Listen closely. That’s the sound of empowerment echoing through the desert—of joy, music, community, and culture rising proudly under the sun. For over 30 years, The Dinah has transformed Palm Springs into a global hub for LGBTQ+ women, non-binary individuals, and their allies.
What began as a bold experiment in queer visibility has evolved into the world's largest and longest-running music festival for queer women.
Credit: Liliana Joseph
How It All Began
“I’ve got some stories,” laughs Mariah Hanson, the visionary who created The Dinah. In the early ’90s, launching a major lesbian event was a long shot. “It was hard for me to get hotel contracts at first. People weren’t sure about us.”
But Hanson believed in the power of community—and in Palm Springs as the perfect setting. “I saw this beautiful resort town with so much potential. Why not create something upscale, fun, and fully ours?”
That passion turned into a movement. Today, The Dinah is more than a weekend—it’s a cultural landmark.
Credit: Forbes.com
Palm Springs: A Welcoming Desert Oasis
Palm Springs has long been known for its warm sun, iconic mid-century architecture, and inclusive spirit. It’s one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in the United States, and it's been the official home of The Dinah from the beginning.
“Even back then, Palm Springs embraced us,” says Hanson. “It became our safe space—our home base for celebration.”
Today, the city is a magnet for queer travelers from around the globe, with The Dinah standing tall as one of its most celebrated annual events.
Credit: Liliana Joseph
More Than a Party—A Statement of Pride
At its core, The Dinah is about visibility, community, and joy. It’s a celebration of queer women living unapologetically out loud.
“Our community has historically been pushed to the margins,” explains Hanson. “Dark bars, hidden venues—we weren’t always welcome. So, The Dinah flipped the script. We took over resort pools, high-end venues, and beautiful open-air spaces to say: We belong here. We deserve the best.”
The Dinah isn’t just one big pool party—it’s an immersive, multi-day experience that includes:
-
Pool Parties: High-energy daytime parties with DJs, dancing, and performances.
-
Main Stage Concerts: Evening shows featuring rising stars and major headliners.
-
Comedy Night: Top-tier queer comedians and special performances.
-
After-Hours Club Events: Themed dance parties and nightlife programming.
-
Wellness + Networking: Panels, mixers, and morning activities like yoga or meet-ups for queer entrepreneurs and creatives.
-
Celebrity Appearances: From musicians and actors to influencers and reality TV stars, you’ll see familiar faces throughout the weekend.
❤️ What The Dinah Represents
At its heart, The Dinah is about freedom, joy, and representation. For many, it’s the first time they feel fully seen and celebrated in a space created by and for queer women and nonbinary people.
“This is not just a party—it’s a powerful act of visibility,” says Hanson. “It’s about community, confidence, and pride.”
🎤 Who Attends The Dinah?
The Dinah attracts a beautifully diverse crowd of:
-
LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary folks
-
Solo travelers and friend groups
-
Couples and long-time Dinah veterans
-
International guests from Canada, Europe, and beyond
-
Influencers, artists, and entrepreneurs
Attendees range in age and background, but the vibe is always welcoming. Many describe it as the queer summer camp of your dreams—but with epic music and a dance floor in the pool.
Legendary Lineups and Intimate Moments
Over the years, The Dinah has served as a launchpad for artists who would go on to global superstardom. Past performers include:
-
Lizzo
-
Lady Gaga
-
Meghan Trainor
-
Kehlani
-
Doja Cat
-
Hayley Kiyoko
-
Iggy Azalea
-
Tinashe
“Seeing Lizzo perform at a pool party before she blew up? That’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” says Hanson. “We’re creating unforgettable moments, and we’re doing it for our community.”
Credit: Molly Adams
A Culture of Belonging
What sets The Dinah apart isn’t just the music or the parties—it’s the feeling.
“People leave changed,” Hanson reflects. “There’s this incredible energy, a sense of belonging and celebration that’s hard to describe until you’re in it.”
Inclusivity has always been part of The Dinah’s DNA. While the event is centered around LGBTQ+ women, it welcomes all who align with its spirit of love, respect, and visibility.
Credit: Liliana Joseph
Why You Should Experience The Dinah
Whether you’re a first-timer or a longtime fan, The Dinah offers an experience unlike any other: a sun-soaked escape where community thrives, legends are born, and pride is lived fully.
And with Palm Springs’ backdrop of mountains, palms, and endless sunshine, it’s no wonder The Dinah continues to draw fans from around the world.
🧳 Tips for First-Time Dinah Goers
Planning to attend? Here are some helpful tips:
-
Book Early: The Hotel and passes often sell out months in advance.
-
Stay at a Host Hotel: It’s the easiest way to stay immersed in the experience and meet people.
-
Bring Pool Party Essentials: Think waterproof phone cases, sunscreen, stylish swimwear, and lots of glitter.
-
Plan Some Downtime: With so many events, it’s smart to pace yourself (and hydrate).
Plan Your Visit
🎟️ Tickets and info: Visit thedinah.com for the latest event details, performer announcements, and hotel packages.
🏨 Stay: Partner hotels include full resort buyouts for an all-women experience—book early!
