Modernism, Bikes, And Romance: February Events In Palm Springs

A sign reading "Tour de Palm Springs" with a car and people underneath it

You guys!! We’ve got so much going on this month, it’s nuts! Modernism Week is happening, the Tour de Palm Springs is rolling in, Cupid’s priming their bow and arrow, and we are brimming with fun. It’s such a short month it’s beyond me how we’re going to fit all this in. So, let’s chat later, like in another post, or this will be TL;DR.

February events in Palm Springs

A red double-decker bus takes visitors around Palm Springs, California, during Modernism Week

One way to get around during Modernism Week is by double-decker bus. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

Feb. 2-4: Cinema Francais at Palm Springs Cultural Center

Feb. 3: PS Chapter February Monthly Paint Out, 8 a.m. to noon

Feb. 3 and 4: Twelve O’Clock Tales with Ava Gardner at the Revolution Stage Company 

Feb. 7 (recurring Wednesdays): Hunters —  Battle of the Houses, Drag Family vs. Drag Family, battling it out over eight weeks for $2,500 in cash, plus prizes and paid bookings.

Feb. 8 and 11: Intersect Palm Springs Art and Design Fair, Palm Springs Convention Center

Feb. 9 and 10: Vendor Expo, Tour de Palm Springs (see below)

Feb. 10: Tour de Palm Springs — The Tour de Palm Springs is one of the largest and most festive cycling charity events of its kind in the U.S., entertaining up to 10,000 cyclists from 46 different states and four countries. Since 1998, the Tour de Palm Springs has distributed nearly $4,000,000 to more than 150 local nonprofit organizations. Registration, routes

Feb. 10: Peter Bowen — Sand Stars & Guitars, Palm Springs Cultural Center

Feb. 10: Tribe Band — ’90s music at Palm Canyon Roadhouse, 535 South Palm Canyon Dr. (their website is a mess)

Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day! Art Experience at Sunnylands: Leonore’s Roses, Stupid Cupid, Palm Springs Underground, Valentine’s Dinner at Copley’s, Valentine’s Dinner at Trio 

Feb. 15-25: Modernism Week — It’s a very big deal here in Palm Springs. So many events it’ll make your head spin. And it can be pricey. Wanna see if it’s your jam without paying the big $$? I got you. Free events here. 

Feb. 16-18: Palm Springs ’60s & ’80s Music and Scooter Show, Impala Bar & Grill

Feb. 17: Desert Drolleries — 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Palm Canyon Theatre. An interactive variety show, infused with dumb games, smothered with chill party vibes, resulting in one juicy, flavorful comedy show! 

Feb. 17: Rhythm and Jokes — Coachella Valley Green Dragon (Dispensary). Music, jokes, and smokes. Food too!

Feb. 17: Cheyenne Jackson at the Palm Springs Cultural Center

Feb. 24: Palm Springs Animal Shelter’s Desert Pet Walk. Starts in the Demuth Park area and ends at the shelter.

 Feb. 24: MegaWoof America — The Bear Fest at Reforma

Something new

Divas in the Dust — At The Sonoran. These are all drag shows, and it looks like they’re from P-Town. The venue is an event space, and it is stunning. Mountains, pool, tons of outdoor space. 

Play Lounge — They’re not new new. They’re kinda new. But their game night events are new!

Alice B — This is a unique dining destination from James Beard and Julia Child award-winning chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken, located near downtown Palm Springs. The restaurant and bar are tucked inside the lobby of Living Out, a luxury resort-style LGBTQ+ community surrounded by spectacular desert and mountain views.

Entertainment venues

The front marquee at the Palm Springs Cultural Center

Welcome to the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Photo courtesy of the Palm Springs Cultural Center

Revolution Stage Company: Witchland (pre-Broadway run)

Palm Springs Cultural Center — Everything under one roof with plenty of free parking. Drinks, food, music, cinema, entertainment, and outdoor markets (on particular days)

Desert Ensemble Theatre — The Lifespan of a Fact

The Bent — The New Century

Palm Springs Underground — There’s nothing about the venue that isn’t creative. The food, the entertainment, the concept. Nothing else like it.

Dezart Performs — A Case for the Existence of God

Reforma — Great drag brunches.

Impala — They’re really stepping up their game with some fun events

Palm Canyon Roadhouse — It’s a rocker joint that goes a little country sometimes

The Purple Room — Ticketed shows (including The Judy Show) and nightly music with one of the best happy hours in town!

V Wine Lounge — Great entertainment, great food, fantastic venue. All mid-century modern. (Just a note before you go: she’s not real. You’ll get it when you get there.)

Tours

White windmills in front of a blue sky in Palm Springs, California

An iconic Palm Springs windmill farm. Photo by Nadine Conger

Desert Tasty Tours — A three-hour walking tour in the heart of downtown Palm Springs. Six restaurants. It’s a great time.

Palm Springs Historical Society — So many tours!! So many choices of how to tour!!

Five Star Adventure Tours — Do NOT click on the brochure. You’ll get a headache. But the tours are hella fun.

Windmill Tour — Get up close with a turbine from the safety of a vehicle (could be yours…)

Coming up!

