Election Day can’t come soon enough! As we fret and stew over ads so vile that Fox had to air a disclaimer and campaign rhetoric that makes us afraid for our lives, we pause for… Palm Springs Pride.
While we certainly won’t forget what’s just a few days ahead, we can take the weekend to celebrate. I’m releasing our newsletter a little early this week so you can plan ahead for the biggest weekend of the year for our LGBTQ+ community.
Ron deHarte and his army of volunteers are at the ready to make sure we all have an enjoyable experience. And our law enforcement agencies have been preparing for this weekend in order to keep us safe.
Our team will be on Arenas Thursday and Sunday; at the main stage Friday and Saturday and in the parade at 10 am Sunday. (For our out of area readers, PromoHomo.TV will broadcast the parade live.)
There are two great opportunities we’re offering: Our commemorative “Be You; Say KGAY Tees for Tests” t-shirt swap is Friday at Tac/Quila and registering you to win a European riverboat cruise at our booth all weekend long on Palm Canyon.
Listen to KGAYPalmSprings.com or at 106.5/92.1 for updates and use GayDesertGuide.LGBT as your go-to for event listings.
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 reside!
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PALM SPRINGS PRIDE WEEKEND
KGAY’s T-Shirt Swap: “Tees for Tests”
Stop by Tac/Quila on Friday, November 1, from 3–5 pm for the Tees for Tests event: Donate $25 or more to PS Test and receive a stylish “Be You Say KGAY” tee shirt, a perfect fit for Palm Springs Pride weekend! Bring your gently used shirts to contribute to our clothing drive. Let’s make a difference together, and look great doing it. More info
Palm Springs Pride: Modgirl’s Big Bang Blast Off
Don’t miss a Big Bang Blast-Off to Pride weekend with Modgirl, bringing her cosmic experience and electrifying performance to the Palm Springs Pride Main Stage at 8 pm on Friday, November 1, presented by KGAY 106.5 /92.1 and Gay Desert Guide. More info
Alumination
Join the Palm Springs Art Museum for Alumination, a vibrant celebration marking the beginning of Palm Springs Pride Weekend on Friday, November 1 from 6–9 pm at the Aluminaire Plaza. Enjoy delicious drinks, incredible music, and a festive atmosphere. Proceeds from this event support Q+ Art, a local organization dedicated to bringing art and culture to the community. (Psst: Use promo code “FRIEND” for 15% off!) Get tickets
Palm Springs Pride Festival
Celebrating all that is LGBTQ+ in Palm Springs, our annual Palm Springs Pride festival takes place this year from Thursday–Sunday, October 31–November 3, featuring a street fair, music festival, and a variety of activities. The theme this year is “Be You,” embracing diversity and self-determination of the LGBTQ+ community, both locally and globally. Check out our listing for all the times & locations of official Palm Springs Pride events: More info
Visit Us at the KGAY Desert Guide Booth
You can find the KGAY Desert Guide Booth near the Main Stage (near the Hyatt) throughout the festival, stop by and pick up a “Be You, Say Gay” sticker, along with the Pride Edition of our Map & Guide! You can also scan a special QR code to be entered to WIN one of two cruises from BearCruise.com: a Christmas Bavarian Cruise down the Rhine in December with airfare included or a cruise next summer during Amsterdam Pride! John Taylor will draw the winner on KGAY Monday morning ☀️
Highlights of the Festival include:
- Live Music: Desert Air Festival Takeover (Fri), Sister Sledge (Sat at 8 pm), George Michael Reborn (Sun at 3 pm) and many more.
- Entertainment: Enjoy drag shows, dance performances, and a DJ lineup featuring KGAY 106.5/92.1 DJs: Eric Ornelas, DJ Galaxy, and Modgirl
- Shopping and Food: Explore a diverse array of vendors offering unique items, delicious food and beverages.
- Community Engagement: Visit the Children’s Headquarters (CHQ) space and the Youth Zone hosted by Safe Schools Desert Cities.
