Gay Desert Guide Weekend: Apr 11-13, 2025

Shelter in Place! That will be the mantra for some of our locals over the next three weekends as the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and its country-bumpkin cousin, Stagecoach, invade the valley.

I’ve attended each only once and the festival grounds are certainly not for the faint of heart. Sounding all of my 66 years of age, it is unquestionably designed for the younger generations. Case in point: the poster announcing all the bands. The acts we might know from hearing on KGAY or remembering from our younger days are in big type…so we can read their names. The others — disregard. You’ve never heard a note.

I’m certainly not advocating that we stay home while the festivals rage on. In fact, sometimes it opens up opportunities to enjoy some of our outdoor attractions, al fresco dining at our restaurants, shopping (especially in the afternoon), or a cocktail on the patio of an Arenas bar.

Temps cool down a bit after today. But it’s still good pool party weather or just a great weekend to catch up on projects. And for those who want to venture out, we’ve got your guide to it all below. That’s why I’m your “Gay Desert Guide”!

Last piece of advice: Avoid the beer and hard seltzer aisles in the stores at any cost. You’ll be mowed down in a heartbeat by The Hydrated and Highly Filtered infiltrators.

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!
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Coachella

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (aka “Coachella”) returns to the Empire Polo Club in Indio for two weekends, April 11–13 and April 18–20. Headliners Lady Gaga, Green Day, and Post Malone lead an incredible lineup that also includes Megan Thee Stallion, Charli XCX, Ed Sheeran, Weezer, Benson Boone and Missy Elliott among dozens of others. With performances spanning multiple genres and stages, the festival promises something for every music lover. Attendees can also explore immersive art installations, interactive activities, and unique culinary experiences. You can also enjoy the festival anywhere with the Official Coachella LIvestream on YouTube. Over 125,000 attendees are expected to join this world-famous celebration of music, art, and culture! Get tickets (Yes, they are still available!)

Looking to connect with our tribe at the festival? Try #gaysofcoachella on social media: Instagram & Facebook

World Art Day Festival

Celebrate creativity and community at the World Art Day Festival on Saturday, April 12 from 10 am–2 pm at Downtown Park Palm Springs. This free, family-friendly event honors diversity and inclusion through the arts, featuring live entertainment, interactive art projects, hands-on activities, artist demos, and more. Explore a student art gallery, enjoy food vendors, and watch captivating performances in a joyful, welcoming atmosphere. More info

Hairspray

Desert Theatricals presents Hairspray at the Rancho Mirage Amphitheatre from Friday, April 11–Sunday, April 13. This eight-time Tony Award-winning musical is packed with laughter, romance, and catchy tunes, following Tracy Turnblad’s journey from an outcast teen to a star on the “Corny Collins Show” in 1962 Baltimore. With a mission to win hearts, challenge norms, and integrate a TV network, Tracy’s story is a delightful celebration of change, resilience, and rhythm. Get tickets

House Party PS: Lights! Camera! Action!

Step into Hollywood’s golden age at House Party PS: Lights! Camera! Action! on Saturday, April 12 from 5–8 pm in the elegant Deepwell neighborhood of Palm Springs. Hosted by the Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation alongside Michael Norpell and Bryan Fisher, this cocktail soirée features dazzling entertainment, including singer/songwriter Spencer Day, singer/actress Kim Schroeder Long, and a Marilyn Monroe impersonator, all emceed by the fabulous Bella da Ball. Enjoy wine, cocktails, and appetizers from F/10 Catering as you mix and mingle under the desert stars. Get tickets

Broadway’s Brightest: Leslie Odom, Jr.

