Emotions ran high Wednesday evening at the Palm Springs Convention Center as community members gathered to express concerns over Trump’s election.
For our allies and those who supported the new regime, it may seem odd or even an over-reaction that such concerns would be top of mind. But the fears are real. Our Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills led the forum and gave us assurance that Palm Springs will remain a safe and welcoming refuge.
Or at least as safe as he and the police can make it.
We learned that PSPD is one of the few departments trolling through the dark web for signs of threats. Our city also invested in drone technology. And hiring is up in the department. All good signs.
Topics from immigration to transgender rights, abortion and the conflict in Gaza were brought up by community members. Overall, I came away with a better sense of security knowing that we’re in good hands, and there are many layers of protection that are not seen or publicized.
“We have a choice, and the choice is we can stand strong or we can be filled with anxiety. I say we do so together, shoulder to shoulder and hip to hip, let’s stand strong.”
Police Chief Andy Mills
We shared The Palm Springs Post article on our site , and have been talking about it on KGAY Palm Springs. Of note are the email addresses to report suspicious activity and to connect with Chief Mills that were shared.
I, for one, am grateful for having chosen Palm Springs to live and work. A thorough reading of the article and even viewing the hour-long session should allay many fears that you may be feeling. I chose not to live in fear or trepidation, but rather to “keep on keepin’ on” as we live our lives in #ILoveGayPalmSprings through the challenges that may confront us in the years ahead.
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
Festival of Lights Parade
The 2024 Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade is set to dazzle and delight on Saturday, December 7. This beloved holiday tradition will transform Palm Canyon Drive into a magical wonderland, featuring enormous Macy’s-style balloons, beautifully decorated floats, dance performances, marching bands, and equestrians. The parade kicks off at 5:45 pm, offering a spectacular display of holiday cheer which promises to be a highlight of the holiday season in Palm Springs. Can’t make it in person? You can also watch on NBC Palm Springs. The parade includes celebrity grand marshals Matt Sorum of Guns N’ Roses and Dave Karger of Turner Classic Movies, plus Palm Springs royalty Nancy Sinatra as “Special Guest Star.” More info
Before that: on Friday, December 6 from 4–5:30 pm, kick things off with the Holiday Tree Lighting and Holiday Banner Awards Celebration at Frances Steven Park!
Tramway Celebrity Tree Lighting with Abi Carter
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway presents their annual Celebrity Tree Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, December 8 at 5:30 pm. Join host Patrick Evans of KESQ (also recently awarded as top Radio Personality by the readers of Coachella Valley Independent for his hosting on 103.1 MeTV FM), welcoming the sensational 2024 American Idol Winner, Abi Carter, in doing the honors! More info – And remember, 103.1 MeTV FM is playing your “Timeless & Classic” holiday favorites around the clock all the way to Christmas Day!
Joint Outreach Holiday Preview Concert
Join the festive cheer at a Joint Holiday Preview Concert with Modern Men – Coachella Valley Men’s Chorus and Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus on Sunday, December 8, from 3-4:30 pm at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church. Delight in a special preview of their holiday concerts, featuring a fantastic lineup of seasonal selections performed in the East Valley. Celebrate the season with these talented choruses as they bring the joy of holiday music to life! Get tickets
Meet Actress Sarah Karloff: ‘The Making of the Grinch’
Get into the festive spirit and Meet Actress Sarah Karloff: ‘The Making of the Grinch’ on Friday, December 6 from 4–7 pm at the Chuck Jones Gallery Pop-Up in The Gardens at El Paseo. This unique event will feature exclusive Grinch artwork and a special appearance by Sarah Karloff, the daughter of Boris Karloff, the iconic voice of the Grinch. Attendees will enjoy a performance by Sarah Karloff’s 6-foot Grinch, festive refreshments, and chances to win door prizes. Plus, hear insider stories about the beloved holiday classic, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. More info
Indio International Tamale Festival
Get ready for a delightful culinary adventure at the Indio International Tamale Festival, happening on December 7 & 8 from 10 am–7 pm at Miles Avenue Park. This festive event invites you to explore the famous Tamale Trail, where you’ll find an array of tamales ranging from traditional recipes to inventive new flavors. Enjoy live music, dancing, and family-friendly entertainment with vibrant cultural showcases and energetic musical performances, plus a Luchador Throwdown and FREE ice skating rink. More info
The Laurel Foundation 36th Annual Toy Drive and Fundraiser
The Leslies are hosting their 36th Annual Toy Drive and Fundraiser at the legendary Dinah Shore Estate in Palm Springs on Saturday, December 7 from 5:30–9:30 pm. The VIP holiday party will feature a gourmet dinner, hosted bar, silent auction, and more. All proceeds will benefit The Laurel Foundation, which provides free mental health and social support programs for transgender and gender-diverse youth and youth affected by HIV/AIDS. Guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to donate. Get tickets
Paws & Clause
Bring your furry friend to Paws & Clause at the Rio Del Sol sales office on Saturday, December 7 from 11 am–2 pm for a special holiday photo opportunity with Santa Claus. Capture the perfect Christmas card moment with your beloved pet amidst the festive atmosphere of Rio Del Sol, a private gated community designed for both you and your furry companion. More info
