Meet Me Under The Misters: September Events In Palm Springs

Bright yellow umbrellas shade loungers around the beautiful large pool at Twin Palms men's clothing-optional resort in Palm Springs, California

It’s September in Palm Springs! That means the days are in the low-ish 100s and the nights are in the mid to high 70s and all of the misters are going strong. Restaurants and entertainment venues are mostly back from their August vacations and are gearing up for season. Some will soft open, just long weekends, and others will be back in full swing. Just make sure to check the website and if you can, make a reservation because I don’t want you to be disappointed, and I can’t list all of them here. Okay? Thanks for understanding, you’re the best.

In other Palm Springs news, the controversial Marilyn Monroe statue will move to its intended location, next to its current location, in Downtown Park. The street will not reopen, so it is basically a giant walkway to the Palm Springs Art Museum. Yay tax dollars! Eh, we get some things right. Like inclusion. And sanctuary. And a damn fine time! Read on for what’s going on in September.

The big event: The Dinah

Sept. 25-29: The Dinah. Lesbians finally get their weekend in Palm Springs with the 33rd annual Dinah weekend. From their press release: “A must-attend queer party destination for everyone’s bucket list. Lauren Jauregui, Iniko, KiNG MALA, Lauren Sanderson, Whitney Peyton, Lucy & La Mer, and Sherrelle Holmes have been announced as headliners for the 33rd edition of the world renowned festival. Celebrating the power of queer expression, these incredible vanguards are bringing their empowerment anthems and true self-revolution to The Dinah stage. And breaking boundaries is all these exceptionally gifted rule-breaking and genre-bending queer artists are set out to do.”

Fun around town and dinner shows

The Purple Room — The Purple Room is back from hiatus, and so is Michael Holmes’ The Judy Show. Make sure you stay through Sunday night so you can see it. It’s my favorite show in town and I could see it 100 times and still laugh. Do your best to book in advance, it gets sold out really quick.

PS Underground — The most creative dinner show you’ll ever attend with an incredibly themed menu by Chef Dave. Some of the desert’s hottest performers get together under the direction of Michael Fietsam and each show is its own beautiful bubble in time. It’s a pricey ticket, but well worth it. Especially if you enjoy a bottomless wine glass with your food and entertainment. 

PS Air Bar — It’s an airplane! No, it’s a bar! No, it’s a restaurant! No, it’s a movie theater! No, it’s a live entertainment venue! Stop fighting! It’s all of these things in a very cozy space that actually looks like the interior of an airplane with more leg room. Actually, you know those 1960s and ’70s movies where the interior of the airplane has a lounge with stewardesses serving business men in first class? Well it’s like that, but the stewardesses are drag queens, and you never have to leave the ground. Unless you want to.

Crystal Fantasy: Crystal Fantasy Psychic Weekends and free reiki healing circle Sept. 7 and 15

Tequila Tuesdays at Zin American Bistro

Village Fest and Free Thursday evenings at PS Art Museum. Check out their other events too — they’ve really upped their programming.

PS Air Museum – It’s a very cool museum and absolutely worth a self-tour. Check out some of their events too.

Saturdays: Night Swim at Palm Springs Surf Club

The Drift Hotel — Not only a great place to stay downtown, but they’re stepping up their game with weekly events that aren’t just for guests. They’ve also been known to host comedy nights. Thursdays: 7 to 10 p.m, Jueves de Drift. Saturdays: Savasana at The Drift.

Entertainment

PS Cultural Center has so much going on they had to make a landing page listing all of the things. September brings us Cinema Diverse and all of the LGBTQ+ filmmakers who made the cut this year. There are a few world premieres again this year, and it is running for two weekends, one coinciding with The Dinah. 

Revolution Stage Company’s 2024/2025 season starts in October with Cabaret Riot. Cabaret Riot is a brand new game show offering by the Company to identify the next hit cabaret star, who will then have their own show at the theatre. Once a week, for four weeks, contestants will present a 15-minute set of story and song, and the audience will vote the winner through to the finale held on the fifth week. Expect a lot of surprises, including guest judges and entertainers from the valley. Best $15 you’ll ever spend. Full bar, comfy theatre seating, and a dance floor.

Tours

Desert Tasty Tours — Coming back for the 2024/25 season, this daytime food tour takes you through three blocks of historic downtown Palm Springs, stopping for delicious food and sweets (mostly local) along the way. Guides will also tell you the fascinating history of old Palm Springs. Tell them I sent you. 

Sept. 4 — Art Walk of Backstreet Art District. It’s off the beaten path on the way into Cathedral City, right where you’d think an artist’s haven might be — down a less traveled road and adorable. Always the first Wednesday of every month.

The Windmill Tour — Everyone I know that has been on this has said it was great. I have no idea why I haven’t done it yet. 

Palm Springs Historical Society — They were closed for the summer, however they still did private tours. They have so many of those you’ll have to come back again and again to do them all. In fact, you should do that. 

See you under the misters! 

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We’re Gaga Over April In Palm Springs

Coachella visitors next to a giant astronaut sculpture

“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!'” — Robin Williams

You guys, it is even more gorgeous than usual right now. The flowers are so bright and colorful they can’t help but make you happy. And the skies — the skies are the bluest of blues and poking up behind them are mountains peaked with snow.

It’s the backdrop for the music extravaganzas taking center stage down valley: Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and Stagecoach. There’s so much to do around here in April I’m gonna hold off on more chatter, because YOU are gonna want to be here and have a lot to get through. Start by booking your boutique small hotel then figure out what you want to do when you’re not lounging by the pool. You might be tempted just to stay there — the temperatures are soaring, the pools are perfection, and a whole world of things are happ-en-ing! Let’s go!  

