It’s been difficult to watch the news since election day. You may be among the many I talk to who — like the proverbial wreck on the freeway — just can’t look away. Or you may be watching Leave It To Beaver reruns on MeTV instead of Morning Joe.
We’re trying to have a holiday here and enjoy the season! So put your blinders on and focus on the good that’s happening. Tomorrow is “Giving Tuesday” and there are plenty of opportunities to help support the causes you believe in. A few are highlighted below and on our socials.
The City of Palm Springs is also stepping up to make the LGBTQ+ community feel safer and bring some comfort and joy as we face the new regime in 2025. Hats off to Mayor Bernstein, Police Chief Andy Mills and City Manager Scott Stiles for organizing the event on Wednesday. We would like to see other desert cities do something similar to ease the minds of residents. One down, eight cities to go….
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! P.S. Our KMEE 103.1 MeTV FM has gone “all holiday music”! Tune in!
#ILoveGayPalmSprings #ILoveGayCatCity #ILoveGayTravel #ILoveGay #SayKGAY #FindYourOasis
Giving Tuesday: Double Your Donation
Giving Tuesday is a global movement that celebrates generosity and community spirit during the holiday season. It’s a day focused on giving back and making a difference. This year, the Palm Springs AIDS Memorial is seeking support as part of 2024 giving plans. Thanks to the generous support of Community Leadership Donors Mike Richey & Chris Winslow and Mark Pellegrino & Stuart Kent, every donation made from now through Giving Tuesday will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $50,000. This means that each gift has the potential to make twice the impact, bringing the community closer to the $1.2 million goal needed to create a lasting and meaningful tribute to those affected by AIDS. Donate Online
Wreath Auction 2024
The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert presents their Annual Holiday Wreath Auction on Wednesday, December 4 at 5:30 pm, with the auction beginning at 6 pm. This festive event will benefit The Center and the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, continuing Dick Haskamp’s legacy of generosity and community support. Held at Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge, the auction features beautifully crafted wreaths donated by the community. Participate in the auction both online and in-person, and help raise funds for these important causes. More info
Community Conversation: Moving Forward Together in 2025
The City of Palm Springs is hosting a community meeting, Moving Forward Together in 2025, on Wednesday, December 4 from 4–6 pm at the Palm Springs Convention Center in Room Oasis 3A. This event is a response to community concerns about potential hate crimes and inclusivity following the 2024 election. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in a dialogue about fostering unity and understanding within the community. More info
Invisible Valley
The College of the Desert Foundation presents a special screening of Invisible Valley on Wednesday, December 5 at 5:30 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Invisible Valley is a documentary that weaves together the stories of undocumented farmworkers, wealthy snowbirds, and music festival-goers in California’s Coachella Valley, highlighting the social and environmental challenges faced by the community. Meet the production team, see the film, and stay for a Q&A session. Popcorn and drinks provided. Get tickets
Treaty of Temecula: A Cahuilla Narrative
Join Dr. Sean Milanovich, an Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Tribal Member, for a fascinating exploration of the Treaty of Temecula on Wednesday, December 4 at 6 pm at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum. The program will delve into the historical significance of this treaty and its impact on the Cahuilla people. Dr. Milanovich will share insights from his recent dissertation research on Native American treaties in California. Get tickets
Rock the Park: Hot August Night – A Tribute to Neil Diamond
The Rock the Park free outdoor concert series is back on the first Wednesday of each month, and on Wednesday, December 4 at 7 pm, it’s time for Hot August Night – A Tribute to Neil Diamond at the Downtown Palm Springs Park. This exceptional event promises to capture the essence of Neil Diamond’s legendary music, delivering a performance that will have you singing along to iconic hits like “Sweet Caroline” and “Cracklin’ Rosie.” More info
This Week at the McCallum Theatre
On Monday, December 2, kick off the holiday season with “Home for the Holidays 2024” at 7 pm, featuring a stellar cast of artists including Peabo Bryson, Oleta Adams, Ruben Studdard, and Haley Reinhart. Following this, enjoy the best of Christmas classics and Motown hits with “Human Nature – Christmas Motown” on Tuesday, December 3 at 7 pm. On Thursday, December 5, it’s An Intimate Evening with Josh Groban, and on Saturday, December 7, the Midtown Men will bring their “Holiday Hits” show to the stage, reuniting stars from the hit Broadway musical Jersey Boys for a night of iconic Yuletide classics and 1960s rock and roll hits. Finally, on Sunday, December 8, celebrate the season with “A Mariachi Christmas,” featuring the Latin GRAMMY-nominated band Mariachi Herencia de México, performing a colorful blend of Mexican and American holiday favorites. Get tickets
I’ll Eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers
THE BENT brings to the stage John Logan’s electrifying play, I’ll Eat You Last from December 6–22. Immerse yourself in the world of Sue Mengers (portrayed here by Academy Award Nominee Cathy Moriarty), the formidable 1970s super-agent. This one-woman show, famously portrayed by Bette Midler in its Broadway premiere, captures the essence of Mengers with her sharp wit, relentless name-dropping, and savvy showbiz advice. As described by The New York Times, Logan’s portrayal of Mengers is a tour de force, filled with disco-era flair and razor-sharp humor. Get tickets
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Sounds of the Holidays
