Scott Griffin and I were on the phone together Monday night just after the release of our “American Dream” HGTV segment on Facebook. We giggled like school girls as we refreshed the page and watched the views increase: 415,000, 432,000, 450,000, and then over 1,300,000 views after just 24 hours!
Scott is a host on the wildly popular TV show and approached us about recording a segment about KGAY and GayDesertGuide.LGBT early in the year. We scheduled the shoot to coincide with KGAY Night at the Firebirds. I’m so proud of how it came out!
We started the day in the KGAY studios with John Taylor who sent us on our way in the gayborhood. The crew shot at the Kimpton Rowan as we overlooked the valley, then Trixie Motel, The Velvet Rope, and at the Visitors Center. I’m proud of segment which we linked below. It’s a love letter to our incredibly welcoming Coachella Valley and is perfectly timed for June, Pride Month.
The segment debuts Sunday on HGTV and will be followed by part two later in the month. With so much negative news in the world, this six minutes will make you appreciate the special place we live in and why we live here. Happy Pride Month indeed!
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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Big Gay BBQ
Palm Springs Pride presents a finger-lickin’ Big Gay BBQ on Friday and Saturday, June 7 & 8 from 5–11 pm in the Arenas District. This year marks the Big Gay BBQ’s second iteration, and it promises to be bigger, bolder, and more delicious than ever. Six barbecue masters will be lined up and ready to satisfy your taste buds. From classic favorites like smoked pulled pork and baby back ribs to savory brisket, turkey, and chicken, there’s something for every craving. New additions this year include a crawfish boil, brisket, pulled pork, ribs, burgers and sausages. KGAY/Gay Desert Guide is proud to be a Choice Sponsor of this event and on the turntables will be KGAY’s own DJ Modgirl (Friday) and DJ Galaxy (Saturday), plus live music from Corday & the Magic 70s Band. Get tickets
Q+ Art: San Cha
The inaugural season of Q+ Art, the queer initiative of the Palm Springs Art Museum, continues with a performance by San Cha on Friday, June 7 at 5:30 pm. San Cha’s music is as eclectic as her emotional storytelling, transitioning effortlessly from haunting melodies filled with longing to irresistible dance beats. Her music transcends language and genre boundaries, effortlessly blending Spanish and English, acoustic and electronic elements, and rock riffs with towering, operatic vocals. Beyond her musical journey, San Cha embraces her identity as a queer, Latinx artist, boldly anchoring herself in rancheras and her cultural roots. Get tickets
SHE is Women’s Conference
The HIV+ Aging Research Project presents the SHE is Women’s Conference on Saturday, June 8 from 10 am–4 pm at Mizell Center. This event is open to women living with HIV across the gender spectrum, those affected by HIV, and to caregivers and providers (HCPs) of HIV services. Come for a day of empowerment and sharing experience. 9:30 am registration. RSVP requested. More info
LGBTQ+ Archives Pride Month Display
The LGBTQ+ History & Archives of the Desert is showcasing some of its collection at the Welwood Murray Memorial Library in June in honor of National Pride Month. The Pride Month Display highlights the breadth and depth of the donations and acquisitions received during the last five years. The display includes publications, travel guides, commemorative pins, posters, and other memorabilia, viewable during the month of June during regular library hours: Monday–Sunday 10 am–6 pm, with extended hours on Thursday until 8 pm. More info
NEW! Visitor Map & Guide Summer 2024 Edition
Check out our NEW 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!
LA Pride 2024
LA Pride in the Park 2024 will take place on Saturday, June 8, at LA State Historic Park and will be headlined by Ricky Martin. The festival will also feature performances by MUNA, Tokischa, and Jojo Siwa. The 54th Annual LA Pride Parade will be held the following day on Sunday, June 9 at 11 am along Hollywood Boulevard, and will feature over 150 contingents and Grand Marshals, including George Takei and Cassandro. A free Block Party will be held adjacent to the parade route on Sunday from mid-day to evening. More info
Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week Wraps Up
Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week continues through Sunday, June 9, offering residents and visitors exquisite dining experiences throughout our nine-city oasis. This is the perfect opportunity to savor the start of summer — every poolside bite, every chilled cocktail, every sunset dinner with a view — with more options including prix fixe menus and exclusive special offers only available during Restaurant Week. Book your reservation online and $1 per reservation will be donated to FIND Food Bank. See our event listing for links to participating restaurants and menus: More info
Firebirds in Western Conference Finals
The Coachella Valley Firebirds are now in Calder Cup Playoffs Round 4, in the Western Conference Finals against the Milwaukee Admirals. Round 4 is going great so far for the Firebirds, winning the first two games at home at Acrisure Arena and the first away game in Milwaukee. Game 4 went to the Admirals, so the Firebirds’ next chance to take the series will be Saturday, June 8 at 4 pm (Pacific) for Game 5 in Milwaukee. If necessary, Games 6 and 7 will be played back at Acrisure Arena (June 10 & 12), where they recently honored LGBTQ+ Pride month with a “Pathway to Pride” rainbow crosswalk. Go Firebirds!
