This day in 1987, George Michael was singing “I Want Your Sex” and Whitney Houston topped the charts with “I Want to Dance with Somebody“. It was also the day of the very first Pride celebration in the valley.
I’m a board member of the LGBTQ+ History & Archives of the Desert and this week we held a fundraiser at what was then The Villa, a men’s clothing optional resort with a celebrated history. In researching the property — now known as The Paloma Resort, I imparted that our Desert Business Association organized the first Pride Picnic and Festival at the resort.
For the next three years, the community gathered there — July 3, 1988 and July 30, 1989, when Eartha Kitt and her beloved dog attended the festival! It grew to a two-day event in 1990 before changes in ownership forced a change in venue.
And that’s how our Pride started – from humble beginnings in a gay resort nearly 40 years ago. And this year, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of what is now Palm Springs Pride in a more temperate time of the year — November.
Our LGBTQ+ history matters and it needs preserving. That’s why a group of us have continued to serve on the board and grow the organization into its own 501(c)3. This Pride month, we’re exhibiting at the Welwood Murray Memorial Library in downtown Palm Springs. The display showcases several items recently added to our permanent collection, as well as items celebrating Greater Palm Springs Pride’s 40th Anniversary. You can donate to the organization by visiting the website here.
Starting Monday, it’s #SupportYourStation week on KGAY. While we are not a non-profit, we are chartered as a public benefit corporation and are working to offset our streaming costs with your financial help. I hope you’ll tune in and make a contribution — or just attend the Big Splash Pool Party at the Palm Springs Surf Club next Friday. Details below.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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Juneteenth Celebrations
Palm Springs honors history, heritage, and freedom with Juneteenth Freedom Weekend, a free celebration happening Friday–Saturday, June 19–20. On Friday, Downtown Park hosts the Juneteenth Unity Picnic at 5 pm, followed by a 7 pm concert featuring Debby Holiday’s electrifying Tina Turner Tribute Show. The celebration continues Saturday at 5:30 pm at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center with the Juneteenth Youth Pageant, spotlighting the achievements and talents of local youth. It’s a powerful weekend of culture, connection, and community pride. More info
Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom Through History and Culture comes to Revolution Stage Company on Saturday, June 20 from 2–4 pm, presented by the Sunset Music and Education Foundation as part of the XOXO Festival Weekend. Hosted by Sweet Baby J’ai, the event features storytelling, poetry, live music, cultural presentations, and performances by SMARTS Initiative students. Open to all backgrounds, this gathering honors resilience, creativity, and shared humanity. More info
Tidal Wave 18: Space!
Tidal Wave 18: Space! lands at the Hilton Palm Springs running all weekend, presenting a vibrant galaxy of parties, entertainment, and community. With Delighted Tobehere as Flight Commander, guests can enjoy world‑class DJs, daily Sea of Tranquility pool parties, Galactic Bingo, a Space Bazaar vendor hall, Zero‑Gravity Karaoke, and a fierce Drag Brunch. Designed as a fully immersive weekend, the event invites attendees to orbit new friendships and make cosmic memories across four stellar days. More info
XOXO Palm Springs
XOXO Palm Springs: Citywide Arts & Culture Festival continues this weekend with a mix of theatre, film, drag, art, and live music across downtown and beyond. This weekend’s highlights include Billy L’Amour & The Love Notes on Friday at Spirit Animal, plus Psychic Standup starring Karen Rontowski the same night at Revolution Stage Company. Film lovers can dive into the AmDocs Showcase on Friday with Something To Entertain You, along with screenings Life is Life on Saturday and His Girl Friday on Sunday. Art fans can explore the Summer Small Wonder opening at Janssen Artspace on Friday while drag brunches at Hyatt, Oscar’s, and The Saguaro keep the celebration going all weekend. More info
On Golden Pond
The Big Bear Theatre Project presents On Golden Pond, running through June 28 at the Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center. Ernest Thompson’s award‑winning play follows Norman and Ethel Thayer through a summer at their New England lake cottage, blending humor, memory, and the tenderness of family reconciliation. Directed by Beth Wheat with scenic design by Joel Daavid, this production offers a heartfelt, intimate staging of a beloved theatrical masterwork. More info
Body Heat
AnOpening Reception for the show Body Heat takes place at Impell Gallery on Friday, June 19 from 4–6 pm, debuting two solo exhibitions curated by Sagi Refael. Dror Yisrael Hemed presents new paintings created during his residency, inspired by Southern California’s LGBT communities and landscapes. Yinon Avior Philipsohn showcases hand‑sewn photographic quilts developed during his Tom of Finland Foundation residency, exploring the endurance of the human body and the layered history of queer imagery. More info
Wanderlust Food Truck Festival at Sunrise Park
The Wanderlust Food Truck Festival at Sunrise Park launches on Saturday, June 20 from 5–10 pm, offering a curated lineup of 20+ food trucks and local vendors. Guests can enjoy gourmet street food, comfort classics, global flavors, and sweet treats in a relaxed, community‑driven atmosphere. With lawn games, open seating, and a welcoming outdoor environment, the festival encourages visitors to stay, connect, and savor the evening. More info
Bob Dylan – Live on Stage
Bob Dylan returns to the desert for a rare night at Acrisure Arena on Saturday, June 20 at 7:30 pm, joined by Lucinda Williams and The John Doe Folk Trio. With a career spanning nearly sixty years, Dylan remains a restless creative force—never nostalgic, always evolving, and continually pushing his work forward. Enjoy an evening of masterful songwriting, raw musicianship, and the unmistakable presence of a legend still moving boldly ahead. More info
Rod Stewart
Sir Rod Stewart performs at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa on Sunday, June 21 at 7 pm, bringing his legendary voice and decades of global hits to the stage. With more than 120 million records sold and a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Stewart continues to captivate audiences with his signature style and unmistakable rasp. More info
Heatwave 2026 / CCBC Resort
Heatwave 2026 takes over CCBC Resort all weekend, offering pool parties, after‑dark fun, and clothing‑optional freedom. Hosted by Western Xposure and featuring the DJs and bears of Tidal Wave, this event serves as the official naked parties of the weekend. Guests can book a room or purchase a pass to enjoy amenities open from 9 am–4 am, including pools, hot tubs, trails, and play spaces. Tidal Wave pass holders can add a discounted 4‑day CCBC pass for full access. More info
