Number one on our hit parade this weekend is the “Pool Party for a Cause” benefitting the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. Just a few weeks ago, George Sinatra did a similar event also at the Palm Springs Surf Club to help raise money for their food bank. So we at KGAY decided that June Pride month would be a great time to “do it again” and move our #SupportYourStation campaign to coincide with Pride month. Our event, the KGAY Big Splash Party is June 12 at the Surf Club and will follow the same format as the others. It’s part fundraiser and part thank you to our listeners.
Why are we doing this? The advertising revenue we derive from our business community is not enough to sustain us. I chartered KGAY as a public benefit corporation meaning purpose over profit. And if you listen to the station, you know that we provide much public service time with our KGAY cares campaigns. Plus we talk with community leaders, newsmakers and those whose story needs to be told.
We’ve taken a hard political stand against the authoritariani regime that is taking away our LGBTQ rights—battles we fought for since stonewall in 1969. So, as an example, when the park service removed the pride flag from the Stonewall memorial in NYC, we covered it.
When our AIDS memorial controversy was swirling, we provided airtime for thoughtful discussion about the design that ultimately lead to the new installation about to become reality.
We were live from the Harvey Milk diversity breakfast, hearing from Judy Shepard and Brandon Wolf.
So we rely on your help to keep the streaming worldwide and the transmitters humming along.
After KGAY’s Big Splash: #SupportYourStation Pool Party on Friday, June 12, we will be on the air asking for contributions from you, our listeners.
I am also asking our business community to step forward with just $1 per day$365 a year to show their support of KGAY.
Come celebrate with us on Friday, June 12. Tickets go on sale Tuesday. Happy Memorial Day weekend and thanks for your loyalty as listeners to KGAY and readers of GayDesertGuide.LGBT
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
For the latest, follow our socials @GayDesertGuide and @KGAYPalmSprings and listen to KGAY Palm Springs wherever you reside!
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Pool Party For A Cause
Pool Party For A Cause comes to the Palm Springs Surf Club on Friday, May 22 from 6–9 pm, benefiting the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. The evening begins with a pre‑party Happy Hour from 4–6 pm, offering $8 well drinks and house wines before the main event moves poolside. Guests enjoy exclusive access to River Island and the Lazy River. DJ Galaxy spins live throughout the night, joined by high‑energy performances from the SOS Entertainers, adding go‑go–style flair to the celebration. With great music, watery fun, and a strong community purpose, it’s a standout way to support local animal welfare while kicking off Memorial Day Weekend. More info
Pink Ball
The 3rd Annual Pink Ball takes place on Saturday, May 23 from 6–9 pm at V Wine Lounge & Martini Bar. This party‑forward fundraiser supports the Transgender Health & Wellness Center’s Domestic Violence and Rapid Rehousing Program. Guests are encouraged to dress in pink for an evening of elevated bites, cocktails, and community celebration. More info
WILD & WET at The Sonoran
The Eagle Cathedral City (coming later this year) launches Memorial Day Weekend with WILD on Friday, May 22 from 9 pm–2 am at The Sonoran. This late‑night dance party transforms the venue into a high‑energy nightlife destination, featuring DJ James Anthony and DJ Matt Effect, a packed dance floor, and a crowd ready to go all in for the holiday weekend. More info
The Eagle party weekend keeps the momentum going with WET, the daytime pool party taking over The Sonoran on Sunday, May 24 from 12–5 pm. The afternoon unfolds with sun‑drenched beats from DJ Max Bruce and DJ John LePage, ice‑cold cocktails, and a stylish pool deck that’s a prime destination for anyone looking to dance, lounge, or cool off between sets. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure the best lounge space. More info
Harvey Milk Day
Harvey Milk Day is Friday, May 22, and it’s the perfect moment to revisit the voices and stories that continue to shape our movement. KGAY was on site at the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast held last week, capturing powerful conversations with Dennis & Judy Shepard, Andy & Cathy Mills, Brandon Wolf, and more—now available to watch on our Facebook page. You can also dive deeper into the event with thoughtful coverage from The Hollywood Times.