NEW! “Say KGAY” Apparel
This Pride season, 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. Whether you prefer the shade of Eggplant, Creme, or Army green (or more than a dozen others) pick a color and place our Say KGAY slogan on the front or back of your choice of styles: classic T-Shirt, Relaxed Fit, Long Sleeve, Baseball 3/4 Sleeve, Scoop, Fitted, Tank Top, Racerback, V-Neck and more! Shop Now
Desert Smoke Weekend
Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert (PSLOD) presents (the sold out) Desert Smoke, an exciting new annual weekend event, from Friday–Sunday, June 7–9 at the infamous clothing-optional all-men’s Canyon Club Hotel. Cigar and pipe enthusiasts will enjoy a weekend of fun under the sun and warm, starlit nights. With a lineup of twelve optional activities, participants can dive in or take it easy. More info
High Desert Pride
The High Desert Pride Festival will be held on Saturday, June 8 from 10 am–5 pm at St. Hilary’s Episcopal Church in Hesperia. With free admission and food vendors available, the festival offers a vibrant marketplace with arts and crafts, delicious food trucks, and health and wellness resources. Attendees can connect with San Bernardino Health providers for free HIV/STI testing, trans health information, alcohol and drug counseling, and a family assistance program. The festival also features raffles and giveaways, as well as Free Mom Hugs volunteers providing love and support. More info
Cocktails & Culinary Summer Series
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa is offering a Cocktails & Culinary series for summer, kicking off on Saturday, June 8 from 5–7 pm and running through the end of August. The brainchild of the property’s Executive Chef Eric Theiss, the culinary workshop series will take place on specific Saturdays throughout the summer at the hotel’s renowned T&T Innovation Kitchen, which has long been known for its creative and locally sourced organic fare. The workshops include: Tuscan Night (June 8), Cake Decorating & Bubbles (June 22), Country Night (July 6), Chocolates & Confections (August 10), Japanese Night (August 17), and Noche Española (August 24). More info
6th Annual Palm Springs Young Playwrights Festival
The Sixth Annual Palm Springs Young Playwrights Festival (PSYPF) will take place at The Palm Springs Cultural Center on Sunday, June 9 at 12 pm. This annual free festival showcases original plays created by area students performed as staged readings using professional actors and directors. This year, three students in school systems in Riverside County were selected as winners and their original plays will be produced as stage readings. Free with RSVP. More info
Desert Theatreworks Auditions
Are you ready to step into the spotlight and be a part of something truly extraordinary? Desert Theatreworks welcomes you to audition for their upcoming 2024/2025 season, whether you’re a seasoned performer or a budding talent, you can showcase your skills and passion for the stage. In-person auditions will be held on Saturday, June 8 at 10 am and 2 pm at Desert Theatreworks in Indio. RSVP requested. More info
Ask a Gay Doc: Hemorrhoids & Sexual Health
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 6, Dr. Corzano and John discuss Hemorrhoids & Sexual Health. 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.
