Gay Desert Guide Weekend: Apr 18-20, 2025

Saint or sinner? This Sunday you pick your side in a variety of ways in #ILoveGayPalmSprings. On the “saint” side is traditional Christian Easter and the end of Passover on the Jewish calendar.

On the “sinner” side, it’s 4/20 day on Sunday and the last day of Coachella Weekend 2. There will be our typical cadre of drag brunches on Sunday with some decidedly Easter themes and gawd awful takes on the religious holiday.

And then there’s the in between: One of my favorite Easter traditions on Arenas is the annual Easter Bonnet and Costume contest at Streetbar. While the event has evolved since the days of Dick Haskamp owning the bar, it’s still a sight to see: Dozens of men in some of the most outrageous hats that were smuggled from Aunt Bea’s closet or found at a thrift store. While no one ever found religion at a bar, this event is worth observing even if from one of the other patios at Dick’s, Chill, Hunters or Blackbook.

There are plenty of brunch options at our local restaurants as well. But the big opportunity for a meal will be Thursday’s Dining Out For Life, sponsored by dap Health. Make your reservations or just plan on at least one meal at a participating eatery.

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

Easter Sunday

There’s a diverse array of Easter celebrations on Sunday, April 20, from Sunrise Service at Palm Springs Aerial Tramway from 4:30–7:30 am to “Vanity’s Gospel Brunch: Easter Eleganza” with Vanity Halston at one eleven bar starting at 11 am. Streetbar will host their Easter Bonnet & Costume Contest from 2 pm with prize-winning opportunities. Award-winning country star Ty Herndon will host an Easter Bonnet Brunch at 11 am at The Roost, benefiting Voices for Children. Additionally, the JW Marriott Desert Springs will be hosting their Easter Brunch from 10 am–5:30 pm and Lulu California Bistro’s Easter Brunch is a festive 3-course celebration from 9 am–3 pm. More info

Celebrate 4/20

This Sunday, April 20, you can mark “420 Day” with the high heels + high hair drag show at one eleven bar. Starting at 8 pm, the event features performances by Vanity Halston, Norma Lee High, Dani Kay, and Veronica Halston, promising an entertaining and festive atmosphere [More info]. For those interested in exploring cannabis-related offers, check local dispensaries such as Reefer Madness, and Double Eye Dispensary is providing free health & wellness gift bags with purchase plus on-site consumption, and chill vibes all day!

Coachella Weekend 2

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival returns to the Empire Polo Club in Indio for its second weekend, April 18–20. Lady Gaga takes the spotlight with a can’t-miss headliner performance Friday night after 11 pm, leading a stellar lineup including Green Day, Post Malone, Megan Thee Stallion, Charli XCX, MARINA, Benson Boone, Missy Elliott and dozens more. Coachella offers something for everyone! Catch the excitement in person or via the Official Coachella LIvestream, as over 125,000 attendees celebrate this iconic festival. Get tickets

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

Unlimited: A Wickedly Wonderful Celebration of Oz

Immerse yourself in the magic of Oz at Unlimited: A Wickedly Wonderful Celebration of Oz, happening Saturday, April 19 from 5:30–9 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. This enchanting fundraiser features a big-screen concert experience with selections from The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz, and Wicked, performed by local talent and Broadway star Julie Garnyé. Enjoy a festive pre-show party with Oz-themed cocktails, photo ops, and a Build-A-Wand craft station, while supporting the Cultural Center’s mission. Get tickets

Picnic in the Park with Desert Stonewall Democrats

Take a well-deserved break with Desert Stonewall Democrats at Picnic in the Park on Saturday, April 19 from 11 am–2 pm at Ruth Hardy Park in Palm Springs. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the sunshine with fellow Democrats, featuring hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, and drinks provided. Guests are encouraged to bring a favorite side dish, dessert, or beverage to share. Celebrate community and camaraderie in this guaranteed good time! More info

Self-Advocacy in Healthcare

The HIV+ Aging Research Project (HARP) is presenting a “Self-Advocacy in Healthcare” conference in Palm Springs on Saturday, April 19 from 9 am–3 pm at the Mizell Center. This free half-day symposium aims to help both HARP clients and the wider community navigate the medical system effectively. The event will feature community leaders and experts in the field, covering topics related to self-advocacy, insurance, and providers. More info

Desert X

We have great weather this weekend to explore the fifth edition of Desert X in the Coachella Valley, on display now through May 11. This outdoor art exhibition features 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

THEATRE

Falsettos

Experience the powerful and poignant musical drama Falsettos, presented by Dezart Performs from April 18–27. This Tony Award-winning masterpiece by William Finn and James Lapine explores the complexities of love, family, and relationships with humor and heartache. Following Marvin as he navigates life after leaving his wife and son for his lover Whizzer, the story delves into themes of growth, acceptance, and resilience, set against the backdrop of baseball, bar mitzvahs, and the AIDS crisis. Get tickets

Beyond Therapy

Join Desert Ensemble Theatre for Beyond Therapy, running April 18–27. This witty 1981 comedy follows Bruce and Prudence, two neurotic urbanites navigating the chaos of modern romance with the dubious guidance of their eccentric therapists. Packed with unexpected twists and laugh-out-loud surprises, Christopher Durang’s play offers a hilariously unpredictable exploration of love and sanity. Get tickets

PLUNGE with PSLOD

Dive into the fun at PLUNGE 2025, hosted by PS Leather Order of the Desert, on Sunday, April 20 from 12–5 pm at the CCBC Resort in Cathedral City. DJ Decker McGuire will provide the perfect soundtrack for this lively pool party, where you can reconnect with old friends or meet new ones in this welcoming and playful outdoor setting. Pre-Register

An Evening with Yuko Mabuchi: Jazz, Wine, and Music Education

Join the Sunset Music & Education Foundation for an enchanting evening with jazz piano virtuoso Yuko Mabuchi on Saturday, April 19 from 5–7 pm. Hosted at an exclusive private residence, this intimate event features gourmet bites, fine wines, and live jazz, alongside performances by rising SMARTS students. Proceeds support music education, providing instruments and scholarships to young musicians. Get tickets

Sunnylands Celebrates Earth Day

Celebrate Earth Day 2025 with a free Family Day at Sunnylands Center & Gardens on Sunday, April 20, from 9 am–2 pm. Guests of all ages can explore the desert’s beauty through fun activities highlighting native plants, wildlife, and art materials found in nature. Admission and parking are free, making it a perfect way to connect with the Coachella Valley’s ecosystems and celebrate our planet. More info