World Cup fever has struck even me. I still don’t understand the game of ‘soccer’ well, even after years of casual viewing games and attending a few over my lifetime.
A Brazilian friend of mine — who knows the game as football — gave me a few pointers as we were watching Portugal vs. Croatia. (Yes, two teams I would never think of watching became a shared experience at the bar!)
I questioned the extra time given after regulation 90 minutes. Come to find out, he didn’t even have it right. But now I know — it’s two 15 minute halves when there is a tie. But the confusing part is the time given for “stoppage”. One of the refs keeps track of that and adds minutes to the clock at the end.
I do understand pop music and Shakira will be performing during halftime of the World Cup Final on July 19th in New York/New Jersey. Her anthem “Dai Dai” will highlight the show and Madonna will also share the stage. But more importantly she is donating proceeds from the song to help children affected by the recent Venezuelan earthquakes. FIFA’s Global Education Fund will dedicate money to support them getting back into schools.
We’ve recently been warned that our fault lines are under tremendous stress — making “The Big One” long overdue. After seeing the devastation of the twin quakes that rocked Venezuela, it certainly gives me pause. And hopefully it’s a wakeup call for us to be better prepared here in SoCal.
Question is: Will Madonna come to our rescue in the LGBTQ community after a big quake? Maybe she’ll establish a fund for our drag queens to replace their lost lashes and wigs? Or throw a benefit for rebuilding Club 541? Hopefully our fault lines will let off steam more gradually with smaller quakes, or it will happen long after I’m gone.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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TUE: Robert Yacko / Summer Cabaret Series at CVRep
Robert Yacko takes the stage at CVRep on Tuesday, July 7 at 7:30 pm, offering an intimate cabaret experience filled with music and storytelling. The performance is part of CVRep’s ongoing Summer Cabaret Series, showcasing artists who bring distinctive musical perspectives to this one‑night‑only format. More info
THU: The Lofts Art Walk
The Lofts Art Walk invites guests to explore The Lofts Art District on Thursday, July 9 from 4–7 pm, offering access to eight galleries and working studios in Palm Springs. The monthly walk highlights a wide range of artistic styles, from geometric abstraction and screen printing to hyper‑surrealism and mixed media. Visitors can meet artists, browse new works, and experience the creative energy of this vibrant district. More info
THU: Emily Skinner / Summer Cabaret Series at CVRep
Emily Skinner brings Broadway‑level talent to CVRep on Thursday, July 9 at 7:30 pm. Featuring Emily Skinner, this one‑night‑only cabaret performance continues CVRep’s Summer Cabaret Series, where each artist offers a unique blend of music and storytelling. More info
ALSO THIS WEEK
- Free: Learn to Meditate
- Learn the basics of meditation and how to integrate these practices into everyday activities during this monthly class. This free session is held Monday from 12–12:30 pm at the Cathedral City Library. Simply Meditate is also held is held Tuesday–Thursday from 12–12:30 pm at the Dharmachakra Kadampa Buddhist Center.
- Thursday Night – Villagefest
- Well-known street fair brings local valley businesses together to celebrate food, art, and shopping in one location on Thursday from 7–10 pm, with a variety of entertainment, resources, and items for sale.
- Making Porn / Prism Theater
- Ronnie Larsen’s hit comedy Making Porn runs Thursday–Saturday at Prism Theater through August 2. The play follows a struggling actor on a chaotic gay adult film shoot filled with backstage disasters and mayhem. This production is rated R for language and sexual content.
- Dance Ranch / Country Dance Saturdays
- Country western dance group welcomes all levels for a night of two-step, waltz, and line dancing on Saturday from 7–9:30 pm at Step by Step Dance Studio. Jan Alden will teach a Beginner Two-Step lesson starting at 7 pm.
- The Book of Merman / Prism Theater
- A musical comedy from Prism Theater featuring missionaries and Broadway’s legendary diva, this production of The Book of Merman runs Saturday–Sunday at Prism Theater through July 26.
- From Struggle to Strength
- This meditation course teaches participants how to respond to life’s challenges with patience, love, and clarity. The session, titled “Be Open to Connection,” is held Sunday from 10–11:30 am at the Dharmachakra Kadampa Buddhist Center. Everyone is welcome and no prior meditation experience is needed.
ONGOING EVENTS
- TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY • Palm Springs Power Baseball: Summer League 2026 at 7 pm: Watch collegiate ball at Palm Springs Stadium featuring $3 draft beers on Tuesdays, $6 margaritas on Wednesdays, and free admission for kids twelve and under on Saturdays. Palm Springs Power Summer League runs through Friday, July 17, so just two weeks left!
- ALL WEEK • A Queer Arcana: Art, Magic, and Spirit: Explore how magic and spirituality have shaped queer culture through the works of intergenerational artists showcased at the Palm Springs Art Museum.
SAY KGAY to Save on Rivalry Merch
Ride the Heated Rivalry wave with a fresh batch of themed T‑shirts now available through the Pride Store. Some designs rep your favorite fictional teams from the show, while others turn up the temperature with bolder, more provocative takes. Pick your style, show your fandom, and save 10% storewide at checkout with promo code SAYKGAY – Shop Now
Summer 2026 Visitor Map & Guide – FREE!
Check out the Summer 2026 edition of the K‑Gay Desert Guide Visitor Map & Guide! To help you find everything you need as a visitor or local, we feature the top places for Food & Drink, Nightlife, Shopping, Attractions, Gay Resorts with passes, Dispensaries, and other services, all curated to make exploring the valley even easier. Look for the latest edition at businesses and newsstands around town, as well as at hotels, visitor centers, and participating sponsors, or view it online.
THIS WEEKEND
SAT: ALL OUT – A 90s Queer Kickback Summer Dance Party
The Center’s ALL OUT: A 90s Queer Kickback Summer Dance Party lights up Studio 4707 on Saturday, July 11 from 7–10 pm, bringing a full‑on ’90s celebration packed with retro club hits from Flaco the DJ, live dancers, and plenty of queer joy. This annual summer party blends nostalgia with community spirit, inviting guests to relive the era of dance floors, divas, and unforgettable nights out. Attendees enjoy small bites, one drink ticket, and the good feelings of supporting The Center’s programs connecting LGBTQ+ people to resources and one another. More info
Wanderlust Food Truck Festival at Sunrise Park
The Wanderlust Food Truck Festival transforms Sunrise Park into a lively outdoor gathering on Saturday, July 11 from 5–10 pm. With more than twenty rotating food trucks and local vendors, the festival offers gourmet street food, comfort favorites, desserts, and globally inspired dishes. Guests can enjoy lawn games, open seating, and a relaxed community atmosphere designed for lingering and connecting. More info