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Friday, June 7
Country Dance Fridays: Booze Cruise Line Dance w/Kyle Young | 7–9:30 pm at Step by Step
Hitchcock Retrospective: Notorious | 7 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center
Saturday, June 8
Dusty Strings Collective Acoustic Americana & Open Mic Night | 5:30–7:30 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center
Baby The Musical
Revolution Stage Company presents Baby The Musical, playing now through Sunday, June 9. Is there anything more exciting, frightening and utterly transformational than impending parenthood? Baby, the musical from acclaimed duo, Richard Maltby, Jr., and David Shire, examines how parents-to-be experience the emotional stresses and triumphs, as well as the desperate lows and the comic highs that accompany the anticipation and arrival of a baby. Get tickets
LOOKING AHEAD
Benzaiten – TAIKOPROJECT
The McCallum Theatre presents Benzaiten – TAIKOPROJECT on Monday, June 10 at 3 pm. This isn’t your typical taiko group; they present a dynamic contemporary mix of taiko, music, storytelling, and choreography. Experience the thunderous resonance of authentic taiko drums alongside the delicate tones of bamboo flutes and the ethereal sounds of the koto. And of course, be prepared for their awe-inspiring centerpiece: a 350-pound mother drum that will quite literally make the earth tremble beneath your feet! Get tickets
Coming Up at The McCallum Theatre
- Let Love Be Your Guide | Wed. Jun 12
- The Boy Who Could Sing Pictures | Fri. Jun 14
- Samara Joy | Sat. Jun 15
- Randy Rainbow | Fri. & Sat. Oct 11 & 12
- Tickets now on sale for the McCallum Theatre’s 2024-2025 Season
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
Cyndi Lauper is bringing her Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour to Acrisure Arena on Sunday, November 24, and KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 & Gay Desert Guide want YOU to WIN tickets! This is her first major tour in over a decade and celebrates her iconic career. Learn more and purchase concert tickets [here] and Enter to Win on the KGAY Contest Page
KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 and Gay Desert Guide have your chance to WIN 2 Tickets to the 30th annual Palm Springs International ShortFest, taking place June 18–24 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. The largest showcase of short form cinema in North America will be screening 300 shorts from 65 countries. Tickets are good for a ShortFest screening consisting of 4-9 short films programmed together for a cohesive experience. Learn more and purchase ShortFest tickets/passes [here] and Enter to Win on the KGAY Contest Page
KGAY wants to get you out of the desert and send you to Sonoma County for Gay Wine Weekend, July 19–21! You’ll get VIP passes, roundtrip airfare on Avelo Airlines from Palm Springs to Santa Rosa, and a 3-night stay at the Hyatt Regency in Sonoma Wine Country! Experience LGBTQ+ events with winemaker dinners, winery tours, wine & food, music, VIP receptions, excursions, drag queen brunch, auction, and pool party in a luxury destination. Learn more about Gay Wine Weekend 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
Patrick Evans, CV Independent’s Best Local Radio Personality 2023-24, hosts MeTV FM 103.1 middays from 10–3 pm. 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
- Big Gay BBQ
Fri. & Sat. Jun 7 & 8 from 5–11 pm in the Arenas District - Q+ Art: San Cha
Fri. Jun 7 at 5:30 pm at the Annenberg Theater - Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week
May 31–June 9 at Restaurants around the Coachella Valley - Palm Springs International ShortFest 2024
Jun 18–24 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - ONE-PS Lip-Sync Battle 2024
Sun. Jul 7 at 3 pm
Shadow Mountain Golf Club is the newest member of the KGAY and Gay Desert Guide family. They’re located in Palm Desert and have a totally remodeled course that’s drop-dead gorgeous. They have a huge one-acre putting course called Let’s Flamingo! It’s a blast, even if you’re a scratch golfer. The Birdy Bar and Grill is open every day of the week for Happy Hour and Dinner. They have live entertainment too, so it’s always a party at Shadow Mountain! Learn more
- Here’s Your Gay Pride Calendar 2024
- Southern California’s LGBTQ+ 2024 Pride Events
- Visit Greater Palm Springs Hosts Its Biggest Annual Restaurant Week Yet
- The Dinah Rolls Out Star-Studded All Queer Entertainment Line-up for 33rd Anniversary
- Palm Springs International ShortFest Lineup Includes Films From Francesca Scorsese, Bella Thorne
An essential Palm Springs dining experience, Zin American Bistro has been the place to go since 2004 for wine, creative, fresh, locally sourced cuisine and craft cocktails. Their cooled large patio is perfect for champagne brunches, relaxed lunches and late night dining. Save big with our HOT DEAL and get a $50 gift card to Zin American Bistro for just $35! Get Your Deal
We also have Hot Deals at Hotel Zoso, Men’s Grooming Spot, Monster Shakes, 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.