Get your tickets for the Red Dress Party, which go on sale Feb. 14. The always sold-out Red Dress/Dress Red event is Saturday, March 16 at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Sponsored by the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert.

In memoriam: RIP (maybe?) Surf Park, we hardly knew ye. 

 See you in March!

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June Is Bustin’ Out All Over

First, I regret the announcements: Not quite ready to take the plunge, Splash House has been rescheduled for August; Pride will happen in November. I know! I’m verklempt too. However, there’s still an awful lot of fun to be had this June in Palm Springs. And I hear they’ll be back soon.

Oh, before we get to events, it’s good to mention that we’ve got a few specials going on. Each boutique hotel has a different vibe and their own brand of swagger. Make sure to check them out here.

Okay. June. Planned events, then some build-your-own adventures. Let’s go!

Special Events

June 22-28 – At the top of the list is Palm Springs Short Film Festival. Per Variety, “Palm Springs Shortfest will be the first film festival of 2021 in California to hold all of its screenings in-theater when the event takes place at the Camelot Theatres (aka Palm Springs Cultural Center). Check them out too.

June 17th – Cast & Crew screening of Palm Springs Women in Film & Television’s two short films, “Accidental Date” and “Aftermath.” 6pm reception, 7pm screening followed by a Q&A for both films. Camelot Theater (PS Cultural Center) in Palm Springs.

Oscars – they keep adding events (yay!), so here’s what’s listed as of this writing. Check the link to see if there are additions.

  • Melissa Manchester @ Oscars June 17 & 18
  • Gunhild Carling @ Oscars June 10 5:30 & 9:30, Sweden’s Queen of Swing. Famous for playing trombone, she also plays bagpipes, trumpet, recorder, string instruments and will often play them all in one song, sometimes casually breaking into a tap dance or singing.

Four Twenty Bank and Lounge – The dispensary, lounge, and entertainment venue is located on Palm Canyon and Baristo (this is important, used to be at 777 Palm Canyon). They’ve got a great stage, but check their calendar. There was a Bowie tribute band and a Journey tribute band scheduled when I checked a day ago, but they’re gone, and others added. Things are still coming together on their line-up, but the Lounge is still pretty badass.

PS Underground: Book well in advance; these are the hottest shows in town. Ticketing links below.

  • June 11:  IMAGINE. A multiple course journey of music and food. “What would it feel like to climb into music and let it tantalize your every sense?”
  • June 13: GOSPEL –  a multiple course Sunday brunch with fantastic food and toe-tapping, hand clapping gospel music from the band onstage.
  • June 18: ENIGMA – a puzzling or inexplicable experience or occurrence. “Things are not always as they seem as we navigate through this feast for all senses. …an over-the-top unexplainable out-of-the-box immersive dinner experience.”
  • June 25: LIGHT – “Wear white and bring to the table an open mind and a sense of adventure. Prepare yourselves for an evening of the truly unexpected.
  • June 27: OVATION – A jazzed up Sunday Brunch, “Surprise performers and musicians…free-flowing, bubbly and Bloody Mary’s are included.

On-Going Events

I’m recycling some of these from last month because, FUN! Once again, an asterisk denotes that I have been and it’s fabulous.

*Thursday afternoons are free at Palm Springs Art Museum from 5-7 p.m. Make a reservation.

Saturdays: Saturday Night Flight at PS Air Bar.”Boarding time”  5 p.m.

Wine tastings at Bouschet. They keep adding dates so I’m just linking to their website. Also, their California Caesar is bowl-licking good (the fancy bowl makes it hard, though), and a friend likes their macaroni salad so much he asked for the recipe.

Saturdays: Not Your Grandma’s Bingo at Chill Bar from 12-2 p.m. The name says it all.

*Sundays: Palm Springs Drag Brunch, with Rosemary Galore and her queenly court at Roly China Fusion.

*Saturdays and Sundays – I have written about Palm Springs magic before, but Crystal Fantasy is our go-to guide for crystals, sage, tarot cards, and all things material to interact with or distract the spiritual realm. Saturday and Sundays they have a Psychic/Healing Arts Fair, where you pick your psychic (or did they pick you, hmmm?). Check the website for times and the cool classes they have during the week.

*Sundays: It’s the Pro-Jazz Jam from 2-5 p.m. at Palm Canyon Roadhouse. It’s all the best players in the Coachella Valley led by solid jazz musician, Mikale Karr.

And, drumroll please, the most raucous dance party in Palm Springs is back! It’s Oscar’s T-Dance, Sunday’s from 4-8 pm. You can hear it blocks away. Mostly gay men, but I’ve been and it was a gas!

Day-Time Activities

*Like Mid-Mod? Or the architecturally significant homes of the stars? Palm Springs Life has a self-guided tour app. It’s a great fix as we wait for tours to restart, and Modernism Week to return.

*CannaBUS Express Tours, there’s no other like it. Any canna-curiosity you might have will be replaced with knowledge from their Extreme Green Team. BONUS: it’s hella-fun.

