If Palm Springs is synonymous with modern architecture, then Modernism Week is the celebration of Modern Palm Springs. Several boutique hotels, including The Triangle Inn Palm Springs, L’Horizon Palm Springs, and The Monkey Tree offer stellar examples of the mid-century aesthetic. Nicole Anderson’s piece for Modern Magazine, beautifully summarizes the appeal of Palm Springs mid-century architecture.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kay Kudukis Paints Palm Springs Red
Glorious September in Palm Springs, often offering the perfect balance between sun worshipers and those preferring a more sun-kissed look. With the lower temps and evenings cooling down substantially, the nights are delightfully dreamy. Leisurely strolls down Palm Canyon are back in style, and dining al fresco is de rigueur.
VillageFest courtesy of VillageFest
With the evenings cooling off, the VillageFest is definitely heating up! Our Thursday night street fair/party partially closes Palm Canyon Drive to traffic. Vendors are usually scattered from Amado to Baristo. Palm Canyon Drive is filled with buskers; pop-up restaurants and stores; and artisans of every ilk. Palm Springs is home to a ton of incredibly talented artists and crafters. Downtown businesses remain open, so it’s scads of fun. Even though it’s outdoors, it’s a large event and masks are required. More about that at the end.
And now, onto some most excellent adventures. Some big, some small– you can have it all in Palm Springs:
Dinah Weekend
This is for all the Sappho Sisters who have been waiting for their turn to throw a party. And this is a great one. I will talk more about it in my article All Gay, All Day. It has been my observation that lesbians are underserved in Palm Springs. Although everywhere is all-inclusive, gay bars mean mostly for men. I’ll tell you more about it in the next blog. But
If you’d like to skip my next article, you can go straight (“Never!” said every lesbian) to their website here.
Desert Rose Theater Upcoming Shows and Venue
Theater
Desert Rose Playhouse is just off its massively successful run of The Great American Trailer Park Musical (TGATPM). I saw it, and I laughed uncontrollably throughout the whole show. Those who hadn’t stopped at a dispensary prior laughed just as hard. The Rocky Horror Show will be up on stage until September 12th. Trust me when I say that this LGBTQ+ friendly theater company is full of surprises (the leads of TGATPM were in drag) so I’m looking forward to meeting their Dr. Frank-N-Furter.
Latin Nights at The Cascade Lounge courtesy of Cascade Lounge
Entertainment
Jazzville is back at The Cascade Lounge. If you wear the name jazzbo proudly (as you should) this is where you want to be on Thursdays. Book in advance. Their shows sell out pretty quickly and start at 7:00 PM.
Sunday nights get steamy at Cascade with Nacho Bustillos and Quinto Menguante’s Latin Nights. Their music ranges from salsa, cumbia, banda, bachata, reggaeton to pop. Dancing shoes are highly encouraged.
Melvyn’s Sunday Jams at the famous Ingleside Inn begin at 3pm on Sundays and go until the musicians get tired, aka dinner time. Led by Mikael Healey, it’s a lineup of the best of the best players in PS and beyond. It’s a $30 cover, it’s in Melyvn’s Casablanca Lounge, and – oh no! It’s only running through 9/26! Once again, calling all jazzbos. Also, it’s a pretty fun experience. You get to do a little bit of dress up, and drink martinis just like in the Rat Pack days.
Oscars has some special shows coming up, including evenings with Linsday Wagner and Sandra Bernardt – not together, that would be a bit “too too” even for Palm Springs. Heads would explode from nostalgia overload if the Bionic Woman and Madonna’s ex-bestie shared a stage.
Me and some of my favorite Queens
Drag Shows
Toucans – OM Stars, far too many shows to list. Check the website, prepare to stay out late, and prepare to dance your “katushies” off.
Roly China Fusion Sadly, the Drag Brunch ends on 9/5 (as of this typing). HOWEVER they have a great party planned for Pride, so give it a look-see. More in my next blog.
Bitchies Brunch at Oscars – Like you need me to tell you anything at all about this event.
PS Air Saturday Night Flight – Naughty stewardess, drinks, while you “fly” the friendly skies. Special experience.
The Judy Show starring Michael Holmes at The Purple Room
Dinner Shows
Guys– The Purple Room is back! That means The Judy Show is back! I may have just peed a little. Upcoming guests are Jane Monheit, and Lee Squared: Liberace and Ms. Peggy Lee Coming Out (of covid). Keep checking the website for updated acts, and if you’ve never been, go to The Judy Show. If you’re like me and gained the COVID ten-ish, you’ll laugh a few pounds off.