The big stuff

Coachella Music and Art Festival — Featuring Lady Gaga, Post Malone, Green Day, Travis Scott, Charli xcx, Zedd, Ty Dolla $ign, T-Pain, Clairo, and Megan Thee Stallion.

Weekend 1: April 11-13 — Tickets 

Weekend 2: April 18-20 — Tickets

Stagecoach — Headliners: Zach Bryan, Jelly Roll, Luke Combs. On the Palomino Stage: Lana Del Rey, Nelly, and Sammy Hagar.

Desert X — Spanning several months, Desert X consists of large-scale, site-specific installations that blend contemporary art with nature, creating immersive experiences for visitors. It’s more than a day’s driving, but it’s a bit like an art scavenger hunt, and bonus — you’ll get to see the whole Coachella Valley. A great way to spend a day.

Glow in the Park at The Living Desert features illuminated art installations and interactive exhibits enhanced with special lighting effects, creating a magical experience for visitors. That even makes me want to go.

Palm Springs Cultural Center (PSCC) — Fast becoming the place to be on any given night, the former Camelot Theatre now houses just about every form of entertainment except trapeze artists (but give them time). PSCC offers the finest in local entertainment, performances by Broadway stars, and is home to two theatre companies, a Saturday Farmers’ Market, and countless cool film festivals. Celebrating the old and the new, here’s a run down of their April schedule:

April 1: Melba Miller’s Jazz Oasis, 5:30 p.m. (recurring Tuesdays) 

April 2: The Mod Squad — The Happiest Happy Hour in Palm Springs featuring Francesca Amari and Jeff Stewart. Sing-a-longs, percussion-a-longs, drinks and bar food. Total blast!

April 4: Razzle Dazzle – A Broadway Revue, 7 p.m.

April 5: New York’s Finest | Mama, I’m A Big Girl Now

April 6: Amazing Sundays Drag Brunch at Chill Bar Palm Springs, 11:30 a.m., 217 E. Arenas Rd (recurring)

April 9: Pre-Code Hollywood: Madam Satan, 7 p.m.

April 12: The 70s Show, by Modern Men, 7 p.m.

April 19: Unlimited: A Wickedly Wonderful Celebration Of Oz, 5:30 p.m., Palm Springs Cultural Center

April 19: Cult And Classic Films: Cult Nites, 7 p.m. (recurring)

April 23: The OUT Directors Series: Milk, 7 p.m.

April 26: George Michael Reborn. The show is heralded as a hit: “Robert Bartko exudes the energy and passion of George in the ’80s and ’90s. A spot-on George Michael lookalike, with the same vocal range and dance moves, you’ll swear you’re listening to the real deal.”

April 30: Pre-Code Hollywood: Little Caesar, 7 p.m.

All around the town

April 1: Palm Springs Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour & Game, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 220 N. Museum Dr. (recurring)

April 2: A Cabbello presents Keep Calm and Sing On 2.0!, 7 p.m., Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs

April 3: Palm Springs Speaks Presents Mary Louise Kelly of NPR, 7 p.m.

April 6: Palm Springs Vintage Market. Earlybirds: $10. After 8 a.m.: $5. 369 N.Calle El Segundo. If you love vintage, you absolutely can’t miss this!

April 12: Father and Son – Piolo Pascual and Inigo Pascual – Live in Palm Springs!, 7 p.m., Palm Springs Convention Center

April 12: Annual World Art Day Festival, 10 a.m., Downtown Park

April 14: The Palm Springs Guys Happy Hour, Chill Bar

April 15: Movies in the Park: The Love Bug, 7 p.m., Downtown Park

April 24: Dining Out for Life, an event where participating restaurants share at least 33% of their sales with DAP Health to continue their work in that sector. So many restaurants up and down the Coachella Valley are on the extensive list, but they’re all delicious, and that link will tell you everything you need to know. Deciding which restaurant will be the hard part.

Thursdays: Don’t miss free admission to the Palm Springs Art Museum from 4 to 7 p.m., and Village Fest, where we shut down Palm Canyon and everyone comes out to enjoy food vendors, purchase local wares, listen to street buskers, and enjoy the small town feel while walking through the heart of Palm Springs.

Sundays: From 3:30 to 7 p.m. is the Sunday Jam at Melvyn’s inside Ingleside Estate*

Daytime daily dos 

Palm Springs Historical Society Walking Tours — SO many tours. Bike tours too!

Desert Tasty Tours — Three hours, three blocks of walking, six tastes, two cocktails. A little history, a lot of fun.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway — The top of the mountain is usually 20 degrees cooler than Palm Springs. It’s a great ride up and down, you can see the entire valley, and there are two food options for dining. If you’re a hiker, there are tons of trails.  

Evening entertainment

The Bent: The Cake, April 4-12. Love, faith, and a wedding cake collide in The Bent’s bold new production of The Cake, the off-Broadway hit comedy by Bekah Brunstetter. Directed by Kudra Wagner at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. 

Dezart Performs: Falsetto’s, April 18-27, a hilarious and heartbreaking musical about family, ex-spouses, bar mitzvahs, baseball, and AIDS. 

Desert Ensemble Theatre — April 18-27, Beyond Therapy. Bruce and Prudence, two modern, neurotic urbanites, search for love and sanity with the questionable help of their offbeat therapists.

PS Underground — Dinner “theater” with a twist, it’s themed music featuring our finest entertainers. Group seating. A unique and delicious evening. 

The Purple Room — Delicious food, Rat Pack vibe, and terrific entertainment. If you’re lucky enough to stay through Monday, go see The Judy Show on select Sunday nights. 