If you’re staying in a boutique hotel, there’s a good chance there’s work by a local artist hanging on a wall, or sitting on a table. That’s because creativity is off-the-charts flowing unlike the rain in Palm Springs. Art has many expressions, and at the indoor Mojave Flea Trading Post, artists and crafters of every ilk come together in a 10,000 sq. ft. marketplace of makers & merchants from Joshua Tree, the Coachella Valley, and beyond.

And guys, check this out: you can take a ride in an old warbird at Palm Springs Air Museum! The Warbird Ride has six options: C-47 Skytrain, T-28 Trojan, PT-17 Stearman, P-51 Mustang and the T-33 Shooting Star Jet.  While you’re there, make sure to take a tour of the *Palm Springs Air Museum. It’s cooler than you might think.

That’s it for events, but I’m super excited to play show and tell with all of the fun and funky spots for your Instagram page. I found some fabulous filters, so I used them. Hope you likey. It’s my first try. You’ll find out why this chair sits on a pedestal.

As always, please shop and stay at locally-owned businesses. And if you go to any of our hotels or enjoy our recommendations, please be sure to tag us with your photos on IG, or @palmspringspreferredsmallhotel (yeah, it’s a lot to type, but we appreciate it!)  #PSPSH

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Jammin’ In July — Palm Springs Style

People on bikes in downtown Palm Springs

“Everyone’s feeling pretty, it’s hotter than July. Though the world’s full of problems, they couldn’t touch us even if they tried.” — Stevie Wonder, “Master Blaster”

July is a big month everywhere in the USA because *drumroll* it’s America’s 247th birthday. California wasn’t even a state back then — well, it was, but it was Spanish.

Before that, Native Americans roamed free and have fascinating lore dating back thousands of years. The last Net (chief) of the Cahuilla tribe wrote them all down. I stopped reading at “flies the size of a dog” because ew. But he describes saber-toothed tigers and all the animals they found in the La Brea Tar Pits as being part of their oral history.

That was a long road to travel for me to say: I’ma write a post about the big birthday bash in Palm Springs. This is the “after” party space, and there’s still plenty to do, and I need to tell you about our Splash Pass because it’s crazy good.

So, here are some fun things to do when you come out. (I realize now, after reading it back, that phrase has a dual meaning, but I’m not mad at it. Here in PS, you do you. Just earlier in the week I saw two guys in, not sure you can call them shorts, both wearing mesh dog heads. My companion said it was called “puppy play” and no one blinked; everyone in Bill’s Pizza just went about their own business.)

Here’s what’s going on during the Palm Springs month-long birthday after-party:

Happy hours

Zin American Bistro

The lounge at Hotel Zoso 

Bar Chingona

Ticketed events 

PS Underground — Highly original shows with equally original menus that complement the show

Cascade — Comedy, jazz, Latin, blues

Reforma — Check out their creative drag brunches

Big venues outside PS

Acrisure (Palm Desert/Thousand Palms arena)

The Show (Rancho Mirage)

Stuff to do

July 8: Crystal Fantasy Psychic Fair all weekend. Other events here.

Four Twenty Bank Jam Sessions at the dispensary/lounge are every Thursday, for singers, songwriters, comedians, poets, etc. All are welcome to play with or without the house band, so go try out that new song you just wrote, or buy some inspiration and enjoy it while you shoot some pool and listen to the jams.

July 13, 15, 27, and 29: Cocktail Cinema at PS Art Museum: Enjoy four films with iconic soundtracks. Before the show, purchase a specially-crafted cocktail inspired by the movie. Cocktails start at 5 p.m., with the films at 6 p.m. Free with registration.  

The very hip, brand spankin’ new Drift Palm Springs hotel is offering some very cool events including pool parties. They also have a new restaurant that’s on my list to try. Check out their fun times here.

The poolside views at Drift are delightful. Photo courtesy of Drift Palm Springs

Palm Springs Historical Society Private Tours  — Outside of season, things tend to slow down a bit, but they don’t stop. You can still go on one of the awesome tours offered by the Historical Society, you just have to call ahead.

Hiking with T — I can hike, generally without being airlifted out (there was that one time, at band camp…) but it can get tricky out here. So, that’s a link to someone who has more than a clue. She also has a recurring space in the CV Independent, our local newspaper.

Reminders

Coachella presale for 2024 already sold out — get on the waiting list here.

Modernism Week October goes on sale August 1. The hottest tickets sell out immediately, so grab those and then grab yourself a room at one of our preferred boutique hotels so you can stay authentically Palm Springs.

A Modernism Week bus tour. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

And if you haven’t caught wind of it yet, we’ve got a little summer special that’s sizzling hot in its own right. It’s the Summer Splash pass that’s a collaboration of organizations and businesses in Palm Springs offering discounts and deals from hoteliers, restaurants, bars, and local attractions. Read more at the link above, and to get your pass, click here.

Join us this summer in Palm Springs where we’ll be jammin’ until the break of dawn. 

You could be jammin’ and jammin’ and jammin’… 

We’ll be doing it in August too, so see you then!

