Palm Springs, CA

Dan Gore, owner of Oscar’s in downtown Palm Springs, is calling on the community to help support the well known LGBTQ+ venue through a newly launched GoFundMe campaign. Gore is seeking $40,000 to stabilize the business amid rising operational costs and seasonal financial pressures. As of the date this article was written, the campaign has raised $18,150 from 128 donations.

In an open letter titled “Save Oscar’s — A Palm Springs Icon & LGBTQ+ Safe Haven,” Gore writes about his journey with the venue, beginning when he arrived in Palm Springs in 2014 and first set foot in Oscar’s while exploring the idea of producing a drag show. By 2016, he had taken ownership, transforming the space into a large part of the city’s gay nightlife and entertainment scene.

For the past 12 years, Oscar’s has become known for its drag shows, brunches, live entertainment, headline events, and its signature “Bitchiest Brunch.” It has also served as a major anchor during Greater Palm Springs Pride and a gathering place for locals and visitors.

Gore says the request for support comes after a “perfect storm” that has hit many independent venues in seasonal destinations: increasing utility and operating expenses, major infrastructure repairs, slow summer tourism, and financial strain leading into the peak season.

Beyond nightlife, Oscar’s has played a significant role in supporting local charities and providing direct community service. The venue donates its kitchen every Wednesday to Well in the Desert to help prepare meals for food-insecure residents. It also hosts quarterly American Red Cross blood drives, offers its space to community fundraisers, and has maintained a decade-long tradition of serving free Christmas meals to anyone in need.

Oscar’s additionally supports organizations including the LGBTQ+ Center of the Desert, the Palm Springs Police Officers’ Association, and the Palm Springs Animal Shelter.

Funds raised through the GoFundMe campaign will go toward operating costs to keep Oscar’s open and maintain its community programming, staff, and charitable partnerships. Gore emphasized that donations will help the venue maintain its role as a safe, joyful, and culturally significant space for the LGBTQ+ community and allies.

“Oscar’s has always been here for the community,” Gore wrote. “Now, I am asking you to be here for Oscar’s.”

The Oscar’s GoFundMe campaign encourages contributions of any amount and asks supporters to share the effort widely to help Oscar’s bridge its current challenges and continue serving Palm Springs for years to come.