Summer conjures up lazily lounging with a good book or three. I remember spending time in our public library and around my childhood home with books as an escape, an educational tool and a way to learn how the world works.
Books have come into my purview this week as I ran into Palm Springs Director of Library Services Jeannie Kays, and we sat down for a quick lunch. The library is in the process of planning for a major renovation, but our conversation turned to the “book bans” happening across the nation.
Then, this Tweet from former President Barack Obama was shared with me – so I wanted to share it today.
Today, some of the books that shaped my life—and the lives of so many others—are being challenged by people who disagree with certain ideas or perspectives. And librarians are on the front lines, fighting every day to make the widest possible range of viewpoints, opinions, and… pic.twitter.com/txhCTfH3Gh
My team is planning for the Fall and Pride 2023 in Palm Springs. We’ve signed on to sponsor “Pride on the Page” book festival in October (a few weeks earlier this year). Julie Warren is hard at work securing a major author –Â and I hear rumors that it could be someone who tells great tales…
This Weekend in #ILoveGayPalmSprings
July 21–23, 2023
We’re keeping you updated on the weekend’s Top Events: Do something cool indoors! Sing Along with ‘Annie Get Your Gun,’ Dine Around with Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage, Watch the latest with ‘Barbie’ and ‘Oppenheimer’ on their opening weekend, or go way back and catch the musical ‘Hair’ on the BIG SCREEN. There is also a Soak & Sip, Wine & Weenies, Outfest Los Angeles wraps up this weekend…and more!
The Palm Springs Cultural Center presents Annie Get Your Gun on Sunday, July 23 at 3 pm as the latest in their Sing Along With Us Film Series (of which Gay Desert Guide and KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs are proud media sponsors!). The Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus will lead the singing [Get tickets]. On Saturday, July 22 at 4 pm, The Cultural Center’s Broadway to the BIG SCREEN series presents the movie musical with a freewheeling group of Central Park hippies in Hair. [Get tickets]
Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage
It’s time for Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage 2023, going on now through August 13. For just $10, your event wristband opens up a world of exclusive summer specials at participating Rancho Mirage restaurants so you can savor the best of the Rancho Mirage culinary scene, such as Willie’s Modern Fare, Kobe Japanese Steakhouse, Las Casuelas Nuevas, Shame on the Moon, Si Bon, and more. See our event listing for a link to the full list of participating restaurants and their exclusive Taste of Summer offers. Wristbands can be picked up at a variety of non-profits. More info
Barbie & Oppenheimer
The much-anticipated opening weekend for both the Barbie and Oppenheimer films is here, and at Mary Pickford Theater – D’Place Entertainment in Cathedral City, they’re running a “Barbenheimer” special to celebrate this big weekend! Purchase a ticket to watch both films this weekend and receive free refills on any size popcorn and fountain drinks. In light of the ongoing excessive heat warning in Greater Palm Springs, it’s a great time to kick back in the air-conditioned comfort of Mary Pickford’s recliner seating and maybe enjoy some of their house-made ice cream too. More info
We have a featured Hot Deal for savings at Destination PSP this week, plus we have deals at Rick’s Desert Grill, Hunters Nightclub, Trevor Wayne Pop Art, Kitchen 86, AMP Sports Lounge, Coachella Valley Coffee Co., Palm Springs Fine Men’s Salon, Papa Dan’s Pizza and Pasta, Men’s Grooming Spot, V Wine Lounge & Martini Bar, Desert Mischief, Jolene’s Bar & Lounge, Willie’s Modern Fare, Zin American 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
KGAY 106.5 and Gay Desert Guide have a pair of tickets to giveaway for A Night of Bowie, The Definitive Bowie Experience, coming to The Show at Agua Caliente on Saturday, July 29 at 8 pm. This multimedia celebration of Bowie’s extensive list of memorable hits focuses primarily (but not exclusively) on his peak years from the early ’70s through to his album The Next Day. The show has been described as being eerily close to hearing and seeing Bowie himself. Enter to win passes on the KGAY Contest Page!
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!
Big Screen Musicals
Barbie & Oppenheimer
