What’s new is old again. “New” is the Trump administration bent on erasing the history and pain of the AIDS epidemic that plagued us in the 80s. It’s “old” because President Ronald Reagan held the same contempt for our community as he ignored the disease during his term as president.
Just one year ago, the signature World AIDS Day red ribbon hung from the White House and President Biden welcomed in the first display of AIDS Memorial Quilt panels.
It’s the first time since 1988 that the day will not be recognized in the US, but continues strong worldwide, according to World AIDS Day’s site. One in our community who has been directly impacted by HIV and has been on the forefront of raising his voice is Nicholas Snow. In his post on PromoHomo.TV, Snow lays out the case for us raising our collective voices as another protest against this administration:
These are the times when individual voices matter most—because they are the building blocks of collective courage.
It is not enough to whisper. It is not enough to post once a year. It is not enough to assume that someone else will speak louder.
We need a chorus.
A deafening chorus.
A relentless, unapologetic, unignorable chorus of voices refusing to let history repeat itself.
Silence equals death. That is not a slogan. It is a warning label for civilization.Nicholas Snow, PromoHomoTV
Nicholas Snow’s words are worth reading and heeding. So I encourage you to do so today. In Palm Springs, we’re embracing our history — however painful — with a number of remembrances and the official groundbreaking for the AIDS Memorial. We will not be silent, because as ACT UP taught us and Nicolas reminds us: “Silences = Death”.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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MON: Palm Springs AIDS Memorial Groundbreaking
On Monday, December 1 at 11 am at Palm Springs Downtown Park, join the ceremonial groundbreaking of Well of Love, a new AIDS Memorial honoring lives lost and love shared. Held on World AIDS Day, this event marks the beginning of a space for remembrance, reflection, and healing. Attendees will view the Memorial scale model, meet the Task Force behind the project, and hear from artist Phillip K Smith III. Located at Museum Way and Belardo Road, the Memorial will feature a shaded seating area, an 11-foot sculpture, and interactive signage linking to stories, resources, and education. More info
The Plaza Theatre’s Grand Re-Opening
Following a dazzling Opening Night Gala headlined by Cynthia Erivo on Monday, December 1, the newly restored Plaza Theatre launches its first week with a powerhouse lineup of performances, and let’s just say it’s very Gay. Comedy icon Lily Tomlin brings her legendary wit to the stage for 3 shows, Tuesday–Thursday, December 2–4 at 7:30 pm, followed by John Waters’ irreverent holiday monologue on Friday, December 5 at 8 pm.
On Saturday, December 6, Fortune Feimster delivers two laugh-filled shows at 5 pm and 8 pm, showcasing her signature blend of Southern charm and sharp storytelling. The week concludes with the Palm Springs Symphony’s premiere concert, “Sleigh Ride & Symphony,” on Sunday, December 7 at 7:30 pm — a toe-tapping evening of holiday classics, sing-alongs, and seasonal cheer. Get tickets
MON: Premium Bourbon Tasting
The Purple Room Supper Club invites guests to an evening of storytelling and rare spirits during the Premium Bourbon Tasting Experience with Bourbon Bar curator Aaron Pond, taking place Monday, December 1 from 6–8 pm. Attendees will explore a curated lineup of All American bourbons while Aaron shares the origin stories behind each pour. With over 200 bourbons in the collection, this tasting offers a flavorful dive into American ingenuity, capped off with a chance to win exclusive prizes. Get tickets
TUE: Palm Springs Annual State of the City
Join fellow residents at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Tuesday, December 2 from 2–5:30 pm for the Annual State of the City. The afternoon begins with a vibrant community fair at 2 pm, offering direct engagement with City Departments. At 3 pm, city leaders take the stage to present key updates, future plans, and initiatives shaping Palm Springs’ path forward, followed by a 🍦 FREE ice cream social. More info
WED: Wreath Auction at Eight4Nine
Celebrate the season with purpose at the 2025 Wreath Auction on Wednesday, December 3 at 5:30 pm at Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge. This fundraiser features silent and live auctions benefiting The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert and the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. For those who can’t attend in person, the online auction offers the chance to bid on silent auction items and preview the live auction lineup—including a custom “Finding Mr. Christmas” wreath created by TV Host Jonathan Bennett and KGAY Morning Show host John Taylor with support from My Little Flower Shop. Enjoy holiday cheer, community spirit, and the opportunity to support programs that uplift lives and protect animals across the valley. More info
WED: Rock the Park Returns with The Springsteen Experience