Something new

La Bottega — It’s in a tiny strip mall on Indian Canyon (next to RockStar), and it’s a little bit of everything. It’s a coffee shop, a wine bar, a restaurant, and an Italian gourmet mini-mart. On Tuesdays, Carlo will teach you Italian while he cooks and serves dinner. Of course you’ll need a reservation. Their motto? Every hour is happy hour. 40 South Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 760-333-5468.

Chill Out at Drift* (free events at Drift Palm Springs)

April 12: Saturday Savasana at Desert Oasis: Coachella Weekend One, 9 a.m.

April 13: Reiki Sound Bath at Desert Oasis: Weekend One

April 19: Saturday Savasana at Desert Oasis: Weekend Two, 9 a.m.

April 20: Reiki Sound Bath at Desert Oasis: Weekend Two, 10a.m.

April 27: Reiki Sound Bath at Desert Oasis: Stagecoach, 10 a.m.

That’s it for me for now. Enjoy the flowers!!

*Indicates event is at a Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotel

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Things To Do In Palm Springs This September

Two rows of tall palms in Palm Springs

Well, we made it. We got a good scrub down from Tropical Storm Hilary, and some scattered palm tree exfoliation in yards and streets that will be gone by the time you read this.

September is just the warm up — maybe it’s the cool down — to season, so bargains are still in the offing. Consider booking a getaway and take advantage of those pre-season rates. The weather is being a real mensch.

Here’s what’s going on to help you decide when you’re coming, but first, some reminders: Modernism Week October is in … you guessed it, October; Halloween in Palm Springs, specifically on Arenas, needs to be experienced; and Pride is in November. This just in: Adele Dazeem will be headlining! (That’s a John Travolta Oscar joke, folks … for those of you who don’t do the Oscars, in 2014 that’s how Travolta intro’d Idina Menzel singing “Let It Go.“) 

Let’s go!

Looking for something to do over Labor Day weekend? Check out DJ ModGirl pumping out the party at various venues over the weekend and dance the day and night away.

The Dinah is the largest lesbian/queer/non-binary party in the world, and it’s happening Sept. 20-24. I’ve got all the places to stay neatly offered here. DJs and dancers not yet announced, but they ask that you follow their Instagram for all the deets.

Hundreds of women in the audience at a concert at The Dinah in Palm Springs

The crowd at The Dinah. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

Acrisure events in September include Cirque du Soleil Corteo and monster trucks.

Reforma has a lot of fun events on top of dining and dancing. Saturdays they have (IMHO) the most creative drag shows around. Beyoncé, Barbie, Taylor Swift, and Britney Spears have all had their drag moments here.

Pretty Faces Nightclub is described by owner Michael as a Pee Wee’s Playhouse kind of club, due to the decor of fairies and mushrooms. Dancing and events.

Cinema Diverse at Palm Springs Cultural Center is in its 16th year. You can read all about the LGBT+ film festival here. That first link gets you tickets. As of this post, the films have not yet been announced.

Mondays are for PS ukulele club @ Hits. It’s a local get together, but I happen to know some out-of-town enthusiasts. Plus, it’s a weed shop, so …

Chill Bar — Not Your Grandma’s Bingo on Saturdays, Varsity Fridays.

Mondays: King’s Highway & Amigo Room give us a double feature with Bella da Ball’s Drag Bingo, followed by her Trivia Night in the Amigo. $30

Sept. 17: Into old Hollywood and new plays? Confessions of a Starmaker is happening at 2 p.m. on the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Annenberg stage. Tickets are $100 with a cocktail reception to follow.

PS Underground is back and coming in hot with Light. Check out all their shows, including returning favorites like Dirty Bingo.

The Purple Room has reopened after its summer hiatus with Debby Boone and The Judy Show. There’s free entertainment on weeknights from local favorites Rose Mallett, Sharon Sills, Michael Holmes, Charles Herrera and Darcy Daniels. 6:30 to 9 p.m. Check the website for future ticketed shows.

PS Air Bar — Even if they didn’t have great entertainment, and they do, it’s worth going just for the ambiance. And their California Caesar is unlike any other you’ve had. Delish!

Old airplane seats inside the PS Air bar in Palm Springs, California

Welcome to PS Air. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

V Wine Lounge is a great place to have a glass of wine, beer, or craft cocktail. I had the  specialty blueberry mocktail invented by the lounge’s owner, James, and it was so good! Also, we learned it’s become a lesbian hangout on Mondays and Tuesdays when Leanna and Keisha D take the stage (respectively). It was a learning bonanza for this blogger, because karaoke nights are big with the lesbian crowd, and those ladies can sing! Minimal cover of $10. Check schedule for mo’info mo’events (In Living Color, anyone?).

One of our desert’s most talented and philanthropically inclined songbirds, Keisha D, has four residencies right now. We’ve got V Wine on Tuesdays with her full band of phenomenal players, PS Air Bar on Wednesdays, The Roost (with band) on Thursdays, and Sundays are an intimate evening at Palm Springs Cultural Center (her band will be back with her come October). I cannot encourage you enough — GO! And if you see that she’s doing her Tina Turner show? Grab that ticket ASAP. You don’t want to miss it.

If I don’t see you on the street, I’ll see you in October!

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Movies, Concerts, And More Await At The Palm Springs Cultural Center

The Palm Springs Cultural Center's logo of a palm tree in front of rainbow colors on a black background

The Palm Springs Cultural Center, less than two miles from Downtown Palm Springs, serves as a hub for many of our cultural experiences. It also is a great place to mingle with locals and learn more about our city.

50 years in Palm Springs

A black and white photo shows the Camelot Theater in Palm Springs as it looked when it opened in the late 1960s

The Camelot Theatre in its early days. Photo courtesy of the Palm Springs Cultural Center

The center originally opened in February 1967 as the Camelot Theatre, with a 625-seat auditorium, and in 1971, Camelot II was built next door. The theatre was in the Palm Springs Mall, and due to harsh economic conditions, it closed in January 1992. Palm Springs Mall management saved it from the wrecking ball, though it remained an empty space for eight years.

