
It’s another hot weekend in Greater Palm Springs and I’ve made my annual pilgrimage to Wine Country for the annual Gay Wine Weekend. Thanks to the Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country and Avelo Airlines for helping send winners from Palm Springs to this great event.
One of my favorite drives is along Highway 12 from Sonoma to the coast. Along the way, there’s always a stop in Bodega Bay where the movie, “The Birds” was shot. You can walk around the church and the home as seen in the movie. And an added bonus – temps in the 60s off the Pacific Ocean.
It’s always a throwback to my younger days when that movie scared the bejesus out of me. Even the “Wizard of Oz” gave me nightmares of flying monkeys carting me off to an unknown fate.
Today I mostly avoid scary movies – reality TV and the current news cycle are frightening enough!
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage
The annual Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage, taking place Friday, July 19–Wednesday, July 31, is a chance to enjoy your favorite restaurants and enjoy great specials during the slower summer months, while helping out the non-profits selling the program wristbands. Taste of Summer 2024 will only be active for a week and a half instead of four weeks, so make a plan to take advantage of deals at Ben & Jerry’s, Brandini Toffee, Enzo’s Bistro & Bar, Las Casuelas Nuevas, Pinzimini, Si Bon, State Fare and The Edge at the Ritz-Carlton, Willie’s Modern Fare, and many more. See our event listing for links to all the details: More info
San Diego Pride
The San Diego Pride Festival is Saturday & Sunday, July 20 & 21, in Balboa Park. The Pride Festival is San Diego’s largest 2-day event highlighting the best in LGBTQ entertainment, interactive exhibits, cultural presentations, and community resources. Headliners include Todrick Hall, Rico Nasty, and Sheila E., plus Slayyter, J. Worra, Tommy Genesis, Kaleena Zanders and drag performances from Nymphia Wind, Lady Camden, Bosco, and Daya Betty. Saturday’s Pride Parade is among the largest in the United States, beginning at the Hillcrest Pride Flag at 10 am. More info
Jackie Beat Brunch & Birthday
Jackie Beat is back at one eleven bar and it’s a double feature. First up is Sing to Me Bitch! — a brunch on Sunday, July 21 at noon, featuring live performances from Jackie, Vanity Halston, Jasmine Masters and Larry Atello. On Sunday at 8 pm, it’s Jackie’s one-woman show Birthday Bitch!, with scandalous songs, hilarious humor, and cake! Catch Jackie Beat’s signature razor-sharp wit and hysterical song parodies, and experience drag queen royalty. Get tickets
Gay Wine Weekend 2024
Out In The Vineyard presents Gay Wine Weekend from Friday–Sunday, July 19–21 in the Russian River Valley/Healdsburg Region of Sonoma County. Guests will discover more of Sonoma County with new venues, wineries, and restaurants this year! This wine-centered 3-day weekend features LGBTQ+ events with winemaker dinners, winery tours, wine & food, music, VIP receptions, excursions, drag queen brunch, auction, and pool party in a luxury destination. More info
Pink Belt, A Documentary
Filmmaker John McCrite brings a sneak preview of a stunning human rights documentary Pink Belt, on Friday, July 19 at 5 pm at the Mary Pickford Theatre. Pink Belt is a feature documentary about Aparna Rajawat, India’s sixteen-time women’s martial arts national champion, teaching other women and young girls self-defense. Her message of female empowerment is changing India one village at a time. This screening will benefit the relocation of the Museum of Ancient Wonders and the formation of the LGBTQ+ World History Museum to Palm Springs. Meet John McCrite and Aparna Rajawat by purchasing a VIP ticket. Get tickets
Star Wars Saga – Solo: A Star Wars Story
The Palm Springs Cultural Center is bringing you the full Star Wars Saga in epic big-screen glory, unfolding one film at a time, every Summer Saturday at 6 pm with a pre-show and cocktails starting at 5 pm. This Saturday, July 20, the series continues with Solo: A Star Wars Story. Get tickets
Desert Wildlife Center Renovation Breakfast Fundraiser
The Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter is working to open a new Desert Wildlife Center (DWC) by the end of this year, and they are raising funds at a Breakfast to be held on Saturday, July 20 from 8–10 am at the site, (the former Coachella Valley Wild Bird Center in Indio). The DWC will serve as a safe refuge for sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife needing medical treatment and rehabilitation. Come learn more about their progress and help financially support the effort to cultivate and sustain peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife. RSVP required: More info
Touch, Stretch & Restore Workshop
Power Yoga Palm Springs presents a Touch, Stretch & Restore workshop on Saturday, July 20 from 4–5:15 pm. This unique experience combines physical touch and yoga stretches to promote relaxation and healing. Led by PYPS instructor and talented massage therapist Laurel, the workshop will guide you through light touch therapy, gentle yoga stretches, movement exploration, breathwork techniques, and even guided meditation. Get tickets
Full Moon Sound Bath to Support Desert X
Miracle Manor Boutique Hotel & Spa presents a Full Moon Sound Bath under the desert sky on Sunday, July 21 from 7–10 pm. Bring your bathing suit and soak in the soothing natural mineral pool while the sounds wash over you. Refreshments and light bites will be served throughout the evening. A portion of ticket proceeds will support Desert X. Get tickets
“Summer School” Wine Tasting
Calling all wine lovers! Sharpen your palate with Summer School Wine Classes at the Palm Springs Bottle Shop. Sommelier Adam Leemon leads these fun, informative Sunday sessions from 2–3:30 pm. Choose from standalone classes or the whole series. This week (Sunday, July 21) is “Old World vs. New World,” followed by “Grapes & Regions” and “Natural Wines.” Bonus: Palm Springs Bottle Shop champions BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and women-owned wineries! Get tickets
Flashback Friday Pool Party + Comedy Night
Hotel Zoso presents their Flashback Friday Pool Party on Friday, July 19 from 6–9 pm. Dive into a night of nostalgia with the best jams from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s for an unforgettable evening of fun, music, and poolside vibes. Grab a drink and get your groove on as the DJ spins your favorite throwback hits that will take you back in time. Free event, RSVP requested. More info
After the pool party, check out the new Hotel Zoso Comedy Night on Friday, July 19 at 9 pm. Get ready to laugh until your sides hurt at this unforgettable evening of hilarious, stand-up comedians that will have you rolling in your seat. Get tickets
Hot Summer Nights at CCBC
CCBC Resort presents a Hot Summer Nights promotion on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 pm, featuring $23 night passes to take advantage of our hot desert nights! This clothing-optional resort for gay men in Cathedral City features pools, a nude beach, and on-site dining. More info
2024 Best of Desert Community’s Choice Awards Nominations
The Best of Desert Community’s Choice Awards are back for 2024! Join in celebrating your favorite local businesses and organizations with your nominations, including our two radio stations: KGAY 106.5 and 92.1 FM, as well as 103.1 MeTV FM. Don’t forget our on-air personalities John Taylor (KGAY) and Patrick Evans (MeTV FM) as well as DJ Galaxy, DJ Eric Ornelas, and DJ Modgirl. The categories to look for are:
- Entertainment & Leisure > Radio Station – Local
- Entertainment & Leisure – People > Radio Personality/Show
- Entertainment & Leisure – People > DJ – Event/Wedding
We know we have the best audience in the valley and appreciate your support! Nominations are open through July 31. Nominate Today
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Friday, July 19
Country Dance Fridays: Beginner East Coast Swing | 7–9:30 pm at Dance Ranch
Saturday, July 20
Dusty Strings Collective: Nathan James | 5:30–7:30 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center
Sunday, July 21
Elvis: That’s the Way It Is | Summer Concert Film Series, 6 pm at Palm Springs