On your mark! Get set! Eat! Shop! Give! (In that order.)
The Thanksgivings I remember were a distinct celebration with family with a nice four day holiday weekend with friends. Now, it’s a dash from the table to the tablet shopping Black Friday deals on Amazon. Hopefully you’re supporting our local merchants, and then participating in Giving Tuesday next week. But do take some time to take in something fun!
We have lots of ideas of how to fill your days and nights with events and activities that help bring community together, provide entertainment for you and your friends, and, yes, even a few places to shop local!
We’re publishing a little early this week, so you have plenty of time to plan your leisure time in Greater Palm Springs. Let KGAY 106.5 and 103.1 MeTV FM be the soundtrack to your holiday weekend too. There’s no turkeys on our playlist!
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 be!
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WildLights at The Living Desert
Light up your holiday with WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens, recognized in the Top 10 Best Zoo Lights by USA Today, and kicking off this week on Wednesday, November 22, plus Friday & Saturday, November 24 & 25 from 6–9 pm. This magical winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, dazzling light displays, and holiday fun is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit and make lasting memories with friends and family. This year, experience several new and reimagined light exhibits, such as the new 30-foot-tall holiday tree and lighted animal-themed displays. But don’t worry, many of your festive favorites are returning, such as the Tunnel of Lights, smores station, holiday carousel, photos with Santa, and much more! If kiddos aren’t your thing, mark your calendar for Adults Only (21+) Night on Thursday, December 14. In true WildLights tradition, the G-scale model trains, with more than 3,300 feet of track, will be decked out for the holidays. Get tickets
Magic of Lights – Coachella Valley 2023
Experience Magic of Lights – Coachella Valley 2023 now through December 31, every night starting at 5:30 pm at the Empire Polo Club. Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Experience Magic of Lights from the comfort and safety of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path of Coachella Valley’s new holiday tradition. One carload, one price. Get tickets
The Cher Show
The Cher Show is the Tony Award-winning musical about the life of the iconic singer and actress. The show will be running for five performances at the McCallum Theatre from Friday, November 24–Sunday, November 26. Cher’s story is one of rags to riches, as she rose from a childhood in poverty to become one of the most successful entertainers of all time. The show features 35 of her smash hits, spanning six decades of stardom. It also tells the story of her two marriages to rock stars Sonny Bono and Gregg Allman. The Cher Show is a must-see for any fan of the star, or anyone who loves a good musical. Get tickets
The Center Social at Chill Bar
On the 4th Wednesday of each month, it’s time for The Center Social, a mixer of fun, community, and happy hour! The November Center Social is on Wednesday, November 22 from 5:30–7 pm at Chill Bar Palm Springs. Look forward to friendship, connection, and a tasty happy hour. Spread the word—everyone is invited! More info
Palm Springs Wild Turkey Trot
The Palm Springs Turkey Trot 5K takes place on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 23 at 8 am at the corner of Tahquitz & Palm Canyon. This is a fast and flat certified course where world records are meant to be broken! Start and finish downtown, in perfect racing weather, on beautiful Palm Canyon. All participants receive a long sleeved tech t-shirt, finisher medal, free finisher photo download and wild turkey hat! A portion of your entry supports the Mizell Center’s Meals on Wheels Program, providing food for homebound seniors.Show your holiday spirit and run as a turkey, pilgrim or in another festive outfit. Keep an eye out for Santa Claus who will be there to welcome in the holiday season! More info
Caliente Comedy Presents Shann Carr
Shann Carr headlines the Caliente Comedy LGBTQ Showcase on Friday, November 24 at Agua Caliente Palm Springs, along with Max Mitchell & Ashley Ryan. Shann has been making Palm Springs audiences laugh for a long time. Known as the gay man’s lesbian, Carr has been entertaining audiences from deserts to high seas cruises for longer than she’ll admit. Ashley Ryan decided to jump into comedy after a first date took her to “The Comedy Store” and she didn’t think anyone was funny. Max Mitchell is an award-winning filmmaker, writer and comedian who has performed stand-up comedy in top clubs across the United States and his native Canada. Get tickets
Latrice Royale: Why It Gotta Be White Christmas?
Divas in the Dust presents Latrice Royale: Why It Gotta Be White Christmas? for 5 holiday shows at The Sonoran Palm Springs. Accompanied by her husband and musical director Christopher Hamblin, the one and only Latrice Royale will share songs and stories of the couple’s own holiday memories. A little bit reverent, and a little bit silly, this holiday romp is not to be missed. Performances are Saturday & Sunday, November 25 & 26, and Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, December 1, 2 & 3. Get tickets
30th Annual Palm Springs Open
The 30th Annual Palm Springs Open will take place on Thanksgiving weekend from Friday, November 24–Sunday, November 26 at Indian Wells Tennis Gardens, Mission Hills Country Club, Sunrise Country Club, and Palm Valley Country Club. This international tennis tournament run by the Desert Tennis Association attracts more than 300 LGBT players from around the world. A Player Welcome Party will take place on Thursday, November 23 (Thanksgiving) from 7–9 pm at Chill Bar. On Friday and Saturday nights there will also be a late- night party at Chill Bar. A Player’s Party with a silent auction and raffle benefiting AAP – Food Samaritans will also be held at Reforma in Palm Springs on Saturday, November 25 at 7 pm. More info
Lindsey Stirling – Snow Waltz Tour
The Show at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage presents Lindsey Stirling’s Snow Waltz Tour on Saturday, November 25 at 8 pm. For over a decade, Lindsey Stirling has enchanted audiences across the globe by performing a certain spellbinding magic with her electronic violin, dreaming up an exquisitely composed yet boldly inventive sound entirely her own. “On my first holiday album I toyed with more traditional Christmas sounds like big-band music, but this time I wanted to give the songs a more whimsical, pixie-like feeling that’s quintessentially me,” says Stirling. Get tickets
Christmas with the Crawfords
Desert Theatreworks presents Christmas with the Crawfords at Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs now through December 30. This riotous camp classic is based on the actual Christmas Eve live radio broadcast from the Crawford family’s Brentwood mansion in 1949. Filled with exaggerated silver screen icons, this mash-up musical parody is a loving homage to Hollywood’s “Golden Age” and features appearances of Tinsel Town divas such as Judy Garland, Carmen Miranda, Gloria Swanson, Hedda Hopper and the Andrews Sisters. Christmas With The Crawfords is a delightful alternative to the usual saccharine fare offered during the holidays and is guaranteed to make anyone who sees it feel much better about their own family this time of year. Get tickets
Kinky Boots
Desert Theatreworks presents the final performances of Kinky Boots, running through Sunday, November 26. Kinky Boots is the winner of every major best musical award, including the Tony, the Grammy and London’s Olivier Award. Based on true events, this huge-hearted hit tells the story of two people with nothing in common – or so they think. Charlie is a factory owner struggling to save his business. Lola is a fabulous entertainer with a wildly exciting idea. With a little compassion and a lot of understanding, this unexpected pair learns to embrace their differences and creates a line of sturdy stilettos unlike any the world has ever seen! Get tickets
Cabaret6 Desert Stars: Tod Macofsky
For six Wednesdays of the Cabaret6 Desert Stars series, from November 8–December 13, a different Desert Star will take the stage each week at the newly renovated Revolution Stage Company in downtown Palm Springs. On Wednesday, November 22 at 7 pm, it’s Tod Macofsky taking the stage with a show he calls 1963. Celebrating the year he was born, Macofsky has played to sold out crowds in the Desert, Los Angeles and on many top-tier cruise ships. You won’t want to miss his updated show backed by the stellar Gand Band. Get tickets
The Dirty Show 2.0 with Skyler Gentry
Ben Zook from the hit gay web series, “Where the Bears Are,” presents The Dirty Show 2.0 with Skyler Gentry on Wednesday November 22 at 7 pm at Dietlart Gallery. This all-new show features Zook as Skyler Gentry, America’s favorite actor-singer-dancer-psychic, with raunchy songs, comedy bits and “psychic readings” with the audience. His original show was a smash hit in Palm Springs and he performed it all over the world. He’s thrilled to be back in Palm Springs with this brand new “Dirty Show 2.0!” Beware – the show is very gay, very dirty and loads of fun! Intended for mature audiences. Get tickets
Walter Clark Legal Group Thanksgiving Safe Ride Home
Walter Clark Legal Group is offering its Safe Ride Home Program for the Thanksgiving holiday, covering the fare for alcohol-impaired drivers who choose to call a cab or use a rideshare service instead of getting back behind the wheel of their car. The program runs from 10 pm –3 am on the evenings of Wednesday, November 22, and Thursday, November 23. To be eligible for reimbursement, participants must register online. More info
Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City Celebrates 3 Years
Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City is celebrating its 3-year anniversary on Friday, November 24 with a 3rd Anniversary Bash at 8 pm at Agave Caliente Tequila Bar. Guests can enjoy a live DJ, giveaways, prizes, food, and drinks all night. Get ready to groove to the sounds of Liquid Blue, a globally acclaimed party band known for their electrifying performances at high-end events. Agua Caliente Cathedral City is also offering all-day happy hours at Café One Eleven and 360 Sports throughout November, with $3 margaritas on the casino floor from 2–5 pm and all-day Happy Hour specials. More info.
For all events go to the GayDesertGuide.com
