WEEKLY UPDATE- April 2, 2026 | | |
Hello All —
We’re heading into April with a flurry of activity! With so many events and projects underway, there’s a lot happening—and a lot of ways for you to get involved. Be sure to read on and see what catches your interest.
We will be announcing the recipients of the 2026 DBA Impact Awards on Monday, April 6 at our Networking Mixer at OPT Optometrics. We hope to see many of you there to celebrate the recipients and learn more about this DBA member business.
Speaking of the DBA Impact Awards: They are coming up on Monday, May 4th at the Palm Springs Convention Center. You likely received an email or two from me this week asking for your participation. This is our only major fundraiser of the year, and it directly supports DBA’s work to ensure our local LGBTQ+ and ally businesses are visible and thriving in our Valley.
There are several ways to get involved. You can become a sponsor and be highlighted in our promotions before, during, and after the event. You can also donate a silent auction item (valued at $100 or more) and join other small and diverse businesses in showing visible support. And of course, you can purchase tickets and attend to celebrate and support this year’s recipients.
If you’d like, you can do all of the above! Feel free to reach out to me directly to talk through the best fit for your business.
You can contact me at Director@DesertBusinessAssociation.org or purchase tickets here: bit.ly/dbaimpactawards2026
A quick reminder—we are still building our DBA team for Marilyn’s 100th Birthday and Record-Breaking Attempt on Saturday, May 30. Join us as we aim to break the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of Marilyn Monroe look-alikes!
This is also a modest fundraiser for our partner, Palm Springs Pride. Your $75 donation includes an “Icon Kit” to wear that day (details are listed at registration).
And yes—the challenge is still on. If we reach more than 20 people on the DBA Team by Monday, April 6, I will wear my Marilyn outfit to the Mixer that night. We’re currently at 8…so let’s make it happen!
You can register under “Desert Business Assn. LGBTQ+ Chamber” at:
pspride.org/Marilyn100
DBA Featured Member: Be sure to visit the DBA website to check out our current Featured Member and learn more about the people and businesses that support our community here in the Coachella Valley. I always learn something new—and I think you will, too.
That’s all for now. I look forward to seeing you soon…possibly in my Marilyn garb.
Dave Powell, Executive Director
Desert Business Association
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DBA Networking and
Learning Opportunities
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Event Details:
DBA Networking Mixer at OPT Optometric
Date: April 6, 2026 (Monday)
Time: 5:30- 7:00 pm
Location: OPT Optometric
777 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, STE 123
Palm Springs
Cost:
DBA Members Free
Future Members $20
Our March Networking Mixer will be held at OPT Optometric, and co-hosted by CG Events This optical boutique features a beautiful selection of eyewear, with comprehensive services that include eye exams, styling consultations, and dry eye therapy. CG Events brings 30 years of combined experience in event planning, production management, and mission-driven organizational leadership.
Register here
https://bit.ly/dbamixer2026-4-6
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Event Details:
DBA Learns Contracting with Government Agencies
Date: April 8, 2026 (Wednesday)
Time: 9:00- 11:00 am
Location: Zoom (link will be sent in at registration)
Cost: Free
This workshop will help businesses understand how to identify and compete for contracting opportunities with cities and public agencies.
Participants will learn where opportunities are posted, what agencies look for in quotes, bids, and proposals, and how the evaluation and selection process works after submission.
You will also learn how to read and interpret solicitations, prepare a timely response, and position your business to compete strategically for government work.
The session will be led by local government procurement professionals who have first-hand knowledge of the contracting process. There will also be time for questions and answers to help increase your confidence in pursuing these opportunities.
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2026 DBA Impact Awards – Business & Community Service Awards
DBA Impact Awards: In May, we will honor businesses, community organizations, and individuals for their impact in both our local and LGBTQ+ communities. The DBA Impact Awards is one of our most meaningful events of the year, celebrating leadership, service, and community impact across the valley.
- Silent Auction Donations: We are also seeking donations of items, services, or experiences. This is a great way to showcase your business while supporting DBA’s mission. Donors will be recognized at the event and in follow-up promotions. Proceeds support our work throughout the year, so thank you in advance for your support.
Please reach out to James Lindquist at jwlindquist@hotmail.com or call 504-459-9066.
Thank you for your continued support and generosity—we truly couldn’t do this without you.
Buy your tickets here:
https://bit.ly/dbaimpactawards2026
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Event Details:
2026 Chamber of Commerce
Annual Joint Mixer
Date: May 13, 2026 (Wednesday)
Time: 5:30- 7:30 pm
Location: Palm Springs Air Museum
745 N Gene Autry Tr., Palm Springs
Cost:
$20 Before May 12 (Wrist bands available at DBA mixers and in our office)
$30 On Site
Celebrate the summer with the return of one of the most exciting networking events of the season! Join the DBA and the Valley's other chambers for a night of networking, delicious food, and lots of fun.
Wrist bands are available at the DBA offices or at the May Mixer.
Call 760.904.4589 for more information
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Marilyn's 100th Birthday Record-Setting Event
Event Details:
Date: May 30, 2026 (Wednesday)
Time: 4:30- 6:00 pm Record Certification
2:00-10:00 PM live entertainment, food and beverage activations
Location: Downtown Palm Springs, around the "Forever Marilyn" statue.