Experience the magic of the holiday season at 8,516 feet with the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Sounds of the Holidays. Starting December 4, the Mountain Station will echo with the beautiful melodies of high school choirs performing holiday favorites, continuing a cherished decades-long tradition. Visitors can enjoy these festive performances on select dates through December 15. This year’s lineup includes the Martin Luther King High School Choir on December 4, La Quinta High School Chamber Singers on December 5, and the Palm Springs High School Choir on December 8. Get tickets
Art + Thriving & Creating
The HIV+ Aging Research Project, in partnership with Stephen Baumbach Gallery, is hosting Art + Thriving & Creating, a special gallery event from December 2–28. This exhibit showcases the talent of artists living with HIV, highlighting their creativity and resilience. The event will include various activities, such as “Meet the Artists” sessions and a closing celebration. This event aims to promote awareness and support for individuals living with HIV while celebrating their artistic contributions. More info
The Marvelous Marilyn Maye
The Purple Room Supper Club presents The Marvelous Marilyn Maye on Thursday, Friday & Saturday, December 5–7. The toast of New York’s jazz and cabaret scene, Marilyn’s riding high from rave reviews of her sold-out Carnegie Hall performance with the New York Pops! (Dinner at 6, Show at 8 pm). Get tickets
“Mixed Feelings” at the Palm Springs Art Museum
The Palm Springs Art Museum’s “Mixed Feelings” series explores the intersection of art and science. On Thursday, December 5, “Sibling Worlds & The Art of Laddie John Dill” will present Stephen Kane, a Professor of Planetary Astrophysics at UC Riverside, alongside renowned artist Laddie John Dill. On Saturday, December 7, two events will take place: “Quantum Weirdness & The Art of Phillip K. Smith III” with Shanna Dobson, Assistant Professor of Mathematics at ArtCenter College of Design, and “Wave-Particle Duality & The Art of Jennifer West” with Dwight Whitaker, Biophysicist and Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Pomona College. Each event includes a reception followed by a thought-provoking program. Get tickets
Palm Springs International Film Festival General Sales Begin
The 36th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival, running from January 2–13, 2025, is set to showcase over 150 films from more than 70 countries, including 68 premieres. Highlights of the festival include a special focus on Spain and screenings of classic works by Pedro Almodóvar. Early ticket access for members is available starting November 26, with general sales beginning December 2. Attendees can pick up the festival program at local distributors like SHAG the Store, Riviera Palm Springs, and Los Arboles Hotel. With tickets selling out quickly, film enthusiasts are encouraged to secure their passes early for an unforgettable celebration of cinema. More info
Wildlights at The Living Desert
WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens is back, open select nights through December 30! WildLights invites guests to see the Zoo in a whole new light: This year’s event features an enhanced light design with three million lights throughout the park, live nightly entertainment, Instagram-worthy festive photo ops, delectable wintertime treats, and much more. Enjoy the unique experience of seeing the Zoo at night as you take an enchanting stroll through the African Safari section of the Zoo, where in addition to the lights, you may see some of Africa’s most iconic animals, such as the rhino, giraffe, zebra, and African painted dogs. Get tickets
Mary Poppins
Palm Canyon Theatre presents Mary Poppins, playing through December 22. This musical invites us to London, England in 1910 where the magical Mary Poppins flies in on the wind, bringing with her a combination of whimsy and disciplined common sense to the Banks children’s lives. Together, they go on many fantastical and memorable adventures. Mary Poppins teaches all ages that “anything can happen if you let it.” Get tickets
Magic of Lights
Magic of Lights, a unique and dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience, runs daily through December 29 (Sun–Thurs 5:30–9 pm / Fri–Sat 5:30–10 pm), bigger and brighter than ever with more than a mile of spectacular light displays at the Empire Polo Club. Don’t miss the larger-than-life sparkling Holiday Barbie™ display, the supersized Bigfoot® Monster Truck, and life-sized dinosaurs of Prehistoric Christmas, with favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season depicted with the latest LED technology and digital animations. Get tickets
ALSO THIS WEEK
Wednesday, December 4
December Art Walk at Kee Gallery | 5–7 pm at Backstreet Art District
Fa La La…Fabulous Holiday Concert by the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus | 7 pm at the Center for Spiritual Living
Jews Do the Blues – A Benefit for Or Hamidbar | 7 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
Thursday, December 5
McCallum Theatre Annual Gala 2024 | 6–10 pm at the McCallum Theatre
Joie De Vivre Cabaret with Chloe Perrier and Mark Kopitzke | 7 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
Friday, December 6
Palm Springs Walk of the Stars Honors Dr. Charles Supple | 3–4 pm in Downtown PS
Holiday Banner Awards and Tree Lighting | 4–5:30 pm at Frances Stevens Park
Celebrate the Season: Tree Lighting, Concert, Snowfall | 4–7 pm at The Gardens on El Paseo
Winter Wonderland Public Skate | 6:15–7:45 pm at Berger Foundation Iceplex at Acrisure Arena
Country Dance Fridays: All I Want For Xmas Line Dance with Andrew Jimenez | 7 pm at Step by Step
Saturday, December 7
Desert Film Society Screening: The Successor (France) | 10 am at Palm Springs Cultural Center
First-Ever Tour of the Newly Restored Klein Residence | 2–4:30 pm in Rancho Mirage
SNUG by Terrence Payne Art Show Opening | 5–8 pm at Rubine Red Gallery
Broadway’s Best in the West: Hugh Panaro | 7 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center
Sarah Brightman: A Christmas Symphony | 8 pm at Fantasy Springs
Sunday, December 8
Svetlana Smolina (pianist) | 2 pm at Richards Center for the Arts
REO Speedwagon | 8 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage
