Gay Desert Guide: Week of May 5, 2025

When I started Gay Desert Guide, the Desert Business Association was one of the first organizations I partnered with. As one of the nation’s oldest LGBTQ+ chambers of commerce, DBA has led the way in helping businesses grow.

I was awarded DBA Business of the Year and Businessperson of the year on two separate occasions, and I can still remember how much those award meant to me at the time — and still do today. Tonight’s DBA Impact Awards recognize a new year of honorees.

We have many non-profits that benefit our community, but only one organization which is chartered differently with the expressed purpose of assisting businesses — DBA. What I have watched is dedicated board members and leadership find ways to help like-minded businesses get started, grow and thrive.

Veterans of the organization can point to numerous people who came to a mixer with an idea a just-launched new business. They came way with new resources and potential customers. Even competing businesses help each other within the DBA.

Tonight’s Business Person of the Year award will go to Bob Smiland, owner of Desert Hand Car Wash. Bob was the motivation behind our “Palm Springs ❤️ Canada” campaign and is well-deserving of the honor.

According to The Washington Post, “…Smiland and Keith McCormick, who owns a Palm Springs car-auction company, suggested that Mayor Ron deHarte lead a citywide campaign to support Canadians. So on April 4, city maintenance workers hung 40 banners on Palm Canyon Drive, and the city designed digital billboards for Palm Springs International Airport.”

We’ve seen the international coverage those signs have generated. While press doesn’t equate to making up for lost revenue, Desert Hand Car Wash is just one of hundreds of businesses in DBA that deserve your support. At Gay Desert Guide, we flag DBA members on our business directory in a long-standing partnership.

Please join me in supporting and congratulating our DBA Impact Award winners listed in today’s blog, including our men in blue from the Palm Springs Police Department.

Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs

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MON: DBA Impact Awards

Celebrate excellence at the 2025 Desert Business Association Impact Awards on Monday, May 5 from 5–9 pm at the Palm Springs Convention Center. This prestigious event honors outstanding contributions across various categories:

Business of the Year: Stonewall Gardens Assisted Living
Business Person of the Year: Bob Smiland, Desert Hand Car Wash
Outstanding Community Service Organization: Dinner with Patsi
Outstanding Community Service Leader: Palm Springs Police Department – All Officers and Staff
Legacy Award: Lisa Middleton, Former Palm Springs Mayor and Council Member

Additionally, the event supports Youth Educational Scholarships through Safe Schools Desert Cities. Get tickets

MON: Cinco de Mayo at Agua Caliente

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Agua Caliente Casinos on Monday, May 5. Enjoy roaming mariachi bands, live DJs (3 pm–8 pm), delicious and specialty cocktails at 360 Sports, Waters Café (Rancho Mirage), Café One Eleven, and Agave Caliente (Cathedral City), with 50% off happy hour drinks. More info

TUE: HARP Positive Life Series: CROI Conference Update

On Tuesday, May 6, from 6–8 pm, the Palm Springs Cultural Center/Camelot Theatre will host the HARP Positive Life Series: CROI Conference Update, featuring Cathy Chien from Gilead. This free event presents key insights from the latest CROI Conference, spotlighting groundbreaking developments in health and positive living. More info

WED: Rock the Park: L.A Vation U2 Tribute

It’s the ultimate tribute to U2 as Rock the Park presents L.A.Vation on Wednesday, May 7 from 7–8:30 pm at Palm Springs Downtown Park. Enjoy a free, electrifying outdoor concert featuring all the iconic hits and sounds of U2, brought to life by this talented band! Their dedication to faithfully recreating U2’s music and spirit has earned them the title of “The World’s Greatest Tribute to U2.” More info

WED: The Problem with Pink

Discover the captivating US premiere of The Problem with Pink at the McCallum Theatre on Wednesday, May 7 at 7 pm. This exhilarating 55-minute dance drama, suitable for ages 6 and up, uses stunning visuals and expressive performances to explore themes of friendship, identity, and the impact of stereotypes. Join Alix, Sasha, Lou, and Noa on their imaginative journey as the color pink becomes a symbol of societal judgment, testing their bonds and reshaping their world. Get tickets

THU: Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast

Join the inspiring 2025 Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Thursday, May 8 from 8:30 am–10:30 am. This meaningful event celebrates the legacy of Harvey Milk while supporting LGBTQ+ programs in the Coachella Valley. Highlights include the coffee networking hour, followed by the breakfast and program honoring Holly Near with the Harvey Milk Legacy Award and Toni Atkins with the Harvey Milk Leadership Award. Get tickets

THU-SAT: The Marvelous Marilyn Maye

The legendary Marilyn Maye returns to The Purple Room for three spectacular nights—Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, May 8–10, with dinner at 6 pm and show at 8 pm. Marilyn brings her signature charm, powerhouse vocals, and decades of show-stopping artistry to Palm Springs. Don’t miss this rare chance to experience one of America’s most celebrated cabaret icons live. And on Sunday night: it’s Purple Room favorite The Judy Show! Get tickets

THU-SUN: Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival

The Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival returns to Palm Springs Cultural Center May 8–11, bringing a stellar lineup of classic and rare noir films to the big screen. This year’s program features beloved stars like Errol Flynn, Barbara Stanwyck, and Marlon Brando, alongside hard-to-find cinematic gems. Special guests, including Rory Flynn, Eddie Muller, and Guillermo del Toro, add to the festival’s allure, making it a must-attend event for cinephiles. Get tickets

CLOSING SOON: Desert X

Time is short with just one week left to explore the fifth edition of Desert X in the Coachella Valley, now through Sunday, May 11. This outdoor art exhibition features installations across several valley cities. Check out descriptions of all the pieces and photos from the installations [here]. The Desert X 2025 Hub is hosted at the Thompson Palm Springs Friday from 2–5 pm and Saturday & Sunday from 10 am–5 pm. Plus, this weekend: on Saturday, May 10, the Annenberg Theater at Palm Springs Art Museum hosts a series of engaging events, including a conversation with architect Ronald Rael at 11 am, screenings of G.H.O.S.T. Ride by Cannupa Hanska Luger at 12 pm, and Desert X Art Club Student Films at 12:30 pm. More info

FRI: Sunnylands’ Films in the Gardens

Enjoy cinematic magic under the stars at Sunnylands’ Films in the Gardens, continuing in May with two exciting outdoor screenings! Catch Hook on Friday, May 9, followed by The Goonies on May 16. Gates open at 6 pm, with movies starting at 7:30 pm. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and small picnics for a cozy movie night. More info

THEATRE

The Inheritance Part I

Experience the powerful storytelling of The Inheritance, presented by THE BENT at the Palm Springs Cultural Center from May 9–26. This award-winning play by Matthew Lopez delves into the lives of three generations of gay men navigating love, loss, and identity in a changing America. Directed by Steve Rosenbaum and inspired by E.M. Forster’s Howards End, the performance promises an unforgettable evening of drama and reflection. Get tickets

Forever Plaid

Step into a musical time warp with Forever Plaid at Palm Canyon Theatre, running May 9–18! This charming, nostalgia-filled production follows the Plaids as they return from the afterlife for one last shot at musical glory, blending witty banter and flawless harmonies with beloved hits from the 1950s. Don’t miss this delightful journey into classic doo-wop and heartfelt storytelling. Get tickets