In 1999, it was purchased by Ric and Rozene Supple, who renovated the theatre and added state-of-the-art equipment. They eventually donated the building, and it was renamed the Palm Springs Cultural Center in 2018.

Today’s Palm Springs Cultural Center

Fresh onions and greens grown at local farms for sale at the Certified Farmers Market at the Palm Springs Cultural Center

Fresh produce can be found every Saturday at the Palm Springs Cultural Center’s Certified Farmers Market. Photo by Kathy Condon

Under the guidance of Executive Director Michael Green, who is also co-owner of The Triangle Inn, the Palm Springs Cultural Center hosts screenings and events throughout the year. Every January, many films from the International Film Festival are shown here, and in March, AmDocs takes over all three theatres and welcomes directors and producers from all over the world.

When no special events are taking place, current and vintage movies are shown in the 125-seat or 625-seat auditoriums. By the way, they have great popcorn with real butter.

On the grounds surrounding the Palm Springs Cultural Center, a Certified Farmers Market is held on Saturdays, offering everything from flowers to fresh produce from outlying farms. It is a time when locals flock here to buy homemade bread, listen to music, and gather their produce for the week’s meals.

Follow the winding staircase

A staircase leads upstairs to the VIP Lounge at the Palm Springs Cultural Center

Take this staircase up to the VIP Lounge and a guaranteed good time. Photo by Kathy Condon

Walking into the center to the right of the door, you will notice a staircase. This winds its way to the second floor, where you will enter a space filled with tables, an outdoor patio, and a bar waiting to serve you your favorite cocktail.

Recently, I attended a live performance by Gregory Douglass here in the VIP Lounge. About 50 of us mingled, ordered cocktails, and settled in to listen to Gregory — a fellow blogger for Boutiquely Palm Springs — perform some of his original songs. Gregory is a transplant via Vermont, where he wrote his songs and produced and released 10 albums.

With his keyboard and guitars strategically placed at one end of the lounge, Gregory warmly welcomed us with his broad smile and immediately revealed his sense of humor. The intimate setting made us feel like we were visiting a secret salon.

We were honored to hear two newly written songs, which will be on his 11th album and had never before been performed in front of an audience. In between, he shared anecdotes about his life and thoughts when creating his music. There was much laughter; Gregory displayed genuine awareness of the audience throughout the evening and did not shy away from sharing the bloopers in this life and performance.

A man in a striped shirt and a woman in a green dress pose in front of a keyboard at the Palm Springs Cultural Center

Kathy Condon and Gregory Douglass pose after Gregory’s VIP Lounge performance. Photo courtesy of Kathy Condon

I asked Gregory about performing in the VIP Lounge, and he revealed that it “fills my heart to have friends and local music lovers take a chance on an evening of (mostly) original music. I think it is such a powerful exchange with the audience to perform my emotionally-centered songs in an intimate setting like the Palm Springs Cultural Center VIP Lounge.”

The VIP Lounge is often a pre-show cocktail location for special events and shows. However, as Gregory notes, it is also a great place to learn about and discover artists living in the area. As a side benefit, it is small enough to allow one to mingle with locals and talk to the artists before and after their performances.

The Palm Springs Cultural Center’s breadth of events continues to introduce people to new talent, vintage films, and creative endeavors of individuals who are either starting or reviving their careers. Before you visit Palm Springs, check out the center’s website and sign up for its newsletter so you can find out what’s happening while you’re in town.

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Here Comes The Sun: June Events In Palm Springs

“There are three good reasons to be a teacher — June, July, and August.” — Unknown

It’s June, and that means it’s National Accordion Awareness Month. If you’re not familiar with an accordion, it sounds like someone attached a keyboard to a bagpipe and powered it with a leaf blower. At least it did when I played it.

So, I’m here to tell you how to avoid them in the wilds of Palm Springs, all bona fide events/locations almost surely accordion-free zones. That’s right, I care about you. So, read on, my friends. I’ve got you.

June 1: Rock The Park free concert featuring Mirage, a Fleetwood Mac cover band. They do not, to my knowledge, have accordions in any Fleetwood Mac track, so you’re safe. Go downtown before the concert and explore; maybe figure out where you want to have dinner, make a reservation for later, then head on back by Marilyn to rock out. After the concert, go back to said restaurant and you’ll skip all the lines. (Why yes, I have been called an evil genius before. Thank you.)

June 2: Fresh off a sold-out Vegas run, TikTok sensation Broadway Barbara is playing Oscar’s. If you know you know. (And that’s the only time I have ever “known” when someone uses that phrase. I don’t get it, but I know how to use it. Which means I’m evolving.)

June 3-12 is Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week. This is the week when you can try all of the delicious cuisine Palm Springs has to offer on the cheap. Check out the participating restaurants at the link above. (Highest risk of an accordion, but if you avoid Italian and Hungarian, you should be safe. However, then you’ll be missing out on great Italian and Hungarian food, so…your call.)

June 10-12: Splash House is back. You can get tickets here. (The lack of accordions is astounding.)

Courtesy of Splash House

PS Cultural Center

Sundays: Keisha D — One of the best set of pipes in Palm Springs.

Mondays: Mon Petite Salon

Tuesdays: Leanna & Jazz Collective

Upcoming movie events: Mostly camp, often sing-a-longs, and generally a good old blast from the past. Just recently they did John Waters’ Serial Mom, the epitome of classic campy fun.

PS Underground — Creativity with zero flaws. Shows sell out in a hot Palm Springs second, so find your level of fun and get’er booked.

