Live LGBTQ Entertainment in Palm Springs

Enjoy a Meal and a Show.

 By Kevin Perry

Everyone wants to be wanted. That’s more than just a vaguely flirty lyric – it speaks to our truth and our identity. We must be loved for who we are, we should be treated like queens and/or kings, and we demand entertainment that reflects our fabulous, fun, fierce personalities.

Apparently, other parts of the nation/world missed the memo, but Palm Springs always has your back. We want you, and we’re not afraid to show it.

So, get ready to paint the town rainbow, because we’re exploring the best LGBTQ live entertainment of Palm Springs.

The Retro Realness of Reforma

Great live entertainment is both timely and timeless. The pulse of the bass can whisk you back in time to a disco-drenched nostalgia or cement you in the queer-and-now. And when the planets align, the past and present meld in perfect harmony.

Such is the case at Reforma, a throwback thrill of rhythmic splendor. The décor evokes the heyday of Studio 54 while the talent blazes a path ever forward.

Drag royalty rules the sprawling space, embodying (with a capital BODY) divas like Madonna, The Spice Girls and Lady Gaga in events that erupt every weekend.

A DJ loft overlooks Reforma’s warehouse-esque dance floor, orchestrating musical mayhem with an undertow of true community. Amidst the undeniable joy of these proceedings runs a current of social consciousness. Trans and drag performers stand defiant against the climate of ignorance that shrouds gay celebrations in other locales, firmly planting a flag of acceptance that beckons queer guests to Palm Springs.

The owners of Reforma are no strangers to safe space soirees. The party never ends at Chill Bar on Arenas, known for events as varied as gender-bending bingo to “revealing” dance nights featuring jock go-go men and thicc talent.

Reforma Dining

In addition to top-notch LGBTQ entertainment, Reforma also offers an elevated sophisticated menu. This is not bar food. Think Spanish beer served with mussels made with Mexican chorizo, fennel, and pickled Fresno chiles. Or  other international flavors like the Peruvian Lomo Saltado with stir-fried steak.

Is it hot in here, or is it just the hunky entertainers of Palm Springs? Let’s regain focus and return to the southern edge of downtown PS, shall we?

Oscar’s Opens Wide

If you haven’t experienced the Sunday T-Dance at Oscar’s, are you really even gay? It is a raucous revelation set to the tune of your fave tunes from yesteryear. LGBTQ history truly comes to life here, with celebrations such as the Dallas cast reunion and Legends of Drag show, just to name a few. Enjoy their Bitchiest Brunch every Saturday and Sunday.

The crowds at Oscar’s are the equivalent of a group-hug in kinetic, intoxication motion… and now they have more room to spread their beefy, well-toned wings. The courtyard is expanding and the establishment will add a new bar to its western flank. It just goes to show that when you’re already “The Scene of Palm Springs,” the only thing to do is take advice from adult film actress and pop icon Andrea True and deliver More, More, More. Check their events calendar for all events.

The brunch menu is heavy on eggs with traditional benedicts and omelets. They also offer an 8 oz. breakfast burger with bacon, cheese, avocado and an egg. Dinner entrée options include a beef filet, salmon, or pasta. There is also a variety of thin crust pizzas including chicken alfredo and BBQ pulled port.

The Hottest Tickets in Town

Just like the stripes of the Pride flag, the entertainment in Palm Springs offers an array of diversity. Whether you crave classic crooners or modern drag with a Latin twist, it’s all happening here.

For a midcentury spin on all things LGBTQ, check out Michael Holmes at the Purple Room, a Rat Pack mainstay that now shimmers with queer appeal. Jazz favorites cavort with bawdy routines to transport you to a gregariously gay version of the 1960s.

Originally opened in 1960 inside the Club Trinidad Hotel, this unique venue was an intimate hangout spot for celebrities like Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Dean Martin, and even served as the hangout for the infamous “Rat Pack” act. They offer an extensive list of live entertainment events in-season, so there’s something for everyone.

The Purple Room menu is quite large for this size of a supper club with over 20 choices for small plates alone. The main menu includes classics like short ribs, beef tenderloin, New York strip steak and sole piccata. There is also a vegan ravioli option or vegetarian risotto. Pair with a Rat Pack bourbon.

Note: The Purple Room is closed in the summer.

PS Drag Brunch

Well, PS Drag Brunch is serving a buffet of attitude (and mimosas!) every weekend. They just took up residency at The Saguaro, a brilliant blast of resort chic that you must see to believe. Rosemary Galore is your ringmaster of raunch, ensuring that your day gets off to a naughty, nosh-filled start. The live LGBTQ entertainment drag show includes a 3-course brunch. The Mean Girls and Dival Class menu also include bottomless mimosas and unlimited champagne.

As our tour of gay stages winds down, be sure to look up!

PS Air Boozy Brunch

PS Air is the wind beneath our proverbial wings, presenting some of the sickest kweens in town. Who ordered the death drop with a side of delicious food and stiff beverages? We’re looking at you, gurl!

Book your flight on Sunday and enjoy a welcome glass of bubbly and entertainment by the PS Air Fly Girls. The menu includes choice of three delicious entrees served airplane style. Reservations required – 760.327.7701.

So, enjoy your flight and remember to book a return visit. After all, Palm Springs is a – no, THE premier destination for discerning LGBTQ entertainment enthusiasts.

 Live LGBTQ entertainment at Chill Bar

The Amazing Sunday at Chill Bar offers a drag brunch extravaganza. Live entertainment includes Ru Paul’s All Stars, Angelique Vagorgeous, Rock M Sakura – Ru Paul’s Drag Race, Becky Peach – HBO’s Legendary.

This premier gay bar and nightclub located on Arenas Road also offers a great menu. Salads include yellowtail ahi and a vegan watermelon feta. In addition to tacos, a roasted turkey breast sandwiches, and a mile-high double patty smash burger, they also have great pizzas.

Palm Springs Cultural Center

There is a lot of events at the Palm Springs Cultural Center for live LGBTQ entertainment including live theater, concerts, and musical events. They also have a wide range of film programing all year. Check their events calendar for the most current listing.

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Arenas District, where the fun is!

Reforma – Palm Spring’s Newest Music Venue

A Hawt Gay Palm Springs Summer