And so it begins! “Season” as we call it. And the Gay Desert Guide events calendar is chocked full of things to do from now until the cows come home.
I’m part of the #ILoveGayPalmSprings contingent in Osaka, Japan, for the IGLTA (International LGBTQ Travel Association) conference this week. Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein is attending because the conference comes to Greater Palm Springs next October. Our destination is going to be in the spotlight with LGBTQ+ travel and tourism professionals, showing off our wonderful Coachella Valley to the world!
This weekend there’s a confluence of Tiki Modernists and Tom of Finland men. Not to mention PSLOD’s Leather Pride, and Halloween on Arenas. There’s no shortage of things to keep your mind off the election at hand. Of course, it’s vital that everyone vote. But I’ll be glad when it’s over so we can hopefully count on a peaceful transition of power.
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!
#ILoveGayPalmSprings #ILoveGayCatCity #ILoveGayTravel #ILoveGay #SayKGAY #FindYourOasis
Desert Hand Car Wash Fundraiser for PSPOA
Join the Palm Springs Police Officers Association (PSPOA) for a Desert Hand Car Wash Fundraiser on Tuesday, October 22 from 7 am–5 pm. Enjoy a day of fun, food, music, and drinks while supporting a great cause. KGAY’s John Taylor will be Out and About on-site from 10 am–Noon, drop by and say hi! 50% of all proceeds will be donated to the PSPOA to support fallen first responders and citizens in need. Come show your support and have a blast! More info
Made at TOM House at Artworks Gallery
Discover emerging LGBTQ+ artists at the Tom of Finland Foundation’s pop-up exhibition, Made at TOM House. This showcase features new and recent artworks by fourteen international young artists from the Foundation’s Artist-in-Residence Program. Come for the opening reception on Wednesday, October 23 from 4–8 pm, featuring a special Out and About appearance by John Taylor from 4–6 pm. More info
At both of the above KGAY Out and About events, stop by and Enter to WIN your choice of European cruises, either this winter or next summer, from BearCruise.com! You can also enter to win at the KGAY Desert Guide booth at Palm Springs Pride, near the Main Stage at the festival, Fri–Sun, Nov 1–3!
DBA Networking Mixer at Coachella Valley Volkswagen
The Desert Business Association’s Networking Mixer will take place on Monday, October 21 at 5:30 pm, hosted by Coachella Valley Volkswagen in Cathedral City. As a certified Volkswagen dealer, they offer a solid selection of new and pre-owned vehicles, and their commitment to customer satisfaction extends beyond sales with a professional team of technicians equipped to handle maintenance, repairs, and provide authentic parts. Join this event for an excellent networking opportunity in a community-oriented atmosphere! More info
Palm Springs Speaks: Donna Brazile
The Friends of the Palm Springs Library’s Palm Springs Speaks series presents Donna Brazile on Tuesday, October 22, at 7 pm at the Richards Center for the Arts. Brazile has devoted her life to working for progressive change, responsible governance, and the advancement of all people in a society that is fair and equitable. She has worked on every major presidential campaign since 1976, and in 2000 Ms. Brazile became the first Black woman to serve as the manager of a major party presidential campaign, running the campaign of former Vice President Al Gore. Brazile has also twice served as the interim Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Get tickets
The Center Social – October
The LGBTQ+ Community Center of the Desert invites you to their monthly Center Social on Wednesday, October 23, from 5:30–7 pm at the Hyatt Palm Springs. Enjoy drinks, conversation, and a chance to connect with other LGBTQ+ individuals in the community. This month’s social is sponsored by the Coachella Valley Independent. More info
Desert Modernism 101
Discover the architectural history of Via Lola, Palm Springs’ most famous street. Join Jade Thomas Nelson for a 45-minute presentation on Wednesday, October 23 at 6 pm at the Palm Springs Library. This audiovisual lecture explores the work of renowned architects and notable residents who have shaped Via Lola’s landscape over the past century. More info
Modernism Week – October
Modernism Week October is a four-day celebration of mid-century modern architecture, design, and culture, Thursday–Sunday, October 24–27. This popular event offers a variety of activities, including architectural tours, lectures, art exhibitions, shopping, and special events, many of them free or low-cost. This year’s edition features new programs like “Escape into the World of Tiki!” and “Tiki Oasis: Desert Lanai 4 Cocktail Party & Home Tour,” offering immersive experiences into tiki culture and mid-century modern architecture. Additionally, visit Astro, the Modernism Week retro trailer, at the Launch Pad for information and snacks. Get tickets
Leather Pride 2024: Deeper than Ever
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of leather, kink, and community at Palm Springs Leather Pride 2024: Deeper than Ever. This year’s event, taking place Thursday–Sunday, October 24–27, features a diverse lineup of events designed to cater to a wide range of interests. From panel discussions and parties to dungeon play and a victory beer bust, there’s something for everyone. Check out our event listing for posters and details on all events: Get tickets
Two Toms: A Panel Discussion and Presentation
“Two Toms” is an intimate conversation with Durk Dehner, Tom of Finland Foundation President & Cofounder, and Tom Bianchi, legendary photographer and Palm Springs resident, moderated by Richard Villani, Foundation Creative Director, on Thursday, October 24 from 4:30–7 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Discover the lasting legacy of Tom of Finland and his influence on LGBTQ+ culture. Enjoy opening remarks from Edward Cella, Foundation Chief Executive Officer, and explore an exhibition of original Tom of Finland artwork. Get tickets
Desert Candlelight Concert: Rebecca Clark Tribute to Barbra Streisand
Rebecca Clark is set to honor the legendary Barbra Streisand in “Hello Gorgeous!,” a stunning tribute concert to kick off the Desert Candlelight Concert series on Wednesday, October 23 at 6 pm at Mary Pickford Theatre. With her powerful voice and heartfelt performance, Clark will bring Streisand’s iconic hits to life, celebrating the songs that turned Streisand into a musical legend. Get tickets