June 3-11: Starstruck (part of Restaurant Week)

June 12: Dirty Bingo

June 24: Game Show

June 26: Ovation Brunch

The Purple Room — World class acts and local phenoms. Always an eclectic mix of music in this great Rat Pack location. Note: The Purple Room is closed for the summer starting June 24.

Tuesdays: Rose Mallett

Wednesdays: Charles Herrera, Michael Holmes & Darci Daniels

Thursdays: Sharon Sills

June 3 and 4: Billy Stritch — Cy Coleman Revisted

June 10 and 11: John Lloyd Young

June 17: Jeff Harnar

June 18: Jonathan Karrant

June 24: Kevin Tokarz, Danny Flahive and Andy Fraga — Three of the desert’s finest musicians playing all the music. This is listed as The Purple Room’s season finale, but the website offers one more…

June 25: Elvis the Early Years w/Scot Bruce

Note: The Judy Show is on hiatus while Michael is recovering from a pretty serious medical issue. That’s also probably why they’re closing up a little early this year. We wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to more Judy next season!

Courtesy of The Purple Room

The Alibi had shows all through May, and have not announced anything for June. If they do, you’ll find it at the link above. It’s a great indie music spot, and I’m giving this one an accordion warning on account of those crazy indie artist kidz.

Copa — It’s not your Barry Manilow version. This one has drag shows and late night dancing. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only (unless a private party).

AsiaSF is still having dinner shows. The food is good and the show is splashy.

We’ve got one theater company that’s still giving us all the entertainment through the summer months, and that’s Desert Rose Playhouse, the only Alphabet Mafia theater in Palm Springs. Every show is a celebration, whether it’s a stage show, comedy show, or musical review. It’s in the space that once housed Zelda’s nightclub, and of course there’s a bar, silly. If you’re in town early June, go see their double-header: Sex, and The Drag. Both written by Mae West, and both with a very naughty history. Always good — sometimes risqué — fun.

Courtesy of Desert Rose Playhouse

Open mic: Neuro Center on Wednesdays with Joel Baker — This is on Alejo, and a few major streets east. However, if you love singing with a real live piano player, Joel’s the guy. Local performers stop by and sing, so if you’re resting your vocal cords, you can enjoy an impromptu show — if you’re not, join in. Bring your accordion! (Kidding, leave that packed in the garage.)

Don’t forget to shop and stay local! And let’s meet back here again next month, k?

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Azuñia Tequila & Azúcar Palm Springs Crafts Four-Course Pairing Dinner

By Brian Garrido, La Serena Villas

Located in the heart of glamorous Palm Springs, Azúcar, the charming restaurant within the luxury boutique hotel, La Serena Villas, couples with the delicious, estate-crafted tequila, Azuñia tequila. For one evening, starting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16, four tequila cocktails will be paired with carefully prepared dishes by the chefs at Azúcar.

The cost per person is $60 and includes all food and tequila pairings. Gratuity and tax not included.  Reservations can be made via Opentable.com or by calling (844) 932 – 8044. Azúcar is located at 339 South Belardo Road, Palm Springs, CA, 92262, inside La Serena Villas.

To learn more about this exclusive event, follow Azúcar on Facebook and Instagram or visit the website at www.azucarpalmsprings.com. Breakfast is served from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; lunch is from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.; happy hour is only at the bar from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.; and dinner is 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Sunday – Thursday and on Friday and Saturday until 10:00 p.m. Light appetizers served from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. This is a 21 and over establishment. Reservations are strongly suggested.

Since opening late 2017, Azúcar Palm Springs has become a culinary star in Southern California’s desert dining scene with enticing food and handcrafted cocktails. A 2019 OpenTable Diners Choice awardee, the 110-seat restaurant, showcases modern contemporary cuisine with an emphasis and focus on flavor while utilizing exceptional local ingredients. Located on the second floor, Sugar High is a cozy Boho chic meets cool Palm Springs retreat where area locals are often gathering for the perfect slice of heaven sipping on amazing cocktails, noshing on appetizers while being surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the San Jacinto mountains.

About Azuñia Tequila

Azuñia is smooth, clean craft tequila with authentic flavor from the local terroir in every sip. It is the exclusive export of Agaveros Unidos de Amatitán and its second-generation, family-owned-and-operated Rancho Miravalle estate, which has created exceptional tequila for over 20 years. Made with 100% pure Weber Blue Agave grown in dedicated fields of the Tequila Valley, we harvest by hand and roast the organic agave in traditional clay hornos to ensure authenticity and depth of flavor. We then finish with a natural, open-air fermentation process and bottle onsite in small batches using a consistent process to deliver field-to-bottle quality. For more information, please visit Azunia.com. For media inquiries, contact Jenn Barber, jbarber@azuniatequila.com, 760-331-7914.

About La Serena Villas: 

Originally built in 1933, La Serena Villas is a luxury boutique property with 18 rooms, a serene pool and an intimate spa called Whispers. The historic hotel sits on more than an acre of beautifully landscaped grounds in the heart of downtown Palm Springs. Set a peaceful block away, but within walking distance to the famous Palm Canyon Drive, guests will find the resort city’s local restaurants, boutiques, and galleries.

Our 18 guest rooms are uniquely different in design with several offering outdoor tubs, fireplace, plunge pool, or a private spa. Many also feature private front patios with a swing or large back deck for privacy. Villa 18 offers a full kitchen and can be joined with Villa 16 for a two-bedroom retreat. The stunning San Jacinto Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop for La Serena Villas and visitors to the restaurant. All rooms are well-appointed featuring luxurious Frette linens and towels. Amenities include L’Occitane, La Serena Villas robes, hairdryers, Keurig coffeemakers, and 40-inch flat screen televisions.