There are some returning shows and some new forms of musical and culinary insanity from the wildly creative minds of Michael Fietsam and David Horgen of PS Underground. They, too, keep adding shows, and sell-out fast, so you’ve gotta be fast on the click.
Fun and Games
Monday nights Wilma and Frieda’s turns into Ethyl’s Place and Atomic Bingo! Doors open 5:30pm, Bingo! Starts at 6:30pm.
420 Bank and Dispensary Lounge has some events coming up, so check out their events. They also have a sort of “Palm Springs’ Got Talent” show with a recording contract at Melrose Recording Studio here in PS. Hosted by Derek Jordan Gregg, you can email JayBirdBookings@yahoo.com for more info and to sign up. Every Thursday, 5:30pm-8:00pm.
Summer Sing Along is still happening at the PS Cultural Center.
Don’t forget about The PS Tramway. Super fun ride to the top of the mountain with plenty of trails to hike. Speaking of hiking, don’t forget to check out our great preserves at Indian Canyons. Tons of trails and they’re all absolutely GORGEOUS. Take water, and wear hiking shoes and socks. We got rattlers.
Scavenger hunts. I know. You were not expecting that. But what fun! It’s a bit more of a group activity, so if you don’t work and play well with others, earbuds by the pool! There are two here in Palm Springs, Viator and Let’s Roam. They are a fun addition to a walking tour, so you get to stroll through history and Palm Springs landmarks while playing a game.
In October, there’s one to support our fantastic, no-kill, Palm Springs Animal Shelter. Here’s the info on the Scavenger Hunt. If you can’t play, a small donation goes a long way. I was going to put a team together, but I only have one friend–and they’re mad at me.
Comedy
Oscars is bringing Last Laugh Comedy to the last Wednesday of every month. Comedian and host Max Mitchell is bringing his funniest friends to entertain us. I’m a comedy ho, so – see ya there.
Upping their Friday game, Cascade Lounge has Cascade Comedy. Presented by Comedy Madness, each show is 90 minutes and features a roster of comedians with past appearances on Tonight Show, Conan, Netflix, America’s Got Talent, Comedy Central, Showtime and more.
One-Off Event
Dîner en Blanc – COMING IN OCTOBER
You really need to do some planning for this one. Everything except your skin color needs to be white. Your outfit, your table and chairs (which you bring) – and your picnic basket (which you also bring…with food in it). You will not know where you will be dining until you get there, but you will be eating your own food – so no allergy issues there. You can learn all about it on their website (which I believe might also be white) where you can also sign up,
Now that our lights are back on, we’re doing our best to keep them that way. The City of Palm Springs requires that all of the clubs require proof of vaccination, so you can either whip out your card, or show them your QR code from the State of California. And, at the time of this writing, masks are required indoors, so when you put on your shoes and your shirt, stick a mask in your pocket. And then–you know what? I’m not your mom, and you’re a responsible adult, right? You know what to do.
Viva Palm Springs!
Plan for an incredible 24 hours at the Azure Sky Resort Wellness Retreat June 30 through July 1, 2024.
Azure Sky Resort is a serene 14-room boutique hotel in Palm Springs’ Tahquitz River Estates neighborhood, and upon arrival, retreat guests will be greeted with a welcome tote filled with aromatherapy and “mind-body treasures.” Activities over the next 24 hours will include tequila tasting, a plant-based cooking demonstration by Tanya’s Kitchen Chef Tanya Petrovna, a yoga class, a sound bath, and an exclusive selection of health elixirs from Mertails, made from herbs collected in Joshua Tree.
Dinner and breakfast are included, and guests will also have a chance to explore the hotel and spend time in the pool and spa.
The wellness package is $180 per person, plus room rate. To book, click here or here and use code “WELLNESS.”
Morning yoga is just one of the wellness events planned for this special retreat. Photo courtesy of Azure Sky Resort
On Thursday, Dec. 12, discover Palm Springs’ unique charm during the annual Walk of the Inns. This free, self-guided walking tour lets locals and visitors alike experience the city’s vibrant boutique hotel holiday scene.
