Shelter in Place! That will be the mantra for some of our locals over the next three weekends as the Coachella ValleyMusic and Arts Festival and its country-bumpkin cousin, Stagecoach, invade the valley.
I’ve attended each only once and the festival grounds are certainly not for the faint of heart. Sounding all of my 66 years of age, it is unquestionably designed for the younger generations. Case in point: the poster announcing all the bands. The acts we might know from hearing on KGAY or remembering from our younger days are in big type…so we can read their names. The others — disregard. You’ve never heard a note.
I’m certainly not advocating that we stay home while the festivals rage on. In fact, sometimes it opens up opportunities to enjoy some of our outdoor attractions, al fresco dining at our restaurants, shopping (especially in the afternoon), or a cocktail on the patio of an Arenas bar.
Temps cool down a bit after today. But it’s still good pool party weather or just a great weekend to catch up on projects. And for those who want to venture out, we’ve got your guide to it all below. That’s why I’m your “Gay Desert Guide”!
Last piece of advice: Avoid the beer and hard seltzer aisles in the stores at any cost. You’ll be mowed down in a heartbeat by The Hydrated and Highly Filtered infiltrators.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
For the latest, follow our socials @GayDesertGuide and @KGAY1065 and listen to KGAY Palm Springs wherever you may reside!
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Coachella
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (aka “Coachella”) returns to the Empire Polo Club in Indio for two weekends, April 11–13 and April 18–20. Headliners Lady Gaga, Green Day, and Post Malone lead an incredible lineup that also includes Megan Thee Stallion, Charli XCX, Ed Sheeran, Weezer, Benson Boone and Missy Elliott among dozens of others. With performances spanning multiple genres and stages, the festival promises something for every music lover. Attendees can also explore immersive art installations, interactive activities, and unique culinary experiences. You can also enjoy the festival anywhere with the Official Coachella LIvestream on YouTube. Over 125,000 attendees are expected to join this world-famous celebration of music, art, and culture! Get tickets (Yes, they are still available!)
Looking to connect with our tribe at the festival? Try #gaysofcoachella on social media: Instagram & Facebook
World Art Day Festival
Celebrate creativity and community at the World Art Day Festival on Saturday, April 12 from 10 am–2 pm at Downtown Park Palm Springs. This free, family-friendly event honors diversity and inclusion through the arts, featuring live entertainment, interactive art projects, hands-on activities, artist demos, and more. Explore a student art gallery, enjoy food vendors, and watch captivating performances in a joyful, welcoming atmosphere. More info
Hairspray
Desert Theatricals presents Hairspray at the Rancho Mirage Amphitheatre from Friday, April 11–Sunday, April 13. This eight-time Tony Award-winning musical is packed with laughter, romance, and catchy tunes, following Tracy Turnblad’s journey from an outcast teen to a star on the “Corny Collins Show” in 1962 Baltimore. With a mission to win hearts, challenge norms, and integrate a TV network, Tracy’s story is a delightful celebration of change, resilience, and rhythm. Get tickets
House Party PS: Lights! Camera! Action!
Step into Hollywood’s golden age at House Party PS: Lights! Camera! Action! on Saturday, April 12 from 5–8 pm in the elegant Deepwell neighborhood of Palm Springs. Hosted by the Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation alongside Michael Norpell and Bryan Fisher, this cocktail soirée features dazzling entertainment, including singer/songwriter Spencer Day, singer/actress Kim SchroederLong, and a Marilyn Monroe impersonator, all emceed by the fabulous Bella da Ball. Enjoy wine, cocktails, and appetizers from F/10 Catering as you mix and mingle under the desert stars. Get tickets
Broadway’s Brightest: Leslie Odom, Jr.
Leslie Odom, Jr.