La Serena Villas is located at 339 South Belardo Road, Palm Springs, CA, 92262. Phone is (844) 932-8044. You can find us on social media at Facebook and Instagram.  This is a non-smoking, pet-friendly and 21 and over only hotel. 

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December and January Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels LGBTQ Events

PS Gay Men's Chorus - Modern Family Holiday

It’s holiday season here in Palm Springs and the town is buzzing with activity and fun events. Schedule a getaway and get in some room-side pool time and holiday shopping while you’re in town checking out these don’t miss LGBTQ events in Palm Springs:

Holiday Dinner Show: Judy’s Old-Fashioned Christmas  12/1/19 – 12/29/19

At Michael Holmes’ Purple Room, this special holiday show is a blend of hysterical comedy and outstanding music that explodes into an evening of nonstop belly laughs, glamour and high camp, as celebrated entertainer Michael Holmes parodies Judy Garland, who in her 1964 television variety show, played host to some of the greatest female icons of the Golden Age of Hollywood. The spirit of Judy Garland is alive and well and in Palm Springs! Find out more here.

Judy's Old Fashioned Christmas

 

Sanctuary’s Holiday Spectacular  12/8/19

‘Tis the season to support the fourth Annual Holiday Spectacular – Holiday Socks, benefiting the Sanctuary Palm Springs. On Sunday, December 8 from 5 to 7:30pm, at the iconic Spencer’s Restaurant, this fun-filled cocktail reception, smashing hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment, not-so-silent auction and a rousing live auction benefits LGBTQ+ youth who are aging out of the foster system. Hear a grand performance from Broadway veteran David Burnham; celebrity emcee – comedian, actor and adoptive parent and star of Desperate Housewives Alec Mapa; and Dottie and Maude (aka Les Dames du Soleil) will add flair to the auctions. Limited tickets available. Find our more here.

Sanctuary's Holiday Spectacular

The Skivvies – I Touch My Elf  12/13/19 & 12/14/19

For two nights at The Purple Room, enjoy dinner and a show: “Alt-cabaret, new burlesque: Whatever you call it, the jolly musical comedy of the Skivvies, a troupe of entertainers who perform in their underwear, joyfully rock.” – New York Times. Acclaimed undie-rock stars, THE SKIVVIES, head to the entertainment capital of the world for “PALM SPRINGS STRIPPED”! Special guests to be announced. Presented by The Purple Room in association with Chris Isaacson Presents. Enjoy dinner at 6pm and a show at 8pm. Find out more here.

The Skivvies - I Touch My Elf

Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus “A Modern Family Holiday” at The Annenberg Theater  12/20/19 – 12/22/19

“A Modern Family Holiday” will be a showcase of traditional favorites along with new music from some of today’s most talented composers and lyricists. The theme of the evening is all about embracing our new modern families. Ticket prices range from $25 – $55. Shows at 7pm on Friday and Saturday and 3pm on Sunday. Find out more here.

PS Gay Men's Chorus - Modern Family Holiday

31st Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival – Gay!La (Date TBA)      1/1/20 – 1/13/20

The famous Palm Springs International Film Festival is one of the largest film festivals in North America, welcoming over 135,000 attendees each year for its lineup of new and celebrated international features and documentaries. The Festival is also known for its annual Gay!La event, honoring the LGBTQ community and film industry. This event is an annual highlight during the Palm Springs International Film Festival. With lots of great music and lots of great fun, you won’t want to miss this evening’s vibrant event. The full festival offers 12 days of events and film screenings featuring over 200 films from 60+ countries. We welcome you to join us at our venues in Palm Springs and Cathedral City. See you at the movies! Find out more here.

Palm Springs International Film Festival - Gay!La

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It’s Always Sunny In Palm Springs: January 2024 Events

Snow-covered mountains behind a green golf course in Palm Springs, California

If you’re reading this, YAY! You made it to the other side of 2023, also known as 2024! Here’s a roundup of all the good things that happened in 2023:

Scientists discovered that hitting the snooze button on your alarm has positive benefits.

And that concludes our roundup of good things in 2023! 

There is, however, one thing that can soothe a beast of a year away, and that’s a visit to Palm Springs. That’s right, we’ve pretty much got the market cornered on sunshine, and we’re showcasing it 350 days out of 365. And not to brag or anything, but Palm Springs was named one of the top 10 most culturally vibrant cities in the U.S. in 2023. Take that other cities, we got all the culture right here. Don’t believe me? Line up, culture. Let’s go!

Culture roll call

Theatre? Yes ma’am! 

The Bent, Desert Ensemble Theatre, Dezart Performs, and Revolution Stage Company 

Music? Yes ma’am!

The Purple Room, PS Air, PS Underground, PS Cultural Center, Jazzville

Concerts? Yes ma’am!

Acrisure Arena, and the casinos

Museums? Yes ma’am!

Palm Springs Art Museum, PS Air Museum

Hiking? Yes ma’am!

Indian Canyons, Palm Springs Tramway

Art? Yes ma’am!

Desert Arts Center

Michelin Guide restaurants? Yes ma’am!

We even have two places with “Cultural Center” as part of their names, for crying out loud. 

Star power in Palm Springs

We’ve got other stuff, too — in fact we’ve got all the stuff and we’re not wasting any time rolling it out for you, because we’re starting off 2024 with an explosion of star power at the Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF). You can check out the entire schedule and more here. That’s Jan. 4-14, and there is a lot to do. Folks being honored? Well, there’s Colman Domingo, Cillian Murphy, Greta Gerwig, Billie Eilish, Emma Stone, and Carey Mulligan, just to name a few. You might see them out and about town too. 