This annual tradition is a delightful way to discover the eclectic hotel properties nestled between Ramon Road and Tahquitz Canyon Way. Guests can expect lively music and refreshments at the different stops, which will include mid-century modern marvels and stunning Mediterranean retreats. Participating hotels will showcase their unique styles and warm hospitality, providing an insider’s look at the distinctive architecture for which Palm Springs is renowned.
The Walk of the Inns begins at the Palm Springs Art Museum, where attendees can pick up a complimentary map detailing all the participating hotels and a small flashlight to help illuminate the journey, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to donate to Well in the Desert, an initiative that supports local families in need. For those looking for an alternate starting point, head to the Palm Springs Woman’s Club.
Casa Cody: The oldest operating hotel in Palm Springs, it was founded by Buffalo Bill Cody’s libertine cousin, Harriet. Casa Cody boasts two pools, an eatery, and historical adobe buildings. It’s a favorite for weddings and family gatherings.
Ingleside Estate: This Spanish Revival landmark has long attracted Hollywood stars. It’s also home to the legendary Melvyn’s Restaurant and Casablanca Lounge, where live music, cocktails, classic dining, and an aura of old Hollywood glamour await.
Avalon Hotel and Bungalows: Known for its flowing series of courtyards, lawns, gardens, and grounds that reveal romantic pools and cabanas, a hidden spa, studios and suites, and historic bungalows.
Talavera Palm Springs: This boho chic boutique hotel offers an intimate escape that is perfect for romance, personal retreats, and solo travelers. Every room boasts a private hot tub.
La Serena Villas: Originally built in 1933 on over an acre of exquisitely landscaped grounds, this Michelin Key hotel offers the perfect Palm Springs backdrop. Home to Azucar Restaurant and Whispers Spa, this hotel has offered respite to generations of discerning travelers.
Amin Casa Hotel: Embodying the luxury of life in Palm Springs, this impressive property dates back to the 1920s and was once the Palm Springs home of Hollywood screen legend and award-winning actress Gloria Swanson.
Lucille Palm Springs: Reimagined in late 2023, its history stretches back over 100 years. The hotel has been welcoming guests since 1921, including Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, who frequented the property with their family.
Old Ranch Inn: A quintessential small Palm Springs hotel, this charming property embodies the casual nature of Palm Springs. With just eight rooms — many just a few steps away from the central courtyard pool — it is warm and cozy, and just right for a weekend getaway.
The Walk of the Inns is sponsored by the Palm Springs Art Museum, Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels, and the Women’s Club of Palm Springs. This collaboration helps create a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates the spirit of the community and the exceptional hospitality that defines Palm Springs.
“Ba-dee-ya, dee-ya, dee-ya
Ba-dee-ya, dee-ya, dee-ya
Ba-dee-ya, dee-ya, dee-ya, dee-ya!
Ba-dee-ya, dee-ya, dee-ya
Ba-dee-ya, dee-ya, dee-ya
Ba-dee-ya, dee-ya, dee-ya, dee-ya!” — “September,” Earth, Wind & Fire
It’s not quite the end of summer yet, but almost every venue in Palm Springs is back and in the swing of things, a.k.a. there is plenty to do. So as someone once said, “Ain’t nothin’ to it, but to get down to it.”
Sweepstakes!
Locale and Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels (that’s us!) are partnering for the Ultimate Palm Springs Boutique Hotel Giveaway. Five different packages at five very cool and very different boutique hotels: A Place In The Sun, Azure Sky, Alcazar, Los Arboles, and Old Ranch Inn. Enter here by Sept. 19, 2022.
The pool area of Azure Sky. Photo courtesy of Azure Sky
New spots
The Flannery Exchange at 750 N. Palm Canyon Drive is a mixed-use property that includes offices, retail and food. Two new hot spots have opened here in an already very cool space:
Bar Chingona — Hours: Thursday to Sunday, 6-10 p.m. It’s in an Airstream trailer! You must try the cocktail made with fresh pureed watermelon, tequila, basil, and serrano with lemon juice. I love this quote, so here it is: “The concept is a Palm Springs take on Mexico City’s craft cocktail culture, born from Flannery Exchange owner Mike Flannery’s oddly specific longtime dream of having a bar in an Airstream trailer.”
Hoja Blanca — Hours: Thursday to Sunday, 6-10 p.m. A sort of pop-up, according to the website, serving reimagined Mexican food by locally-raised brothers Omar and Arnold Limon. Man, that makes them sound like produce or livestock. My apologies — they’re not farm-raised, but were cage-free.
