
Diamonds are forever and may be a girl’s best friend. But the Forever Marilyn statue apparently is neither. According to The Palm Springs Post, ” The city reached an agreement with the statue’s owner, PS Resorts, and the Committee to Relocate Marilyn (CReMa), which had taken issue with the statue’s current location on on Museum Way.”
I’ve loved having the 26 foot tall Monroe sculpture in Palm Springs ever since I first started spending time here. But I was never a big fan of the current placement. Millions of dollars in legal wrangling later, she will be relocated to within the confines of the Downtown Park. I’m guessing that’s why the area to the north of “Forever Marilyn” has been unfinished for so long. Museum Way will have a clear view of the Palm Springs Art Museum from Palm Canyon as intended.
Sharing the park with Marilyn will be the Palm Springs AIDS Memorial. KGAY’s John Taylor and I got to see a preview of the latest iteration by Phillip K. Smith III. We’re firmly behind the new design and hope the Task Force will soon release the design to the public. It’s location is already decided upon.
I look forward to the completion of both art installations and an end to the court of public opinion that sniped away so voraciously.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Puptopia at Big Bear Lake
All dog lovers and pet parents are invited to come out to the inaugural Big Bear Puptopia Festival this Saturday, July 27 from 10 am–5 pm at Big Bear Lake Village. This inaugural free event celebrates the special bond with your furry friend with stunt dog shows, an agility course to test your pup’s skills, and giant photo opportunities to capture the memories. Browse vendors selling all things dog, relax in the K9 Lounge, let your pup loose in the socialization area called the “Pawground,” and get a peticure and pawssage at the “Spaw.” More info
Craft Beer Fest at the Ace Hotel
The Ace Hotel and Swim Club’s frothy Craft Beer Fest returns Saturday, July 27 from 12–5 pm. Featuring more than 30 craft breweries pouring golden goodness, a cookout, pool party, live DJ set and recycled canned proceeds going to the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. Attending breweries include: Calidad, Las Palmas, Cellador Ales, Modern Times Beer, Maui Brewing Company, Karl Strauss Brewing Company, Topa Topa Brewing Company, Ashland Hard Seltzer, Fremont Brewing, Trumer Pils and Shiner, Three Weavers Brewing Co., Creature Comforts Brewing Co., Societe Brewing and more. Get tickets
Dick’s Customer Appreciation Bacchanalia
Dick’s on Arenas is throwing a Customer Appreciation Bacchanalia this Saturday, July 27. Join KGAY’s John Taylor from 4–6 pm, making a live appearance at this lively celebration featuring overflowing drink specials, giveaways, and dazzling GoGo gods. Don your toga and receive a free drink upon arrival! Wallow in abundant giveaways and revel in the spirit of Bacchus as Dick’s gets on their knees and gives you thanks. More info
American Idol Winner Abi Carter in Concert
Abi Carter, Coachella Valley’s own newly-crowned winner of American Idol, will bring her first headlining concert, “No Amount Of Dark” to Acrisure Arena on Saturday, July 27 at 7 pm for an exclusive performance. The 21-year-old Indio native captivated audiences during her audition by performing a rendition of the Billie Eilish song “What Was I Made For?” from the ‘Barbie’ movie, that set social media ablaze. She then went on to create viral moments performing classics from widely varied artists such as Adele and Evanescence, putting her broad musical range on full display enroute to her much-ballyhooed victory. The evening’s special guest opener will be emerging indie-pop artist Laur Elle. Get tickets
Camp Caftan at Big Bear Lake
Camp Caftan takes place Friday–Monday, July 26–29 at Big Bear Lake. This 4-day queer campout and music festival features daily pool parties, late-night after-hours events, and crackling bonfires. Feeling adventurous? Explore the surrounding beauty with hikes, or simply unwind to the chill vibes of the Ambient Stage. The festival caters to all tastes, offering a “Sexy Bears’ Den,” a talent show, and even the first annual Caftan Games. Art exhibits and camping options with meal plans and cabins round out this unforgettable experience. Get tickets
Merienda Filipino Halo-Halo Workshop
Discover the magic of Merienda, a beloved Filipino tradition, with Chef Michelle Castillo at Play Lounge & Cafe on Sunday, July 28 at 3 pm. Learn the history of Halo-Halo, this iconic dessert, and create your own delicious version using pantry staples. Enjoy a vegetarian/vegan-friendly workshop, savor Filipino-inspired bites, and immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of the Philippines. Get tickets
Summer Sunset Art Walk
Several art galleries and studios in the Perez Art District of Cathedral City will be open on Friday, July 26 from 4–7 pm for a special Summer Sunset Art Walk, an installment of their popular seasonal 4th Friday Art Walk series. An eclectic array of art in many styles and mediums will be on display and for sale; come celebrate the diversity of Coachella Valley art! More info
Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage
The annual Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage, happening now through 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. 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
Cheap Trick
The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage presents Cheap Trick on Saturday, July 27 at 8 pm. Celebrating their 50th anniversary, Cheap Trick remains a rock icon. Known for catchy melodies, sharp riffs, and playful wit, the band has sold over 20 million records and achieved international success with hits like “I Want You To Want Me” and “The Flame.” Get tickets
Star Wars Saga – Rogue One: 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 27, the series continues with Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. 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. Attend one or as many as you like, each stands alone. This week’s theme (Sunday, July 28) is “Grapes & Regions” followed by “Natural Wines” as the series wraps up on Aug 4. Bonus: Palm Springs Bottle Shop champions BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and women-owned wineries! Get tickets
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Friday, July 26
Flashback Friday Pool Party | 6–9 pm at Hotel Zoso
Country Dance Fridays: Beginner Waltz with Rob Ollander-Krane | 7 pm at Step by Step
Comedy Night at Hotel Zoso | 9–10:30 pm
Hot Summer Nights at CCBC | Friday & Saturday $23 Night Passes
BearUnion | 8 pm–4 am at Club 541
Saturday, July 27
Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market | 8 am–1 pm at Palm Springs Pavilion
Laura Coyle w/Sugar High | 5:30–7:30 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center
CumUnion at CCBC | 9 pm–4 am