The Broadway’s Brightest Stars series at the McCallum Theatre wraps up on Saturday, April 12 at 8 pm when Leslie Odom, Jr., best known for his Tony- and Grammy-winning role as Aaron Burr in Hamilton, delivers a remarkable performance featuring his signature blend of Broadway classics and original music. Get tickets

Cocktails on the Page at Piazza di Liberace

Step back in time at Cocktails on the Page on Friday, April 11 from 5–7 pm at the historic Piazza di Liberace. Hosted by the Palm Springs Public Library Foundation, this elegant event features cocktails, light appetizers, and a special appearance by author Rufi Thorpe, who will discuss her latest novel, Margo’s Got Money Troubles. Each guest receives a copy of the book, which can be autographed at the event. Get tickets

Agua Caliente Celebrates 30 Years with Pat Benatar + Neil Giraldo

Agua Caliente Casinos celebrates 30 years of exceptional gaming in the Coachella Valley with performances across venues like The Show in Rancho Mirage, the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs, and the Agave Caliente Terraza in Cathedral City. Highlights include Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo live on Friday, April 11 at 8 pm in the outdoor space at Agua Caliente Palm Springs. With multi-platinum albums, Grammy wins, and iconic hits like “Love Is a Battlefield,” “We Belong,” and “Invincible” this legendary duo promises an electrifying night. Get tickets

The AIDS Quilt Songbook

The CSUSB Opera Theatre will present The AIDS Quilt Songbook at the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus on Friday, April 11 from 7–9 pm. This poignant production honors lives impacted by AIDS, weaving songs and poems that confront stigma while celebrating resilience and remembrance. Directed by Stacey Fraser with music direction by Alastair Edmonstone, the performance features newly composed works, choreography, and guest artists. Get tickets

Modern Men: The ’70s Show

Step back into the groovy sounds of the ’70s with Modern Men Coachella Valley Men’s Chorus as they present The ’70s Show at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Three sold out performances take place Friday, April 11 at 7 pm, Saturday, April 12 at 7 pm, and Sunday, April 13 at 3 pm. Audiences will enjoy nostalgic hits from The Carpenters, ABBA, James Taylor, Donna Summer, and more, celebrating the music that defined a decade. More info

Palm Springs International Piano Competition

From Friday, April 11–Monday, April 21, the Coachella Valley becomes the stage for the Palm Springs International Piano Competition, where 25 remarkable young pianists will compete for over $30,000 in prizes. Preliminary rounds at Temple Isaiah will showcase extraordinary talent, leading to the grand Concerto Finals at the McCallum Theatre on April 21. The stakes include the $10,000 Gold Medal prize, a recording with Yamaha Artist Services New York, and career-defining performance opportunities through 2025–27. Get tickets

THEATRE

The Diary of Anne Frank

Desert Theatreworks presents a powerful new adaptation of The Diary of Anne Frank at the Blackbox Theater, running April 4–13. This production weaves survivor accounts with excerpts from Anne Frank’s diary, presenting a modern, emotionally charged portrayal of the Nazi era. Set in a hidden attic where eight individuals seek refuge, this adaptation captures their daily struggles and celebrates Anne’s enduring message of resilience and hope. Get tickets

The Cake

Join The Bent Theatre Company for their production of The Cake from April 4–12, at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. This heartfelt and timely dramatic comedy, written by Tony-nominated playwright Bekah Brunstetter and directed by Kudra Wagner, tells the story of Della, a conservative North Carolina baker, who faces a moral dilemma when Jen, someone she loves like a daughter, asks her to bake a cake for her lesbian wedding. Get tickets

Desert X

Explore the fifth edition of Desert X in the Coachella Valley now through May 11. This outdoor art exhibition delves into the nonlinear narratives of time, with installations across several valley cities that reflect on the desert’s deep time evolutions and intertwine ancestral wisdom with contemporary visions. 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. Hub visitors can chat with knowledgeable volunteers, browse merchandise, and enjoy a meal or cocktail at Lola Rose before heading to the exhibition. Printed programs and field guides will be available for pickup at the Hub during open hours or at the front desk throughout the exhibition. Hub hours are Fridays from 2–5 pm and Saturday & Sunday from 10 am–5 pm. More info