Luchows — Hours: Thursday to Sunday, but call. Luchows was open for a hot Palm Springs second this spring, then it perma-closed — until an angel swooped in and brought it back from the dead. It’s like Lazarus! I hear it’s great, and that is splendid because we do not have many good choices for traditional Chinese food. One of the things I have missed about Chicago since I left 27 years ago. 4771 E. Palm Canyon Drive, in the Vons shopping plaza (they have a great gas station there too, a buck off if you pay cash).
PRO VR — Brand new virtual reality gaming. This is on Crossley Road, bordering Cathedral City, about 10 minutes from downtown Palm Springs. If you like escape games, this is that, but with heightened reality. Am I going? Does the sun shine 360 days a year in Palm Springs? (It does, so that’s a yes.)
Live shows
Oscar’s — LGBTQ or LGBTQ-adjacent shows.
Purple Room — Great acts, home of The Judy Show.
PS Underground — One of the most creative shows you’ll ever see, and the food matches that description too.
PS Cultural Center — Live music weekdays upstairs, blockbusters, indie films, and film festivals. They’ve even got a restaurant! This month is Cinema Diverse: The Palm Springs LGBTQ Film Festival — make sure to check it out.
Jazzville — All the best jazz from all over the world, every Thursday night.
V Wine Lounge — A mixed bag of entertainment including karaoke, and some of the best wine selections in town.
Cascade Lounge — Themed nights of comedy, Latin, and more.
The Alibi — Their line up is baffling but looks oh so fun.
Cheers to good times in Palm Springs. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs
LGBTQ
The Dinah — You can explore the website yourself, but I’m also going to tell you about the biggest lesbian party under the sun in an upcoming post.
Cinema Diverse — September 15-25. Now in its 15th year, this festival of international films from and about the LGBTQ+ community is held at the PS Cultural Center. See one or see them all.
Booze N’ Brush Next to Naked Sip N’ Paint — September 3. This is an exotic male model painting event. 400 Ramon Road.
Chill Bar — Varsity Fridays at 4 p.m. 217 E. Arenas Road.
The Swimming Hole — Sundays from Noon to 6 p.m. at Hotel Zoso, 150 S. Indian Canyon Dr. This is an LGBTQ pool party presented by Hunters Nightclubs and Tyler Caiden. Ages 18+.
Sundays: Risqué Drag Review, hosted by Miss Rusty Waters, 9:30 p.m.
Mondays: Gaming Mondays, with prizes for winners.
Tuesdays: Trivia Night at 5:30 p.m. and Karaoke Night from 8 p.m. to midnight.
Wednesdays: Drag Me to Bingo with Miss Rusty Waters, 6 to 8 p.m., followed by the Spotlight Drag Show at 8:30 p.m.
Thursdays: Throwback Thursdays with music from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. Drink specials start at 3 p.m.
Fridays: Fur Fridays, with $2 Bud Light draft and well cocktails, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturdays: Switch Saturdays Drag Show with a new host and new cast every week, 2 p.m. Terrific food to pair with your beverage.
Eagle 501 — Gear Thursdays, Bear Fridays, and Church Lady Sundays.
Karaoke
Retro Room — Karaoke every night!
Streetbar — One of the friendliest gay bars around. That’s their tagline — LMK if it’s true.
Fireside Lounge — Well off the beaten path, this local and exceptional dive bar is open 23 hours a day. The link is for address only, that page is a mess.
Ongoing events
PS Art Museum — Free Thursday evenings, followed by Village Fest.
Warbird Rides at the Palm Springs Air Museum. I’m not a war girl, but this terrific museum is fascinating.
Speaking of flying, PS Air is something you should check out. They call themselves a speakeasy, but the whole joint looks like an airplane. Very cool. It’s inside a great wine shop with delicious salads and other fine foods called Bouschet.
The Palm Springs Museum of Art. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs
October brings the downscaled Modernism Week, so check out their events and reserve now. It’s a very hot ticket.
Please remember to shop, stay, and eat local. It keeps Palm Springs, one of the best adult playgrounds west of the Mississippi, thriving. And if you found this useful, tag us in your Instagram posts when you visit, and tell us what you did!
