By Valerie Milano
Palm Springs, CA (The Hollywood Times) 3/25/26 – Palm Springs is about to get even hotter this April as Desert Legends 2026 welcomes one of Los Angeles’ most exciting queer dance experiences to the desert. In a recent Zoom interview, I had the pleasure of speaking with event creator Anna Goodman, the visionary behind the wildly popular Hotter Flash Dance Party, now making its Palm Springs debut.
Taking place Saturday, April 4 from 8:00 PM to midnight at Spirit Animal Nightclub inside Hotel Zoso, Hotter Flash promises to deliver a vibrant, inclusive, and joy-filled night designed specifically for the 40+ lesbian and queer community.
Hotter Flash isn’t just another dance party, it’s a movement. As Anna Goodman explained, the concept evolved from an earlier event called “Hot Flash,” originally geared toward a 30+ crowd. But as the community grew, so did the need for something more tailored.
“We realized there was a real desire for a space specifically for the 40-plus community,” Goodman shared. “Hotter Flash was born out of that, something a little more elevated, a little more intentional.”
For the past two years, Hotter Flash has been drawing crowds from across Southern California to Los Angeles every six weeks. Now, for the first time, it’s expanding beyond LA, landing right in the heart of Desert Legends.
So what happens when you walk into Spirit Animal on April 4?
“Fun energy, great music, and a real sense of community,” Goodman said. “We want people dancing, connecting, meeting new friends, and maybe even finding a little romance.”
The music is a carefully curated mix that bridges generations. Expect everything from 90s hip-hop favorites like Queen Latifah and TLC to disco classics and modern hits, all blended seamlessly by DJs SoSo and Citrus.
“It’s not a wedding playlist,” Goodman laughed. “It’s hip, it’s fresh, but it still gives you those nostalgic moments where you hear a song and think, ‘Oh my God, I love this!’”
What sets Hotter Flash apart is its intentional focus on connection. Unlike typical nightlife experiences that can feel isolating or youth-centric, this event is designed to celebrate, and center; a vibrant, often overlooked demographic.
“No one wants to feel like they’re too old to be on the dance floor,” Goodman emphasized. “We create a space where people feel seen, included, and excited to be there.”
And the energy? It’s contagious.
“Honestly, I don’t even have to hype the crowd much at these events,” she added. “People hear a song they love, and they’re already dancing.”
Hotter Flash follows a powerhouse evening of entertainment at Desert Legends, including a live performance by Jennifer Corday, comedy from Suzanne Westenhoefer, and the presentation of the 2026 Desert Legends honoree, Sweet Baby J’ai. Local favorite Vicci Stewart will also be on drums, adding even more energy to the night.
And the best part? It’s all happening under one roof at Hotel Zoso, making it easy for attendees to transition from concert to dance floor.
Goodman is also excited about what this collaboration means for both audiences.
“We’re hoping to bring in a lot of people from LA who already love Hotter Flash but may not have experienced Desert Legends yet,” she said. “I think we’re going to see a lot of new faces, and that’s a beautiful thing.”
Hotter Flash is produced under Goodman’s company, Damn Good Dyke Nights, which hosts events not only in Los Angeles but now also in New York, with plans to expand even further.
When asked to describe Hotter Flash in just three words, Goodman didn’t hesitate:
“Nostalgic. Fresh. Fun.”
And honestly? That sounds exactly like the kind of night we all need.
Don’t Miss It:
Hotter Flash Dance Party
Saturday, April 4, 2026
8:00 PM – Midnight
Spirit Animal Nightclub, Hotel Zoso
Tickets: $20
More info: www.DesertLegends.net
Come dance, connect, and celebrate community, because at Desert Legends, the party doesn’t stop… it just gets hotter.
