Blanche DuBois’ famous line in Tennessee Williams play, “A Streetcar Named Desire,” resonates as I get ready to depart Japan for Palm Springs.
“I have always depended on the kindness of strangers,” is her line that’s oft heard uttered by those who know the play and the movie well.
I am wrapping up a week being immersed in the Japanese culture at the IGLTA (International LGBTQ+ Travel Association) Conference in Osaka, Japan. The kindness shown by the Japanese people is palpable on a moment-by-moment basis – and something we should be mindful of. Of course, that’s difficult with the political discourse on display now…
It’s been a great cultural experience for me and the team from Palm Springs. This conference of LGBTQ+ travel professionals, media and associated businesses moves to our city in 2025. Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein joined members of Visit Greater Palm Springs and the Palm Springs Convention Center for the conference handoff on Friday. The photo below shows us on stage.
We’re excited about welcoming an expected 2,000 people next October to our fair city. I want to give a shoutout to Scott White, CEO and President of Visit GPS, who brought me up on stage with the team. We will work hard to show off our wonderful destination to the world in 2025 with KGAY and Gay Desert Guide. Let’s show our kindness to the world when IGLTA comes calling. They won’t be strangers here!
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Leather Pride 2024: Deeper than Ever
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of leather, kink, and community at Palm Springs Leather Pride 2024: Deeper than Ever. This year’s event, taking place all weekend, features a diverse lineup of events designed to cater to a wide range of interests. From panel discussions and parties to dungeon play and a victory beer bust, there’s something for everyone. Check out our event listing for posters and details on all events: Get tickets
Modernism Week – October
Modernism Week October is a four-day celebration of mid-century modern architecture, design, and culture, Thursday–Sunday, October 24–27. This popular event offers a variety of activities, including architectural tours, lectures, art exhibitions, shopping, and special events, many of them free or low-cost. This year’s edition features new programs like “Escape into the World of Tiki!” and “Tiki Oasis: Desert Lanai 4 Cocktail Party & Home Tour,” offering immersive experiences into tiki culture and mid-century modern architecture. Additionally, visit Astro, the Modernism Week retro trailer, at the Launch Pad for information and snacks. Get tickets
Halloween Palm Springs in the Arenas District
It’s a spooky and star-studded Halloween celebration at Halloween Palm Springs in the Arenas District on Sunday, October 27 from 4–10 pm. This free event features live music from Motown legend Thelma Houston and pop diva Thea Austin (formerly of SNAP!). There will also be a costume contest, Andrew Christian fashion show, performance from Jesika Von Rabbit and Marisa Corvo Duo, plus KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 DJs Galaxy and Modgirl spinning tunes throughout the evening. Masters of ceremony will be KGAY Morning Show Host John Taylor, alongside Bella da Ball. While admission is free, donations to local LGBTQ+ charities are encouraged. VIP passes are available for purchase online and offer exclusive perks like meet-and-greets, side-stage viewing, and a private bar. More info
Be sure also to visit Gameday Men’s Health at Halloween Palm Springs, right next to the KGAY Costume Contest Stage. Get your photo with the Men of Gameday, grab a funny symptom sticker, and learn about their new clinic with a unique vibe. They specialize in men’s health issues like low testosterone and offer solutions like Testosterone Replacement Therapy. More info
Modernism Show & Sale Fall Edition
The Palm Springs Modernism Show and Sale Fall Edition returns to the Palm Springs Convention Center Friday–Sunday, October 25–27. Kick things off with the Opening Night Party benefiting Modernism Week on Friday, October 25 from 6–8 pm, for exclusive previews and design enthusiast mingling. The weekend unfolds with a curated selection of exhibitors showcasing and selling the best in mid-century and modern design, Saturday 10 am–6 pm and Sunday 10 am–5 pm. Get tickets
KGAY on “American Dream”
The Gayborhood of Coachella Valley “American Dream” episode featuring KGAY’s Brad Fuhr and host Scott Griffin will be airing on KCOP FOX Los Angeles, Saturday morning at 7:30 am! For you Modernism Week aficionados, you’ll see Brad and Scott celebrating iconic hotels like Trixie Motel and The Velvet Rope, plus Acrisure Arena, and all that is fun, fabulous, and inclusive in Palm Springs! [View Segment 1 here] [View Segment 2 here]
EQCA Equality Awards Palm Springs
Join Equality California for the 25th Annual Palm Springs Equality Awards on Saturday, October 26 from 3–6 pm at the Riviera (formerly Margaritaville) Resort. This prestigious event recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the LGBTQ+ community. Honorees and special guests include Barbara Boxer, Will Rollins, and other influential figures. The event will feature a cocktail reception, awards ceremony, and live entertainment. Proceeds from the event support Equality California’s ongoing work to advance LGBTQ+ equality. More info