Back when the Spanish first came upon the land now known as Palm Springs in the 1770s, they called it La Palma de la Mano de Dios, which means “the palm of God’s hand.” They didn’t stick around though; they were looking for a passage north. So, the Cahuilla kept on keeping on until the mid-1860s. Here’s the timeline: 1850 California becomes a state; 1865 the government parses out California (including Palm Springs) to the railroad to get them to go west; April 20, 1938, Palm Springs is incorporated (If you are a stoner, you might find that date amusing.) By that time, America was coming up on her 162nd birthday, and California was 88 years old.
Agriculture was a big deal here in the Coachella Valley, and were were responsible for growing the cantaloupe that the Southern Pacific Railroad delivered to the rest of the United States in 1905, making it available to all of America.
Three years later, Nellie Coffman came to Palm Springs with her physician husband. She was sick — lung ailment. There had been a long drought and at the time only about 10 white settlers remained and 50 Native Americans. As Nellie grew stronger, two ideas presented themselves: hubby’s was to open a sanitarium hotel to take “the cure” for lung ailments; Nellie, whose family owned and operated hotels in San Francisco, wanted to make Palm Springs “attractive to attractive people.” Nellie wins by a landslide and was later known as the Mother of Palm Springs, or Mother Coffman.
Even Albert Einstein was infatuated with Palm Springs. He first came in 1931 to visit his friend who owned The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn. An intrepid reporter named Cissy Patterson dropped by to rope him into an exclusive. She got one, but not the kind she was expecting — Einstein had taken the practice of “going native” (not wearing your shirt) to what we call in film parlance The Full Monty.
Albert Einstein during a visit to The Willows.
It’s about this time that tourism takes over agriculture as the number one industry. We had the Rudolph Valentino and Greta Garbo days, followed by the Lucy and Desi era. Marilyn gets discovered here pre-Sinatra, then there’s the spring breakers’ era and the Sonny Bono period when spring breakers were banished and the respectability of hosting the Palm Springs international Film Festival made our little town quite posh.
But we still know how to party.
For this year’s Independence Day celebration, we’ve got your pre-birthday bash events and your day of events, so grab your sunscreen, book a hotel, and get on down here. The weather has been outstanding, and the party is gonna be big!
July 1: Concert in the Park (Belardo & Museum Way, by Marilyn) featuring The Long Run Eagles Tribune Band. Starts at 7 p.m.
July 2: Dive-in Movie Night at the Palm Springs Swim Center, 405 S. Pavilion Way. The film is In The Heights. (Before there was Hamilton, Lin Manuel Miranda wrote and directed this musical.) Oh yeah, you can swim, too.
July 3: Ruth Hardy Park (700 Tamarisk Road) screening of A League of Their Own. Food vendors and park games will be available beginning at 6 p.m., and the film will start at dusk.
July 4: Palm Springs Power Baseball All Stars Summer Collegiate Game, Palm Springs Stadium, 1901 Baristo Road, 6 p.m.
July 4: Concert in the Park, featuring Led Zepagain Tribute Band, 7:30 p.m. In Sunrise Park, 480 S. Sunrise Way.
July 4: All American Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular, Palm Springs Stadium, 1901 Baristo Road. Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m.
A dazzling fireworks display. Photo courtesy of Jingda Chen/Unsplash
Whether you’re here or home or somewhere else, treat your pets with extra love and attention. Also be on the lookout for dogs on the street. I hear a lot of them get out when there are fireworks because they’re scared. Keep them close, please.
Anyway, happy birthday, America! You’re 247 years old now. Isn’t it about time you got your ish together? Okay, love you, bye!
Did you know that the Latin root for October is “octo” which means … yep, eight. So, why is it the 10th month? Who cares, let’s get going on what’s happening in Palm Springs this month!
Oct. 6-8: Power Trip featuring Metallica, Iron Maiden, Guns N’ Roses, Tool, AC/DC, and Judas Priest. The festival is being described as the “sequel to Desert Trip.” Ozzy Osbourne was scheduled to perform on Oct. 7, but canceled his appearance less than three months prior to the event due to ongoing health issues.
Oct. 13: Wine & Dine Around The World. Yes, it’s a fundraiser, however Wine & Dine Around the World is a wine-tasting event featuring hundreds of wines from multiple countries, paired with regional hors d’oeuvres. The culmination of “Wine Down Wednesday,” general admission for the event is 6 to 9 p.m.; VIP has early entry at 5 p.m. with an after party ’til 11 p.m. A portion of the proceeds benefits your choice of one charity per ticket. The dress code is desert casual.
