Tim, the overnight guard/desk person at Living Out Palm Springs, has The Andy Griffith Show from MeTV playing most mornings when I stumble down to get my early coffee. Sometimes I’ll stop and watch a few minutes of a storied episode that always has the bad guy losing and a moral imperative explained.
There’s Sheriff Andy as the all-knowing, benevolent caretaker of Mayberry. And then there’s Aunt Bea, watching over Andy, Opie, Barney and the rest of the town’s characters while baking her signature apple pies.
The final episode of the Andy Mills Show is now being written. And unlike its black and white counterpart, it appears there won’t be any sequels for his epic series serving and protecting Palm Springs, our Mayberry.
Cathy Mills, our “Aunt Bea”, will also ride into the sunset when they begin their next chapter. No more brownie Thursdays, intimate dinner parties or crazy outfits for fundraisers. Yes, it will be a big hole in the heart of our community.
Andy and Cathy’s post on Facebook came as a shock to most of us. The outpouring of love and support have been nothing less than I would expect. There will be many tears shed Saturday night at the Red Dress / Dress Red Party. But hopefully those will be more joyful tears than sad ones.
The support and love we’ve gotten universally from PSPD and Palm Springs is nothing short of spectacular. We’ve felt your love and support at every step as we’ve passionately championed you and this incredible community. The community support for us and this department shows. Crime is down, quality of life is up, and PSPD is fully staffed because they know you care, and the leadership team has their back.Chief Andy Mills, Facebook
I know nothing more than what Chief Mills has disclosed on social media, reiterating that it’s not a resignation or retirement. But with their home going on the market next week, it’s inevitable that we likely won’t be graced by their presence for many more months.
Chief Mills’ replacement will have big shoes to fill not only leading the department, but also maintaining trust in the department. Their dual impact as a husband and wife team will stay with our community for a long, long time. Rolling the credits on this chapter of Palm Springs history will be a sad day indeed.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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Red Dress Dress Red + Rebound Pool Party
The Center’s famous Red Dress Dress Red party is Saturday, March 21 from 8 pm–midnight at the Palm Springs Air Museum, transforming the night into a dazzling sea of red as the community comes together for one of the city’s most spirited celebrations. Stop by V Wine Lounge and Martini Bar for a little Pre-Red-Dress fun and show off your outfit, from 5–8 pm! For an event this large — with 3,500 guests plus vendors and staff expected — all attendees should plan to park at the Palm Springs Unified School District lot at 150 District Center Dr., where free shuttles will run to and from the entrance. Rideshares and limited valet must access Gene Autry Trail via Vista Chino, and only guests with accessibility needs will be allowed to park on‑site at the Air Museum. Everyone can keep the vibes going at Rebound, the official next‑day pool party at the Palm Springs Surf Club on Sunday, March 22 from 11 am–3 pm, serving up music, drinks, and sun‑soaked recovery fun.
Pinkies Up – A Sassy Tea Party sweeps in on Sunday, March 22 from 3–5 pm at Willie’s Modern Fare, offering a playful, social twist on the classic high‑tea experience. Guests can expect an afternoon of sassy elegance, great company, and beautifully crafted bites and beverages, all set within one of Rancho Mirage’s most stylish dining rooms. More info
ONE-PS Picnic & Community Expo
The Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs invites Palm Springs residents to come together for the 17th Annual Picnic & Community Expo on Saturday, March 21 from 11 am–2 pm at Ruth Hardy Park. This free gathering brings neighbors, local businesses, and city partners together for an afternoon of food, games, and lively connection. Highlights include a pup costume contest, youth hoops with prizes, crafts, and the always‑spirited neighborhood booth competition. It’s a perfect chance to meet new friends and celebrate community pride. More info
Palm Desert Food & Wine
Palm Desert Food & Wine is back this weekend at The Gardens on El Paseo, bringing world‑class culinary talent, premium wines, hands‑on demos, and the region’s most celebrated tasting experiences. This signature festival gathers top chefs, vintners, and brewmasters for a weekend of flavor, creativity, and desert‑style indulgence — from the James Beard Gourmet Four‑Course Luncheon to two days of grand tastings featuring more than 60 wines, craft brews, and standout bites from across the Coachella Valley. Get tickets
Boot Barn PBR Greater Palm Springs
Boot Barn PBR Greater Palm Springs charges into Acrisure Arena on Friday & Saturday, March 20 & 21 for two nights packed with high‑octane action and edge‑of‑your‑seat excitement. Fans will witness rising bull‑riding talents and seasoned pros take on some of the sport’s toughest bulls, delivering the grit, intensity, and heart‑pounding moments PBR is known for. Get tickets
Susan Rice – Funny Old Bag
Susan Rice brings her sharp wit and fearless storytelling to the Annenberg Theater at the Palm Springs Art Museum on Friday, March 20 from 7–9 pm, offering audiences a chance to experience one of stand-up’s most seasoned and compelling voices. Fresh off a breakout moment that drew national attention, she blends decades of television credits with a dynamic stage presence shaped by performances alongside comedy greats. Get tickets
Matthew Morrison
Matthew Morrison returns to The Plaza Theatre on Sunday, March 22 from 7–9 pm with Rhythms & Revelations, an intimate new show that blends music, movement, and soul‑deep storytelling. Known for his Broadway career and his beloved role on Glee, Morrison steps into a more personal, vulnerable space as he invites audiences to explore the heart behind the performance. Described as “a car wash for your soul,” this evening promises authenticity, artistry, and a powerful connection between performer and audience. Get tickets
Palm Springs Art Festival’s Final Weekend of the Season
