Who says summer in Palm Springs is uneventful? This weekend, from July 20th to 22nd, from two to three thousand people are expected to be splashing and dancing around the enormous pool at the Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel for the lively 16th Annual Party in Palm Springs.

Party in Palm Springs attracts a predominantly African American following, with all ages and races welcome. The weekend event is jam-packed with fun happenings: a VIP champagne welcome reception, live music and comedy by the Renaissance pool, a Monte Carlo White Linen Casino Party, a domino tournament, an Aqua Boogie pool dance party, and a golf tournament.

The highlight of the weekend is the Pajama Jammie Jam Party midnight concert on Saturday evening at the Renaissance, where everyone wears their best bed attire to dance the night away. The concert headliner is always a surprise, but names at past midnight concerts have included Jamie Foxx, Teena Marie, Eric Benét, Montell Jordan, and Chico DeBarge.

Party in Palm Springs began some years ago when Los Angeles club promoter Derrick Pipkin spent a weekend in the desert with thirty of his closest friends. “We rented three houses and just partied from house to house. It was great!” explains Pipkin. “As I headed back to LA the idea popped in my head. My nickname and company name is PIPS. Party in Palm Springs! I knew it had to be.” Pipkin also organizes Mother’s Day jazz festivals, Afro Latin groove concerts, Hollywood comedy festivals, and Lake Tahoe ski weekends, so throwing a summer pool party in the desert was a natural fit.

Rooms are already sold out at the lavish 410-suite Renaissance for the weekend, but nearby hotels still have vacancies. No on-site tickets for the event will be sold, but you can still purchase a weekend pass by calling (310) 671-6400 or going to www.ticketmaster.com.