⭐ SAVE OSCAR’S — A PALM SPRINGS ICON & LGBTQ+ SAFE HAVEN

I moved to Palm Springs on a bus in 2014. I stepped into Oscar's for the first time to look at possibly producing a drag show here in 2014. In 2016, Oscar's and my life changed forever and I have never looked back.

For 12 years, Oscar’s has been a home to many for laughter, drag, celebration, brunches, nightlife, and community. What started as a small neighborhood spot has grown into a cultural anchor of downtown Palm Springs — a place where locals and visitors come to feel connected, entertained, seen, and celebrated.

Oscar’s has hosted thousands of shows, supported countless artists and performers, produced headline events, and proudly served as a cornerstone of Greater Palm Springs Pride. For so many people, this place isn’t just a venue — it’s part of their life story.

Today, I’m asking for your help to keep this special space alive.

❤️ Why I Am Asking for Support

Like many independent venues in seasonal cities, Oscar’s has been hit with a combination of challenges:

Rising operating and utility costs,

Major infrastructural repairs,

Slow summer tourism,

Increasing financial pressure during the off-season,

This “perfect storm” created a short-term strain heading into our peak season. We need support to bridge the gap and move forward with confidence and keeping our doors open.

Oscar’s has always been here for the community.

Now, I AM ASKING YOU to be here for Oscar’s.

❤️ A little inside information...

Oscar’s Gives Back — Every Week, Every Season

Oscar’s isn’t just entertainment — it’s service, compassion, and civic partnership.

• Every Wednesday

Oscar’s donates its entire kitchen to Well in the Desert, helping prepare meals for food-insecure members of our community.

• Quarterly

Oscar’s donates its venue to the American Red Cross Blood Drive, supporting life-saving work for our region.

• Community Charities & Fundraisers

Oscar’s has hosted numerous fundraisers, including the Mx. Pineapple Cabaret Charity Show, benefitting the Pineapple Support Foundation.

• Annual Holiday Giving — 10 Years Strong

This Christmas marks 10 years of Oscar’s opening its doors to feed anyone in need of warmth, company, and a holiday meal — free, with dignity and love.

• Supporting Local Organizations—

❤️ Oscar’s proudly supports:

The LGBTQ+ Center of the Desert,

The Palm Springs Police Officers’ Association,

The Palm Springs Animal Shelter, helping care for animals and support adoption efforts throughout the valley,

I told myself when I have a platform, I will give back. Oscar's is the platform that allows me to give back to anyone who is in need.

What Your Money Supports

Your generosity helps cover the essential operating costs that keep Oscar’s open — from maintaining our venue to sustaining our programming, staff, and community outreach — ensuring this iconic space remains a home for Palm Springs.

All donations go directly toward keeping Oscar’s open, stable, and thriving so we can continue:

Providing a safe and joyful LGBTQ+ community space,

Hosting iconic drag shows and the Bitchiest Brunch,

Supporting local performers, artists, and staff,

Maintaining weekly meal programs and holiday giving,

Donating space and resources to local charities, shelters, and non-profits,

Covering essential operational and seasonal costs,

Your support will help us bridge this moment and move forward with strength.

⭐ Why Oscar’s Matters

Oscar’s is weddings, first dates, birthdays, Pride celebrations, memorials, drag legends, and nights people never forget.

It’s where people find chosen family.

Where visitors discover the spirit of Palm Springs.

Where locals gather to feel connected.

Where LGBTQ+ people and allies find joy, music, safety, and belonging.

Where people in need find a warm meal — not only on holidays, but throughout the year.

And where love extends beyond people — reaching the animals that enrich our lives.

Palm Springs has many great places — but it has only one Oscar’s.

How You Can Help

Any amount you can give makes a difference.

You can also help by sharing this campaign with friends, performers, patrons, neighbors, animal lovers, community members, and anyone who believes in protecting spaces that matter.

Your generosity keeps the stage bright, the doors open, the kitchen giving, and the heart of Oscar’s beating.

Thank YOU!

From the bottom of my heart — thank you.

Oscar’s has been my life’s greatest work and my greatest joy making customers actually smile, even though most of the time, I have a resting bitch face.

Your support ensures that we can continue serving, celebrating, and giving back to Palm Springs for years to come.

I believe Oscar’s is worth saving. And together. with your help, we will.

Sincerely,

Dan Gore

Owner, Oscar’s Palm Springs