Jeffrey Sanker’s White Party Palm Springs this year teams up with Eliad Cohen, pictured, for the Palm Springs version of the Papa Party’s “decadent, bacchanal exploration of music, leather, and fantasy.” (Photo courtesy Papa Party)
Tired of Los Angeles traffic and looking for a sizzling good time? Come to Palm Springs and enjoy some of the biggest and best events in the country. The weather is almost sure to be sunny (the desert boasts more than 350 days of sunshine per year!), so don’t forget your sexy swimsuit. You’ll definitely want to spend some time lounging poolside. And many of the upcoming events have sponsor hotels; be sure to check out their websites for deals.
Palm Springs hosts two of the biggest events of the year for the LGBT community: White Party (May 5–8) and The Dinah (March 29–April 2). Jeffrey Sanker presents White Party Palm Springs again this year, and it promises be bigger and better than ever. Each year this event seems to improve. It’s always popular and well run, which makes it all the more enjoyable to be a part of. The party kicks off on Friday, May 5 at noon at the host hotel (Renaissance Palm Springs)’s enormous pool. There will be plenty of music, sun, drinks, and friendly men in bathing suits. The event goes all weekend long, which means there is something going on practically 24 hours a day. Friday night at 10, Sanker teams up with Eliad Cohen for the White Party Palm Springs version of the Papa Party, which Sanker calls “a decadent, bacchanal exploration of music, leather, and fantasy.”
What’s the perfect follow-up to a late-night dance fest? A relaxing pool party, of course. On Saturday, head to the Renaissance, where you’ll find yourself “Addicted to Boys” (10 a.m.–7 p.m.). Enjoy a refreshing poolside cocktail while watching a fashion show of hot models previewing the new swimwear line from Addicted. Naturally, there will be world-class DJs spinning to keep everyone in the right groove. You might even meet a new dance partner.
Everyone gets drafted for the Saturday night Military Ball (10 p.m.–5 a.m.), where all good men will be wearing their dress whites. DJs, dancing, awesome lighting, and a surprise performer make this an event that you won’t want to miss. Looking for an after event? Keep the party going at Climax, which throbs until 8 a.m.
Sunday is another day and another pool party. “One Day In Heaven” (10 a.m.–4 p.m.) brings the popular London nightclub to poolside Palm Springs. Be sure to relax a bit before heading over to the Sunday Tea Dance (3 p.m.–10 p.m.). This amazing outside event comes with plenty of hot bodies and warm breezes and features a Ferris wheel and a live performance by Belinda Carlisle before ending with a bang with a spectacular fireworks show in the Palm Springs night sky.
White Party Palm Springs’ final event, Closing (10 p.m.–8 a.m.), is a high-energy dance party with an amazing light show, international DJs, and hot men from all corners of the world.
Ladies won’t want to miss The Dinah, which kicks off with an official pre-party on Wednesday, March 29 at 8 p.m. at Hilton Palm Springs. This will provide plenty of time to mingle, meet other partygoers, and make plans with your new friends. The official kickoff party is Thursday, May 30 at Zelda’s Nightclub, where there will be plenty of hot women and live performances by some of your favorite performers. Of course, the Dinah dancers will keep you motivated to get your groove on.
TGIDF! The first pool party of the weekend lets you know the weekend has arrived — Thank Goddess It’s Dinah Friday! Things get started at noon at the Hilton Palm Springs. That night, enjoy the White Party at the Hard Rock Hotel (beginning at 8 p.m.). Let loose in your favorite white outfit and enjoy the live performances, the Dinah dancers, and your fellow revelers.
It’s not an April Fool’s Day joke: There really are four don’t-miss events on Saturday, beginning at 10 a.m. with the Wet and Wild Pool Party at Hilton Palm Springs. Spend the day by the pool with all the wonderful women attending the Dinah and be prepared to be blown away by the multiple performances and appearances by many of your beloved artists/celebrities. As the day gives way to early evening, head on over to the Pond Estate for the NCLR Palm Springs Garden Party, hosted by co-chairs Barbara Carpenter and Gary D. Soto and the National Center for Lesbian Rights’ executive director Kate Kendell. This event, which runs from 5–7:30 p.m., will be your dose of seriousness, as one of the discussion topics will be President Trump and the challenges we face.
Ready for some laughter? The Dinah hosts a comedy show on Saturday night that begins at 8 p.m. at the Hard Rock Hotel. Have a laugh and a cocktail while enjoying the show. The Hollywood Party is your Saturday night dance event — and after a hearty day of activities, dancing, mingling, and meeting is precisely what the doctor ordered.
The final day of Dinah Shore weekend goes out with a bang, beginning with the Sunday Funday Pool Party at the Hilton. Get wet with all your new friends before cruising over to Zelda’s at 9 p.m. on Sunday for the closing night party.
While these two memorable weekends kick off the 2017 party season in Palm Springs, there is always something to do in the desert oasis with its year-round events and sunshine.