Palm Springs Leather Pride Formal Dinner
Hotel ZOSO is hosting the formal leather event of the year, the Palm Springs Leather Pride Dinner, on Friday, October 25 from 6–9 pm. This indoor/outdoor event features a cocktail reception, buffet dinner, silent auction, and a rooftop cigar space. Come dressed in your best leather gear and meet fellow leather enthusiasts from around the world. Enjoy reduced cash bar options and participate in the live auction. Get tickets
Tom’s Annual Cigar and Pipe Social
Join GarCzar, Ken Avedisian, and Jesse Rosenberg for a memorable afternoon at Tom’s Annual Cigar and Pipe Social on Saturday, October 26 from 2–5 pm at Tool Shed, featuring a relaxed atmosphere, delicious food and drinks, and a variety of cigars and pipes. Indulge in GarCzar’s five distinct specialty tobaccos, available for a donation, or watch a skilled cigar-rolling expert demonstrate their craft. Enjoy the outdoor patio while socializing with fellow enthusiasts. More info
DAP Health Equity Walk
The DAP Health Equity Walk 2024 takes place on Saturday, October 26 from 7:30 am–1 pm at Ruth Hardy Park. The Walk is an affirmation of DAP Health’s mission to remove barriers to care and secure health equity for everyone. There will also be a Health & Wellness Village and the Dunk Tank is back with your opportunity to dunk your favorite community leaders, including DAP Health CEO David Brinkman, Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills, and NBC Palm Springs News Anchor Mark Mester. KGAY’s Modgirl will be spinning the jams throughout! More info
This Weekend at The McCallum Theatre
The McCallum Theatre presents two exciting shows this weekend: On Saturday, October 26 at 8 pm, country music star Terri Clark takes the stage with her blend of classic honky-tonk, acoustic ballads, and energetic rock songs. Then, on Sunday, October 27 at 7 pm, the Capitol Fools deliver their hilarious political satire through song parodies and witty commentary. Get tickets
La Cage Aux Folles
Palm Canyon Theatre will whisk you away to Paris and a night of glamorous drag and storytelling as you enjoy the incomparable La Cage Aux Folles, running October 25–November 10. Based on the 1973 French play, this glitzy musical is set in a Saint-Tropez drag nightclub, following the hilarious antics of Albin, the star drag queen, and Georges, the club’s manager, as they navigate family drama and societal expectations. Get tickets
The Wild Women of Winedale
Desert Theatreworks presents The Wild Women of Winedale from October 18–November 3 at the Blackbox theater. Meet the spirited sisters, Fanny and Willa, along with their delightfully eccentric sister-in-law, Johnnie Faye. Through laughter and tears, they’ve weathered life’s storms, from losing spouses to the unexpected sinkhole swallowing their home in Florida. Join these remarkable women as they tackle life’s clutter with wit and ingenuity, promising an uproarious journey filled with laughter and heart. Get tickets
OUTWORDS: History = Hope
Join OUTWORDS for History = Hope, an evening of honoring LGBTQ+ elders and supporting their mission to preserve LGBTQ+ history on Friday, October 25 from 5–7 pm at The Kenaston House. This 2nd annual fundraiser features a reception, honorees, and a special guest host. RSVP is required. More info
F**king Men
The Bent presents F**king Men, playing Thursday–Sunday, from October 11–27 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. This fascinating, funny and provocative story of sex, love and connection follows ten men through a series of erotic encounters that change their lives in small but significant ways. A smash hit in London, F**cking Men takes a sharp and insightful look at the experiences of modern gay men as they navigate their conflicting desires for the comfort of monogamous love and the thrill of sexual freedom. Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh says “The message is basically an optimistic one even if it does have traces of extreme cynicism sprinkled throughout.” Read his full review and Get tickets
The Pride 2024-2025 Visitor Map & Guide is Here!
Check out the new edition of the K-Gay Desert Guide Visitor Map & Guide! To help you find everything you need as a visitor or local, we feature the top places for Food & Drink, Nightlife, Shopping, Attractions, Gay Resorts with passes, Dispensaries, and other services. Look for the latest edition at businesses and newsstands around town, or browse it online right here!
ALSO THIS WEEK
Saturday, October 26
Walk to End Alzheimer’s | 9 am at Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Friends of the PS Library Art, Architectural & Design Book Sale | 10 am–1 pm
15th Annual Chili Cook-Off and Car Show | 10 am–2 pm at the Palm Springs Air Museum
Candle-Making Class by Mijo Co | 12–2 pm
“Endurance of the Damned” Art Show Opening Reception | 4–6 pm at Brian Marki Fine Art & Framing
“Area 111” Modernism Art Show Opening Reception | 5–8 pm at Janssen Artspace
Sunday, October 27
Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade | 8 am–2 pm at El Paseo Shopping District
Closing Reception of “Modville” | 2–4 pm at Kee Gallery
Día de los Muertos Celebration | 10 am–5 pm at the Palm Springs Art Museum
Looking Ahead: Monday, October 28
Greater Coachella Valley Chamber Lunch Club | 12 pm at Eight4Nine