Cost: $75 Registration Fee includes Marilyn transformation kit.
Be Part of History. Be an Icon.
Join Team DESERT BUSINESS ASSN. -LGBTQ+ CHAMBER to be part of the fun.
In honor of what would have been Marilyn Monroe’s 100th birthday, Palm Springs is turning the desert platinum. We aren't just celebrating; we’re aiming for the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the largest gathering of Marilyn Monroe look-alikes ever seen!
Registration Includes Your "Icon Kit"
For a $75 registration fee, you don’t just join the record attempt; you get the full Marilyn transformation.
Every participant receives:
- The Signature White "Subway" Dress (Select your size at checkout)
- Stylized Platinum Blonde Wig
- Visit Palm Springs Cat-Eye Sunglasses
- Martini Glass
Saturday, May 30, 2026
- 4:30-6 pm World Record Certification
- 2-10 pm live entertainment, food, and beverage activations
Register at pspride.org/marilyn100
| | | Look What Else is Happening | | |
Easter with Voices for Children
Date: April 5, 2026 (Sunday)
Time: Brunch and Bonnet Contest 11:00 AM, Freddie Mercury 5:30 PM
Location: The Roost Lounge
68718 E Pam Canyon Dr #203, Cathedral City
Cost: Brunch $41-$53, Freddie Mercury $38
Two Great events to support Voices for Children at 11:00 AM have Easter Brunch with Ethylina Canne and at 5:30 experience Easter with Freddie Mercury with a show and auction.
For more information on either event click the ticket button below.
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Knife to the Heart
Date: April 10- 19, 2026
Location: Palm Springs Cultural Center
2300 E Baristo Rd, Palm Springs
Cost: $40
A sharp-witted look at emotional bruises and family friction from the writers of The Golden Girls and Married… With Children. Directed by Stan Zimmerman.
When Marshall and Julie Ann discover they’re having twin boys, their joy is quickly tested by a clash over tradition with Marshall’s overzealous mother. With the help of their hilariously candid neighbor, tensions rise, laughs land, and heartfelt truths are revealed.
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Coachella Valley Local Government Vendor Fair
Event Details:
Date: April 15, 2026 (Wednesday)
Time: 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Palm Springs Convention Center
Cost: Free, but please register prior
Businesses seeking contracts for business with cities and other agencies in the Coachella Valley, here is your opportunity to meet the procurement departments and find out what is available.
Want to prepare for the event? Two workshops to help you:
Register for DBA Learns: Creating a Capabilities Statement workshop on Wednesday, March 25th to help you develop the tool to let agencies know what your business can provide.
The DBA Learns: Contracting with Government Agencies workshop on Wednesday, April 8th will have procurement professionals explain the process for contracts from listing the opportunities to award on contracts.
Click to register for the Coachella Valley Local Government Vendor Fair on April 15th.
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LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION!
Date: April 9-19 2026
Location: DEZART PLAYHOUSE
605 S. Riverside Drive
Cost: $69-$78
Winner of the 1995 Tony Award for Best Play and hailed by many critics as Terrence McNally’s finest play, exploring friendship, betrayal, and the power of community in the face of loss as the men confront and analyze their lives, relationships, and friendships in 90s America.
As infidelity, AIDS, romance, and death infiltrate their friendship group, the men must decide who and what is most important when reality hits home. Treading the boundary between comedy and tragedy with themes anyone can identify with loneliness, jealousy, need and generosity.
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Palm Springs Cultural Center 2026 Spring Gala Fundraiser Concert
Date: April 18, 2026 (Saturday)
Time: 6:00 PM Cocktails, 7:00 PM Show
Location:
Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 East Baristo Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Cost: $110.73
Broadway favorite Sierra Boggess, an Olivier Award–nominated actress and one of Broadway’s most beloved leading ladies. She is best known for her portrayal of Christine in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera. Webber himself praised her performance, famously stating, “She’s the best—the best Christine, certainly.”
The evening will feature a special tribute to Dr. Tom Truhe, who is retiring after twenty years of philanthropy (and bringing Broadway’s top talent to the desert).
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Rhinestones & Rainbows!
Date: April 24-26 2026
Location: Plaza Theater, 128 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: $40-$81.55
Inspired by the legendary Dolly Parton, Rhinestones & Rainbow is a sparkling celebration of authenticity, individuality, and pride. With more than 100 chorus members dressed in blue jeans, cowboy boots, and plenty of rhinestones,
PSGMC delivers a musical journey through country-pop hits and heartfelt anthems of self-expression. The first half of the program pays tribute to Dolly Parton with favorites including “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You.” The second half expands to celebrate pop-country crossover artists like Olivia Newton-John, Kelly Clarkson, Celine Dion, Miley Cyrus, and Taylor Swift— songs designed to uplift and unite audiences of all backgrounds. “Dolly once said, ‘Had I not been a girl, I definitely would have been a drag queen,’” added Soria-Foust with a laugh. “This concert embraces that same spirit—joyful, unapologetic, and full of sparkle.” Audience members are encouraged to attend in their most fabulous Dolly-inspired attire.
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