Oct. 15: Alohana at Palm Springs Cultural Center. All things tiki — market, movies, and mai tais.
Oct. 19-22: Modernism Week October. 50+ events. See article posted here.
Sunnylands tours. These are part of Modernism Week, but I’m putting them here because if you’re gonna spend some $$ on something, think about a Sunnylands tour.
Oct. 28-29: Taste of On The Mark Fall 2023. A variety of delicious foods and drinks from our favorite vendors — savory to sweet, and everything in between. 111 N. Palm Canyon Drive (at On The Mark). $70-95
Oct. 29: Halloween is such a big deal in Palm Springs it has its own website. From 4 to 9 p.m., if you’re into Halloween, it should be on your bucket list. It’s a scare with flare.
There are trails everywhere to explore in Palm Springs. Courtesy of Visit Palm Springs
Hiking with T. If you’re an enthusiast, she has the scoop about what’s going on with all the hiking trails.
Mid-Century Moderns, last year’s hit show, will be playing at a brand new theater, The Revolution Stage Company. Besides it being a fun and funny jukebox musical, the theater itself has a full bar, 128 gorgeous blue cushioned theater seats, and an ice cream bar!
Sunday Tea N’ Shade with Sabryna Williams and the Luchettes. “Prepare to sashay into the most fabulous Sunday afternoon experience in Palm Springs!” Every Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Boozehounds dining room, Sabryna Williams and The Lunchettes will host a drag lunch extravaganza, with two guest queens joining in on the fun every week. If that’s not enough, know this: you can order bottomless drinks!
Desert Tasty Tours. There are six restaurants on this terrific tour of Palm Springs that touches on all things iconic along downtown’s three most buzzy blocks. There’s a little booze, a lot of food, and some fun facts to take home with you.
MOGO Silent Disco is back! All you need to know is in their motto: “Shut up and dance!” I’m definitely going this year.
Jazzville. Always a great time with an eclectic mix of music from around the world.
PS Underground. Truly an experience to remember. The food, the entertainment, and the sheer creativity in the heads of Producer Michael and Chef Dave is nothing short of astounding.
The Purple Room. A classic Palm Springs experience, the ambiance at the Purple Room is Rat Pack heaven. During the week you can expect to be entertained by some of Palm Springs’ finest performers and musicians, and the ticketed shows on the weekend are worth way more than the price of admission. The food and drinks are also superb. And lordamercy book a ticket for The Judy Show and do it well in advance. What a show!
VIP Lounge at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Formerly known as “Come On Up,” they’ve got the same terrific acts as they had when it was Come On Up and some new things too!
Reforma. Modeled after a supper club, guests enjoy their dinner in a dramatic environment. After dinner, the space is transformed into a large dance floor with a state-of-the-art sound system and light show. A private lounge and bar offer additional environments to have a meal or late-night bites with a unique craft cocktail. Entertainment will include DJs and live performances. (They had very cool drag show themes this past summer, but that seems to have fallen off the schedule. Hope it’s back soon because a Taylor Swift Drag Brunch? Yes please.)
Three In The Pink. Drag show at Trixie Motel. This is brand new.
Share a toast with friends at the Maleza bar. Photo courtesy of Drift Palm Springs
Maleza — In the new Drift hotel. That hotel has got it going on!
Sol Agave — I’m seeing rustic yet fancy Mexican. Looks divine.
Mickey’s Mexican Cuisine — Located in Shamrock’s Irish Pub.
Low Desert — In the Smoke Tree Village shopping center. Not far from downtown, and if you’re staying in one of our boutique hotels on the south end, you can probably walk.
Impala Bar and Grill — Next to Reforma, it’s more of a bar that serves Mexican fare, but it’s cool.
Zadie Cafe — Not named after one of my local heroes, Zadie Bunker, the flying grandma. But it is actually the Yiddish word for grandma.
Cafe Mon Amour — I hear it’s very French. They don’t have a website. Make your own joke.
The Evening Citizen — Easily the most fun website entrance; click on “subscribe” to get it. I also can’t tell you where it is. You’ll have to make a reservation at the 30-seat bar to find out. I have a hunch it is on or near Arenas, as it seems to be owned by the former head bartender from Blackbook.