The Palm Springs Pride Festival is a free event, but donations are encouraged to support the local LGBTQ+ community. Join us for a weekend of celebration, connection, and fun! Check our event listing for stage schedules and event map: More info
Saturday Headliner: Sister Sledge Featuring Slegendary
Sister Sledge, the legendary disco group, is scheduled for the Main Stage on Palm Canyon Drive on Saturday, November 2, at 8 pm. With hits including “He’s the Greatest Dancer,” “Lost in Music,” and their worldwide anthem and expression of togetherness, “We Are Family,” Sister Sledge featuring Sledgendary® will bring their electrifying energy to the stage! More info
Palm Springs Pride 5K Run & Walk
The Palm Springs Pride 5K Run & Walk returns on Saturday, November 2 at 8 am in the Old Las Palmas neighborhood. This inclusive event brings together runners and walkers of all ages and abilities to support LGBTQ+ organizations in Palm Springs. Join in a fun-filled morning of exercise and community. More info
Flagging in the Desert
Join the Desert Flaggers for a free Flagging in the Desert event on Saturday, November 2 at 10:30 am at Ruth Hardy Park. Learn the art of flag spinning in a beginner’s class, then enjoy DJ Casey Alva and watch experienced flaggers perform throughout the afternoon. This family-friendly event supports PS Test, a local charity. More info
Rainbow Splash Pool Party
CCBC Resort is hosting an official Palm Springs Pride Rainbow Splash Pool Party on Saturday, November 2 from Noon–4 pm. Tickets available at the door or pre-sale on Eventbrite. Join friends old and new by the clothing-optional pool! Get tickets
DADDYPOP! Saturday Afternoon Tea Dance
Join a fabulous afternoon of dancing, drinks, and entertainment at DADDYPOP! on Saturday, November 2 from 3–7 pm at Reforma Palm Springs. Enjoy remixes of disco classics and gay tea dance anthems with DJ Matt Consola, and be dazzled by sexy retro go-go dancers and fan dancers. Get tickets
REAF Party 2024: We are Family 2
It’s a fabulous evening of entertainment and philanthropy at the Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation (REAF) Big Gay Pride Pool Party: We Are Family 2, on Saturday, November 2 from 4–8 pm at Tom Ray’s Bella Vista Estate. Enjoy performances by Broadway star David Burnham, recording artist Gregory Douglas, and comedian Jason Stuart, all while supporting the KIND Food Bank and the L-Fund. Don’t miss this unforgettable night under the stars with assorted wines, appetizers, silent auction and surprises. Get tickets
HRC Palm Springs Garden Party 2024
The HRC Palm Springs Garden Party returns on Saturday, November 2 from 2–4:30 pm. This annual fundraiser brings together hundreds of supporters to celebrate LGBTQ+ equality and raise funds for the Human Rights Campaign. Enjoy an open-bar cocktail party, delicious food catered by Chef Ray Lopez (Cooking What You Crave), iced coffee from PLAY Lounge & Café, and a silent auction, plus music by Modgirl! Address upon RSVP. Get tickets
Palm Springs Pride Parade 2024
The Palm Springs Pride Parade is Sunday, November 3 at 10 am. This vibrant parade kicks off in the Uptown Design District and travels through downtown Palm Springs, ending at the entrance to the Pride Festival at Amado. Thousands of spectators line the streets to cheer on local organizations, activists, and themed floats. Look for the Desert Winds Freedom Band among the contingents! More info
Pride on the Rooftop
Modgirl spins for a glamorous Pride on the Rooftop party at the Flannery Exchange on Sunday, November 3, from 9 am–2 pm. Enjoy stunning views, delicious drinks, and fabulous company. Dance to Modgirl’s beats while benefiting the LGBTQ+ Community Center of the Desert. Get tickets
KGAY Desert Guide Takeover Pride Tea Dance
Join us for the KGAY Desert Guide Takeover at the Arenas Stage on Sunday, November 3. Dance the afternoon away to the beats of DJ Eric Ornelas (starting at noon), DJ Galaxy (starting at 2 pm), and MODGIRL (starting at 5 pm). This special event features a mix of disco classics and modern hits, perfect for celebrating Pride in style! More info
Palm Springs Pride Brunch with Miss Richfield 1981
