Greetings from the Panama Canal! Although I have yet to see it, I made out dozens of ships awaiting their turn as we flew into Panama City early Friday morning. (I don’t think we were hijacked to the Straits of Hormuz!)
I’m fortunate to join up with Brandg Vacations later today for a wonderful advernture that spans the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. As usual, there’s a large Palm Springs contingent on board, and we usually get together for a photo at some point in our journey.
It’s been a long, busy “season” in the Coachella Valley and I am ready for a break. But as I look at the weekend’s calendar, it still feels like we’re in our prime. That’s because even though it’s Stagecoach weekend, there’s still plenty to do around town.
If you missed Dining Out For Life, remember that our restaurants will be relatively quiet this weekend. Maybe you can snag a spot at Bar Cecil or Paul/Bar. And Big Gay BBQ has moved to a more hospitable time of the year, so Arenas will be smokin’!
I’ll post some photos as we make our way through the Panama Canal and check in with John Taylor on KGAY at my usual times. No matter when I travel, there’s always a bit of FOMO as our events calendar runneth over. But I am ready for the break from my crazy Palm Springs schedule and glad you can come along for the ride – vicariously.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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Big Gay BBQ
The Big Gay BBQ brings smoky goodness to the Arenas District on Saturday–Sunday, April 25–26. The festivities run Saturday from 11 am–10 pm and Sunday from 11 am–7 pm. This block party features multiple BBQ and beverage vendors, live entertainment, and outdoor lounges. KGAY’s John Taylor will be Out and About from 1–4 pm at various locations on Arenas: Check Bear Wear, Blackbook, Hunters and Streetbar! Stop by the KGAY booth to scan our QR code and ENTER TO WIN TICKETS to Pussycat Dolls on June 5 at Acrisure Arena. Entry to the BBQ is free, too! More info
Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus Rhinestones & Rainbows
The Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus performs Rhinestones & Rainbows from Friday–Sunday at the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre. Inspired by Dolly Parton, this high-energy celebration features country, pop, and LGBTQ+ anthems to create a triumphant finale. The production includes selections from Lady Gaga, Cher, and Taylor Swift with soulful harmonies and dazzling visuals. As resident artists of the restored theatre, the chorus delivers a bold celebration of self-expression and unapologetic joy. More info
Metropolitan Fashion Week – “The Way You Look Tonight”
Metropolitan Fashion Week – “The Way You Look Tonight” transforms the Frank Sinatra Twin Palms Estate on Sunday, April 26 at 5 pm. This event features couture masterpieces by Douglas Tapia and Arturo Rios inspired by classic Hollywood romance. Live performances by Richard Shelton and Kendall Jo reimagining golden-era cinema will thrill the audience. DJ Galaxy will be shaping the musical energy and atmosphere throughout the night. Proceeds benefit The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert to support its mission of connecting the local community. More info
Stagecoach Music Festival
Coachella’s country cousin, Stagecoach, returns to the Empire Polo Club from Friday–Sunday, April 24–26, bringing one of its most eclectic lineups yet. This year’s headliners include Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson, and Post Malone, joined by major acts such as Journey, Brooks & Dunn, Little Big Town, Riley Green, and Warren Zeiders. The weekend also features crossover favorites Counting Crows, Hootie & the Blowfish, Third Eye Blind, and The Wallflowers, plus late‑night sets from Diplo, Pitbull, and Ludacris. Also streaming on Amazon Prime, Stagecoach remains one of the valley’s signature festival weekends. More info
In the Still of the Night with Douglas Graham
In the Still of the Night with Douglas Graham brings an intimate cabaret to the Palm Springs Cultural Center on Friday, April 24 from 7–8:30 pm. Broadway veteran Graham uncovers the coded truths woven into Cole Porter’s most beloved songs, blending story and song to reveal a life shaped by glamour, heartbreak, and resilience. With decades of stage mastery from major productions like Cats and The Phantom of the Opera, Graham delivers an evening rich in artistry and emotional depth. More info
CATurday Breakfast + BINGO
CATurday Breakfast + BINGO returns for its fifth annual celebration on Saturday, April 25 from 9–11 am at the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel. Join Animal Samaritans in the Sky Ballroom for a morning of delicious breakfast, mimosas, and lively games. Miss Burna is back as the meow-velous MC to serve up laughs and fabulous vibes for a great cause. Adorable kittens will be on site and available for adoption to find their forever homes. All proceeds benefit the Feline Fund to help provide care for local cats and kittens. More info
Equality PAC Evening in Palm Springs
Equality PAC Evening in Palm Springs gathers community and political leaders on Saturday, April 25 from 6–9 pm at the historic Dinah Shore Estate. The annual event features festivities starting at 6 pm followed by dinner at 7 pm. Special guests include Co-Chairs Mark Takano and Ritchie Torres, along with Katherine Clark and Pete Aguilar. More than 20 members of Congress and endorsed candidates will attend this prestigious gathering. It is a night dedicated to supporting LGBTQ candidates and leadership within the government. More info
Coachella Valley Firebirds Playoffs: Round One
The Coachella Valley Firebirds Playoffs: Round One vs Bakersfield Condors brings postseason intensity to Acrisure Arena on Saturday, April 25 from 6–11 pm, marking the team’s home stand in the best‑of‑three opening series. Fans can experience the high‑stakes atmosphere as the Firebirds look to advance in the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs, following Game 1 in Bakersfield and leading into a potential Game 3 on Sunday. More info
Lez Go Meet Up at the Big Gay BBQ on Arenas
The Lez Go Meet Up at the Big Gay BBQ on Arenas brings a weekend of community connection to Hunters on Saturday–Sunday, April 25–26, offering lesbian and queer women a welcoming space to gather during Lesbian Visibility Week. As the only lesbian‑owned bar in Palm Springs, Hunters provides a lively backdrop for conversation, celebration, and shared visibility in the heart of the Arenas District. More info
Madonna Bar – Palm Springs
The Madonna Bar – Palm Springs takeover brings a full night of Queen‑of‑Pop celebration to Chill Bar Palm Springs on Sunday, April 26 from 6–11 pm. After the Big Gay BBQ, the Palm Springs Madonna Family gathers for a Sunday Funday packed with nonstop Madonna music, dance‑floor anthems, and playful nods to every era of her career. More info
Ernest Shackleton Loves Me
Ernest Shackleton Loves Me is a wildly inventive new musical comedy performing Wednesday–Sunday at CV Rep from April 22–May 10. The story follows a sleep-deprived single mom who connects through space and time with the famous polar explorer Ernest Shackleton. Together they overcome the odds in a timeless and very funny musical romance. Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh says “the pace never slackens, the surprises keep coming and the performances shine.” Read his full review and Get tickets
The Rocket Man Show – Elton John Tribute
The Rocket Man Show stars Rus Anderson on Friday, April 24 at 8 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa. As Elton John’s official body double, Anderson delivers a high-energy performance featuring greatest hits and dazzling piano work. The show includes original 1970s costumes for an authentic experience filled with the flamboyant style and iconic music that made Elton John a legend. More info
Center Ride Out
Center Ride Out is a three-day cycling adventure taking place Friday–Sunday, April 24–26. This legacy event follows a route from Los Angeles to San Diego through Riverside County to benefit the the Los Angeles LGBT Center. The point-to-point experience includes surprises and fun along the route. More info