Desertopia
Desertopia returns with a full‑scale, very queer celebration of music, dance, art, and pure Palm Springs expression, unfolding across multiple venues from Friday–Saturday, May 22–23, beginning on Friday with a high‑energy night at 4707 Events, then shifting into a caftan‑laden pool takeover at The Sonoran on Saturday before the evening ignites again inside the venue. This year’s lineup brings major queer talent to the desert, including Horse Meat Disco, X3Butterfly, Father Figure and more. More info
IML Viewing Party
The Palm Springs Cultural Center brings the leather community together for an exciting IML Viewing Party on Sunday, May 24 from 3–6 pm. Hosted by @thepuphades, the event features special appearances from @rene_jacque_strappe, @honeydavenportofficial, and @thyromeo. Cheer on this year’s competitors and celebrate Palm Springs’ vibrant leather titleholders. Guests will enjoy the International Mr. Leather contest broadcast live from Chicago on the largest screen in Palm Springs, all while supporting the Cultural Center through this community‑driven fundraiser. More info
The Merry Widow
Coachella Valley Classical Voices presents The Merry Widow at Palm Canyon Theatre, running Friday–Sunday, May 22–24. This beloved operetta blends romance, intrigue, and sparkling humor as a wealthy widow’s fortune becomes the center of attention at a lavish Parisian ball. Featuring Jenne Carey as Hanna Glawari, the production showcases lush music and elegant staging. More info
Silver Foxes
Silver Foxes, the hit comedy by writers James Berg & Stan Zimmerman, runs May 21–31 at Revolution Stage Company. This witty and heartfelt play follows four longtime friends navigating senior dating apps after an unexpected loss, blending humor with themes of resilience, friendship, and second chances. Fans of The Golden Girls and Grace and Frankie will appreciate its warm, character‑driven storytelling. More info
A Man of No Importance
The BENT presents A Man of No Importance, running May 8–24, a tender musical exploring identity, acceptance, and the courage to live authentically. Set in Dublin, the story follows Alfie Byrne, a gentle bus conductor determined to stage an amateur production of Wilde’s Salome at his local church. As he confronts prejudice and the quiet ache of a love “that dare not speak its name,” Alfie discovers the transformative power of friendship and community. Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh says the play “is a reminder that theatre doesn’t need spectacle to move us. It needs truth, compassion, and a story told with care — and this production delivers all three.” Read his full review and get tickets: More info
MEMORIAL DAY
Memorial Day Service at the California LGBTQ Veterans Memorial
The 25th anniversary of America’s first LGBTQ Veterans Memorial is honored with a solemn Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 25 from 9–11 am, held at the California LGBTQ Veterans Memorial at Desert Memorial Park. This annual gathering pays tribute to all fallen service members and deceased veterans, featuring guest speakers, musical selections, and a presentation by the Desert Winds Freedom Band. Community members, veterans, families, and allies come together at Desert Memorial Park in Cathedral City to reflect, remember, and recognize the sacrifices made in service to our nation. More info
Memorial Day Air Fair & Flower Drop
The Palm Springs Air Museum commemorates the holiday with its annual Memorial Day Air Fair & Flower Drop on Monday, May 25 from 10 am–5 pm, honoring fallen U.S. service members with a full day of ceremonies and aviation experiences. The Air Fair opens at 10 am, leading into the 1 pm Memorial Ceremony, followed by the dramatic 2 pm Flower Drop after the Missing Man formation. Throughout the day, guests can explore aircraft displays, enjoy kids’ activities, and visit multiple food vendors, all included with regular museum admission. More info
Memorial Day Weekend at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Summer kicks off in the coolest way as the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway launches its Memorial Day Weekend lineup, featuring extended evening hours, guided nature walks, and the start of seasonal programs at Mount San Jacinto State Park. Beginning Friday, May 22, summer hours include the last tram up at 9 pm and the last tram down at 10:30 pm every Friday and Saturday, with Peaks Restaurant seating until 8:45 pm and Pines Café open until 9:30 pm. Holiday hours on Sunday, May 24 match the extended schedule, while Monday, May 25 begins early with the first tram up at 8 am. Sunday nature walks resume May 24 with easy guided hikes at 11 am and 1:30 pm, offering a refreshing mountaintop escape all season long.
Enhanced Traffic Enforcement
The Palm Springs Police Department is alerting residents and visitors that enhanced traffic enforcement will be in effect throughout Memorial Day Weekend, with officers increasing patrols from Friday, May 22 through Monday, May 25 to keep roads safer during one of the valley’s busiest travel periods. Enforcement will focus on protecting vulnerable road users—especially pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists—while dedicated DUI saturation patrols work to deter impaired driving citywide.