Rock the Park returns to Downtown Palm Springs Park on Wednesday, December 3 at 7 pm with The Springsteen Experience, kicking off a new season of free monthly tribute concerts under the stars. This open-air series continues with Bee Gees Forever on January 7, Bruno and the Hooligans on February 4, and Always, Adele on March 4—plus more, bringing iconic sounds to the heart of the desert. More info
WED: GCVCC & Coachella Chamber Holiday Mixer
The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Coachella Chamber invite the community to a Holiday Mixer on Wednesday, December 3 from 5–7 pm at Tequila’s inside Spotlight 29 Casino. This lively evening brings together local business leaders and members for networking, holiday cheer, and friendly competition in the annual Mixer of the Year challenge. Guests can enjoy light bites, a cash bar, raffle prizes, and the always-popular Ugly Sweater/Holiday Cheer Contest—so come ready to connect, celebrate, and show off your most spirited look. More info
OPENS WED: Dear Evan Hansen
CVRep presents the regional premiere of Dear Evan Hansen on Wednesday, December 3 from 2–4 pm, launching a powerful run through Sunday, December 21. This award-winning musical—honored with six Tonys, a Grammy, and an Olivier—tells the deeply moving story of Evan Hansen, a teenager thrust into the spotlight after a tragic event. The show explores identity, connection, and the human need to be seen. Experience one of the most acclaimed musicals of our time in an intimate setting. Get tickets
WED: Monthly Art Walk at Ernesto Ramirez Fine Art
Discover the Backstreet Art District’s Monthly Art Walk at Ernesto Ramirez Fine Art on Wednesday, December 3 from 5–7 pm. Guests will enjoy a first look at Ernesto’s new solo gallery, featuring his bold, colorful works inspired by modern Mexican surrealism. From his roots in Guanajuato and a career in architecture and design to recognition as Best Visual Artist in the Coachella Valley, Ernesto now shares his passion as a full-time artist in Palm Springs. More info
WED: McCallum Theatre Annual Gala
On Wednesday, December 3 at 8 pm, the McCallum Theatre hosts its Annual Gala 2025—an evening of celebration, artistry, and heartfelt tribute. Headlining the night is Broadway icon Brian Stokes Mitchell, joined by acclaimed guest Laura Benanti, in a performance that promises elegance and emotional resonance. The gala honors Hal and Diane Gershowitz for their enduring support of the arts, while also remembering the legacy of Harold Matzner, whose visionary leadership shaped the McCallum’s mission and spirit. Get tickets
THU: Palm Springs Yappy Hour
Yappy Hour returns to the Riviera Resort’s Desert Rose Garden on Thursday, December 4 from 4–6 pm, offering an afternoon of wine, hors d’oeuvres, and tail-wagging fun. Hosted by KiKi Tormo, this pet-friendly gathering invites guests and their leashed pups to mingle in a lush garden setting while supporting Animal Samaritans’ life-saving programs for local homeless animals. More info
THU–SUN: Annie
Palm Canyon Theatre presents Annie, running through Sunday, December 21. This heartwarming musical follows the spirited orphan Annie and her dog Sandy as they search for family and hope. With beloved songs like “Tomorrow” and “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” the production offers a joyful theatrical experience for audiences of all ages this holiday season. Get tickets
FRI: Palm Springs Tree Lighting Ceremony
Celebrate the season at the Palm Springs Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, December 5 at Frances Stevens Park. Festivities begin at 4 pm with the Holiday Student Banner Awards, followed by the official tree lighting at 5:15 pm featuring Mayor Ron deHarte, City Councilmembers, parade Grand Marshals, and Santa Claus. Enjoy free cookies, cocoa, arts and crafts, and a cheerful meet-and-greet with Santa. More info
FRI: MOMIX – Alice
Experience a surreal journey through Wonderland as MOMIX brings Alice to life on Friday, December 5 at 8 pm at the McCallum Theatre. Visionary choreographer Moses Pendleton reimagines Lewis Carroll’s classic with gravity-defying dancers, dreamlike visuals, and inventive stagecraft. From a shape-shifting Caterpillar to a madcap Queen of Hearts, this mesmerizing performance invites audiences into a world where illusion and imagination collide. Get tickets
OPENS FRI: Dog Sees God
The Bent presents Dog Sees God at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, running December 5–21. This bold, unauthorized play reimagines familiar childhood comic strip characters as troubled teens navigating real-life issues—from substance abuse and sexuality to bullying and rebellion. Darkly funny and unexpectedly heartfelt, Dog Sees God offers a raw, relevant look at adolescence through a lens of cultural nostalgia and emotional truth. Get tickets
OPENS FRI: A Doublewide, Texas Christmas
Desert TheatreWorks kicks off the holiday season with A Doublewide, Texas Christmas on Friday, December 5 at 7:30 pm, launching a wild and witty run through Sunday, December 28. Set in the 1920s, this outrageous comedy spins a tangled tale of betrayal, desire, and marital chaos as one woman’s affair sets off a chain of hilarious—and possibly murderous—events. Fresh from its Broadway success, this Lone Star romp delivers big laughs and unexpected twists in true Texas style. Get tickets
For all events go to GayDesertGuide.com
