Gay Desert Guide Weekend: Mar 14-16, 2025

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Brad Fuhr Caricature

Green Day will be performing at Coachella Music and Arts Festival this April, and I can’t wait to hear how lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong changes the band’s lyrics to taunt our current administration.

Green Day, known for its politically charged music, continued its criticism during a recent concert in Melbourne, Australia. Armstrong altered the lyrics of “Jesus of Suburbia” to target Vice President JD Vance, referencing Vance’s scolding of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The band also criticized Elon Musk for his role in the Trump administration and his actions related to federal agencies. Additionally, Armstrong showed support for Palestine by displaying a Palestinian flag during a previous concert.

Lady Gaga will also headline Coachella, and we’ve got VIP passes to Week 1 to giveaway starting next week. So you’ll have a chance to see both Green Day and Gaga! Details in my Monday blog and when I’m on KGAY Monday morning around 8 a.m. with John Taylor.

Speaking of whom, my co-worker just made it to the big 6-0! John and I have been friends since the 90s through a then-secretive LGBTQ radio and music industry professionals known as FOD — “Friends of Dorothy”. That group was founded by our KGAY program director and afternoon host Chris Shebel in the 80s when we were all closeted and didn’t even have AOL dial-up service!

Someday that story will be told fully — Modgirl thinks it would make a great documentary. For now, we’ll just keep speaking truth to power with our radio and online megaphones. And of course, entertain and keep you updated on what’s happening in our bubble of the Coachella Valley…

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Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs

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Red Dress / Dress Red Party

2025 Red Dress Crop

The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert’s annual Red Dress/Dress Red Dance Party is on Saturday, March 15, from 8 pm–12 am, held on the tarmac of the Palm Springs Air Museum. This popular (and sold out) event invites everyone to wear red attire—as a symbol of unity and solidarity within the LGBTQ+ community. Originating over a decade ago, the party has grown from humble beginnings at historic Palm Springs estates to become a premier social gathering. More info

Red Dress Happy Hour

There’s a fun and festive pre-party at one eleven bar, offering a Red Dress Happy Hour from 5–8 pm. Enjoy unbeatable happy hour prices as you mingle with friends and soak in the vibrant atmosphere, whether you’re dazzling in your favorite red dress or simply there to enjoy the energy, this lively event sets the perfect tone for the evening. More info

Day after splash

Make a splash at the official Day After Splash pool party following the Red Dress event! Held at the ARRIVE Palm Springs hotel on Sunday, March 16 from 11 am–3 pm, this poolside gathering offers music, drinks, and all the chill vibes you need to keep the celebration going. Don your favorite swimwear (might I suggest red?) and soak up the sun while enjoying a fun-filled afternoon. Get tickets

Pinkies Up Glasses High crop

Wrap up your Red Dress weekend festivities with Pinkies Up & Glasses High, a sophisticated High Tea & Champagne Soiree at Willie’s Modern Fare on Sunday, March 16 from 3–5 pm. This elegant affair offers a chance to unwind and indulge in a refined atmosphere. Enjoy delectable treats, fine champagnes, and the company of fellow revelers, all while supporting The Center, with 25% of proceeds benefiting the organization. Get tickets


Fashion Week El Paseo

Fashion Week El Paseo

The West Coast’s largest fashion week returns from March 14–19 at The Gardens on El Paseo in Palm Desert. This world-class event offers an inspiring and immersive fashion experience featuring cocktail receptions, pop-up shops, celebrity meet-and-greets, and more. Highlights of the week include the re-launching of Pierre Cardin on Friday, a presentation by Ace Harper titled Move with Abandon on Saturday, LaQuan Smith’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection presented by Summer Colony Living on Sunday, Running Wild on El Paseo on Monday, a showcase by Istituto Marangoni Miami on Tuesday, and a special presentation by Saks Fifth Avenue on Wednesday. Attendees can indulge their inner fashionista celebrating the newest collections from the industry’s most prominent influencers and innovators. Get tickets


