mary Poppins, presented by Palm Canyon Theatre
Nov 29–Dec 22 - Skippy ‘n’ Bitsy’s All-Star Christmas TV Extravaganza
Dec 10, 11, 17, 18 & 19 at 7pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - The 39 Steps, presented by CVRep
Dec 11–22 - Rat Pack Tribute
Thu. Dec 12 at 8 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage - Modern Men: Home for the Holidays
Sat. Dec 14 at 7 pm & Sun. Dec 15 at 3 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Christmas with the Crawfords, presented by Desert Theatreworks
Dec 13–29 at The Riviera Resort Palm Springs - Low Dez Fest – Beverage Festival
Sat. Dec 14 from 3–6 pm at Palm Springs Bottle Shop - Fa La La…Fabulous Holiday Concert by the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus
Dec 19–22 at 7 pm at the Annenberg Theater - New Year’s Eve at The Purple Room
Tue. Dec 31 at 5 pm, 7:30 pm, and 10 pm (three seatings) - Art in the Park in the Dark New Year’s Eve
Tue. Dec 31 from 5–9 pm at Demuth Park - 36th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival and Awards
Jan 2–13, 2025 - Aaron Tveit
Sat. Jan 4, 2025 at 8 pm at the McCallum Theatre - From Resilience to Action
Mon. Jan 13, 2025 from 5–6:30 pm, Location TBD - Justin Timberlake – The Forget Tomorrow World Tour
Mon. Jan 20, 2025 at 7:30 pm at Acrisure Arena
KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 FM
KGAY 106.5 and 92.1 & 103.1 MeTV FM both have your chance to WIN TICKETS to the Palm Springs International Film Festival, taking place January 2–13. Imagine mingling with filmmakers and stars, experiencing the thrill of world premieres, and being part of an event that celebrates the magic of cinema. The festival screens films representing over 70 countries, and as one of the first stops on the road to Oscars, nearly all honorees at last year’s festival went on to receive Academy Award nominations and five went on to win Oscars. You can be a winner too: ENTER TO WIN on the KGAY Contest Page and the 103.1 MeTV FM Contest Page!
You can WIN TICKETS to Modern Men Coachella Valley Men’s Chorus, performing their holiday concert, Home for the Holidays, on Saturday & Sunday, December 14 & 15 courtesy of KGAY 106.5 and 92.1! Home for the Holidays is effervescent and joyous, bringing a combination of delightful nostalgia of holidays past, and brand new music of our sacred personal experiences. This is a holiday concert to be remembered. ENTER TO WIN on the KGAY Contest Page
KGAY 106.5 and 92.1 & 103.1 MeTV FM both have your chance to WIN BRUNCH for 2 at Alice B., Palm Springs’ newest weekend brunch destination, now open every Saturday & Sunday from 10 am–2 pm (in addition to dinner from Wednesday–Sunday). Savor all new breakfast and lunch favorites from award-winning chefs Susan Feniger, Mary Sue Milliken and Executive Chef Lance Velasquez! Delight in the unctuous Croque Madame Flatbread with sweet and savory honey ham and a silky mornay sauce or a Green Shakshuka with perfectly poached eggs and fresno chile for a bit of a kick. ENTER TO WIN on the KGAY Contest Page and the 103.1 MeTV FM Contest Page!
The KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 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
103.1 MeTV FM
Hold on to your sleigh bells, because Santa Claus is rolling in from the North Pole with a sack full of timeless Christmas classics! Your holiday season is about to get a major upgrade with joy and cheer lasting all the way to Christmas Day! ?? So, switch your dial to 103.1 MeTV FM and let the festive music magic fill your heart. Let’s jingle all the way! ?✨ 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
- Palm Springs Leaders Vow to Maintain City as Safe Haven Amid Post-Election Concerns
- My Modern Met’s Art + Culture Guide to Palm Springs
- Healthcare and Municipal Leaders Unite to Launch Blue Zones Initiative to Help Palm Springs Residents Live Better, Longer Lives
- New and Unique Things to Check Out in Greater Palm Springs
- Palm Springs Lights Up with Festive Cheer: Your Ultimate Guide to Holiday Events
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 2024-25 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.
