What was your favorite “No Kings Day” protest sign? I’d see one, snap a photo and think it was brilliant. Then another would pop up. And so it went here in the Coachella Valley and throughout the United States of America.
We rained on his parade.
Even in the brutal afternoon heat, over 5,000 came together in Palm Springs Downtown Park to hear a cacophony of speakers from across the spectrum – from trans service members to political activists. And the cherry on top was our own KGAY morning host John Taylor delivering a missive that sent the crowd off with just the right tone of hope and indignation.
Knowing that the media’ attention was on the over 2,000 protests, downtown Los Angeles and the tragic assassination of Minnesota lawmakers was kosmic karma in my book. Maya Angelou said it best: “Be a rainbow in somebody else’s cloud.”
We’ve experienced a larger than usual number of “unsubscribes” to our weekly Oasis Insiders Friday blog and newsletter. Some have complained that my blog was too political in nature. If you still want the lowdown on what’s happening, simply scroll beyond these missive and into the meat of the info we share and gather.
As long as
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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MON-FRI: Native American Arts Festival Week
Experience the Native American Arts Festival Week at Idyllwild Arts Campus, running Monday, June 16–Friday, June 20. This annual celebration showcases Indigenous artistry, culture, and storytelling, featuring three-time U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo, the Renegades of Art exhibition, the Michael Kabotie Lecture Series, and a special “Welcoming Home the Birds” event honoring Cahuilla and Serrano traditions. Enjoy panel discussions, music, dance, film screenings, and traditional cuisine. More info
TUE: Stonewall Democrats June Meeting
Stay informed and engaged at the Stonewall Democrats June Meeting on Tuesday, June 17 from 6–8 pm at the Mizell Center. Kick off the evening at 5:30 pm with a special Pride Month celebration, featuring appetizers and beverages, then dive into a critical discussion on legislative updates from guest speakers. Join in-person or via Zoom to connect, advocate, and take action for LGBTQ+ rights. More info
TUE & THU: CVRep Summer Cabaret Series
Get ready for the CVRep Summer Cabaret Series, kicking off this week! Enjoy an intimate evening of live performance every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 pm at CVRep in Cathedral City. The series begins with Glenn Rosenblum on Tuesday, June 17, followed by Sally Mayes on Thursday, June 19. Tickets are on sale now for this exciting series running through July 31. Get tickets
WED: The Center Women’s Social
Connect, unwind, and build community at The Center Women’s Social on Wednesday, June 18 from 5:30–7 pm at Grand Central Palm Springs. Join fellow women for an evening of friendship, conversation, and connection in a warm, welcoming space. This free monthly gathering is the perfect opportunity to meet new people and strengthen bonds. More info
STARTS WED: Tidal Wave Party – Camp Morning Wood
Dive into the ultimate summer escape at Tidal Wave 17: Camp Morning Wood, running June 18–22 at Hilton Palm Springs. This action-packed weekend features pool parties, dance events, bear-naked yoga, trivia, mixers, and more, all set in the heart of Palm Springs. From a dazzling Pitch the Perfect Tent Underwear Party to the Pride Glow Closing Dance, expect nonstop fun, connection, and celebration. Get tickets
Get ready to bare it all at the Official Tidal Wave (Naked) Excursion Party! From Thursday, June 19–Sunday, June 22 from 9 am–4 am, CCBC Resort is the ultimate spot for some clothing-optional fun in Palm Springs. Hosted by Western Xposure in partnership with Tidal Wave, this all-access pass lets you enjoy everything Tidal Wave has to offer—just with less clothing! Get tickets
THU-SUN: Juneteenth Freedom Weekend
Celebrate Juneteenth, honoring African American Independence Day, with an array of educational fun, cultural activities, food, and live entertainment in Palm Springs! The festivities kick off on Thursday, June 19 at 7 pm with the Juneteenth Kickoff at Village Fest in Downtown Palm Springs. Friday, June 20 features a Kings & Queens Pageant at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center at 5 pm, followed by a Concert in the Park, a tribute to Kool & the Gang, at Downtown Park at 7 pm. On Saturday, June 21, catch a screening of “Racist Trees” at the Palm Springs Art Museum at 2 pm and 6 pm, and join the Unity Picnic at Downtown Park at 5 pm. More info
THU: Juneteenth: The Fight for Freedom
Join the Sunset Music & Education Foundation for a powerful Juneteenth celebration at Oscar’s Downtown Palm Springs on Thursday, June 19 from 5–7 pm. This free event honors Juneteenth’s legacy and ongoing fight for racial equality, featuring a thought-provoking panel with leaders in media, education, and activism. Enjoy soulful music by Yve Evans & Friends with Richard Riley, storytelling by Sweet Baby J’ai, and an interactive “Boots on the Ground” dance led by the Coachella Valley Sistahs Network. More info
Pride Month Festivals & Parades
Pride Live! Hollywood takes center stage from June 11–29, with a month-long celebration of LGBTQ+ storytelling, exclusive screenings, lively conversations, rooftop parties, dance parties, and family-friendly events. Coming up: The 55th annual San Francisco Pride Celebration, themed “Queer Joy is Resistance” is June 28 & 29 at Civic Center, culminating in the renowned Pride Parade on Sunday, June 29 at 10 am. And next month, mark your calendars for San Diego Pride, San Diego’s biggest celebration of diversity and inclusion, at Balboa Park on July 19 & 20!
ALSO THIS WEEK
Monday, June 16
Monday Night Bingo with Bella da Ball | 7–9 pm at the Ace Hotel
Hot Spot Trivia with Deven & Ned | 7–8:30 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
Wednesday, June 18
Pulse of Progress: The State of Healthcare | 11:30 am–1:30 pm at Mission Hills Country Club
Hot Spot Bingo with Deven & Ned | 7–8:30 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City
Thursday, June 19
VillageFest Street Fair | 7–10 pm in Downtown Palm Springs
Carousel Live Retro Music | 7–8:30 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
Friday, June 20
Food Truck Fridays | 5–10 pm in Downtown Indio
Country Dance Saturdays: Beginner Two Step with Rob Ollander-Krane | 7 pm at Step by Step
Kathleen Madigan: The Day Drinking Tour | 8 pm at The Show
Saturday, June 21
Country Dance Saturdays: Beginner Waltz with Rob Ollander-Krane | 7 pm at Step by Step
Silversun Pickups | 8 pm at The Show
Sunday, June 22
Guided Hikes | 11 am & 1:30 pm at San Jacinto State Park (Tramway Mountain Station)
Family + at the Palm Springs Art Museum | 12–4 pm
Sunday Stomp Line Dancing | 6–10 pm at Reforma
