“Drink up, bitches!” is a line often uttered by our drag queens encouraging patrons to help both increase alcohol sales – and tips.
However, it appears that Californians aren’t listening to the admonation, but are drinking less especially at restaurants. According to stats from Toast reported in the San Francisco Chronicle, we’re teatotalling more and more.
As we head into New Year’s Eve, it’s troubling for the bars, restaurants, servers and the liquor industry. That ripple effect (not the wine) affects everything from bottom lines to tips.
Year over year, red wine sales took the biggest hit in the stats with a 12% decline. Whiskey was down 9%, sparklings down 8.6%, and tequila, vodka and beer all down 5-6%. Only mocktails showed an increase. Rising prices are partially to blame, but so is a shift in perceptions on alcohol’s health impacts, according to the article. (Paywall)
Maybe it’s also to explain how a recent Palm Springs D.U.I. checkpoint netted just three arrests from nearly 600 vehicles that were screened. That’s a step in the right direction.
Whether your New Year’s Eve celebration is accentuated by alcohol, cannabis or nothing at all, we’ve got our top picks below in my blog. I’m excited to spend the first part of my NYE at “Art in the Park in the Dark“, the brainchild of Shann Carr. Stop by the KGAY/Gay Desert Guide booth for fun with shuttlecocks and cornholes – lit and glowing, of course.
Just be sure to use rideshares or SunLine Transit and stay safe. Happy (almost) New Year!
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 #ILoveGayTravel #ILoveGay #SayKGAY #FindYourOasis
Planning for New Year’s Eve
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Greater Palm Springs with an array of fantastic events on Tuesday, December 31! Starting just after nightfall, Art in the Park in the Dark offers glowing fun, games, lasers, and KGAY 106.5/92.1 and 103.1 MeTV FM will have a cornhole toss where you can earn entry to win tickets to upcoming concerts by Justin Timberlake and James Taylor! Check out our roundup of local bar NYE events from Boozehounds, one eleven bar, Oscar’s, Toucans, V Lounge, Reforma, and Streetbar. Other exciting options include The Purple Room NYE and music and parties at the New Year’s Eve Extravaganza at Agua Caliente Casinos. And here’s The Desert Sun’s list of 15 local celebrations. Now make your plans!
Desert Flaggers Flash Mob
On Sunday, December 29, the Desert Flaggers are hosting a Ho Ho Flagger Flash Mob at 2:15 pm outside the downtown Starbucks (Palm Canyon & E Tahquitz). Mark your calendars for this brief yet spirited event, lasting only ten minutes. Following the flash mob, participants will walk to Oscar’s Sunday Tea Dance for DJ Bob. Invite friends to watch and enjoy some holiday cheer! More info
4th Fridays Art Walk on Perez
This Friday, December 27 at 4 pm, it’s time for the Perez Art District’s monthly Art Walk. This immersive event for art enthusiasts and the local community invites you to explore the working studios of over 30 talented artists in the H and I Buildings, along with 6 additional artists in the A and C Buildings. Witness the creative process across various disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media, and connect with the artists who bring these works to life. More info
Dinner Jazz at The Purple Room
Enjoy an evening of smooth jazz at the Purple Room in Palm Springs with Dinner Jazz featuring the Kevin Tokarz Quartet on Friday and Saturday, January 27 and 28. Savor a delicious meal while being serenaded by the quartet’s captivating jazz performance, creating the perfect ambiance for a relaxing night out. No tickets necessary, but make your reservation on OpenTable: Reserve Now
Teddy Bear Toss Night at Acrisure Arena
Don’t miss one of the most exciting games of the season! Join the Firebirds faithful on Saturday, December 28 at 6 pm for Teddy Bear Toss Night as the Firebirds take on the Ontario Reign and look to break the League record by tossing the most teddy bears onto the ice after the Firebirds score their first goal of the game. Pre-game Plaza events, photo booth, live music, giveaways and more make it the perfect party. The best part? One Valley Foundation will donate all stuffed animals collected to local police departments, fire stations, and hospitals. Get tickets
Puff & Paint at Double Eye Dispensary & Lounge
On Saturday, December 28 from 7–9 pm, Double Eye Dispensary & Lounge, in collaboration with Flat Black Art Supply, is hosting Puff & Paint—a laid-back evening where guests can indulge in their favorite strains and unleash their creativity. This event is designed for all skill levels, providing a fun-filled night of painting and relaxation. Participants are encouraged to bring friends, enjoy the good vibes, and create a masterpiece to take home. Get tickets
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 a special Closing Celebration this weekend on Saturday, December 28 from 10 am–2 pm. More info
Magic of Lights
Magic of Lights, a unique and dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience, runs daily through December 29 (Fri–Sat 5:30–10 pm, Sun 5:30–9 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
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
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. 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
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Friday, December 27
Country Dance Fridays: Beginner Shadow with Rob Ollander-Krane | 7 pm at Step by Step
Saturday, December 28
Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market | 8 am–1 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center
