Future Without Fear is the theme for this year’s Outfest, where I attended opening night Thursday evening. It’s been one of my favorite summertime events since moving to Los Angeles nearly 20 years ago. Over the decades, I’ve gotten to know actors, filmmakers, fellow journalists and a community that celebrates diversity on the silver screen.
So last night was somewhat of a homecoming – seeing many familiar faces. Jason Stuart, who now calls Palm Springs home, was among them. He’s been a part of Outfest for many years. Dylan Mulvaney opened the evening and introduced trans filmmaker Aitch Alberto, director of the opening night film Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. This marks the first time in Outfest’s history that both Opening and Closing night will feature films made by trans artists. Representation matters.
Now for something completely different: I’m off to Gay Wine Weekend in Sonoma, where temps will also be sizzling. No matter whether you are going to Outfest, San Diego Pride, Gay Wine Weekend, or the Mid-Summer Dance Party, we’ve got you covered with all the events for July 2023. Stay hydrated!
This Weekend in #ILoveGayPalmSprings
July 14–16, 2023
We’re keeping you updated on the weekend’s Top Events: Mid-Summer Dance Party, Cars & Paws for a Cause, San Diego Pride, Gay Wine Weekend, Outfest Los Angeles, RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq the World Tour, ‘Mean Girls: The Musical’ High School Version at Palm Canyon Theatre, Wine & Weenies, ‘Evita’ on the big screen, ‘On the Town’ Sing Along, Idyllwild Arts Jazz in the Pines..and more!
The Palm Springs Art Museum presents the return of the Mid-Summer Dance Party on Saturday, July 15 from 8–11 pm at Palm Springs Art Museum’s Architecture and Design Center. KGAY 106.5 and Gay Desert Guide are proud media sponsors! This year’s event promises to be a spectacular night of entertainment as DJ Modgirl takes you on a journey back to the ’80s. With a cash bar by Reforma Palm Springs and complimentary BuzzBox tastings, this is a unique opportunity for the community to come together to enjoy an evening of fun and nostalgia. After the party, keep your wristband on and head across the street to Reforma, to get in FREE to their Disco Inferno weekly house music party. Get tickets
Cars and Paws for a Cause
Exotic Motor Cars is hosting Cars and Paws for a Cause, an adoption event at their Palm Springs showroom this Saturday, July 15 from 10 am–3 pm. This adoption event is the highlight of Exotic Motor Cars’ summer-long fundraising efforts benefiting Palm Springs Animal Shelter, so come on out to meet and greet some of the shelter’s wonderful adoptable pets, and maybe take home a car! More info
San Diego Pride
Beat the heat and head to the San Diego Pride Festival, featuring highs in the mid-80’s and going from 11 am–10 pm on Saturday & Sunday, highlighting the best in LGBTQ entertainment, interactive exhibits, cultural presentations, and community resources. The San Diego Pride Parade is on Saturday, July 15 at 10 am beginning at the Hillcrest Pride Flag and going for 1.5 miles. San Diego’s Pride Parade is among the largest Prides in the United States. This year’s theme is “Thrive.”  More info
We have a featured Hot Deal for savings at Zin American Bistro this week, plus we have deals at Rick’s Desert Grill, Hunters Nightclub, Trevor Wayne Pop Art, Kitchen 86, Grand Central, AMP Sports Lounge, Coachella Valley Coffee Co., Palm Springs Fine Men’s Salon, Papa Dan’s Pizza and Pasta, Men’s Grooming Spot, Destination PSP, V Wine Lounge & Martini Bar, Desert Mischief, Jolene’s Bar & Lounge, Willie’s Modern Fare, Lulu California Bistro and more!
The Summer 2023 edition of our Gay Desert Guide Visitor Map & Guide (great for locals too!) is available now around town and online! We help you find everything you need to know while visiting or living in the Coachella Valley, featuring the top places for Food & Drink, Nightlife, Shopping, Attraction, Gay Resorts with passes, Dispensaries and other services. You can also view it online and download the PDF [here].
On the Air
You can WIN a pair of Big Bear ROMP 2023 Weekend Passes with KGAY 106.5 and Gay Desert Guide! You’ll find mountains of men and mischief this August 17–20 at The Lodge at Big Bear Lake. Big Bear ROMP is one of southern California’s most unique weekend events for eight years running, featuring 15-plus hours of pool parties, dance parties, glow bowling, bitchy bingo brunch and other great social events in the cool mountain air. This year’s comedy headliner is Taylor Williamson from America’s Got Talent. Enter to win passes on the KGAY Contest Page!
KGAY 106.5 and Gay Desert Guide have your tickets to Out on the Mountain, taking place Friday August 18 at Six Flags Magic Mountain! Get your gay thrills on with lots of rides, dance music, and entertainment. It’s the annual Six Flags Magic Mountain private party for the LGBTQ community. Enjoy a full park private party of entertainment and inclusive fun for 5,000+ LGBTQ and friends from 6 pm–12 am , as well as with general public from 10:30 am–6 pm. Enter to win on the KGAY Contest Page!
You can WIN 7 nights at an all-Inclusive resort vacation for 2 during VACAYA’s
Mid-Summer Dance Party
San Diego Pride