The Broadway’s Brightest Stars series at the McCallum Theatre wraps up on Saturday, April 12 at 8 pm when Leslie Odom, Jr., best known for his Tony- and Grammy-winning role as Aaron Burr in Hamilton, delivers a remarkable performance featuring his signature blend of Broadway classics and original music. Get tickets
Cocktails on the Page at Piazza di Liberace
Step back in time at Cocktails on the Page on Friday, April 11 from 5–7 pm at the historic Piazza di Liberace. Hosted by the Palm Springs Public Library Foundation, this elegant event features cocktails, light appetizers, and a special appearance by author Rufi Thorpe, who will discuss her latest novel, Margo’s Got Money Troubles. Each guest receives a copy of the book, which can be autographed at the event. Get tickets
Agua Caliente Celebrates 30 Years with Pat Benatar + Neil Giraldo
Agua Caliente Casinos celebrates 30 years of exceptional gaming in the Coachella Valley with performances across venues like The Show in Rancho Mirage, the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs, and the Agave Caliente Terraza in Cathedral City. Highlights include Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo live on Friday, April 11 at 8 pm in the outdoor space at Agua Caliente Palm Springs. With multi-platinum albums, Grammy wins, and iconic hits like “Love Is a Battlefield,” “We Belong,” and “Invincible” this legendary duo promises an electrifying night. Get tickets
The AIDS Quilt Songbook
The CSUSB Opera Theatre will present The AIDS Quilt Songbook at the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus on Friday, April 11 from 7–9 pm. This poignant production honors lives impacted by AIDS, weaving songs and poems that confront stigma while celebrating resilience and remembrance. Directed by Stacey Fraser with music direction by Alastair Edmonstone, the performance features newly composed works, choreography, and guest artists. Get tickets
Modern Men: The ’70s Show
Step back into the groovy sounds of the ’70s with Modern Men Coachella Valley Men’s Chorus as they present The ’70s Show at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Three sold out performances take place Friday, April 11 at 7 pm, Saturday, April 12 at 7 pm, and Sunday, April 13 at 3 pm. Audiences will enjoy nostalgic hits from The Carpenters, ABBA, James Taylor, Donna Summer, and more, celebrating the music that defined a decade. More info
Palm Springs International Piano Competition
From Friday, April 11–Monday, April 21, the Coachella Valley becomes the stage for the Palm Springs International Piano Competition, where 25 remarkable young pianists will compete for over $30,000 in prizes. Preliminary rounds at Temple Isaiah will showcase extraordinary talent, leading to the grand Concerto Finals at the McCallum Theatre on April 21. The stakes include the $10,000 Gold Medal prize, a recording with Yamaha Artist Services New York, and career-defining performance opportunities through 2025–27. Get tickets
THEATRE
The Diary of Anne Frank
Desert Theatreworks presents a powerful new adaptation of The Diary of Anne Frank at the Blackbox Theater, running April 4–13. This production weaves survivor accounts with excerpts from Anne Frank’s diary, presenting a modern, emotionally charged portrayal of the Nazi era. Set in a hidden attic where eight individuals seek refuge, this adaptation captures their daily struggles and celebrates Anne’s enduring message of resilience and hope. Get tickets
The Cake
Join The Bent Theatre Company for their production of The Cake from April 4–12, at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. This heartfelt and timely dramatic comedy, written by Tony-nominated playwright Bekah Brunstetter and directed by Kudra Wagner, tells the story of Della, a conservative North Carolina baker, who faces a moral dilemma when Jen, someone she loves like a daughter, asks her to bake a cake for her lesbian wedding. Get tickets
Explore the fifth edition of Desert X in the Coachella Valley now throughMay 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. Hub visitors can chat with knowledgeable 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
KGAY Desert Guide Highlights!
The Flaggers of the Desert welcomed arriving Firebirds Fans to KGAY Night at Acrisure Arena
KGAY Night at Acrisure Arena: John Taylor dropped the ceremonial puck for the game, but hammed it up with KGAY’s Brad Fuhr and Larry Eschenbacher, along with Gina Rotolo from the Firebirds. Modgirl was spinning and rode the Zamboni!