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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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All Boo! No Hoo: Halloween In Palm Springs

“Last night you were unhinged. You were like some desperate, howling demon. You frightened me. Do it again.” — The Addams Family

Halloween is a great time to spend the weekend in Palm Springs. The weather is cooler, but not cold, and the food and entertainment are hot! Also, if you weren’t already aware, Halloween is a HUGE deal here in Palm Springs. Arenas is all about creativity in costumes, music, drinks and reverie — it’s quite the kiki.

Halloween is so big in LGBTQ+ culture that it’s called Gay Christmas. And on Arenas it is FUN, it is FABULOUS, it’s a CELEBRATION, and it is PAGEANTRY! It is a scene, baby!

A writer for The Advocate had some musings about why Halloween is such a big deal in gay culture and hoo boy, they were pretty dark, and not in a spooky way but in a way that sucks all of the gaiety out of fright night. So we’re not going to focus on the hocus pocus and go with another suggestion from him that rings true, “Halloween is the one time of year when everyone is allowed to be whoever they want to be.” That gets a bubbling, piping hot cauldron full of “yes!”

If you’re not gay, who cares? Everyone is welcome everywhere. For those who have an aversion to crowds, and it will be crowded on Arenas, there’s still plenty’o-ween to be had in smaller doses.

(If you’d like to read a detailed history about Halloween and Gay Christmas go here. Or you can come back to it after you read about all the spooktacular ((sorry)) goings on in Palm Springs 2022).

Halloween revelers in Palm Springs. Photo credit: Kay Kudukis

Party in the U.S. Gay:

Oct. 30: Arenas Halloween  — There is SO much to do and see, you’re going to have to click the link and check it out. If you don’t wear a costume, you can still go, but you’ll feel horribly out of place. Here are some shopping spots to find your spooky boo you. Or just find a fun mask.

Oct. 12, 19, and 26: A Classic TV Halloween at Quadz. On Oct. 19th, stop by for 1970’s HORROR FILMS: A Nod to The Classics in Palm Springs, or check out The History of Horror/Scariest Short Films Part 2 on Oct. 26. 

Oct. 20: Hey Boo! at Oscar’s, is described as such: “Heklina, international drag queen extraordinaire, will be ‘HELLina’ with her spooky parody songs and hocus-pocus tales. Heklina’s spine-chilling performance will remind you that this podcaster, actor, emcee and ghost buster is more than just a pretty face. Deven Green & Ned Douglas are the boniest award-winning performers this side of purgatory. Brought back from the dead for one night only, their live music and songs with inscrutable words will make you soil yourself with frightful laughter.”

Families with kids

Oct. 29: Spooktacular Halloween – Rancho Mirage Library — Enjoy an afternoon of trick-or-treating and a costume parade through the library. Christopher T. Magician will also be on hand to perform his Halloween magic show in the Community Room. 1 to 4 p.m.

Oct. 29 and 30: Howl-O-Ween at the Living Desert. Kids are encouraged to dress up in their favorite costumes and enjoy one of the many exciting activities planned for the weekend, including more than 20 trick-or-treat stations, a monster maze, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin decorating, animal encounters, meeting Living Desert zoo mascots, storytelling, face-painting, bounce houses, craft workshops, and more. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event is free with paid park admission.

Oct. 30: Cathedral City Spooktacular — This free event features trick-or-treating with more than 40,000 pieces of candy. Kids will have a spooktacular time participating in activities like Halloween costume contests (two bikes are being given away each hour), police and fire exhibitions, and games. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Charity events

Oct. 8: House Party For A Cause — $100 but well worth it. Debbie Boone (the ’80s), Steve Knill (The Voice), Alix Korey (Broadway) and my favorite, DJ ModGirl.

Oct. 30: Be a Hero For Kids — If you’ve got a little bit deeper pockets, check out this event presented by The Boys and Girls Club of Palm Springs. It’s poolside!

All the rest

Escape Room — Vampire’s Lair, Jack The Ripper, and Merlin’s Magic Room are three of the spooky adventures awaiting you and your besties. The object? Just like Jordan Peele’s scary film: Get Out.

Oct. 16, 20, and 27: Palm Springs Cultural Center — Tim Burton “festival” with Ed Wood, Beetlejuice, and Nightmare Before Christmas. If you didn’t know, PSCC/Camelot Theatre has a 58′ screen, and the finest projection capabilities in the valley. It’s truly an experience to see a film in this theater.

Oct. 28: The Hilton’s Palm Springs Halloween Comedy Mashup.

Oct. 28, 29, and 31: PS Underground “Bite: Vampire Circus” — Always a frightful night in the best possible way. It changes every year, but it’s always wonderful. From the top-notch entertainment to the fantastic food to complement the evening. Expect the unexpected.

Oct. 29:  Mogo Silent Disco Monster Mash — Dance like nobody’s watching (even though they all are, because you’re dancing down the street to curated music with a bunch of people wearing headphone). Always fun.

Stay safe, buddy up, take rideshares, and don’t forget to hydrate. Love, A Witchy Woman

Creative Halloween costumes abound in Palm Springs. Photo credit: Kay Kudukis

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Pride On The Page, Stage, And In The Streets

People wearing turquoise shirts carry a large rainbow flag down a palm tree lined street in Palm Springs

Happy Pride, Palm Springs!