Enjoy a Pride Brunch with Miss Richfield 1981 at 849 Restaurant & Lounge on Sunday, November 3 at 1 pm. This special event benefits Palm Springs Pride and features a delicious three-course brunch with entertainment from the drag legend and beauty professional who entertains her audiences with an interactive format that combines homespun warmth and edgy improv, leaving audiences in hysterics. More info
Sunday Headliner: George Michael Reborn
Celebrate the music of George Michael on Sunday, November 3 at 3 pm at the Main Stage for George Michael Reborn with Robert Bartko, a captivating tribute artist. This not-to-be-missed performance features live vocals, dance moves, and crowd interaction that will transport you back to the 80s and 90s. More info
Palm Springs Vintage Market
The Palm Springs Vintage Market, held the first Sunday of the month throughout the season, is holding a special Pride weekend edition this Sunday, November 3 from 7 am–2 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs. It’s just a quick walk from the downtown festivities! Locals, visitors and design aficionados flock to the Vintage Market to find Midcentury Modern, Americana, fashion, art & pop culture treasures! More info
Idol Worship: An Intimate Evening with Mink Stole and Peaches Christ
Join cult icon Mink Stole and drag impresario Peaches Christ for an unforgettable evening of storytelling, film clips, and live song at Idol Worship: An Evening with Mink Stole and Peaches Christ on Friday & Saturday, November 1 & 2, at 7:30 pm at the Hilton Palm Springs. This intimate cabaret show promises laughter, tears, and plenty of camp. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear personal anecdotes, watch classic film clips, and experience the dynamic duo’s special connection. VIP tickets include a post-show meet and greet and a signed commemorative poster. Get tickets
Yvie Oddly Meet-and-Greet and Book Signing + “Queerlesque “Show
Come meet Yvie Oddly and hear her story on Saturday, November 2 at 3 pm at Just Fabulous. Season 11 RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Oddly and co-author Michael Bach will be signing their new book All About Yvie: Into The Oddity. In the book, the reader gets an in-depth glimpse into Yvie’s childhood, their coming out and coming to terms with their sexuality and gender, and, of course, spills some Drag Race tea! More info. On Saturday night, see Yvie shine in Queerlesque: An Evening of Oddity at Boozehounds. Get tickets
Dina Martina Halloweena!
Join Dina Martina for a laugh-out-loud performance, Dina Martina Halloweena! at Revolution Stage Company during Palm Springs Pride Weekend. This comedic drag queen, known for her unique blend of tragedy and humor, has been hailed as “divinely funny” and “the most original drag performer in America today.” Catch Dina Martina on Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, November 1–3, at 9:30 pm, 10:30 pm, and 5 pm, respectively. Get tickets
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Friday, November 1
Papi Juice Weekender | All Weekend at the Ace Hotel
Bow Wow Ball | 5–7 pm at Boozehounds
Dian Hanson TASCHEN “Sexy Books” Signing | 5–8 pm at Just Fabulous
Pride Yoga Easy Flow to Renew | 5:30 pm at Power Yoga Palm Springs
Country Dance Fridays: Phoenix Circle Line Dance with Kyle Young | 7 pm at Step by Step
Mid-Century Moderns | 7 pm at Revolution Stage Company
The Crowned Queens of Pride | 7 pm at Hotel Zoso
Everclear | 8 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City
Saturday, November 2
Desert Hot Springs: A City Founded on Water | 11 am–2 pm at Historic Rock House
Hot Flash: Lesbian & Queer 30+ Pool Party | 2–8 pm at Arrive Palm Springs
Día de los Muertos Festival at Desert Hot Springs | 4–9 pm at Mission Springs Park
Hoedown at Sundown | 5–9 pm at Indian Wells Country Club
Tuff Party | 7 pm at Toucans
Sunday, November 3
Pride on the Rooftop Party + Parade Viewing | 9 am–2 pm at Flannery Exchange
Modernism Week 2025 Tickets on Sale November 1
The 20th anniversary of Modernism Week is February 13–23, 2025. This 11-day festival is a paradise for mid-century modern enthusiasts, featuring over 400 events. Explore iconic architecture with tours of private homes, hop on a double-decker bus tour, or delve deeper with talks and exhibits. Tickets go on sale this Friday, November 1. Don’t miss this iconic celebration! Get tickets