LEZ Party Pop-Up Fundraiser

Lez Party

Join the fun at the LEZ Party Pop-Up Fundraiser on Sunday, March 16, from 3–7 pm at Low Desert Modern Mexican. Enjoy food, music, and dancing with a guest DJ and pop-up entertainment. Entry is $10 cash at the door, and all proceeds benefit LA wildfire victims through the California Community Fund. More info


Coachella Valley Canna-Week

Coachella Valley Cannabis Week 2025

Celebrate Coachella Valley Canna-Week 2025 from Thursday, March 13–Saturday, March 15, with three days of events highlighting cannabis culture, craft, and tourism across the region. This immersive experience includes engaging panels, interactive activities, and opportunities to explore cannabis tourism, from crafted products to innovative consumption spaces. Highlights feature a Canna-Week Check-In Challenge Lounge Crawl, educational sessions at Mizell Center, and a Closing Party at Double Eye Cannabis Lounge. Whether you’re canna-curious or a cannabis connoisseur, this event is not to be missed. More info


Desert X

Sarah Meyohas Truth Arrives in Slanted Beams
Sarah Meyohas Truth Arrives in Slanted Beams

Explore the fifth edition of Desert X in the Coachella Valley from March 8–May 11. This outdoor art exhibition delves into the nonlinear narratives of time, with installations across several valley cities that reflect on the desert’s deep time evolutions and intertwine ancestral wisdom with contemporary visions. Check out descriptions of all the pieces and photos from the installations [here]. The Desert X 2025 Hub is hosted at the Thompson Palm Springs. Visitors can greet volunteers, browse merchandise, and enjoy a meal or cocktail at Lola Rose before heading to the exhibition. Printed programs and field guides will be available for pickup at the Hub during open hours or at the front desk throughout the exhibition. Hub hours are Fridays from 2–5 pm and Saturday & Sunday from 10 am–5 pm. More info


BNP Paribas Open Finals

BNP Paribas Open Stadium

The 2025 BNP Paribas Open wraps up this weekend at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. This prestigious tournament, also known as the Indian Wells Open, is the first combined ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 event of the year. Fans can expect electrifying performances, dramatic rallies, and unforgettable moments as players vie for the championship titles. Beyond the courts, the event offers a vibrant atmosphere with food, entertainment, and opportunities to meet fellow tennis enthusiasts. Get tickets


An Evening with Lillias White

Lilias White

Experience the extraordinary talent of Lillias White during An Evening With Lillias White at the Purple Room on Friday and Saturday, March 14 & 15. Enjoy dinner at 6 pm followed by her captivating show at 8 pm, as this TONY® Award-winning Broadway legend brings her powerful voice and unmatched charisma to the stage. Then, on Sunday, March 16, don’t miss the ever-popular Judy Show at 7 pm for a night of laughter and unforgettable entertainment. Get tickets


Bob Anderson, Jeffrey Siegel at the McCallum

Bob Anderson
Bob Anderson

This weekend at the McCallum Theatre: On Friday and Saturday, March 14–15 at 8 pm, renowned vocal impressionist Bob Anderson pays tribute to legends like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and others from the golden era of Las Vegas entertainment. Thens on Sunday, March 16, join Jeffrey Siegel’s Keyboard Conversations at 3 pm, where Siegel shares high-spirited and witty works by Chopin, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, and Debussy, blending extraordinary musicianship with engaging humor. Get tickets


Young Artists Exhibition

Young Artists Exhibition Opening Reception

Celebrate the creativity of young talents at the Young Artists Exhibition, running from Wednesday, March 12–Sunday, March 30, from 10 am–4 pm daily at Artists Center in Palm Desert. This annual event, held in collaboration with the Artists Council and art instructors from the Coachella Valley’s unified school districts, offers students the chance to experience the professional art exhibition process. The opening reception is on Saturday, March 15, from 5–7 pm, featuring 123 student artworks from 13 different schools. More info


Discover the History of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Discover the incredible journey behind the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway at a special presentation and book signing with author and historian Steve Lech on Saturday, March 15, from 11 am–1 pm in the Francis Crocker Room at the Mountain Station. Lech will discuss his book, Crocker’s Folly, which details the challenges faced by the Tramway’s founders in creating this iconic attraction. This event is free with general Tramway admission, and copies of Crocker’s Folly will be available for purchase in the Mountain Gift Shop. More info


