Is protesting the answer? As the assault on our LGBTQ+ community and our government continues, I am beginning to look at protests in a different light even with Monday’s National Day of Protest on the calendar.
We feel good about doing something in the wake of the new administration’s dismantling of trans and LGBTQ rights, DEI initiatives and most everything else we hold dear.
Our legislators were caught off guard it seems, but are now taking what little action they can being in the minority. In today’s Los Angeles Times Doyle McMcManus sums it up in his column that Democrats are finally waking up to the crisis.
He quotes Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Fremont), in Silicon Valley, “What we need is more storytelling. … We need real working-class and middle-class folks to explain how these illegal actions are hurting their families — what it means when Trump cuts off funding for children’s cancer research or school lunches or Head Start.” Or in our case, trans rights, women’s rights, funding cutoffs and DEI initiatives.
Those concrete examples of hardship are what could sway public opinion, according to McManus. It’s more than just a protest sign for the six o’clock news. So let’s make the case to Rep. Ken Calvert and others in Washington. We must also reach those who voted for these policies or worse yet didn’t vote at all. The clock is ticking toward the midterms.
Can we save Democracy in the meantime?
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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MONDAY: National Day of Protest
On Monday, February 17, the National Day of Protest will take place across all 50 states, coinciding with Presidents’ Day. In Palm Springs, the gathering will be at City Hall at 12 noon, organized locally by Courageous Resistance and Indivisible of the Desert. This nationwide demonstration aims to oppose the policies of the Trump Administration and advocate for government accountability and resistance against fascism. Participants are encouraged to gather, strategize, and engage in various forms of activism. The event underscores the collective power of grassroots movements in standing up for democracy and civil rights. More info
MONDAY: Sazerac Premium Bourbon Tasting
Join the Purple Room on Monday, February 17 from 6–8 pm for the Bourbon Bar Sazerac Premium Bourbon Tasting. Experience a curated bourbon journey with Casey Becker from Sazerac, featuring some of the most sought-after and hardest-to-find whiskies in the world. Enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and sip good bourbon with good company! Get tickets
MONDAY: Palm Springs Modernism Show
The Palm Springs Modernism Show wraps up Monday, February 17 from 10 am–4 pm at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Featuring 135 national and international exhibitors, this event showcases the best in midcentury and modern design, all available for purchase. There will also be a free Classic Car Show on Monday from 12 pm – 3 pm in front of the convention center. Get tickets
ALL WEEK: Modernism Week 2025
Modernism Week is underway, celebrating its 20th anniversary from February 13–23. This 11-day festival features over 500 events, including home tours of historic neighborhoods and the Palm Springs Signature Home Tour. Attendees can also look forward to double-decker bus tours, architectural walking, biking, and bus tours, visits to the Annenberg Estate at Sunnylands, a vintage trailer show, a classic car show, garden tours, and nightly parties. The festival will also include live presentations, historic films, and talks from experts, providing an in-depth exploration of modernist architecture. Many events are free or low-cost, ensuring everyone can experience the beauty and history of mid-century modern architecture. More info
Experience the heart of Modernism Week at CAMP (Community and Meeting Place), located at the Hyatt Palm Springs. This central hub offers a variety of activities, including daily talks, film screenings, and presentations in the Modernism Week Theater. Visitors can also enjoy the Modernism Week store by Destination PSP, all-day food and drinks, book signings, and engaging sponsor displays. Admission is FREE and also free at CAMP, you can pick up a hard copy of the Spring 2025 Edition of our KGAY Desert Guide Visitor Map & Guide!