Coming soon: Play Lounge with games, a bar, and food. I hear they’re going to have a pool table too!
Pride is right around the corner. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs
Nov. 3-5 is Pride!
Starting Nov. 8, Cabaret6: Desert Stars will take place every Wednesday for six weeks at the Revolution Stage. Full bar and ice cream station. All of Palm Springs’ favorite performers — Keisha D., Francesca Amari, Tod Macofsky, Brian Scott, and Rose Mallett — will be doing shows they’ve performed in the bigger cities and rarely in town.
And finally, from timeanddate.com: As we established earlier, the meaning of October comes from the Latin word octo meaning eight. The old Roman calendar started in March, so October was the eighth month. When the Roman senate changed the calendar in 153 BCE, the new year started in January, and October became the 10th month.
Which reminds me, the latest trend on TikTok is to ask a man how often he thinks about the Roman Empire and see what happens. Tell me about it when I see you.
Ciao!
A little tequila, a little dance, a little party in your pants. — Kay Kudukis
It’s Cinco de Mayo again, happens every damn year — and we’re very happy about that. Before we get into where to go and what to do, let’s clarify a few misconceptions about the day.
Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day. That date is actually September 16 (someone needs to get on that right away, we always need another reason to drink tequila).
Cinco de Mayo is the celebration of one, count ’em, one battle. And that battle was the Battle of Puebla. The players in the battle: 6,000 French troops vs. 2,000 ragtag, poorly supplied but determined Mexicans. The battle raged from daybreak to early evening, and when the smoke cleared, the French had lost nearly 500 soldiers, while fewer than 100 Mexicans lost their lives. Viva la Puebla!
In 1863, the first Cinco de Mayo celebrations began in southern border states like California, and always ready for a reason to break out the tequila, in the United States it’s been a jammin’ party ever since. That bolded part is important because the only people in Mexico that celebrate the day are the Pueblans. No banks are closed, the mail still comes, no parades, and no parties.
But thankfully we’re hedonists, and our own worst enemy (have you ever experienced a tequila hangover? Death seems preferable at the time). Here’s a list of all of the local spots for great Mexican food and getting your tequila on in moderation:
El Mirasol — there are two locations in Palm Springs (one at the Los Arboles Hotel), try the jalapeño margarita and the stuffed pepper
Dinner is served at El Mirasol. Photo by Kim Munkres
Azucar — fancy, downtown, with a rooftop bar (at La Serena Villas)
Las Casuelas Terraza — expect a Mariachi Band, and much more
Las Cazuelas Original — the food is terrific
Felipe’s — great food and margaritas, family owned
JJ’s Mexican Oasis — family owned and delicious Cadillac margaritas
Loco Charlie’s — off of Sunrise near the Albertsons, it’s a “joint” but the food is fabulous (and the drinks are, too)
Tac/Quila — upscale Mexican seafood, and the design is super
La Bonita’s — haven’t been, but I hear it’s good
Maracas — great people watching
El Patio — run by Felipe’s
The poolside view of Azucar. Photo courtesy of La Serena Villas
La Perlita — way off the beaten path, but it’s got some great food and drinks
El Taco Asado — authentic Mexican food and full bar
Blue Coyote Bar and Grill — right downtown
Rio Azul — on Indian Canyon, and I hear it’s terrific
El Patron — best for people watching
Sancho’s — breakfast and lunch, brand spankin’ new
El Mirasol at night. Photo by Kim Munkres
And here are the only two places, right now, that are having full-blown, advertised Cinco de Mayo celebrations:
Cinco De Mayo at Hunters Nightclub
Margo Rey and an All-Star Latin Jazz Band at Jazzville (Cascade Lounge at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs)
If you don’t drink, you can alway eat, and all of the above have terrific food. Those who celebrate events with cannabis should jump on the Cannabus for one of their Express Tours. Dispensaries now have beverages for consumption, as well as powders to put in your soda water (never ever put it in an unsuspecting person’s drink or meal, or you might end up in jail like these ladies did. Rude!). Make sure to read the dosage labels, like I didn’t — I ended up riding a light beam into the deepest recesses of my mind. It was fun, but not for everyone.
As always, consume everything responsibly, and grabs some Beano before you go!
