eporting from West Hollywood, CA, and WeHo Pride. It had been 12 years since I last attended this celebration, one of the premier pride’s in the country. Back then, GayDesertGuide was a fledgling website that I had launched a year earlier.
To make ends meet, I sold ad space in Frontiers Magazine with whom I had done a consulting project to bring them into the digital age. I had done the same with Palm Springs Life two years earlier.
We shared a booth that year of 2014 and the scant photos I have of the event placed our booth this year at roughly the same spot along San Vicente near Santa Monica Blvd.
12 years on and the media landscape has changed dramatically. Gay Desert Guide is now the preeminent website for LGBTQ locals and visitors. And I was able to purchase KGAY and charter it as a public benefit corporation.
We had our booth with Visit Palm Springs and had hundreds of people come by to say hi. I even saw a few friends from my LA days, including DJ Ray Rhodes, who will be spinning at Hunters this weekend.
Modgirl had a set on the Rainbow stage Sunday afternoon and had the assembled multitude dancing in the street. We helped promote the upcoming XOXO Festival and over a dozen local businesses who contributed prizes. (The contest is still online at KGAYPalmSprings.com till the end of June.)
A big thank you to Gary Forsyth at Visit Palm Springs and my entire team for spreading the cheer of #ILoveGayPalmSprings over the weekend. We know that Palm Springs is a special destination and I couldn’t be prouder to help build it up.
P.S. #SupportYourStation week is coming up at the end of the month. Tickets are now on sale for the Big Splash Pool Party at the Palm Springs Surf Club on Friday, June 26th.
For the latest, follow our socials @GayDesertGuide and @KGAYPalmSprings and listen to KGAY Palm Springs wherever you reside!
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
#ILoveGayPalmSprings #ILoveGayCatCity #ILoveGayTravel #ILoveGay #SayKGAY #FindYourOasis #SupportYourStation #VisitGPS #LGBTQTravel
Reserve Your Spot Now: KGAY Big Splash Pool Party
Make a splash with KGAY 103.1 at the Big Splash Pool Party on Friday, June 26 from 7–9 pm at the Palm Springs Surf Club! This adults‑only (21+) evening is your chance to #SupportYourStation while enjoying River Island and Lazy River access, music, and summer vibes. Early‑bird tickets are just $25 for the first 250 guests, with $200 Day Beds and $500 Big Wave Sponsorships available. Help keep our community’s radio station vibrant and streaming worldwide—reserve your spot now and join the fun! More info
WIN the Ultimate Palm Springs Summer Escape
If you missed your chance to enter at WeHo Pride last weekend, KGAY 103.1—in partnership with Visit Palm Springs, presenting XOXO: The Palm Springs Arts & Culture Celebration (June 11–22)—is giving you another shot at winning the Ultimate Palm Springs Summer Escape! Whether you’re a local looking for a staycation or a visitor dreaming of a desert getaway, this prize package delivers a full Palm Springs experience: a one‑night stay, dining, attractions, shopping, and a spa day pass. Featured partners include Avalon Hotel & Bungalows, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Drag & Fly Tours, Destination PSP, Hunters Nightclub, and more. Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page
WED: Queer Sex for Gen X / Sexuality Workshop Series for Gay & Queer Men 50+
The Queer Sex for Gen X / Sexuality Workshop Series for Gay & Queer Men 50+ begins at The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert on Wednesday, June 10 from 5:30–7 pm, offering a candid, supportive space for men over 50 to explore sexuality, communication, intimacy, and aging. Led by sexuality educator Christopher White, PhD, this four‑week series blends discussion and practical tools to help participants navigate dating, relationships, and self‑confidence with openness rather than shame. More info
STARTS THU: XOXO Palm Springs: Citywide Arts & Culture Festival
XOXO Palm Springs: Citywide Arts & Culture Festival takes over Palm Springs starting this Thursday and running June 11–22, transforming the city into an open‑air celebration of theatre, film, drag, architecture, live music, and culinary experiences. Events unfold across venues including Plaza Theatre, Spirit Animal at Hotel Zoso, Palm Springs Cultural Center, and more, with offerings ranging from Shakespeare under the stars to drag brunches, whiskey tastings, art walks, and free outdoor concerts. Our online Events Calendar is bursting with XOXO events, check it out! More info
FRI–SAT: Catalina Island Pride
Catalina Island Pride brings the LGBTQ+ community and allies together on Friday–Saturday, June 12–13 for a festive weekend on Catalina Island. The main celebration takes place on Saturday, June 13 from 12–5 pm at Wrigley Stage, featuring Opening Ceremonies, a lively Pride Walk to Casino Point, a colorful Dinghy Parade, and live entertainment throughout the afternoon. More info
FRI: The Book of Merman
The Prism Theater presents The Book of Merman, a new musical comedy opening on Friday, June 12 at Prism Theater. This playful production blends Broadway diva mythology with unexpected visitors, creating a spirited and humorous twist on classic musical tropes. The show runs through July 26, offering audiences a fresh, camp‑infused theatrical experience in an intimate setting. More info
ALSO THIS WEEK
- Palm Springs Power Baseball: Summer League 2026
- The Palm Springs Power defend their quest for a fourth consecutive championship during their 22nd season. Special events include City of Rancho Mirage Night on Friday and City of Indio Night on Saturday at Palm Springs Stadium (free entry for residents of those cities).
