This is a somber time of year for our community. We just marked Veterans Day, and now will commemorate those lost to a different war – the culture war.
Our transgender sisters and brothers have had so many struggles, and I thought a few years ago that our country was heading toward acceptance. Not the case. Transgender Day of Remembrance is Monday, Nov. 20.
And on the heels of that somber event will be World AIDS Day on Dec. 1. This weekend, the AIDS Memorial Quilt Exhibition will be at Mizell Center. (There are many events planned for Dec. 1 and you can easily find them by selecting Dec. 1 on Gay Desert Guide’s Events page.)
As we get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving with friends and. family – chosen or given – we will reflect on all that troubles us. But we can also be hopeful and thankful that we live in a community that stands together for LGBTQ rights and acceptance. And we must believe that the light of candles memorializing those we have lost will help illuminate the path forward.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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La Quinta Art Celebration Encore 2023
La Quinta Art Celebration ENCORE will be held at the La Quinta Civic Center from Thursday, November 16–Sunday, November 19 from 10 am–4 pm each day. It will feature over 170 juried exhibiting artists, including 40 new to La Quinta this year. There will also be live music, entertainment, fine wines, crafted cocktails, exquisite culinary offerings, valet parking, and the opportunity to add to your personal collections from exceptional new and established artists. Get tickets
Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival and Food Truck Fiesta
Agua Caliente Casinos present the 9th Annual Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival and Food Truck Fiesta from November 17–19. The official kick-off begins with the balloon launch from Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage on Friday, November 17 at sunrise. The Food Truck Fiesta takes place Friday evening and the following, Saturday, November 18, at the Cathedral City Amphitheater. The fiesta will feature a dozen food truck vendors from all over Southern California, a beer garden, tethered balloon rides, a car show, kid zones, live music, and more. This is ranked as one of the top balloon festivals in the world by U.S. News & World Report! More info
McCormick’s 75th Exotic Car Auction
McCormick’s 75th Exotic Car Auction will take place Friday–Sunday, November 17–19 in the usual outdoor location on the grounds of The Palm Springs Convention Center. This will be a live, in person classic car show & auction of classic, vintage & muscle cars. Prices range from just $3000 to over $250,000. General public and dealers are welcome. Friday admission is FREE, Saturday & Sunday $15 each or $25 for both days. Tickets can be purchased at the gate. More info
Music in Motion
The Desert Winds Freedom Band presents Music in Motion on Saturday, November 18 at 7 pm and Sunday, November 19 at 2 pm. You’ll be swingin’, swayin’, and soaring with music that really moves. From an amazing Tango to a Jitterbug, a Barn Dance to West Side Story’s “America,” a balloon ride from the movie “Up” and how about soaring with some eagles? The jazz band will also add some fun with “Caravan”, “Sway”, and “Fascinating Rhythm.” This performance will really keep you on the edge of your seat! Get tickets
Modern Men Holiday Concert Preview
Modern Men invite you to a preview of their holiday concert, Comfort and Joy, on Sunday, November 19 at 3 pm at Hope Lutheran Church in Palm Desert. The performance will feature special guest Michelle Fiore, soprano. Entry to the concert is free, but a suggested donation of $20 will be accepted. Get yourself in the holiday mood and come hear a preview of Modern Men’s Holiday Concert! Get tickets
The Fantasticks: A Love Story Reimagined
CVRep presents The Fantasticks: A Love Story Reimagined, running through Sunday, November 19. This West Coast premiere of the re-imagined and re-gendered adaptation of the groundbreaking musical was re-adapted by original librettist and lyricist Tom Jones to preserve the beloved score and storyline into which the two young, original lovers – Matt and Louisa have become – Matt and Lewis. Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh says “The entire production is, in a word, exquisite.” Read his full review here. – Get tickets
Collective Rage: A Play in 5 Betties
The Desert Ensemble Theatre presents Collective Rage: A Play in 5 Betties by Jen Silverman through Sunday, November 19. Betty is rich; Betty is lonely; Betty’s busy working on her truck; Betty wants to talk about love, but Betty needs to hit something. And Betty keeps using a small hand mirror to stare into parts of herself she’s never examined. Five different women named Betty collide at the intersection of anger, sex, and the “thea-tah.” Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh says Collective Rage features “sharp direction,” and “has its own style and perspective on what it means to be a woman, especially a gay woman, in today’s society.” Read his full review here – Get tickets