It’s February, and no matter how many days it happens to be, it’s always been short shrifted. I’d start a movement, “Equal Days for February,” but February doesn’t seem to care. Within those 28 or 29 days in February, we get three holidays, two of which are solely American: President’s Day, for fairly obvious reasons, and Groundhog’s Day, with Punxsutawney Phil (1886) as the oldest of the celebrated rodents; tied for second are Mickey and Minnie (1928), with Mighty Mouse (1942) rounding out the meese. It’s a word, look it up.
With the exception of a few countries, Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide. Some of the customs are different, like in Japan and Korea where the women are the gift givers (rude). In Finland, they celebrate friendship (yay!) and Bulgaria keeps it simple with couples sharing a glass of wine.
Love is also in the air in Palm Springs, but that’s just a blip on the radar compared to the mack daddy of all our signature events, Modernism Week, running Feb. 13-23. People fly in from all over the world to celebrate the mid-mod aesthetic and participate in home and bus tours, watch movies, and listen to speakers. Last year, 130,000 people attended. Where do we put them all? The diehards stay in our fabulous small boutique hotels and resorts that were built during those days of yore.
If you’re not into all that, we’ve still got non-Modernism stuff going on, so grab a cuppa whatever, and let’s go:
Feb. 1: Soul Springs Festival, 1 – 6 p.m., Downtown Park, free. This vibrant celebration of soul and jazz music invites attendees to enjoy captivating live performances by top artists, along with an interactive Soul Music Sing-Along where everyone can join in on classic hits. The festival promotes a sense of community and connection, encouraging attendees to bring their lawn chairs and spend a memorable day with family and friends.
Purple Room — Come play where the Rat Pack used to tear it up at this classy but fun hot spot on the southern end of the Palm Canyon strip, about two blocks past Sunrise Way/Lavergne. It’s a bit confusing on how to get there, but there’s what I call a “service road” that runs parallel to Palm Canyon. It’s just past the Saguaro; look for a sign that says “Trinidad Club.”
PS Underground — Visit their website for non-modernism shows, but maybe check out Ponytails, Chiffon and Shangri La, Feb. 18 – 20. For those of you who are unaware, Palm Springs was the movie stand-in for Shangri La in quite a few movies, starting way back in the early 1900s. PS Underground is a great experience, with wonderful food and entertainment. By the time you leave, you will know everyone at your table, and likely more. 100% worth it.
PS Air — It’s a restaurant/bar on a plane. Not a real one, but it feels like it. One of those big old airplanes that had an upstairs lounge where passengers could gather for cocktails and steak and lobster dinner (I don’t know how good it was. My family always went overseas by ship. Yes, I’m posh). PS Air takes you back to a time when flying was an “experience” and a way to travel. This year they have the Mid-Mod Boozy Brunch drag show on Feb. 16 and 23 “piloted” by charming and smooth-voiced Tod Macofsky with his crew of “stewardesses.”
Oscar’s — Good food, great entertainment. Home of Sunday’s The Bitchiest Brunch, Oscar’s has an eclectic mix of entertainers that mostly land in the realm of queer in all sense of the word — strange and unusually odd (but fantastic) and often part of the rainbow.
Reforma — Inside the class one historic building known as the Jewel Box of the Desert. Enjoy dinner at La Cocina, dinner and dancing (separate) during Warehouse Wednesdays, Gasolina on Fridays, and Y2K AF on Saturdays.
Sammy G’s — Good Italian food on the menu in the restaurant and twinkly courtyard. After dinner, on Fridays and Saturdays, take it upstairs to the lounge and dance the night away to the music of the 1970s and 80s, covered by excellent local band the Evaro Brothers.
The Rock Gallery — New comedy club where the Mid-Century Modern Museum used to be, on Palm Canyon Drive.
V Wine Lounge and Martini Bar — You can still keep it in the mid-mod aesthetic by going to this terrific spot in the class one historic Hugh Kaptur Plaza. Right next to Koffi on Tahquitz, there’s plenty of parking, pinot, and performances by some of our terrific local artists.
The Village Pub — Check it out during VillageFest. There’s always great music coming from their patios that makes you want to hit the dance floor. Lots of rooms to navigate — always an adventure!
Copa Nightclub — Late night club with drag shows and more, right next to The Tropicale.
Toucan’s Tiki Lounge — The OG of drag clubs and dancing. If you don’t like drag, don’t go. ‘K?
That’s it so far for February, I have to go thrifting for my mid-mod aesthetic outfit for Modernism Week. See you on the streets!