The Palm Springs Art Festival returns to Frances Stevens Park for the final weekend of its 37th year, welcoming visitors on Saturday–Sunday, March 21–22 from 10 am–4 pm. This beloved Uptown event showcases an impressive range of work across two‑ and three‑dimensional mixed media, ceramics, digital art, glass, jewelry, painting, photography and sculpture, bringing together artists from across the region during peak season. More info
Unbuttoned: A Boylesque Social Experience
Unbuttoned: A Boylesque Social Experience brings the sizzling talent of Michael Silas to The Social Cafe and Lounge on Saturday, March 21 from 6–8 pm. Known globally as one of Lady Gaga’s original dancers, Silas blends dance, storytelling and sharp comedic flair into a bold, intimate evening that showcases his decades of work with some of the world’s biggest artists. Get tickets
Constellation Awards Womyn’s History Month Brunch
The Sunset Music and Education Foundation celebrates local leadership at the Constellation Awards Womyn’s History Month Brunch on Sunday, March 22 from 11 am–2 pm at the Desert Willow Golf Resort. This inspiring afternoon honors extraordinary women, including Amanda Augustine, Karen Frison, Delois Leonard, Patty Henderson, Dr. Skye Patrick, Joy Silver, and Christine Vendredi, for their contributions to the cultural and social fabric of the region. Guests can look forward to a catered brunch, live entertainment, and a conversation hosted by Emmy Award–winning producer Marilyn F. Solomon focused on the evolving role of women in community building and leadership. More info
Pink Martini, Jeffrey Siegel’s Keyboard Conversations®
Get ready for a musical adventure with the incredible Pink Martini! This “little orchestra” brings its multicultural magic to the McCallum Theatre on Friday–Saturday, March 20–21 at 8 pm, plus a Saturday 2 pm matinee. Led by founder Thomas Lauderdale, the group delivers a delightful mix of pop, big band, and Hollywood glamour. [More info] Also at the McCallum Theatre, experience the uplifting Music of Joy and Peace on Sunday, March 22 at 3 pm. The brilliant Jeffrey Siegel performs piano masterpieces by Bach and Gershwin, blending virtuosic music with engaging stories about the composers. More info
☘️ St. Patrick’s Day on the Water
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in a uniquely Palm Desert way with the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa’s St. Patrick’s Boat Experience, offered Friday and Saturday, March 20–21 from 4–9 pm. Guests can enjoy a private 25‑minute cruise for up to eight people through the resort’s scenic waterways, complete with refreshing brews, savory bites, and stunning desert views — plus a complimentary drink for anyone wearing green. More info
Friday Night Fever
MODGIRL turns up the heat on Friday, March 20 as Friday Night Fever takes over the Amigo Room at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club from 8–11 pm. Dance, drink, and lose yourself in a night of disco‑kissed house grooves as she takes the decks and transforms the space into Palm Springs’ coolest late‑night escape. It’s free, it’s vibey, and it’s absolutely the place to be. RSVP
Carole J. Bufford – Chanteuse
Carole J. Bufford brings her acclaimed show Chanteuse to The Purple Room on Friday and Saturday, March 20 and 21, inviting audiences into a lush, nostalgic tribute to the legendary women who defined the golden age of nightclub entertainment. Bufford channels the glamour, grit, and emotional fire of icons like Barbra Streisand, Judy Garland, Edith Piaf, Eartha Kitt, Sophie Tucker, and Ella Fitzgerald. It’s an evening that celebrates torch songs, jazz classics, and the personalities who left their mark on stages around the world. Get tickets
Guys and Dolls
CVRep delivers a bold new take on Damon Runyon’s New York with Guys and Dolls, running February 25–March 22. This dynamic production drops audiences into the grit and glamour of Prohibition, where gamblers, nightclub performers, and missionaries collide in a fast‑moving mix of charm, scheming, and romance. Follow Nathan Detroit’s scramble to launch the city’s biggest craps game, Adelaide’s long wait for a wedding, and Sky Masterson’s unexpected pursuit of Sarah Brown in a sharply reimagined version of the award‑winning musical comedy. Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh called the production “Pure theatrical delight!…every element locks together with precision.” Read his full review and Get tickets
Camp Morning Wood
Drop your clothes and your worries at The 4707 for the hilarious West Coast premiere run of Camp Morning Wood, performing its closing weekend,through Sunday, March 22. This irreverent musical follows a newly engaged couple who find themselves unexpectedly stranded at a gay nudist camp. Featuring catchy songs, the show is a laugh-out-loud mix of cheeky humor and outrageous dancing with strategically placed props. It is a wildly entertaining night that invites the audience to rise to the occasion and enjoy a unique theatrical experience fresh from its hit run in New York. More info
Beehive: The ’60s Musical
Celebrate the defining sounds of the 1960s at Desert Theatreworks with Beehive: The ’60s Musical, appearing March 13–April 4. Six talented performers guide you through forty chart-topping hits that shaped a generation, including classics like “My Boyfriend’s Back” and “You Don’t Own Me.” You will hear the music made famous by legendary icons such as Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, and Janis Joplin. This high-energy revue captures the spirit and style of a decade defined by unstoppable voices. More info
Cooling Centers
Beat the heat and stay chilled! The City of Palm Springs is providing relief at Palm Springs Cooling Centers whenever the mercury hits 100 degrees or higher. You can find sanctuary at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center on Monday–Friday from 9 am–5:30 pm. Alternatively, the Palm Springs Public Library Temporary Location at Rimrock Plaza is open Monday and Thursday from 10 am–6 pm, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 am–8 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 10 am–5 pm. Even furry friends are welcome at the library! For daily access, Martha’s Village and Kitchen operates the Palm Springs Access Center as a vital cooling space for unhoused individuals.