- The Sondheim Concert / Summer Cabaret at CVRep
- Bligh Voth and Joel DeCandio perform their funny and sexy tour-de-force, The Sondheim Concert, for one night only, Tuesday from 7:30–9 pm at CVRep.
- The Juke Joint Preachers
- The Juke Joint Preachers perform for their rapidly growing fan base at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs on Wednesday from 7–8:30 pm.
- Desert Shakespeare Festival: A Midsummer Night’s Dream / XOXO Palm Springs
- Experience Shakespeare’s beloved comedy under the stars at the historic Plaza Theatre through June 22. This talented cast whisks audiences away on a whimsical journey filled with magic, mischief, and romance. The production is part of the XOXO Palm Springs celebration and runs Wednesday–Sunday.
- Where Were You In 1976? A Look Back at Bicentennial Cinema: A Star Is Born (1976)
- Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson star in this 1970s masterpiece shown on the giant screen at Camelot Theatres at The Palm Springs Cultural Center with a pre-show of Bicentennial year goodies curated by Deserted Films – Thursday at 6 pm.
- Feels So Good: The Chuck Mangione Experience
- Led by Tom Marino and Grant Geissman, this musical journey through Chuck Mangione’s unforgettable catalog brings a beloved jazz sound back to life, Thursday from 7–8:30 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs.
- Jennifer Leigh Warren / Summer Cabaret at CVRep
- Critically acclaimed actress and singer Jennifer Leigh Warren is lauded for show-stopping Broadway performances in Big River, Little Shop of Horrors, and Marie Christine. See her Thursday from 7:30–9 pm at CV Rep.
- Flamingo Girls: A Night of Disco Burlesque / XOXO Palm Springs
- This dazzling disco burlesque show kicks off XOXO Palm Springs at Spirit Animal, Hotel Zoso. The opening night event features a night of disco-themed entertainment on Thursday from 8–10 pm.
- Vintage Vinyl Night at Ace Hotel / XOXO Palm Springs
- Part of XOXO Palm Springs, enjoy classic sounds in a relaxed environment. The session runs Thursday from 8–11 pm.
- Truck Stop Art Fair
- Organized by artists Anne Bedrick and Kathleen Strukoff, this renegade art fair features mobile art galleries at the Downtown Park in Palm Springs this Friday–Saturday.
- Hush-Hush: A Variety Show of the Highest Class and Caliber
- Take Five Entertainment presents this variety show featuring live performances, comedy, and music at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs on Friday from 7–8:30 pm.
- Mikael Healey’s Baby Grand: Broken Broadway
- Mikael Healey performs his show, Broken Broadway, at Spirit Animal @ Hotel Zoso on Friday from 7–9 pm.
- Author Event: Annabelle Gurwitch / XOXO Palm Springs
- Bestselling author Annabelle Gurwitch discusses her new memoir, The End of My Life is Killing Me: The Unexpected Joys of a Cancer Slacker. In conversation with Corey Roskin, she explores resilience and unlikely joys on Saturday from 6–8 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center.
- Avery Pearson’s Comedian Rhapsody ft. Josh Wolf
- Avery Pearson performs Comedian Rhapsody featuring Josh Wolf on Saturday from 7–9 pm at Spirit Animal @ Hotel Zoso.
- JBKO Encore Performances | XOXO Palm Springs | June 14 & 21, 2026
- Yo Younger stars in Tom Santopietro’s powerful one-woman play, JBKO: The Life. The Legend. The Legacy, on Sunday June 14 and 21 at 7 pm. This intimate theatrical event at Revolution Stage Company delves into the private world and resilient life of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis.