In case you didn’t know, 2024 is the Year of the Wood Dragon. Next year is the Year of the Snake, and I’m having a personal chuckle fest over that. I hope, for the lesbians, 2026 is the Year of the Beaver, but I don’t think they have those in China.

Another NBC “The More You Know” moment: Palm Springs is approximately 48 percenet gay, and 50 percent are allies. The other two percent are like a disgraced relative — we don’t talk about them. But considering everything, those are pretty good percentages. And there is a 100 percent chance you will have a ball at the Pride Parade, gay or straight. 

Of course, the events cater to the gay community, and not all of them are represented on the Pride website. So, I’ve combed through all the Eventbrite offerings I could find, and I’ve listed them below. If you’re straight, there’s still plenty to do, see my other post.

If you haven’t already, hurry up and book one of our Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels that cater to gay men. I promise you’ll find something just as special as you are.

For all of the info on Pride and the parade, go here. 

Official Pride parties

Nov. 1, 4 to 11 p.m. — Arenas Pride Kickoff. High-energy DJs and dancing in the streets. This is the place to be for house and dance music, food trucks, and outdoor beverage lounges. My buddy, DJ ModGirl, is headlining, and let me tell you this girl is the most fun ever put into one human. Not only does she spin great dance music, she has boundless energy. GO! 

Nov. 2 — Arenas Area District Block Party. The official Party of Pride features DJs all night. Join Pride revelers and dancers at the open-air beverage lounge. The block party invites residents and visitors to discover all that the Arenas District has to offer.

Nov. 3 — Pride Parade!

The rest of the festivities

Cotton candy skies above the sparkling pool at the Trixie Motel in Palm Springs, California

Trixie Motel will welcome guests on Nov. 2 for Hot Pink Pride Edition.

Nov. 1 — Fabuloso Tropical Party at Reforma Palm Springs. Terrific nightclub located in The Jewel Box of the Desert, a Class 1 Historic Site. But you just care about the party, and here’s where you can find it.

Nov. 1, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. — Queer Women’s Pride Party. Although the population is mostly gay men, it’s nice to see the girls getting their own party. Check it out, ladies.

Nov. 1 — Chill Bar presents Pink Box VIP Lounge. From the event page: “Come and go as you please with an exclusive VIP entrance to the lounge and Chill Bar. Enjoy complimentary water, soft drinks, and Red Bull all weekend. Sample specialty cocktails featuring Absolut Elyx and Codigo 1530. Exclusive entertainment.”

Nov. 2, 10 a.m. — Wilma & Frieda PS: Jasmine Masters & Friends. — Mostly known for their pastries and brunch, Wilma & Frieda has a great balcony for watching the parade. Jasmine Masters is not only a drag queen, but the Queen of Memes and 2019 GIPHY’s 1st place winner.

Nov. 2, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Trixie Motel presents Hot Pink Pride Edition. If it’s Trixie, you know it’s going to be FABULOUS! AND you get an opportunity to get pinked by Trixie’s hotel.

Nov. 2 — Ride the Rainbow LGBTQ Pride Pool Party. At the Canyon Club, one of our gay resorts. Jump in or just enjoy the view.

Nov. 2 — Palm Springs Pride: Reforma Presents Inferno feat. HoneyLuv. It’s a nightclub, one of only two in Palm Springs, and HoneyLuv is an International DJ and producer who has performed at Coachella, EDC in Las Vegas, Brooklyn Mirage, and Space Miami. 

Nov. 2, 10 a.m. — TITS & TEA: A Bad Bitch Brunch at Boozehounds Palm Springs. I don’t think I need to explain this one.

Nov. 2 — Queerlesque! An Evening of Oddity Featuring Yvie Oddly! Hosted by Ongina, at Boozehounds.

Nov. 2 — Canopy 54: A Studio 54 Inspired Disco Night. This venue is all class, so expect the best out of this event.

Nov. 2 — DaddyPop! Palm Springs Pride • A Saturday Afternoon Tea w/ Matt Consola. At Reforma.

Nov. 2 — Yvie Oddly meet and greet and book signing at Just Fabulous.

Nov. 2 — Drag Brunch Divas at Trio Restaurant. 

Nov. 3 — Giornata Amazing Sundays Palm Springs Pride Drag Brunch at Reforma.

Nov. 3 — Gay (Gay Day) at Birba Palm Springs

Nov. 3, 9 a.m. — Pride on the Rooftop in Palm Springs. Flannery Exchange. Once again, DJ ModGirl will be providing the entertainment. Great view, great music. 

That’s all I can find for right now. Some things tend to pop up last minute, that’s just how laid back we are. But during Pride? The whole town is a party celebrating inclusion! 

Happy Pride Wood Dragoners!

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In The Merry Merry Month Of May: A Palm Springs Events Guide

The windmills of Palm Springs on a sunny day

We’re rolling into summer, which means hotter days with evenings in the 70s (we’re leaving it a surprise as to whether it’s high or low 70s). 

