Gay Desert Guide Weekend: Dec 13-15, 2024

that person who runs Palm Springs Pride?” While Ron deHarte may have a German surname, he’s now our first openly gay Mexican American mayor of Palm Springs.

Ron and his husband Keith have been friends for many years. It grew out of working so closely on Palm Springs Pride. I misplaced and recently had recreated my Community Sponsor plaque that Gay Desert Guide received from Ron in 2013 when I first got started. The photo above is the actual one from that year — before my hair turned more gray than it is here!

While the mayor is mostly a symbolic position, we’ve seen true leadership from many a mayor when times were tough. Jeffrey Bernstein was such a person, most recently representing our city at a listening session for what’s ahead in the new Trump administration. Geoff Kors and Lisa Middleton also come to mind.

Now Ron deHarte will have his year at the helm as he deals with far ranging issues. On his agenda: potential political and social threats, budget concerns and playing host to the International LGBTQ Travel Association Conference (IGLTA) in Palm Springs next Fall.

Mark Talkington from The Palm Springs Post reported it best: “With his extensive experience, dedication to inclusivity, and thoughtful approach, those we spoke with said deHarte is well-prepared to take on the role of mayor and serve as a strong spokesperson for the city and its residents.”

Congratulations, Mayor Ron deHarte, and thank you for all you have done and will do for #ILoveGayPalmSprings!

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! P.S. Our KMEE 103.1 MeTV FM has gone “all holiday music”! Tune in!
#ILoveGayPalmSprings #ILoveGayCatCity #SayKGAY #FindYourOasis

Dick’s Holiday Toy Drive

Dicks Toy Drive 2024 Anita Treadmill copy

Beloved local figure Anita Treadmill is hosting a holiday toy drive on Friday, December 13, at Dick’s on Arenas in Palm Springs. The event will start at 5 pm and continue until Anita’s car is full of toys. The KGAY Desert Guide Volvo will be there so you can stuff us too! Attendees are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys for boys and girls of all ages. Cash donations are also welcome. Anita Treadmill and her Christmas Elves will also join DJ Galaxy at Oscar’s famous Sunday T-Dance this weekend, where they will be accepting toys to be distributed during Galaxy’s annual Christmas Meal Distribution. M ore info

A Very Merry-lyn Christmas

Experience the magic of “A Very Merry-lyn Christmas,” a new holiday tradition, this Friday–Sunday, December 13–15. This FREE nightly musical extravaganza, presented by Musical Theatre University, the Palm Springs Unified School District, and the City of Palm Springs, features special Broadway celebrity guest stars and the Musical Theatre University ensemble performing treasured holiday classics. The highlight of the evening is the lighting of “Forever Marilyn,” a dazzling 26-foot tall sculpture of Marilyn Monroe by Seward Johnson, set to sparkle in holiday lights. The festivities begin at 6 pm with the lighting ceremony at approximately 6:45 pm. More info

Low Dez Fest

Palm Springs Bottle Shop proudly presents the second annual Low Dez Fest, a groundbreaking beverage festival celebrating diversity and inclusion in the fermented beverage industries. Set for Saturday, December 14 from 3–6 pm at Market Market, the event brings together communities from the worlds of wine, beer, cider, kombucha, sake, seltzers, and non-alcoholic beverages. Partnering with The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, a percentage of proceeds will benefit The Center. Highlights include diverse tasting sessions, local food vendors, live music, and entertainment. Get tickets

Brothers Do Drag

Get ready for a night of spectacular entertainment with Brothers Do Drag: A Drag Tribute to Female R&B and Hip-Hop Legends on Friday, December 13 from 6–8:30 pm at Boozehounds. Hosted by Brothers of the Desert with Wes, Anye Elite, Sadie Creekside, Miz Palou, Urtreen, Sister Burna Cross and more, this talent night features incredible lip-sync performances paying tribute to the iconic female artists of R&B and hip-hop. Enjoy an evening of unforgettable drag performances and entertainment. Get tickets

Modern Men – Home for the Holidays

Modern Men – Coachella Valley Men’s Chorus presents their SOLD OUT 2024 Holiday concert, Home for the Holidays, on Saturday, December 14 at 7 pm and Sunday, December 15 at 3 pm, with a combination of delightful nostalgia of holidays past, and brand new music of our sacred personal experiences. This is an effervescent and joyous holiday concert to be remembered. More info

The Purple Room: Amanda McBroom’s Wintersong

Amanda McBroom, Golden Globe Winning Songwriter of “The Rose,” brings a holiday-themed show to The Purple Room Supper Club on Friday & Saturday, December 13 & 14. McBroom is delicious and naughty and brilliant; come see why her music has made it onto the coveted list of Songs We Love on NPR and join in a celebration of her new recording “Wintersong.” Get tickets

The 39 Steps

CVRep presents The 39 Steps from December 11–22. Mix a Hitchcock movie masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python comedic flair and you have this fast-paced whodunit for anyone who loves the magic of theatre! This two-time Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning treat is packed with nonstop laughs, over 150 madcap characters (played by an absurdly talented cast of four), an onstage plane crash, handcuffs, missing fingers, and some good old-fashioned romance. Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh says “Everything about this production is spot on. The entire cast has impeccable comic timing.” Read his full review and Get tickets

This Weekend at The McCallum Theatre

The McCallum Theatre has a festive lineup this weekend: On Friday & Saturday, December 13 and 14 at 8 pm, the European Pop Orchestra will present “A European Holiday,” featuring a blend of pop and classical music. Then, on Sunday, December 15 at 3 pm, pianist Jeffrey Siegel will share “A Few of My Favorite Things,” a program of beloved classical pieces and entertaining commentary. Get tickets