Kinky Boots
Desert Theatreworks presents Kinky Boots, running through Sunday, November 26. Kinky Boots is the winner of every major best musical award, including the Tony, the Grammy and London’s Olivier Award. Based on true events, this huge-hearted hit tells the story of two people with nothing in common – or so they think. Charlie is a factory owner struggling to save his business. Lola is a fabulous entertainer with a wildly exciting idea. With a little compassion and a lot of understanding, this unexpected pair learns to embrace their differences and creates a line of sturdy stilettos unlike any the world has ever seen! Get tickets
The Party in the Park: Palm Desert Celebrates 50 Years
The City of Palm Desert is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a day-long event, The Party in the Park, on Saturday, November 18 from 3–10 pm at Civic Center Park. The event is free and open to all, and will feature live music, art installations, family-friendly activities, food trucks, and a beer and wine garden. More info
AIDS Memorial Quilt Exhibition
Mizell Center invites you to reflect upon the AIDS Memorial Quilt this weekend. Conceived in November 1985, by AIDS activist Cleve Jones, the Quilt was founded to create a memorial to celebrate the lives of people who died from AIDS-related causes. Today, the Quilt makes space to celebrate the lives of longterm HIV/AIDS survivors. Panels from the Quilt will be exhibited at Mizell on Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, Nov 17–19. More info
The Price is Right Live™
The Price Is Right Live™ comes to The Show at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage on Saturday, November 18 at 8 pm. This hit interactive stage show gives eligible individuals the chance to hear their names called and “Come On Down” to win, just like on the TV show. Prizes may include appliances, vacations and possibly a new car! Play classic games just like on television’s longest running and most popular game show…from Plinko™ to Cliffhangers™ to The Big Wheel™ and even the fabulous Showcase. Get tickets
PS Art Museum Fall Exhibitions Party
The Palm Springs Art Museum presents its Fall Exhibitions Party on Saturday, November 18 from 6–11 pm, to celebrate the opening of a new exhibition, Kali, Artographer, 1932-2019, as well as several other ongoing exhibitions. Attendees are encouraged to join the museum for a night of creativity, mysticism, and whimsy. The evening will feature live musical performances, tunes by DJ AI Lover, signature cocktails by Bar One, snacks from Little Livs’ Chef Gabe Woo, interactive performances, takeaways, and much more. Get tickets
Yucca Valley Art Walk: “Where Two Deserts Meet”
Joshua Tree National Park Association presents “Where Two Deserts Meet” as part of their 3rd Saturday Art Walk series, on Saturday, November 18 from 5–9 pm. This will be a group show featuring Southern California artists’ interpretation of the famous two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, coming together in Joshua Tree National Park. The show will feature photography, ceramics, paintings, textile art and more. Proceeds from the show will directly benefit the protection and preservation efforts of Joshua Tree National Park. More info
11th Annual Props & Hops Festival
The Palm Springs Air Museum presents the 11th Annual Props & Hops Festival on Saturday, November 18 from 1–5 pm. Shining a light on Southern California craft beer, the festival features great breweries, food, entertainment, and warbird rides for sale. There will be over 40 craft beers to taste, with food trucks from Big Easy Sandwich, Fries Galore, Dogos and Burgers and Nick’s Pizza, and vintage airplane rides bought in advance. Live Music by Del Sol Band and The John Stanley King Band. Get tickets
Magic of Lights – Coachella Valley 2023
Experience Magic of Lights – Coachella Valley 2023 from November 17–December 31, every night starting at 5:30 pm at the Empire Polo Club. Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Experience Magic of Lights from the comfort and safety of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path of Coachella Valley’s new holiday tradition. One carload, one price. Get tickets
Pinot & Pilates
Join Club Pilates at the V Wine Lounge for a 45-minute Mat Pilates class followed by a glass of wine at Pinot & Pilates on Saturday, November 18 at 11 am. Your $15 ticket includes the class led by a certified Pilates Instructor, plus one glass of wine (Pinot or something else!) after the class. Stay to socialize and enjoy our fall desert weather on the patio. More info