So far, we’ve made it through the International Film Festival, Modernism Week, the BNP, Coachella, Stagecoach, and in June we’ve got Short Fest. This month we celebrate Cinco de Mayo, but the rest of May is all about a chill vibe desert style. 

The snowbirds are leaving, which also means Palm Springs is less crowded, and the streets are less congested. The rest of us (who I like to call Desert Warriors), we stick around through it all. And when the weather is like this, we trot out our coolest and most fashionable outfits. 

Speaking of which, The Block has all of the latest fashion, and the boutiques have their own unique styles. You can curate your look for summer way before the rest of the world, where summer is a few more months away. And you know what? You don’t have to shop. You don’t have to do anything. Maybe you just “want to be alone” like one of our OG movie stars, Greta Garbo. In that case, live in swimwear by the pool at your boutique hotel, and order in from Postmates. The options for a good time are endless, but you know what won’t be? The drive. No special events to bottle neck the roads, or the airport.  Smooth sailing all the way. 

For those who are not choosing to only hang out by the pool, here are some fun things to consider:

Ongoing weekly events in Palm Springs

Thursdays is Village Fest. At 6 p.m. we shut down Palm Canyon so you can walk those blocks, listen to buskers, buy things from vendors, have a cocktail and a nosh or two. Some of our brick and mortars started here: Brandini Toffee and The HeyDay. PS Art Museum also has free hours from 5 to 8 p.m. 

Fridays at 7:30 p.m. you can get two-stepping at Dance Ranch. Straight couples, gay couples, non-couples — who cares, it’s a dance class followed by dancing. $5

Saturdays are for the PS Farmer’s Market (Townie Bagels kinda got started here). Although the certified market will continue throughout the year, May is the last month it’s outdoors.

Belico Party happens every Saturday at Reforma Night Club.

Sundays at Chill Bar: Amazing Sundays Drag Brunch

Also, Churrasco finally opened. Recent reviews are 10 out of 10, no notes! Sorry, Arby’s they’ve got the meats, Brazilian style!

Special events

May 1: First Wednesday Art Walk at Kee Gallery, 5 to 7 p.m. It’s about 15 minutes from downtown, but it’s a cool little area.

May 1: PS I Love You Scavenger Hunt. From their website: “Embark on an extraordinary journey with a twist! This is not your typical scavenger hunt; it’s a creative and immersive departure from the ordinary.” $35 (multiple dates)

May 4: Entertainment Convention. There will be comic books, collectibles, cosplay, toys, cards, live panels, celebrity guests, food, and fun for the entire family. Kids nine and under are free with a paid adult. At PS Convention Center.

May 5: Cinco de Mayo brunch at PS Underground.

May 7: Vintage Market. Last one until October.

May 8: The Gand Band The Beatles and Beyond at Cascade Lounge at Agua Caliente Downtown Casino.

May 9 to 12: Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival. Shady guys, shady dolls, and coppers. You know the drill. They’ll never take us alive.

May 14: Movies in the Park, Jurassic Park, at Downtown Park next to Marilyn. Free.

May 15: Gregory Douglass at Palm Springs Cultural Center. He’s an amazing singer, and he’s a blogger here at Boutiquely Palm Springs!

May 25: Daddy/Pop at Reforma. The event will feature retro go-gos, flaggers, and fan dancers, plus a guest DJ, drink specials, and photography. Tickets are $10–$15 in advance and $20 at the door.

May 27: Memorial Day Flower Drop, PS Air Museum. It’s not the only thing happening at the air museum, tool around the website for some fantastic exhibits, opportunities, and events.

May 28: Movies in the Park, Pee Wee’s Big Adventure. Downtown Park

May 31: Restaurant Week begins in the Valley.

The beat goes on…

These are live entertainment venues with fantastic talent. Most are ticketed events, and worth every dime. 

The Purple Room

Revolution Stage Company

V Wine Lounge

Palm Springs Cultural Center

PS Underground

Play Lounge

PSAir

Last call before summer

If you’re missing Modernism Week, check out Modern Tour. They have a few options to tour inside some of Palm Springs most iconic homes.

And if you’re itching for something to do, the Palm Springs Historical Society has some groovy tours including walking, biking, and private vehicle tours.

Desert Tasty Tours offers a very fun, very tasty, three-hour food, booze, and history “tour.” It only covers two blocks of downtown so it’s not at all vigorous, with some delicious food at each destination.

No, I didn’t forget — how could I forget the mothers? Palm Springs was built by them, and guess what? It’s still a great place to bring Mom for an indulgent spa weekend. So, get cracking on those Mother’s Day plans.

Cheers to all the moms past, present, and future! 

P.S. I didn’t mention how gorgeous it is out here right now. It’s gorgeous out here right now. (There!) All that rain gave us green mountains and bright, cheerful flowers. You don’t need to go anywhere specific — it’s everywhere you are in Palm Springs. Come see!

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February and March Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels LGBTQ Events

It’s event season here in Palm Springs and the weather is beautiful. Our quaint town is buzzing with activity and fun events. Check out these must-attend upcoming LGBTQ events in Palm Springs.