PALS Seminar: Compassionate Caregiving

PALS

Join the PALS (Planning Ahead for LGBTQ+ Seniors) Seminar on Saturday, March 15 from 9:30–11 am, for an insightful session titled Compassionate Caregiving: Before & After Reaching Your Limit. This educational event offers practical strategies to manage caregiver stress and burnout, while a professional care advocate shares valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of caregiving. More info


CATalysts for the Future

Cat

Explore the whimsical world of CATalysts for the Future, a free outdoor art exhibition by Karen and Tony Barone, on display from Saturday, March 15–Sunday, April 20, at Town Square Park in Cathedral City. Featuring bold, larger-than-life sculptures of rabbits, cats, and abstract designs, this vibrant installation brings playful creativity to everyday spaces and offers the perfect backdrop for your next Instagram-worthy moment. More info


THEATRE

God of Carnage

God of Carnage

Desert Ensemble Theatre Company presents God of Carnage from March 14–23 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. A playground altercation between two boys brings together their four parents for a meeting to resolve the matter. As the meeting progresses, and the rum flows, tensions emerge and the gloves come off, leaving the couples with more than just their liberal principles in tatters. Get tickets


How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

How to succeed in Business

Revolution Stage Company presents How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying from March 12–29. Winner of Tony and Pulitzer Prizes, this sharp and witty production takes you on a comedic journey through the corporate world, showcasing the art of playing the game with charm and humor. Get tickets


Jesus Christ Superstar

Jesus Christ Superstar CVRep

CVRep presents the iconic rock musical Jesus Christ Superstar from March 5–16. This semi-immersive version of the classic 1970s musical tells the story of the struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, followers, and the Roman Empire, entirely through song. Audiences will experience well-known numbers such as “Superstar,” “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” and “Gethsemane” in a new and innovative way. Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh says “You can see and feel the emotional depth and raw energy in every performance, bringing the characters to life in a way that is both heartfelt and unforgettable.” Read his full review and Get tickets


Tootsie the Musical

Tootsie DTW 2025

Desert Theatreworks presents Tootsie the Musical from March 7–30 at the Indio Performing Arts Center. This laugh-out-loud extravaganza, inspired by the Academy Award-winning film starring Dustin Hoffman, is a heartfelt love letter to the stage. Meet Michael Dorsey, a talented actor known for job-hopping. When faced with a career crisis, Michael transforms into the fabulous actress Dorothy Michaels. Suddenly, he embarks on a wild Broadway adventure, winning hearts, stealing scenes, and catching feelings for his leading lady, Julie. Michael discovers that juggling dual identities is no easy feat. Get tickets


Honky Tonk Angels

Honky Tonk Angels

Desert Theatreworks presents Honky Tonk Angels, a musical extravaganza, from February 1–March 30 at the Black Box Theatre. This lively show features three fearless women from diverse backgrounds chasing their dreams to Nashville. With 30 timeless country hits like “Stand By Your Man,” “9 to 5,” and “Harper Valley PTA,” this toe-tapping journey celebrates sisterhood, resilience, and the power of music. Get tickets


Victor/Victoria

Victor Victoria

Palm Canyon Theatre presents their production of Victor/Victoria, running from March 14–April 6. Victoria Grant finds stardom by masquerading as “Count Victor Grazinski,” a man performing as a female impersonator. When macho businessman King Marchan develops feelings for “Victor,” and Victoria reciprocates, it sparks a whirlwind of complications. Get tickets


ALSO THIS WEEKEND

Friday, March 14 Razzle Dazzle: A Broadway Revue | 7 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center

Saturday, March 15 St. Paw-Trick’s Adoption Weekend | Sat. & Sun., 11 am–5 pm at the Palm Springs Animatl Shelter Humanist Principles: Development and Significance for Today’s Political Crisis | 11 am at The LGBTQ Community Center of The Desert Country Dance Saturdays: Beginner Two Step with Lise Baadh | 7 pm at Step by Step Max Von Essen – Broadway’s Best in the West | 7 pm at Palm Springs Cultural Center

Sunday, March 16 Songs from the Heart | 1:30–2:30 pm at United Methodist Church



Map Guide Cover Crop Spring 2025

Get our Free Visitor Map & Guide

Check out the latest 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!