Christmas with the Crawfords

Desert Theatreworks presents Christmas with the Crawfords from December 13–29 at the Riviera Resort Palm Springs, a wild holiday bash hosted by Joan Crawford (Ethylina Canne) that spirals into Hollywood mayhem! Featuring Vanity Halston as Judy Garland, Sister Burna Cross as Carmen Miranda, and RuPaul’s Drag Race star Kornbread Jete’, this glam-packed show is full of surprise guests and spot-on impersonations. With Paul Crane as Christina Crawford, James Flaherty as Hedda Hopper, and Stan Jenson switching between Mae West and Ethel Merman, this zany holiday spectacle is a Tinseltown toast you won’t want to miss. Get tickets

Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical

Desert Theatreworks’ annual Christmas production is back, and this time it’s the uproarious Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical, running from December 6–29 at the Indio Performing Arts Center. Join the zany sisters of Nunsense as they spread holiday cheer, yuletide laughs, and a dash of festive mischief. Broadcasting live from the basement of Mount Saint Helen’s Convent, the sisters take to the airwaves for a cable access Christmas special like no other. Get tickets

Stephen Sondheim’s Company

Revolution Stage Company presents Stephen Sondheim’s Company from December 6–22. Come see the revolutionary musical that redefined Broadway. This sharp, sophisticated show explores the complexities of love, commitment, and friendship through the eyes of Bobby, a charming bachelor navigating modern relationships’ chaotic, often bewildering landscape. The show’s innovative structure weaves together a series of vignettes that are as funny as they are poignant. Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh says “the sharpness of Furth’s book and Sondheim’s score shine as brightly today as they did at COMPANY’s premiere, 54 years ago!!!” Read his review and Get tickets

I’ll Eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers

THE BENT brings to the stage John Logan’s electrifying play, I’ll Eat You Last from December 6–22 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Immerse yourself in the world of Sue Mengers, the formidable 1970s super-agent (portrayed here by Academy Award Nominee Cathy Moriarty). This one-woman show, famously portrayed by Bette Midler in its Broadway premiere, captures the essence of Mengers with her sharp wit, relentless name-dropping, and savvy showbiz advice. As described by The New York Times, Logan’s portrayal of Mengers is a tour de force, filled with disco-era flair and razor-sharp humor. Get tickets

Mary Poppins

Palm Canyon Theatre presents Mary Poppins, playing through December 22. This musical invites us to London, England in 1910 where the magical Mary Poppins flies in on the wind, bringing with her a combination of whimsy and disciplined common sense to the Banks children’s lives. Together, they go on many fantastical and memorable adventures. Mary Poppins teaches all ages that “anything can happen if you let it.” Get tickets

Magic of Lights

Magic of Lights, a unique and dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience, runs daily through December 29 (Sun–Thurs 5:30–9 pm / Fri–Sat 5:30–10 pm), bigger and brighter than ever with more than a mile of spectacular light displays at the Empire Polo Club. Don’t miss the larger-than-life sparkling Holiday Barbie™ display, the supersized Bigfoot® Monster Truck, and life-sized dinosaurs of Prehistoric Christmas, with favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season depicted with the latest LED technology and digital animations. Get tickets

Sparkle Gala in Honor of Jose Sarria

The Jose Sarria Foundation’s Sparkle Gala takes place on Saturday, December 14 at 6 pm at the El Dorado Clubhouse. This dazzling celebration honors the legendary Jose Sarria and three local icons: Raymond Lafleur, Anita Treadmill, and the LGBTQ History & Archives of the Desert. This glamorous evening will feature a spectacular drag review by Lip Gloss 760, delectable hors d’oeuvres by Oscar’s, and a enticing silent auction. All proceeds benefit the Jose Sarria Foundation. Don your finest attire, “bring the bling,” and prepare to sparkle the night away! Get tickets

This Weekend at The Show

It’s a star-studded weekend at The Show at Agua Caliente in Rancho Mirage! On Friday, December 13 at 8 pm, iconic actress Priscilla Presley will grace the stage, sharing stories and insights from her extraordinary life [Get tickets]. Then, on Saturday, December 14 at 8 pm, legendary funk and soul band Kool & The Gang will electrify the crowd with their timeless hits, promising a night of dancing and good vibes [Get tickets].

Friends of the Palm Springs Library Holiday Bazaar

For the third year, the Friends of the Palm Springs Library will be hosting a special Holiday Bazaar on Saturday December 14, from 10 am–1 pm inside the lobby area at the main library. There will be an assortment of more than 50 themed and specially curated Gift Baskets for sale in addition to gently used books, DVDs and CDs that make great gifts for that hard to shop for person in your life! One-of-a-kind ornaments and some autographed items will also be offered. More info

Thriving and Creating: Meet the Artists

The HIV+ Aging Research Project presents “Thriving & Creating,” a month-long gallery show celebrating artists living with HIV. The event runs from December 2–28, with special meet-the-artist events on Saturdays. On Saturday, December 14 from 11 am–3 pm, you can meet Miguel Criado, Paul Edmonds, Christopher Comes, and Mark Heger. More info

Wildlights at The Living Desert

WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens is open select nights through December 30, inviting guests to see the Zoo in a whole new light: This year’s event features an enhanced light design with three million lights throughout the park, live nightly entertainment, Instagram-worthy festive photo ops, delectable wintertime treats, and much more. If the delighted squeals of kiddos isn’t your jam, there’s an Adults Only (18+) Night: Thursday, December 19. In addition to the lights, you may see some of Africa’s most iconic animals, such as the rhino, giraffe, zebra, and African painted dogs at night. Get tickets