Tour the Shag House
Experience life at the Shag House during Modernism Week with an immersive tour that will make you feel like you’ve climbed into a life-size Shag painting. Located on Compadre Road in Palm Springs, this unique event offers guided tours with an opportunity to step into the vibrant, retro world of Shag’s art and enjoy an unforgettable experience. Get tickets
MON, THU + WEEKEND Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival
The Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival runs through Sunday, March 2, (closed Mon/Tue/Wed, except Feb 17) at the fairgrounds in Indio. This beloved festival, celebrating the end of the annual date harvest, draws over 250,000 guests each February. Now in its 77th year, the event focuses on community and delicious date-themed treats, with highlights including a dedicated date-tasting booth featuring ‘Date Flights’ and over forty unique date items from various food vendors. Be sure to try the unique offerings like date al pastor tacos, date-topped cinnamon rolls, and the crowd-favorite date beer-battered corn dogs! More info
WEDNESDAY: The Center Women’s Social
Connect and unwind at The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert’s February Women’s Social on Wednesday, February 19 from 5:30–7 pm at Navigator, the restaurant at the Palm Springs Surf Club. Held every third Wednesday of the month at a different location, this event offers a great opportunity to make meaningful connections, form friendships, and enjoy a fun evening. Come join us and be part of a supportive and engaging community! More info
THURSDAY: Black Business Showcase
Join the Palm Springs Art Museum on Thursday, February 20 from 5:30–8 pm for A Black Business and Community Organization Showcase. Celebrate the impact of Black-owned businesses and their vital contributions to our economy. This Black History Month event will recognize and support Black-owned businesses, organizations, and community groups, offering a unique opportunity to connect with and uplift the vibrant Black community. More info
PERFORMING ARTS
Avenue Q
Revolution Stage Company presents Avenue Q from February 7–21. This Tony Award-winning musical brings its irreverent humor and quirky characters back to the RSC stage, offering a hilarious and touching look at the trials and triumphs of adulthood. Follow Princeton, a bright-eyed college grad, as he navigates life with his colorful neighbors, including Kate Monster, Rod, Nicky, and the unforgettable duo of Trekkie Monster and Lucy the Slut. With catchy songs like “It Sucks to Be Me” and “Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist,” this unique blend of puppetry and live actors explores love, friendship, and finding purpose. Get tickets
The Odd Couple (Female Version)
Desert Theatreworks presents Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple, reimagined to its female version, from February 14–March 2 at Blackbox Theater. Join Olive Madison and Florence Unger and their group of girlfriends for their weekly Trivial Pursuit night in Olive’s cluttered apartment. When freshly dumped Florence arrives, Olive invites her to move in, what could go wrong? Everything! Total opposites, Olive’s laid-back demeanor clashes with Florence’s neurotic cleanliness, putting their friendship to the test. Get tickets
This Week at the McCallum Theatre
This week at the McCallum Theatre, immerse yourself in a captivating lineup of performances. On Monday, February 17 at 7 pm, experience National Geographic Live – Penguins of Antarctica with Dr. Heather Lynch, an expert on Antarctic wildlife. Tuesday, February 18 at 7 pm features the Twyla Tharp Dance Company celebrating its 60th anniversary with extraordinary dance pieces. On Wednesday, February 19 at 7:30 pm, enjoy the London Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Sir Antonio Pappano, including Mahler’s Titan Symphony. Madama Butterfly graces the stage on Thursday, February 20 at 7 pm, bringing an operatic tale of love and betrayal. Finally, the weekend from February 21–23 is dedicated to the Tony and GRAMMY-winning musical Dear Evan Hansen, with multiple showtimes including Friday at 8 pm, Saturday at 2 pm and 8 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm and 7:30 pm. Get tickets
Honky Tonk Angels
Desert Theatreworks presents Honky Tonk Angels, a musical extravaganza, from February 1–March 30 at the Black Box Theatre. This lively show features three fearless women from diverse backgrounds chasing their dreams to Nashville. With 30 timeless country hits like “Stand By Your Man,” “9 to 5,” and “Harper Valley PTA,” this toe-tapping journey celebrates sisterhood, resilience, and the power of music. Get tickets
ALSO THIS WEEK
Tuesday, February 18
Friends of Prescott Preserve Founders Reception | 4–6 pm
Thursday, February 20
The Rammys Outstanding Business Awards 70th Anniversary | 5–8:30 pm at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage
Wine & Design benefiting Bridges to Hope | 5:30–7:30 at Mathis Home, Indio
Best Friends National Conference | Fri–Sat at the Palm Springs Convention Center
Friday, February 21
McCormick’s Collector Car Auction | Fri–Sun at the Palm Spring Convention Center
Animal Samaritans’ Yappy Hour at Boozehounds | 4–6 pm
Saturday, February 22
The Palm Springs School: A Symposium | 9 am–4:30 pm at the Palm Springs Art Museum
La Quinta Hot Rod & Custom Car Show | 10 am–3 pm at La Quinta Community Park
Moonlight Over the Tropics at Thunderbird Country Club | 5:30–10 pm
A Symphonic Odyssey – Coachella Valley Symphony | 5:30–7 pm at Rancho Mirage Amphitheatres
Country Dance Saturdays: Beginner Waltz with Jan Alden | 7 pm at Step by Step
Sunday, February 23
PS Concerts: Idyllwild Arts Academy | 2 pm at Richards Center for the Arts