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Featured Events
    • Desert X 2025 Mar 8–May 12 at Various Locations Throughout Coachella Valley
Welcome New Partners
Miralon
Discover Vitality at Miralon in Palm Springs, where modern new homes priced from the $800,000s blend luxury living with a vibrant, desert inspired lifestyle. Enjoy stunning architecture, community amenities, and the best of desert living. On Saturday, March 22 at 10 am, KGAY Morning Show host John Taylor will be Out and About at Miralon with home tours and food, fun and games! Search Vitality at Miralon on Gay Desert Guide: Learn more.
weifels logo
While new to Gay Desert Guide, the Wiefels family has been proudly serving Southern California families since 1908. Known for their compassionate care, Wiefels offers a comprehensive range of services, including green burials, traditional funeral services, memorials, cremations, and pre-arrangement planning to help families plan ahead with ease. Learn more
On the Air

KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 FM

CVI Best of Awards 2023
The KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 Retro Lunch airs Monday through Friday from noon–1 pm, with DJ Galaxy (Vincent Corrales) and DJ Eric Ornelas playing an hour of their high-energy throwback mixes. On Sundays, we put all five hours together for the Retro Sunday Brunch from 11 am–4 pm. Perfect party music! The KGAY 106.5 Sunday Tea Dance with Modgirl airs every Sunday from 4–6 pm (right after the Retro Brunch). All our DJs took honors in the Best of Coachella Valley this year! Listen to KGAY 106.5 online THIS WEEKEND: Both DJ Galaxy (as Lolli Poppers) and Modgirl will be spinning at the Red Dress/Dress Red Party!

103.1 MeTV FM

MeTV Patrick Evans 10 to 3 Logo Crop
MeTV Patrick Evans 10 to 3 Patrick Crop
103.1 MeTV FM is KGAY’s sister station, featuring timeless and memorable music including the ‘60s and ‘70s with a touch of the ‘50s and ‘80s. Listen online
Home Again Carole King Tribute
103.1 MeTV FM is giving you the chance to WIN TICKETS to Home Again – A Tribute to Carole King on March 20 at the McCallum Theatre [More info]. This unforgettable performance, featuring Deb De Lucca, her band, and The Desert Symphony, celebrates Carole King’s iconic anthology. Relive the “Beautiful” spirit of music history with hits she made famous and timeless classics written for artists like The Shirelles, The Carpenters, and The Monkees. Enter to WIN on the 103.1 MeTV FM Contest Page
Palm Desert Food Wine 2025
Get ready for a delicious experience! 103.1 MeTV FM is giving you the chance to WIN PASSES to the Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival, happening March 20–23 [More info]. Indulge in mouthwatering eats, fine wine, and appearances by celebrity chefs at this signature event. Don’t miss out on this flavorful opportunity to win! Enter to WIN on the 103.1 MeTV FM Contest Page
Bookmarks
    1. The Ultimate Guide to Fashion Week El Paseo: What Not to Miss
    1. Palm Springs Approves $70K for LGBTQ+ Monument in Frances Stevens Park
    1. How Extreme Climate Helped Shape Palm Springs Modernism
    1. Thought-Provoking Desert X Exhibit in Palm Desert
    1. 2025 Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast to Honor Toni Atkins

Find out what’s happening on any given day by browsing our Gay Desert Guide Online Event Listing Calendar, and for the big picture, take a look at major upcoming events in our 2025 Coachella Valley Calendar of Events.

KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 Palm Springs Radio

Listen to KGAY 106.5 and 92.1 over the air, stream it [here], or listen on TuneIn Radio with Alexa or Siri by saying “Play K-GAY 1065 from Tune In Radio.” John Taylor is on mornings 6–10 am and program director Chris Shebel is on afternoons. Our Retro Lunch with DJ Galaxy and DJ Eric Ornelas is now heard on Sundays as the Retro Lunch & Sunday Brunch from 11 am–4 pm, followed by Modgirl spinning the KGAY Sunday Tea Dance from 4–6 pm.

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