The Marvelous Marilyn Maye
The Purple Room Supper Club presents The Marvelous Marilyn Maye on Friday & Saturday, December 6 & 7. The toast of New York’s jazz and cabaret scene, Marilyn’s riding high from rave reviews of her sold-out Carnegie Hall performance with the New York Pops! (Dinner at 6, Show at 8 pm). 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. 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, reflecting the intricate dance of human connection. Get tickets
This Weekend at the McCallum Theatre
On Saturday, December 7, the Midtown Men will bring their “Holiday Hits” show to the McCallum Theatre stage, reuniting stars from the hit Broadway musical Jersey Boys for a night of iconic Yuletide classics and 1960s rock and roll hits. On Sunday, December 8, celebrate the season with “A Mariachi Christmas,” featuring the Latin GRAMMY-nominated band Mariachi Herencia de México, performing a colorful blend of Mexican and American holiday favorites. 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. 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
Shann Carr’s New Show: “Bitch Please”
Comedian Shann Carr debuts her new show “Bitch Please” full of silly, snarky and sultry storytelling on Saturday, December 7 at 3 pm at Revolution Stage Company. Shann has headlined on over 100 gay cruises and thousands of cool gigs worldwide with a warm and easy crossover appeal for truly diverse audiences. She offers a night of laughs you can count on to leave you feeling good about yourself and your community! Get tickets
15th Annual Men of the Desert Fashion Show
It’s “Back to the Future,” celebrating 15 years of the Men of the Desert Fashion Show and Luncheon on Sunday, December 8 from 11 am–2 pm at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Attendees enjoy dudes, dogs and designer fashions at one of the Desert’s most popular charity events. All proceeds benefit Animal Samaritans’ Animal Rescue Program, which has saved more than 15,000 adoptable at-risk dogs and cats. More info
Palm Springs Santa Paws 5K
Get into the holiday spirit with the Palm Springs Santa Paws 5K and Elf Dash, supporting Guide Dogs of the Desert, on Saturday, December 7, from 7:30 am–12 pm. Participants of all ages and their furry friends can run, walk, or stroll the 5K route, with everyone receiving a Santa suit to wear and keep. The event starts at Temple Isaiah and takes you through the scenic Las Palmas neighborhood. It’s a festive morning of fun and cheer for a great cause! More info
2024 Women’s Golf Scramble Tournament
Join a fabulous day of golf and camaraderie on Sunday, December 8, as the Women of Stonewall Golfers team up with The L-Fund for an exciting 4-woman Scramble at Woodhaven Country Club. This fun-filled event kicks off with an 8 am shotgun start and features a continental breakfast, luncheon with gluten-free and vegan options, and a variety of prizes for net and gross scores, accurate drives, closest to the pin, and putting. Additionally, participants can engage in optional buy-in side games, raffles, and silent auctions, with all proceeds supporting lesbians in the Greater Coachella Valley. More info
“Mixed Feelings” at the Palm Springs Art Museum
The Palm Springs Art Museum’s “Mixed Feelings” series explores the intersection of art and science. On Saturday, December 7, two events will take place: “Quantum Weirdness & The Art of Phillip K. Smith III” at 1 pm with Shanna Dobson, Assistant Professor of Mathematics at ArtCenter College of Design, and “Wave-Particle Duality & The Art of Jennifer West” at 3 pm with Dwight Whitaker, Biophysicist and Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Pomona College. Each event includes a reception followed by a thought-provoking program. Get tickets
Wildlights at The Living Desert
WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens is open select nights through December 30! WildLights invites 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. Enjoy the unique experience of seeing the Zoo at night as you take an enchanting stroll through the African Safari section of the Zoo, where 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. 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
Best of Modernism – Holiday Edition Auction
Modernism Week’s Best of Modernism – Holiday Edition Auction is currently in full swing, running through Sunday, December 8. This exciting online event features over 100 unique architectural experiences, exclusive VIP event tickets, access to sold-out parties, and rare items, perfect for the holiday season. This auction is their biggest and most exciting yet, offering something for everyone, including exclusive architectural surprises and one-of-a-kind experiences. More info
ALSO THIS WEEK
Friday, December 6
Palm Springs Walk of the Stars Honors Dr. Charles Supple | 3–4 pm in Downtown PS
Celebrate the Season: Tree Lighting, Concert, Snowfall | 4–7 pm at The Gardens on El Paseo
Winter Wonderland Public Skate | 6:15–7:45 pm at Berger Foundation Iceplex at Acrisure Arena
Country Dance Fridays: All I Want For Xmas Line Dance with Andrew Jimenez | 7 pm at Step by Step
Saturday, December 7
Desert Film Society Screening: The Successor (France) | 10 am at Palm Springs Cultural Center
First-Ever Tour of the Newly Restored Klein Residence | 2–4:30 pm in Rancho Mirage
SNUG by Terrence Payne Art Show Opening | 5–8 pm at Rubine Red Gallery
Broadway’s Best in the West: Hugh Panaro | 7 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center
Sarah Brightman: A Christmas Symphony | 8 pm at Fantasy Springs
Sunday, December 8
Svetlana Smolina (pianist) | 2 pm at Richards Center for the Arts
REO Speedwagon | 8 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage
