We’re getting to that place in the calendar when “final” or “last of the year” is in the description of events on our Gay Desert Guide calendar. Yes, we’ve mostly made it through another “season” in Palm Springs.
Snowbirds are returning to their northern climes as springtime gives way to summer in lands that many find inhospitable during the winter. Our paradise starts to heat up. Much like a frog in a pot of water on the stove, it takes us locals awhile to figure out that summer (simmer) is here!
I’ve started my travels early this year with a Brandg Vacations expedition cruise through the Panama Canal into the Caribbean via Columbia. In our first few days at sea, we’ve dropped in on two uninhabited islands for snorkeling, swimming and nature tours.
While the flora and fauna are beautiful, I can’t help but notice the amount of plastics in our waterways. Bottle caps, plastic bottles, styrofoam and other objects are in the waters and wash up on shore. It’s a sad state of affairs for our oceans and one that is less than one hundred years in the making.
As usual, the group has many from Greater Palm Springs on this cruise, some whom I have traveled with before. And the entertainment is a “greatest hits” of Palm Springs performers who move on to P-Town and PV. Sutton Lee Seymour has a unique drag persona reprising her days as a wannabe Disney princess. “Big Red” Meghan Murphy graces the Purple Room stage each year, as does crooner Levi Kreis.
They’ll all duck and cover away from the searing sun of Palm Springs summer, only to return when Fall marks the start of another season.
There are many Canadians on our cruise this year, and surprisingly they are still holding a grudge. I thought that knowing California is safe haven might be enough for them to stop their boycott of our beloved Palm Springs after a year or so. Not the case. So as we approach the primary and then midterms, it’s going to be more important than ever to participate in the electoral process – vote! Our tourism economy depends on it for next season.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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MON: The Purple Room’s Final Bourbon Event of the Season
The Purple Room’s final bourbon event of the season is Monday, April 27 from 6–8 pm, bringing Sazerac back for one more curated tasting experience. Guests will explore a lineup that includes 1792 Small Batch, 1792 Single Barrel, Traveller American Whiskey, Traveller Full Proof, Bowman Brothers Small Batch, and Isaac Bowman Port Barrel Finish. Casey Becker leads the evening with insights into each spirit and the distillers behind them, offering a guided journey through flavor, history, and craftsmanship. More info
THU–SUN: Palm Springs Hot Rodeo
The community celebrates the Palm Springs Hot Rodeo occurring Thursday–Sunday, April 30–May 3 at various locations. Festivities kick off with a high-energy dance contest on Thursday, April 30 from 6–9 pm at the Tool Shed. On Friday, May 1, participants can join Rodeo School from 10 am–2 pm at Dysart Equestrian Park followed by a pool party at the Velvet Rope from 1–5 pm. The official Grand Entry parade takes place on both Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3 at 12 pm. Spectators can also enjoy line dancing and country music during “Dancing Under the Stars” at Oscar’s on Saturday, May 2 from 7 pm–12 am. The weekend wraps up with an official awards ceremony. More info
THU–SUN: SunLit – Men of Color Retreat
The SunLit – Men of Color Retreat takes place Thursday–Sunday, April 30–May 3 at Casa Oliver Hotel. For nearly twenty years, this unique space (formerly known as Blatino Oasis) has been curated for sex positivity, community building, and healing, specifically for men of color. The retreat includes personal growth activities to address the challenges and barriers that gay, bi, and queer men of color face. Participants will find opportunities for education, reflection, and connection within a clothing optional and sex positive environment. More info
THU: Villagefest
Visitors and locals can explore Thursday Night Villagefest from 6–10 pm, bringing together local businesses to celebrate food, art, and shopping in one central location on Palm Canyon Drive. Thursday, April 30 features a festival season glow-up with a special “May the 4th Be With You” theme. Fans of all ages can enjoy a variety of Star Wars-themed activities that reflect the cosmic excitement of the Coachella Valley. More info
THU: Arthur Elrod: Desert Cool
Design enthusiasts can attend the Arthur Elrod: Desert Cool Film Screening + Q&A on Thursday, April 30 from 5–7 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Arthur Elrod was a visionary who defined the “desert modern” style and whose own iconic residence appeared in a James Bond film. The ninety-minute film explores his groundbreaking career and tragic personal story. The evening concludes with a live panel and Q&A featuring the filmmakers. More info
FRI–SUN: Taste of Jalisco Festival
The tenth anniversary of the Taste of Jalisco Festival returns Friday–Sunday, May 1–3 at Cathedral City Civic Center Plaza. This annual celebration honors the thirty-year sister city relationship between Cathedral City and Tequila in the Mexican state of Jalisco. Attendees can explore a sprawling family-friendly carnival along with an artisan craft vendor market. The weekend features gold medal tequila tastings, authentic Mexican cuisine, and community folklorico dance presentations. Daily entertainment highlights include a Lucha Libre wrestling show and live acts on the community amphitheater stages. More info
FRI–SAT: Open Call Talent Project
Outstanding local performers of all ages showcase their skills in the Open Call Talent Project running Friday–Saturday at the McCallum Theatre. This visually stunning and energy-filled competition features a variety of acts culminating in a full cast finale that has historically been a sell-out event. Audience members have the unique opportunity to vote for their favorite performer during the shows. The winners are then announced and celebrated during the final performance on Saturday. More info
FRI–SAT: Nic & Desi: Broadway to Hollywood!
Broadway power couple Nicolas Dromard and Desi Davar bring their high-voltage show Nic & Desi: Broadway to Hollywood! to The Purple Room Supper Club on Friday–Saturday. The duo presents an evening of dazzling dance and thrilling vocals. They have previously starred on Broadway in iconic productions like Wicked and West Side Story. The show blends beloved Broadway and Hollywood favorites with the pair’s undeniable chemistry. More info
FRI: High Desert Pride Prom: An Intergenerational Celebration
The community is invited to the High Desert Pride Prom: An Intergenerational Celebration on Friday, May 1 from 7–11 pm at the Victor Valley College Educational Event Center. The event is a safe space for all generations to celebrate authentically regardless of age or identity. Attendees are encouraged to celebrate prom their own way in a joyous and supportive environment. More info
FRI: Sebastian’s Rodeo Disco
Nightlife enthusiasts can attend Sebastian’s Rodeo Disco on Friday, May 1 from 9 pm–4 am at Studio 4707. This celebration channels disco energy and rodeo attitude into a high-momentum event with style and freedom. Music is led by John Celia, straight from New York’s infamous Studio 54 and SiriusXM. Guests will move through furnished lounges and expansive patios while returning to a dance floor guided by the spirit of 1977. 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