I mentioned cultural centers a nano ago, and PSIFF actually got its start at the Palm Springs Cultural Center (formerly known as Camelot Theaters). Built in the mid-1960s, Camelot was the first cineplex in Palm Springs, and has morphed into a home for all sorts of cool stuff. It’s not only still home to PSIFF, but abounds with other film festivals throughout the year. And it’s home to two theater companies. Plus there’s live music at least five days a week; just last month, the PSCC was lousy with Broadway stars singing their little hearts out. Yes, you could have seen Megan Hilty had you booked a wee vacation to our little slice of paradise.

The other cultural center is brand new, and it’s pretty exciting. It’s the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum (okay, not center, but close enough), and it’s recently opened to rave reviews. Built on an ancient hot mineral spa that was the foundation of the tribe for years, there are indoor and outdoor permanent exhibitions as well as some that will be ever changing. It’s definitely worth your time. Plus, it’s right next to the Spa at Séc-he, an extravagant indulgence you won’t want to miss. Sometimes an experience is worth every single penny, and this is one of those. 

News and reminders

If you’re not into spas (what?), films, or movie people patting each other on the back, the long awaited Palm Springs Surf Club has opened! Catch a wave, or lunch, or just float down a lazy river — it’s a thrilling new addition to our little city that’s almost 10 years in the making.

We are also saying goodbye to Antigua restaurant, but are welcoming Alice B’s, Minerva’s, and Toucan’s — it’s now under the ownership of the same folks that brought us Chicken Ranch (yum!). A local newspaper tells me that Skylark Hotel is opening their own little eatery, but that’s all I can find. I’ll keep you updated on that as I know. 

Reminders: Modernism Week is in February, and if you haven’t booked anything yet, good luck to you. There may be a few things left to do, but some of the local theaters and venues are rising to the occasion with their own non-Modernism Week mid-mod activities. 

Don’t forget every weekend Crystal Fantasy has their psychic fair, so pop in and see what 2024 holds for you.

Just a reminder of how fun we are, there’s an entire new TV series set here. Palm Royale is an Apple production á la Slim Aarons with Kristin Wiig. She’s always a great anti-hero. The linked article talks about Palm Beach and Palm Springs, which confuses me, but I’m not worried — that’s fairly normal. 

Don’t forget that the first Sunday of every month is the Palm Springs Vintage Market, but if you miss that, we’ve got scads of places off Industrial for you to get your mid-mod fix on (Antique Galleries of Palm Springs, 505 Industrial Pl.; Sunny Dunes Antique Mall, 507 E. Sunny Dunes Rd.; Little Shop of Treasures, 616 E. Sunny Dunes Rd.; Aida’s Antiques, 401 Industrial Pl.).

And then there are the tours:

Desert Tasty Tours — Three hours of foodie fun with a little bit of history thrown in for good measure

Palm Springs Historical Society (and museum!) — Many options here

Red Jeep Tours

Cannabis Express Tours — Call 310-467-6677

Five Star Adventure Tours

The Best of the Best Tours

And just in case you weren’t aware, the folks here are so nice that you just might think we’re Canadian. But we’re not (well, some of us are) — we’re just happy you’re here so we can show off! We’re kinda proud of us, and want to share the love. Plus, it’s more fun when you’re here too. See you soon!

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St. Patrick’s Day 2022: Put On Something Green And Party In Palm Springs

In Chicago, St. Patrick’s Day is such a huge deal — they dye the Chicago River green and have a huge parade, then everyone does a pub crawl, downing Jameson shots with green beer chasers, before going home and calling in sick the next day.

At least that’s what I’ve heard.

Palm Springs loves a good parade, which is why, on St. Patrick’s Day, we don’t have one. No parade worth its floats wants to follow Pride. (Yes, Pride was in November, but it was a party!)

So, no parade, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t pubs to celebrate that 2% of Irish your DNA results revealed. We’ve got Shamrocks Irish Pub, and … that concludes our tour of Irish pubs in Palm Springs.

Inside Shamrocks Irish Pub. Photo courtesy of Shamrocks

We do, however, have a few places where you can chow down on corned beef and cabbage (C&C), the Americanized version of the meal the Irish consume on the day (in Ireland, it’s all about pork and potatoes).

Here are a few definite hits for the boiled delight, and a few that have celebrated in the past (a.k.a. may or may not this year).

Hits

Sherman’s Deli — The corned beef is always tender, and there’s not much you can do to hurt a cabbage.

Manhattan in the Desert — Located on the south end of Palm Springs, these guys make corned beef and cabbage on the regular menu.

Welcome to Manhattan in the Desert. Photo courtesy of Manhattan in the Desert

Village Pub — This multilevel party place has had some pretty swinging St. Paddy’s days in the past. This year the party goes from 4 p.m. until 2 a.m.

Palm Canyon Roadhouse — On Palm Canyon just southeast of Ramon Rd., this rock ‘n roll old school playground will have corned beef and cabbage on 3/17, as well as entertainment. I am not linking their website because they’ve been hacked, and unless you have a need for OTC Viagra, it’s currently useless. Link takes you to FB (which, in the grand scheme of things, is not much safer).

Agua Caliente Casino — Check with the steakhouse for C&C (not yet listed) but they DO have music in the form of Lee Rainey and the Midnight Players.

Near hits

Paul Bar — This little gem is a local treasure. Hidden in a not-so-tidy strip mall on the corner of Gene Autry and Vista Chino, they have served C&C in the past. Don’t let the lack of curb appeal fool you, the inside is as classy as you can get.

Paul Bar. Photo: Kay Kudukis

And that, my friends, pretty much covers it, unless you want to make your own celebration; then, try some karaoke where you can belt out “Danny Boy” or “My Wild Irish Rose” until the other patrons throw shamrocks at you.

Don’t forget to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day, though; it’s worn to keep you safe from those pesky, pinching leprechauns Palm Springs is known for (they’re not).

Happy Irish Day everyone!

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Play And Stay Gay In September

Two men smile at each other while hanging out by the pool on a sunny day at Twin Palms Resort in Palm Springs, California

I know it’s hard to wait for Halloween and Pride, but they’re not until the end of October and early November for heavensake. What’s a gay to do? Please, like Palm Springs would leave you hanging — we’ve got you. 

Come September, we’ve not only got cooler nights, but Cinema Diverse, a terrific film festival featuring all the latest movies written and lensed by (or bi?) LGBTQ+ filmmakers. If you’re a film buff (there are so many puns to be had here, where’s the challenge?) you’ll absolutely love the line up.

Now in its 17th year, the festival runs Thursday through Sunday on two consecutive weekends: Sept. 19-22 and Sept. 26-29. Held in the former Camelot Theatre, built in the mid-1960s as the first cineplex in the Coachella Valley. It’s not only home to some of the coolest film festivals you’ve ever heard of (Film Noir Festival!), but during season they have live music five days a week. Add to that, it is home to two theatre companies, one LGBTQ+, which from December through April brings some of Broadway’s best to the big theatre. It’s all very fabulous and fun. 

But this is about Cinema Diverse, which is also culturally stimulating.  Here are some words from the man himself, Michael Green, Cinema Diverse festival director and executive director of the Palm Springs Cultural Center.

“We will be screening over 50 feature films and more than 100 short films over the course of the two long weekends,” Green said. “The 2024 schedule includes a number of additional world premiere films, both domestic and foreign, many from well-known LGBTQ+ filmmakers and some of whom are returning Cinema Diverse alumni.”

Make a weekend out of it

If you’re a cinephile loving the gay lifestyle, there is no place like Palm Springs to catch all the best new LGBTQ+ films and, for gay men, a perfect weekend in one of our clothing optional resorts. Some are funky, friendly and fun; others have a sleek Hollywood player vibe; and others, a touch of Wilton Manors. We’ll go over those, which will be followed by a pop quiz. J/K. We will read about that world premiere, and a surprise that’s much like after the credits in a Marvel movie, so stick around for that.

Note: All hotels have a pool and daily continental breakfast unless otherwise noted.

Triangle Inn: This resort is so relaxed and groovy, you’ll probably make new lifelong friends. It’s all very “same time next year” at Triangle, and bonus: your host and owner is a Southern charmer who is also the genius behind the festival and the director of the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Yep, it’s Michael Green. He loves his community and it shows in his hotel and through his programming. There are kitchenettes available which are great for extended stays.

The fraternal triplets

Santiago Resort's pool at dusk, with the water illuminated by a light inside

The Santiago Resort at dusk. Photo courtesy of the Santiago Resort

These three marvelous hotels were reimagined by three guys from Portland that I like to call the Portland Authority. Each has its own unique flavor.

Santiago Hotel: As the name suggests, it’s very Spanish revival and has one of the largest (if not the largest) pools in Palm Springs. It’s got a tropical vibe and is located just down the street from Triangle, tucked back about eight blocks off Palm Canyon.  

Twin Palms Resort: Also on the south end of the strip, the pool life is the vibe here with nothing but mountains and sky above you, and some like-minded fellow travelers dedicated to the sun. The rooms are crisp and modern.

Descanso Resort: Newly refurbished and an exquisite mix of old and new Hollywood, this is on the north end of the strip and also has a terrific saltwater pool. 

Warm Sands

A statue of a man sitting down in the courtyard at INNdulge Palm Springs gay men's resort in Palm Springs, California

INNdulge has art and statues everywhere. Photo courtesy of INNdulge

INNdulge: This mid-century modern playground in Warm Sands is so neighborly they have a 12-person hot tub to go with their sparkling heated pool. 

Vista Grande: Opening in 1984, this was the first clothing optional men’s resort in Palm Springs. It’s origins may have been 40 years ago, but their amenities and the property keep up with the times.

The Hacienda at Warm Sands: The Hacienda at Warm Sands has a staff to guest room ratio of one to one, matched only by upscale, luxury, 5-star plus leading hotels of the world. Do I need to say more? Good, I’m not going to.

Desert Paradise Resort: Fourteen poolside rooms and suites, a large saltwater pool and spa, new steam and sauna rooms, and a magnificently maintained garden. 

El Mirasol Villas: Historic property with a meandering garden path, two gorgeous pools, outdoor shower, a steam room, a large comfortable lanai with fireplace, rooms with private patios, poolside luncheon, and free video library.

A Palm Springs world premiere

Cinema Diverse opens with the world premiere of BIG RAGE, an exciting new action film from HERE TV. BIG RAGE is set against the backdrop of the Salton Sea’s booming lithium gold rush. Two former fighters, each haunted by their past, cross paths in a desperate bid to secure the nation’s future. As they navigate the treacherous underworld of this ecological disaster zone, they must confront their demons and the corrupt forces that threaten to destroy everything they hold dear. 

The film introduces Fabian Arnold as the modern-day successor to Jean-Claude Van Damme, with a screenplay by Emmy Award-winning actor and producer David Millbern and direction by Waymon Boone.

Don’t forget to support all the local shops, clubs, and restaurants on Arenas, it’s a scene, and a fun one. Hunters, Chill Bar, Quadz, Blackbook, StreetBar, Sonny’s, and more!

Lastly, a shout out for this blog’s very own Gregory Douglass who will be performing at the Palm Springs Cultural Center on September 14. Check out his music, then grab a ticket here. I’ll see you there. See if you can find me! It’ll be like Where’s Waldo, although I may be hard to circle with a pencil. In case you’re wondering, there’s absolutely nothing in it for you. What fun! Who’s in?

See you at the movies! 

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