February 8, 2020

The 26th Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards

For 26 years, The Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards has been honoring Humanitarians from all corners of the globe. They are people who radiate compassion – who seem to have been born for a higher purpose. The 26th Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards will honor Hank Plante, Garry Kief, and Ambassador Deborah L. Birx M.D and feature entertainment from Kristin Chenoweth. The Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards is attended by more than 2,000 of the Coachella Valley’s most fashionable humanitarians making red carpet arrivals and the after-party events unto themselves. This year marks the 26th year for Desert AIDS Project’s largest fundraising event which is named for one of DAP’s earliest financial supporters, the designer Steve Chase.  Find out more here.

February 20-24, 2020

International Bear Convergence

The International Bear Convergence is the premier winter LGBT for bears and the admirers. This is a five-day event where the community can get together and enjoy activities that range from pool parties to live DJ performances. Find out more here.

March 21, 2020

Red Dress Dress Red

The Center’s Red Dress Dress Red on March 21 from 8 to 11pm at the Palm Springs Air Museum is not only the hottest dance party of the Palm Springs Season, it is THE party of the Season! Whether it’s a frock, fishnets, or a fantasy come to life, Red Dress Dress Red is an opportunity for you to harness your creative expression and to share that gift in a community of 1,500 other visionaries-to-be. Once you’ve arrived, your body will be sure to pulse to the beats by DJ Galaxy that will fill the Palm Springs’ night sky. With all that energy in the air, and Mt. San Jacinto as our backdrop, we’ll treat you to an open bar and tasty bites from area restaurants to round out this night of delight. Find out more here.

April 1-6, 2020

Club Skirts presents The Dinah

More than 15,000 women from all over the world will gather in Palm Springs for The Dinah, also known as The Dinah Shore Weekend by Club Skirts. This LGBT event has been in Palm Springs for 30 years and is the largest, most famous all girl event and music festival in the world. Enjoy comedy, pool parties, galas, theme parties and more, come and celebrate, unite, empower and live out loud. Find out more here.

 

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Fall’s Main Events: The Dinah, Modernism Week, And Pride

People wearing turquoise shirts carry a large rainbow flag down a palm tree lined street in Palm Springs

‘Tis the season! The next three months in Palm Springs not only provide more local entertainment, but we have three huge events. Read on weekend warriors!

The Dinah

September 21-25: The Dinah is the largest queer, lesbian, non-binary party in the world. I’m very sorry I didn’t tell you about this back in August, but I was under the impression that the whole shebang had moved entirely away from Palm Springs. In a city that celebrates the LGBTQ community, that made me sad. I’ve said it before, and I’m saying it again: Lesbians are underserved in Palm Springs. No lesbian hotels, and no lesbian bars. Even the Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Festival is now held in Cathedral City which, incidentally, is where gay bars originated. You can read all about the history of gay Palm Springs in one of my earlier blogs, but here’s a historical factoid from it: Gloria Green opened the first gay and lesbian bar in Cat City. Girls were also the first hoteliers and put Palm Springs on the map. They were the mothers of Palm Springs. And nothing got done without them. (Who run the world? Girls!)

As it turns out, Dinah just switched hotels — the events are now at Margaritaville, at the corner of Vista Chino and Indian Canyon. However, if you’re looking to combine a true Palm Springs experience with your party plans, check out our selection of boutique hotels. There may not be a lesbian hotel, but they’re all inclusive except, perhaps, the gay men’s resorts (and lesbians are likely to eschew that option anyway).

Having fun at The Dinah. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

Headline events

Sept. 22: 

Dinah’s official opening night party at AsiaSF Palm Springs

Sept. 23: 

Girl Spot Friday featuring Riela from noon to 5 p.m.

The Black and White Ball from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., with performances by ’80s music superstar Taylor Dayne and Haviah Mighty

Sept. 24: 

The L Word Pool Party from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with performances by IV4 and Cassidy King and the hottest DJs

The Hollywood Party from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., featuring Fletcher. The red carpet arrivals start at 9.

Sept. 25: 

Sunday Fun Day Pool Party from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with appearances by  Zolita, Siena Liggins, Fletcher, Haviah Mighty, Cassidy King, IV4,, IV Jay, Siena Liggins, and Taylor Dayne.

Modernism Week October

October 13 to 16 is Modernism Week October. Formerly known as Modernism Week Preview, they’ve rebranded because what happens in October is not what will happen in February. The bus tours remain the same, but the home tours and other events are different.

I was going to list all of the events here, but hoo boy, the list is looooong. So here’s a link.

A Modernism Week bus tour. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

Palm Springs Pride

November 4 to 6 is Palm Springs Pride, with the theme “Say Gay.” The biggest, bestest party around. I’m a cis-girl who doesn’t like crowds, but I always make it to the parade. Note: I have never liked parades, but I like this one. Why? Because everyone is just being, and when you’re just being, you’re happy.

FYI: Just prior to Palm Springs Pride, we’ve got Leather Pride from October 27 to 29, with multiple events at different locations. Here’s a link for you.