ONGOING EVENTS
MONDAY • Hot Spot Bingo from 7–8:30 pm: Join Deven & Ned in the Cascade Lounge at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs for a party featuring comedy, music, and prizes.
THURSDAY • The Lofts Art Walk from 4–7 pm: Explore eight galleries and work studios featuring dynamic styles like geometric abstraction and graphic screen printing at The Lofts Art District • Villagefest from 7–10 pm: This street fair on Palm Canyon Drive brings together local businesses to celebrate food, entertainment, art, and shopping in one location.
SATURDAY • Second Saturday Book Swap from 12–4 pm: Participate in a curated exchange focused on art, design, and architecture while enjoying complimentary drinks and snacks at the Perez Road Art and Design District • Dance Ranch / Country Dance Saturdays at 7 pm: Enjoy a night of country western dancing including two-step, waltz, and line dances for all levels at Step by Step Dance Studio.
ALL WEEK • A Queer Arcana: Art, Magic, and Spirit: This exhibition explores how magic and esoteric knowledge have shaped queer culture through an intergenerational group of artists at the Palm Springs Art Museum.
SAY KGAY to Save on Rivalry Merch
Ride the Heated Rivalry wave with a fresh batch of themed T‑shirts now available through the Pride Store. Some designs rep your favorite fictional teams from the show, while others turn up the temperature with bolder, more provocative takes. Pick your style, show your fandom, and save 10% storewide at checkout with promo code SAYKGAY – Shop Now
Summer 2026 Visitor Map & Guide – FREE!
Check out the just-published Summer 2026 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, all curated to make exploring the valley even easier. Look for the latest edition at businesses and newsstands around town, as well as at hotels, visitor centers, and participating sponsors, or view it online.
THIS WEEKEND
SAT: Equality Wine & Food Fest
The Equality Wine & Food Fest returns to the Hyatt Palm Springs on Saturday, June 13, with VIP entry at 12 pm and Grand Tasting from 1–4 pm. Named one of the nation’s top LGBTQ+ food, wine, and spirits festivals, the event features over 100 wines from LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and women‑owned producers, gourmet food samples, retail pop‑ups, and a silent auction. Live entertainment includes sets by MODGIRL, plus appearances by Olivia Sandusky and Mark Mester. Proceeds benefit HRC, the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, and Brothers of the Desert. More info
SAT: Indio Center Stage Pride Celebration
The Indio Center Stage Pride Celebration lights up Downtown Indio on Saturday, June 13 from 6–9:30 pm, offering a free, all‑ages evening of live music and community pride. Performances include Ju!ian and the Band, Giselle Woo & The Night Owls, and Mariachi Arcoíris, creating a vibrant gathering for families, friends, and allies. More info
SUN: LA Pride 2026
LA Pride 2026 takes over Hollywood on Sunday, June 14, celebrating the theme “Rise with Pride.” The world‑famous LA Pride Parade features over 140 contingents, including floats, dancers, and celebrity appearances led by Jeff Hiller, Mia Yamamoto, and Shirley Raines. After the parade, the free LA Pride Village on Hollywood Boulevard offers vendors, performances, and showcases including the LA Pride Ball and artists such as Bentley Robles, Princess Superstar, and the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles. More info
SAT: The SHE Is Women’s Conference
The SHE Is Women’s Conference takes place at the Mizell Center on Saturday, June 13 from 9 am–3 pm, offering a day of empowerment and community for women living with HIV, those affected by HIV, and caregivers and providers. Presented by HARP and thewellproject, the conference features shared experiences, healing‑centered conversations, and supportive programming designed to uplift participants across the gender spectrum. Registration begins at 9 am, with the conference officially starting at 10 am. More info
SAT: McCallum Theatre Jazz Experience
The McCallum Theatre Jazz Experience unfolds on Saturday, June 13, offering a full day of jazz programming across Palm Desert. The morning begins at the Palm Desert Library with a 9 am–noon Jazz Lab featuring a Matisse‑inspired art workshop and an interactive family concert. From 1–5 pm, the McCallum main stage hosts the Community Jazz Jam, showcasing local musicians. The evening culminates at 7 pm with the Jazz Spotlight performance featuring the Pacific Jazz Orchestra Quartet, David Benoit, and Courtney Fortune. More info