Congratulations to Al Walz, winner of two VIP passes to Coachella Weekend One, courtesy of KGAY 106.5 & 92.1!
Ask a Gay Doc Episode 22: HIV Treatment and Prevention Funding Cuts
Dr. Renzo Corzano and KGAY’s John Taylor are answering your health-related questions in the Ask A Gay Doc series, sponsored by Desert Oasis Healthcare. In Episode 22, John and Dr. Corzano discuss how funding cuts for HIV and STI treatment and prevention might affect the LGBTQ+ community, with Jeff Taylor, Executive Director of HARP-PS.ORG and Chief Medical Officer of HEALTHYPSTEST.ORGDr. Greg Kuldanek. Watch the Ask a Gay Doc series, and find out how you can submit your own questions, on the Ask a Gay Doc page at kgaypalmsprings.com.
Get our Free Visitor Map & Guide
Check out the latest edition of the K-Gay Desert GuideVisitor 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!
Click below to sign up for our Gay Desert Guide Oasis Insiders Newsletter to get our Weekly Blog, Top 3 Events for the weekend, Hot Deals and Cool Events all delivered to your inbox every Friday!
The KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 Retro Lunch airs Monday through Friday from noon–1 pm, with DJ Galaxy (Vincent Corrales)andDJ Eric Ornelasplaying an hour of their high-energy throwback mixes. On Sundays, we put all five hours together for the Retro Sunday Brunchfrom11 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
KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 is giving you the chance to WIN TICKETS to Falsettos, presented by Dezart Performs from April 18–27 at the Pearl McManus Theater [More info]. This Tony Award-winning musical is a witty and poignant tale of family, love, and resilience, set against the backdrop of bar mitzvahs, baseball, and the AIDS crisis. Falsettos is a must-see production that will leave audiences both laughing and moved. Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page
KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 invite you to WIN TICKETS to KGAY Night Glow with Pride at the Living Desert Zoo on Thursday, April 17 at 6:30 pm [More info]. Celebrate LGBTQ+ joy with dazzling lights, fierce performances, and a dance floor where your authentic self is the star. This 21+ event is more than a party—it’s a defiant reminder to shine brighter than ever. Let your pride roar in this evening of light, love, and community! Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page
KGAY 106.5 & 92.1 is also giving you the chance to WIN TICKETS to One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest presented by Palm Canyon Theatre, running April 18–27 [More info]. This compelling stage adaptation of Ken Kesey’s classic novel blends humor and candor while exploring the harsh realities of life in a mental institution. Don’t miss the unforgettable tale of McMurphy, whose rebellious charm leads him to unexpected challenges. Enter to WIN on the KGAY Contest Page
103.1 MeTV FM
103.1 MeTV FM plays a Timeless and Memorable variety of the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s with a touch of the 50’s! You can listen to 103.1 MeTV FM everywhere! In your car, at work, at home or around the world! Online at 1031metvfm.com or tell Alexa, “Open 103.1 MeTV FM” NEW: Listen for Brad Fuhr 9a–2p and Paul Ciliano from 2–6 pm Saturdays on 103.1 MeTV FM! Listen online
103.1 MeTV FM is giving you the chance to WIN TICKETS to Tusk – The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute, presented by The Desert Symphony on Thursday, April 17 at 8 pm at the McCallum Theatre [More info]. Since 2008, Tusk has wowed audiences nationwide with their spot-on renditions of Fleetwood Mac’s greatest hits, perfectly capturing the sound, chemistry, and iconic energy of the original band. Enter to WIN on the 103.1 MeTV FM Contest Page
Listen to KGAY 106.5 and 92.1 over the air, stream it [here], or listen on iHeart Radio with Alexa or Siri by saying “Play K-GAY 106 5 .” 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 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.
