Trepidation is “a feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen.” And 2025 will bring plenty of that! But before we turn the page on 2024, I wanted to finish up the year with our newly minted mission statement.
This came out of a number of online and in-person discussions with members of our community following the election. (Triggering trepidation.) We set out to find a way to make Gay Desert Guide’s directory, events listings and content align with our values as an LGBTQ-owned media company that has a responsibility to the community we serve.
What came out of this exercise was not only the following mission statement, but a review of our business practices for our listings directory and other content that you see. We’re most of the way through our review of business listings, and have already removed hundreds of listings we could not verify.
So as we move into a new year, we set forth our values and mission statement here. Your comments are welcome @GayDesertGuide on socials. Happy New Year! (with trepidation)
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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NEW YEAR’S EVE
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Greater Palm Springs with an array of fantastic events on Tuesday, December 31! Check out our roundup of local bar NYE events from Boozehounds, one eleven bar, Oscar’s, Toucans, V Lounge, Reforma, and Streetbar. Other exciting options include The Purple Room NYE and music and parties at the New Year’s Eve Extravaganza at Agua Caliente Casinos. And here’s The Desert Sun’s list of 15 local celebrations. More details on each below; there’s no excuse not to have plans!
Art in the Park in the Dark
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Art in the Park in the Dark on Tuesday, December 31 from 5–9 pm at Demuth Park. This highly anticipated event is a free, all-ages celebration featuring interactive glow art, illuminated bikes, live performance art, and spectacular laser shows. Come to the K-Gay Desert Guide Booth area for games! We will have glowy cornhole and badminton with LED shuttlecocks! You can play to earn an entry win tickets to upcoming concerts from Justin Timberlake and James Taylor! Designed to spark creativity and community, this festive evening promises fun for everyone. Come down to Mesquite Avenue and make your New Year’s Eve magical with art and glow! 🎨✨🎉 More info
New Year’s Eve at The Purple Room
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at The Purple Room Supper Club with three exciting seating options to suit every schedule: Come for a fabulous evening starting at 5 pm or 7:30 pm with the captivating Rose Mallet, accompanied by a delicious three-course dinner and an early New Year’s countdown. For the night owls, the glamorous Va Va Voom Sharon Sills will take over at 10 pm with her boys, offering a spectacular three-course dinner, party favors, and a champagne toast at midnight. Whether you join early or stay late, it’s the perfect way to ring in 2025. (Purple Room takes a break from Jan. 1 – 6). More info
New Year’s Eve at Double Eye Dispensary and Lounge feat. Daytime Moon
Light up your New Year’s Eve at Double Eye Dispensary & Lounge with a night full of groovy vibes, canna-cocktails, and live music by Daytime Moon. Starting at 8 pm, enjoy a celebration filled with food, fun, and fantastic tunes in the Double Eye Lounge. The first 30 guests receive a “2025 Survival Kit” gift bag, making the night even more special. Dispensary sales continue until 10 pm, but the party carries on through the midnight countdown and beyond. Whether you’re pre-gaming or staying all night, bring your crew or make new connections, everyone is welcome! More info
Agua Caliente Casinos New Year’s Eve Extravaganza
Celebrate New Year’s Eve across the Coachella Valley with Agua Caliente Casino’s Extravaganza: Festivities begin at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage with a Red Carpet Paparazzi Experience from 3–6 pm, followed by a concert featuring KC & The Sunshine Band at 8 pm and an after-party with No Limits. At Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City, enjoy a Rockin’ Party with DJ Alf Alpha and a delicious Prix Fixe Three-Course Meal. Finally, Downtown Palm Springs will host an Outdoor Block Party with live music from Liquid Blue and DJ Erineil, food trucks, roaming entertainment, and a Fireworks Extravaganza at midnight. More info
New Year’s Eve With the Firebirds
Ring in the New Year with the Coachella Valley Firebirds as they face off against the Colorado Eagles at 5 pm on New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, December 31. Celebrate the end of 2024 Firebirds style, with an unforgettable night featuring the largest indoor fireworks display in the Coachella Valley, courtesy of 1 Million Strong. Enjoy electrifying action on the ice and thrilling post-game festivities. Plus, don’t miss out on the light-up wand giveaway to make your evening even more spectacular. Get tickets
Palm Springs International Film Festival
The Palm Springs International Film Festival 2025 will be held from January 2–13 at multiple theaters across the valley. The festival will feature over 160 films from more than 70 countries; it’s a fantastic way to experience a diverse range of films from around the world, connect with filmmakers and stars, and immerse yourself in the year’s top offerings [Get tickets]. The super-glam Palm Springs International Film Awards take place on Friday, January 3 at the Palm Springs Convention Center. This star-studded event will honor outstanding achievements in film, with awards going to actors such as Ariana Grande, Adrien Brody, Timothée Chalamet, Ralph Fiennes, Isabella Rossellini and Angelina Jolie, among others. More info
For special live coverage of red carpet arrivals at the film awards, tune to News Channel 3 between 5–6:30 pm for updates and a full half-hour special “Live from the Red Carpet” airing from 5:30–6 pm on Friday, January 3. Learn more
ALSO THIS WEEK
Friday, December 27
Country Dance Fridays: Beginner Shadow with Rob Ollander-Krane | 7 pm at Step by Step
Saturday, December 28
Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market | 8 am–1 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center