Although it’s two months away, you should book your hotel for Pride now. Might I suggest one of our men’s resorts? Most are clothing optional and all are lovely, but each one is unique: Here’s the inside scoop.

Book tickets and stays now — all of these events and rooms sell out super fast. While you’re in town, check out the best queer shopping in Palm Springs. Staying and shopping local keeps the best little oasis in the desert surviving, if not thriving.

Have fun, and stay safe!

Palm Springs Pride Parade. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

 

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August: Summer’s Last Stand

“In August most of Europe goes on holiday.” ―Tony Visconti

In Palm Springs, just like Europe, many local shops/restaurants close, and take a vacation. That doesn’t mean we roll up the streets and close the blinds – we’re not a ghost town by any stretch of the imagination. We’re still mostly open, and have a ton of wonderful getaway hotels for you to have the perfect lazy break from the every day. Generally, prices go down a bit, so you can catch a real bargain.

And yes, Splash House is happening, but if you don’t already have tickets, you’re SOL. But I’ve still got some stuff you might fancy doing, so grab a coffee or a cocktail (I’m not judgy, it’s been a crap year.) and read on:

Gre Coffee House

Early mornings are still okay for a quick walk to a coffee shop; you can read about them here.

Want more than coffee? How about a breakfast-y, lunch-y, brunch-y situation? Here’s a great article about all of your brilliant choices. There is also newcomer, Sam’s Place, (now serving alcohol) where Ruby’s Diner used to be (2020 RIP).

Afterwards, wander up and down the strip. Most of it is enhanced with misters, so you’ll stay pretty cool while you do it. Don’t forget your hat and sunscreen though. And pay attention to where you’re walking, you might be stepping on one of your favorites on our Walk of Stars.

Stop in at Crystal Fantasy and have a reading (psychic, tarot, palm), or get a piece of jewelry with the latest TikTok must-have crystal, Moldavite. I’m told there’s a new girl in town that’s about to blow up on TikTok – you can ask their well-informed staff all about it, and what might work best for you. They also have woo-woo classes you should check out if you’re into the woo.

Time for a nap, right? How about a little sunbake (with sunscreen) by the pool. But not after 11 a.m., and don’t forget to hydrate your insides while you think about nothing until cocktail hour. We have some outstanding restaurants, and I’ve written another post about all of our international delights. We have outstanding American restaurants here, I just didn’t include them.

And…Wash. Rinse. Repeat. That’s what sane people do on a lazy getaway.

For those who are toeing the edge of sanity, aka anyone who needs to “do something”, then read on:

Shows:

PS Underground – see the full list here. They’ve got a new one, collaboration with Nickerson/Rossi Dance called Repertoire that looks pretty cool.

Music: 

Cascade Lounge in the Agua Caliente Spa courtesy of DJBaz

Wednesdays: Jazzville is back, and it has a new home! DJBaz brings in the best jazz players from around the country, so book these fabulous shows well in advance. At the Cascade Lounge in the Agua Caliente Spa in downtown Palm Springs.

Woody’s Motown Monday nights, Saturdays is the Stanley Butler Band, Sunday night entertainment is happening but so far it’s TBD.

Comedy!

August 6: Off The Charts Dispensary and Lounge brings nationally touring comedians to their Williams Road dispensary. “Raffles! Prizes! And Goodie Bags!” says the flyer. Seating is limited. Take an Uber. I don’t know the parking situation there. Nor is the event on their website. But I have a flyer, dammit.

The Cascade Room is not only bringing jazz, but also comedians to Agua Caliente Spa Casino.

8/20: Jamie Kennedy

8/27: Deon Cole

You’re A Star:

Snazzy Sassy Songsational Summerific Sing-a-Long

If you’re a fan of musicals, drag queens, gay choruses, and movie sing-a-longs, you’re gonna love this. The All-Summer Sing-A-Long at the Palm Springs Cultural Center.  If you’re into lifting your voice with like-minded people, this is church. Hosted by the fabulous Rosemary Galore. Book here.

We’ve also got the Retro Room, where you can Karaoke the night away, and it’s all about you, up on stage, belting your heart out.

Michael Holmes and the Purple Room are returning on 8/31. His Judy Show is my favorite show in Palm Springs – he plays Judy Garland, Bette Davis, and Pearl Bailey and he’s hilarious. When I told Michael I was looking forward to it, he said, “I’ve gained so much weight during Covid, I may have to do Totie Fields instead.” I’ve seen him, he looks great. Judy will go on, as will the other great acts he brings in from all over the country.

I can’t say this loud enough, BOOK FOR PRIDE NOW! Book your hotels, and book your seats for the parade. Roly China Fusion has the trifecta on parade day: Drag Queens, Drag Brunch, and a rooftop spot to watch the parade. Make reservations here. Or you can wing it on the street. But the hotels?  Do that for sure now.

On a personal note: We are a tight knit community. We know how lucky we are to live here. Palm Springs is a very special place. We care about each other. To that point: If you have been vaccinated, please, come enjoy the mask-free environment. If you haven’t been vaccinated, for whatever reason, I have a 93 y.o. uncle I’m trying to keep alive and thriving, so please wear a mask.

 

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